Mesothelioma News Blog

While the great majority of mesotheliomas are in either the pleura or the peritoneum, malignant mesotheliomas sometimes occur in other parts of the body, including the testicles (a variety of peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (a variety of pleural mesothelioma.) These are also caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Benign mesotheliomas occur less frequently than malignant mesotheliomas. They are generally thought to be unrelated to asbestos exposure. Two thirds of benign mesotheliomas occur in females. (Kittle: Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Management, Year Book Medical Publishers, 1987). Unfortunately, cystic benign mesotheliomas have a high incidence of local recurrence. (Katsube: Cystic Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum; Cancer 1982, 50:1615; Moore: Benign Cystic Mesothelioma; Cancer 1980, 45:2395) A July 1998 article by G.S. Letterie in the journal "Gynecology and Obstetrics" describes therapy with anti-estrogen tamoxifen as a non-surgical option for cases of symptomatic recurrent cystic mesotheliomas.

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Cancer research trials are carried out to try to find new and better treatments for cancer. Trials that are carried out on patients are known as clinical trials. Clinical trials may be carried out to: * test new treatments, such as new chemotherapy drugs, gene therapy or cancer vaccines * look at new combinations of existing treatments, or change the way they are given, to make them more effective or to reduce side effects * compare the effectiveness of drugs used to control symptoms * find out how cancer treatments work * see which treatments are the most cost-effective. Trials are the only reliable way to find out if a different operation, type of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other treatment is better than what is already available. Taking part in a trial You may be asked to take part in a treatment research trial. There can be many benefits in doing this. Trials help to improve knowledge about cancer and develop new treatments. You will also be carefully monitored during and after the study. Usually, several hospitals around the country take part in trials. Blood and tumour samples Many blood samples and bone marrow or tumour biopsies may be taken to help make the right diagnosis. You may be asked for your permission to use some of your samples for research into cancer. If you are taking part in a trial you may also be asked to give other samples which may be frozen and stored for future use, when new research techniques become available. These samples will have your name removed from them (made anonymous) so you can’t be identified. The research may be carried out at the hospital where you are treated, or it may take place at another hospital. This type of research takes a long time, so you are unlikely to hear the results. The samples will, however, be used to increase knowledge about the causes of cancer and its treatment. This research will, hopefully, improve the outlook for future patients.

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One of the hardest things to cope with can be the feeling that the cancer and its treatment have taken over your life and that you have lost control. This is a common feeling and is partly true, but over time people usually find things they can do that help them to cope. There may be times when you feel too tired and helpless even to think about what could help. It is not unusual to feel like this when you have cancer. You'll have good and bad days, and it's important for you and your family to realise this. If you are overwhelmed by these feelings, let your doctor or nurse know. It may be that you have depression, and this is very treatable so they should be able to help. For some people it is important to try to live life as normally as possible. Staying in contact with friends and trying to continue with your usual activities can reassure you that life has not changed too much. An experience of cancer may help some people decide on new priorities in their lives. This may mean spending more time with family members, taking the holiday they have long dreamed about, or taking up a new hobby. Just thinking about these things and making plans can help you realise that you still have choices. Understanding the cancer and its treatment helps many people to cope. It means that they can discuss plans for treatment, tests and check-ups with their doctors and nurses, and play a real part in the decisions that are made. Being involved in these choices builds confidence and can help give you back control of your life. Some people may decide to improve their general health by eating a more healthy diet or by getting fitter. Finding a complementary therapy which helps you to relax can be a very positive way of becoming involved in your illness.

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Many people are frightened at the idea of having cancer treatments, particularly because of the side effects that can occur. Some people ask what would happen if they did not have any treatment. Although cancer treatments can cause side effects, these can usually be controlled with medicines. Treatment can be given for different reasons and the potential benefits will vary depending upon the individual situation. For the few people with early-stage mesothelioma, surgery and radiotherapy may be given with the aim of curing the cancer. However, in most people with mesothelioma, the cancer is at a more advanced stage and any treatment given is with the aim of controlling it, which for some people may lead to an improvement in symptoms and a better quality of life. But, for some people in this situation the treatment will have no effect upon the cancer and they will get the side effects of the treatment without any of the benefit. When a cure is not possible and the aim of treatment is to control the cancer for a period of time, it may be difficult to decide whether to go ahead with treatment. Making decisions in these circumstances is always hard, and you may need to discuss your treatment and symptom control in detail with your doctor.

