The mesothelioma is the thin lining on the surface of the body cavities and the organs that are contained within them. Most mesothelioma begin as one or more nodules that progressively grow to form a solid coating of tumor surrounding the lung, abdominal organs or heart.
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the chest cavity and is associated with exposure to asbestos in up to 90% of cases. It has been shown that some asbestos fibers that are inhaled quickly work their way through the lung tissue and into the chest cavity.
There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, Epithelial and Sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases. It portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.
There are four known types of mesothelioma :
1. Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma with around 70 percent of cases being pleural in origin.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity known as the peritoneal membrane.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma
This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart known as the pericardium.
4. Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles and is the rarest form of the cancer.
Usually, this mesothelioma involves men over 40 years of age. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment often without knowing it. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous substance that was widely used in the 20th century in a number of different industries.
Mesothelioma symptoms often resemble less-serious conditions which can make diagnosis difficult. Below is a list of several common symptoms mesothelioma patients may experience.
1. Pleural Symptoms
Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, fatigue, lumps under the skin on the chest, swelling of the face and arms
2. Peritoneal Symptoms
Weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, bowel obstruction, nausea, fever
3. Pericardial Symptoms
Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats
4. Testicular Symptoms
Painful or painless testicular lumps
Treatment depends on the location of the tumor, how far it has spread, and your age and general health. Whatever the stage of mesothelioma, there are several types of treatments that can be used.
There are three traditional kinds of treatment for patients with malignant mesothelioma.
1. Surgery
Surgery has traditionally referred to the cutting out or reconstruction of physical parts of the body
2. Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
3. Chemotherapy
Application of the beneficial effects of drugs to control or cure diseases or abnormal states in living organisms or tissues
Experimental treatments are also available to patients who participate in a clinical trial, conducted to test up-and-coming procedures and medications.
http://treatments-for-cancer.blogspot.com/2009/11/mesothelioma-symptoms-treatments.html
mesothelioma : Cancer & Symptom?
Dear Doctor I am looking for help for my 51 yra old husband in March 2004 diagnosed with malignant pleura mesothelima.He had both epithelial and sarcoma cells.After long road for diagnosing/biopsys and patol.of effiusion fluid negatives/had open biopsy and was diagnosed.Went trough Alimta+Cisplatin and Folic Acid treatment-did not work.We foung dr Sugarbacer and try EEP surgery-was atempted but ended by sawing back since cells of mesothelioma were spread in wall chest muscles.Wenton clinical trial of drug AP23573 an mTor inhibitor-had 8 cycles of 75 mg.But CT scan showed progression of 3mm.Doctors not know if that chemiotherapy not work or did supressed growth of tumor.His tumor went trought wall chest because of one of the first biopsy and aditional tumor big and few small are growing on side trought ribs .He has constant pain.Taking long acting morfine 45mg and short 15 now he was given 300 mg neurontin.For the last few days have a lot of stomek pain also.Doctor ask either we want to continiue the trial or orher chemiotherapy or go on Hospis.I red about Celebrex for lung cancer and about Radiofrequency ablation to zap lung cancer.Will like to know if you know anything about that treatments or others that are promissing and where to go or how to treat the pain , Thank you fot your valuble time and voluntaring to help helpless souls
Answer
Dear Raviela I am NOT a doctor, but I do know cancer, all types including Mesothelioma, and i will be honest where most doctors will not be….
Based on what you are telling me here, it is time to call in Hospice since the chemotherapy is not doing anything and this cancer is spreading… There is nothing that can be done and Celebrex in NOT for lung cancer especially Mesothelioma… Also, the radiogrequency ablation will NOT help your husband since his cancer is SO VERY FAR ADVANCED…..
The way to help him now is to call in Hospice, stop all treatments, let Hospice keep him as pain-free and comfortable as possible… It is almost inhumane to keep hoping for a cure when for this type and stage of his cancer, there is NO CURE….
You did not mention here anything about where he use to work, did he work or live in an environment where asbestos was prominent etc…. I would also contact a good attorney who will handle a Mesothelioma law suit for you if you husband worked around asbestos etc…. Asbestos is the MAJOR cause of Mesothelioma in patients with this type of lung cancer….
You can refer to this blog which show you a articles and videos of Mesothelioma and Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers
http://the-cancer-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post.html
Mesothelioma article:
http://the-cancer-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/
Texas Mesothelioma
http://the-cancer-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/2009/05/texas-mesothelioma-lawyer-asbestos.html
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