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Once the doctors know the stage of the mesothelioma they will be able to plan the most appropriate treatment. The treatment for mesothelioma depends on whether it is only in one place or has spread. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, unless it can be removed by an operation. Unfortunately, when mesothelioma is diagnosed, it has usually already spread beyond the point where it could be removed surgically. The usual treatment for mesothelioma in this situation is active symptom control. Radiotherapy may be used as part of treatment to try to cure mesothelioma. Most often it is used to control symptoms. Chemotherapy can also be used to control symptoms and to slow the growth of mesothelioma. Multidisciplinary team If your tests show that you have mesothelioma, you will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team. This is a team of staff who specialise in treating mesothelioma and in giving information and support. It will normally include: * surgeons who are experienced in chest surgery * specialist nurses who give information and support * oncologists – doctors who have experience in mesothelioma treatment using chemotherapy and radiotherapy * symptom-control specialists * radiologists who help to analyse x-rays * pathologists who advise on the type and extent of the cancer. Other staff will also be available to help you if necessary, such as: * physiotherapists * counsellors and psychologists * social workers * dietitians. Together they will be able to advise you on the best course of action taking into account a number of factors. These include your age, general health, and how the mesothelioma is affecting you. Occasionally your doctors may offer you a choice of treatments. Sometimes people find it very hard to make a decision. If you are asked to make a choice, make sure that you have enough information about the different treatment options, what is involved and the side effects you might experience, so that you can decide what is the right treatment for you. Remember to ask questions about any aspects that you do not understand or feel worried about. You may find it helpful to discuss the benefits and disadvantages of each option with your cancer specialist, nurse specialist or with the nurses in our cancer support service. If you have any questions about your own treatment, don't be afraid to ask your doctor or nurse. It often helps to make a list of questions and to take a close friend or relative with you.

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Lumps Knowing how your body normally looks and feels can help you spot any early changes that could be caused by cancer. You should see your GP if you notice a lump anywhere in your body. It can be useful to tell them how long it’s been there and whether it is getting bigger, or causes discomfort. Cancerous lumps are often (but not always) painless. It can be difficult to tell what a lump is just by feeling it, but if your GP suspects that you might have a cancer, they will refer you to the appropriate specialist for further tests. It is important to remember that lumps and bumps often occur in the body, and most of these will not be cancer. Coughing, breathlessness and hoarseness There are many medical conditions that can cause 'chesty' symptoms like coughing and breathlessness (for example, infections and inflammations), but in some cases these symptoms may be a sign of lung cancer. If you have a cough or feel breathless for more than two weeks you should see your GP. You should also tell your GP if you have any blood in your sputum (phlegm) when you cough. Laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx) is common and can cause a hoarse voice. In a small number of people, a hoarse voice may be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box). If hoarseness continues for longer than two weeks, you should tell your GP. Changes in bowel habit Symptoms of bowel cancer may include blood in your stools (bowel motion). The blood would usually be dark but can be bright red in colour. Fresh, bright red blood is usually a sign of piles (haemorrhoids). You may notice a change in your normal bowel pattern (such as diarrhoea or constipation) for no obvious reason. You might have a feeling of not having emptied your bowel properly after a bowel motion. Some people also notice that they have pain in the abdomen or back passage. Remember that altered bowel habits aren't always caused by cancer, but can be caused by changes in diet, some medicines, anxiety, and other medical conditions. If any changes last for more than a few weeks it's important to rule out cancer as a possible cause, so you should see your GP. Bleeding Any unexplained bleeding is a sign that there is something wrong and should always be checked out by your GP. As previously mentioned, bleeding from the back passage is most commonly caused by piles, but can sometimes be due to cancer of the bowel or rectum. Cancer of the womb or cervix can cause women to bleed between periods or after sex. Women who have any vaginal bleeding after they have had their menopause should see their GP. If necessary your GP will refer you to a gynaecologist. Blood in your urine may be caused by bladder or kidney cancer. It can also be caused by infection. If you notice blood in your urine it is important to see your GP for a check-up. Coughing up blood in your sputum may be caused by serious chest infections, but can sometimes be a sign of lung cancer. Vomiting blood can be a sign of stomach cancer, although it can also be due to a stomach ulcer. Therefore, it is important to have this checked out by your GP. Bruising and nosebleeds are rarely signs of cancer, but can in some cases be caused by leukaemia. However, people with leukaemia often have other troublesome symptoms too.

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Carcinomas The majority of cancers, about 85% (85 in a 100), are carcinomas. They start in the epithelium, which is the covering (or lining) of organs and of the body (the skin). The common forms of breast, lung, prostate and bowel cancer are all carcinomas. Carcinomas are named after the type of epithelial cell that they started in and the part of the body that is affected. There are four different types of epithelial cells: * squamous cells - that line different parts of the body, such as the mouth, gullet (oesophagus), and the airways * adeno cells - form the lining of all the glands in the body and can be found in organs such as the stomach, ovaries, kidneys and prostate * transitional cells - are only found in the lining of the bladder and parts of the urinary system * basal cells - that are found in one of the layers of the skin. A cancer that starts in squamous cells is called a squamous cell carcinoma. A cancer that starts in glandular cells is called an adenocarcinoma. Cancers that start in transitional cells are transitional cell carcinomas, and those that start in basal cells are basal cell carcinomas. Leukaemias and lymphomas These occur in the tissues where white blood cells (which fight infection in the body) are formed, i.e. the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Leukaemia and lymphoma are quite rare and make up about 6.5% (6.5 in 100) of all cancers. Sarcomas Sarcomas are very rare. They are a group of cancers that form in the connective or supportive tissues of the body such as muscle, bone and fatty tissue. They account for less than 1% (1 in 100) of cancers. Sarcomas are split into two main types: * bone sarcomas - that are found in the bones * soft tissue sarcomas - that develop in the other supportive tissues of the body. Others forms of cancer Brain tumours and other very rare forms of cancer make up the remainder of cancers.

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The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cancer is a disease of these cells. Cells in different parts of the body may look and work differently but most reproduce themselves in the same way. Cells are constantly becoming old and dying, and new cells are produced to replace them. Normally, cells divide in an orderly and controlled manner. If for some reason the process gets out of control, the cells carry on dividing, developing into a lump which is called a tumour. Two diagrams, one showing normal cells and the second showing cells forming a tumour. Tumours can be either benign or malignant. Cancer is the name given to a malignant tumour. Doctors can tell if a tumour is benign or malignant by examining a small sample of cells under a microscope. This is called a biopsy. In a benign tumour the cells do not spread to other parts of the body and so are not cancerous. However, if they continue to grow at the original site, they may cause a problem by pressing on the surrounding organs. A malignant tumour consists of cancer cells that have the ability to spread beyond the original area. If the tumour is left untreated, it may spread into and destroy surrounding tissue. Sometimes cells break away from the original (primary) cancer. They may spread to other organs in the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system - the body's natural defence against infection and disease. It is a complex system made up of organs, such as bone marrow, the thymus, the spleen, and lymph nodes. The lymph nodes (or glands) throughout the body are connected by a network of tiny lymphatic ducts. When the cancer cells reach a new area they may go on dividing and form a new tumour. This is known as a secondary cancer or metastasis. It is important to realise that cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer, each with its own name and treatment.

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Mesothelioma is a cancer whose cause has been brought to light and officially recognized. As different catalysts are found to bring about cancer in the body and different periods of dormancy for symptoms become known, the types of cancers that exist seem to only increase. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and has an incredibly long latency period for symptoms. People who are at risk for having this disease were exposed to the catalyst some 20 to 50 years before the first symptoms surface. The cancer is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic those of other, benign, diseases and are typical troubles associated with aging. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the mesothelium, or lining, of the body’s cavities and is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. There are three major types of mesothelioma that affect about 95% of all cases and a few lesser known types that affect a significantly small percentage of all mesothelioma cases. The three major types of mesothelioma are pleural (lung cavity), peritoneal (abdominal cavity) and pericardial (heart cavity). The most common of these types is pleural mesothelioma which accounts for 75% of all mesothelioma cases. The other cases account for 20% (peritoneal) and less than 5% (pericardial) of all documented cases. Mesothelioma and its Types Mesothelioma is the rare cancer of the mesothelium, the lining that protects the abdominal organs, lungs, heart and some other areas of the body. Mesothelioma causes the cells in the mesothelium to develop abnormally, have extended life spans and overgrow the normal cells of the mesothelium. About 99% of all known cases of mesothelioma are caused directly by exposure to asbestos, usually from having worked with or around the substance and occasionally from living with someone who did. There are three major types of mesothelioma (and a few lesser known types that occur infrequently) known as: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. There are symptoms that are common to all forms of mesothelioma as well as many other diseases which results in a delay in the diagnosis of the disease. Because most people are unaware that they have mesothelioma, by the time they are diagnosed the disease is terminal and the expected life span after diagnosis is usually just one year. Pleural Mesothelioma Though mesothelioma accounts for a very small percentage of cancer overall, pleural mesothelioma is the most common of this type by far at 75% of all cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and is a result of inhaling the tiny, threadlike fibers of asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma causes a buildup of fluid between the mesothelium and the chest cavity (known as pleural effusion) which results in such symptoms as: * chronic chest pain * difficulty breathing and swallowing * shortness of breath * persistent cough * coughing up blood * hoarse or raspy voice * fever * weight loss Many of these symptoms can be found in a number of other, considerably less malignant illnesses such a viral pneumonia and emphysema. Chest pain is the most common complaint in these cases and can be relieved by draining the chest fluid or closing the pleural space. This can relieve some symptoms but there is no known cure for the disease. There are actually two types of pleural mesothelioma, cancerous and non-cancerous. Of the non-cancerous variety is a benign mesothelioma that affects the lining around the lung cavity. The tumors formed by the cancer can be easily removed and are not considered life threatening. The disease is not even caused by asbestos exposure. Research is being done to determine the causes for this type of mesothelioma. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed in fewer than 3,000 people in the US each year so it is considered a rare type of cancer. This disease has a latency period of 20-50 years which means people who were exposed to asbestos (the primary cause for mesothelioma) are unaware that they carry this terminal disease until it is too late to successfully treat. Once detected, the patient typically has fewer than five years left to live, often just one. There are a variety of treatments for the disease but no known cure. Pleural mesothelioma affects the cells of the mesothelium (lining) of the lung cavity through the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers enter through the nose or mouth and travel to the lungs where they become lodged and migrate through the tissues. When the asbestos reaches the mesothelium it causes the cells in the area to behave abnormally and have incredibly long life spans. This causes the formation of tumors in the mesothelium which can spread throughout the pleural mesothelium and sometimes other areas of the body cavity. With a 20-50 year span for development, the cancerous cells can create massive tumors before they are detected. Often the patient finds out about the tumors or pleural effusion (fluid in the lung cavity) during a routine medical exam without even having had symptoms. When there are symptoms, they include: shortness of breath, chest pain, lower back pain, persistent cough, weight loss, weakness and difficulty swallowing which can all be attributed to other illnesses.

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Mesothelioma is a cancer that is contracted through exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is malignant and treatment for all types of Mesothelioma is expensive. While awareness of Mesothelioma and its causes is spreading, the sad fact is, it is not spreading fast enough. While we can understand that diseases are a part of life, it is hard to accept contracting Mesothelioma, a form of cancer developed due to prolonged exposure to asbestos in various forms, due to occupational exposure. Yes, the Mesothelioma cancer you or your loved one is suffering from is due to someone’s negligence! Statistics show that Mesothelioma is mainly caused due to exposure to Asbestos in the occupational environment, cases do exist where a family member develops Mesothelioma due to second hand exposure of a family member working in the field of asbestos or due to environmental exposure. Yet, the highest risk rate for developing Mesothelioma is of occupational exposure especially in the field of Asbestos Insulation workers. Can you condone the fact that you or someone you love became a victim of Mesothelioma because their employer was unprepared to spend a few dollars on protective suiting? It may be too late for you or your loved one, but spread the word, Mesothelioma is preventable and it is your right to take legal action against those at fault. The law accepts this right and shows it through setting the fair compensation value of Mesothelioma victims, who prove their case at $1,000,000 and more.

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