Treatment Of Mesothelioma

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. There are several methods of treatment for mesothelioma although none of these have a high success rate. In general, the chances of curing a mesothelioma patient depends on how much the cancer has developed and matured when treated. If tackled aggressively in its early stages, there is a good chance of survival.

Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Surgery:

Surgery is used to remove the cancer. Depending on how far the cancer has spread, the surgery may involve the removal of part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some surrounding tissue. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed, and in some cases the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing (diaphragm), is also removed.
Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy:

Also called radiotherapy, uses high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy affects cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine or from radioactive materials placed directly in the area of the cancer (brachytherapy).
Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy:

It involves the use of drugs to fight the cancer. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are intravenous (given by injection into a vein). Some doctors are also employing intracavitary chemotherapy — putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen.

Dual Therapy:

This is often used and is just a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy combined. Surgery removes the majority of the tumour cells while chemotherapy and radiation therapy work on removing the remainder. This is an effective method and also lessens the symptoms of the cancer.


Most alternative mesothelioma treatments are not scientifically approved but certain treatments have found to give relief to patients and certain others are found to be of no use. Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT), Immunoaugmentative Therapy (IAT) and Gene Therapy are some of the important alternative mesothelioma treatments in modern medicine.

Some types of alternative treatments have been practiced for generations but do not have any scientific backup. Homeopathy is used as an alternative system. An example of homeopathic treatment in mesothelioma is the use of Iscador from mistletoe. Iscador is an herbal medicine used to boost the body’s immune system.

Types of Mesothelioma

In general, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Different types of mesothelioma are distinguished between by where the cancer is growing.

About 75% of mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. They are known as pleural mesotheliomas. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen. These are called peritoneal mesotheliomas. Pericardial mesotheliomas start in the cavity around the heart and are very rare. The covering layer of the testicles is actually an outpouching of peritoneum into the scrotum. Mesotheliomas that affect this covering of the testicles can occur but are quite rare.

It is important not to confuse malignant mesothelioma with benign tumors that also start in the mesothelium. The mesothelium of certain female and male reproductive organs may develop a type of benign tumor called an adenomatoid tumor. In men, this non-cancerous tumor often starts in the epididymis (a small collection of ducts that carry sperm cells out of the testicle). In women, this tumor may begin in the fallopian tubes (tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus or womb). Another non-cancerous tumor that may begin in mesothelium near female reproductive organs is called benign cystic mesothelioma.

All three of these forms of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was discovered around the 1860s. Due to its highly useful property of being fireproof, asbestos was used greatly in construction in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. It was not until the early 1960s when the severe health hazards that asbestos causes were discovered, that asbestos stopped being used.

When exposed to asbestos with insufficient protection a person will breathe in tiny asbestos fibres which are suspended in the air. These fibres pass into the respiratory system until they become lodged in the lining of the lungs. Over time, an accumulation of these asbestos fibres in the lungs can cause pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos fibres may also pass into the lymphatic system and be transported to either the lining of the abdomen or the tissue surrounding the heart. This may cause either peritoneal mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma.

Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that don't exhibit symptoms until the cancer reaches the late stage of development and it is at this point that many cases become incurable. Mesothelioma symptoms tend to develop gradually, and earlier symptoms are often confused for illnesses that are more amenable to treatment. For example, the cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain experienced in pleural mesothelioma is often seen in lung infections such as pneumonia. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Typically, once symptoms are more pronounced the cancer is fairly advanced and treatment becomes less effective.

The symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma depend on which of the body's organs are affected.


Pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer affects the lungs and causes a number of symptoms including:

1. Persistent cough that doesn't improve with medication
2. Breathing difficulties
3. Shortness of breath
4. Fever
5. Difficulty swallowing
6. Chest pain
7. Weight loss

Pericardial mesothelioma. This second type of mesothelioma affects the heart tissue and includes the following symptoms:

1. Breathing difficulties
2. Chesty cough
3. Palpitations

Peritoneal mesothelioma. The third type of mesothelioma affects the stomach and causes the following symptoms:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Abdominal pain
3. Weight loss
4. Bloating of the stomach
5. Bowel obstruction
6. Fever

Of course, these same symptoms can also be caused by other minor ailments. But if you have worked with asbestos and you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

If there is reason to suspect you might have mesothelioma, the doctor will ask you questions about your health and do a complete physical exam. The exam can help tell if you have fluid in the chest, abdomen, or heart. This fluid can be a sign of mesothelioma and you should take extra care before it reaches its advance stage.

Why Mesothelioma Lawyers are in High Demand

Mesothelioma is a rare, deadly cancer that strikes nearly 3,000 people in the United States every year. The average life expectancy of a person suffering from mesothelioma is a mere six months from diagnosis. Most victims are men over the age of forty who have worked with asbestos or in buildings where asbestos was present.

Because mesothelioma is caused by direct exposure to asbestos or asbestos dust, and nearly 30 million tons of asbestos was used in buildings of every description until the mid 1970's, that's why it has kept Mesothelioma lawyers in high demand, as they pursue Mesothelioma settlements for the victims and their families. If your home was built prior to the mid 1970's it should be inspected for asbestos. Asbestos was used in insulation, to include boiler and pipe insulation, fireproofing spray; firebrick, gunite and many construction materials, such as roof, floor and ceiling tiles.

Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after direct or indirect exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain in the lower back or in the sides of your chest. Unfortunately, these symptoms are common to many types of illness, and diagnosis is often delayed because of this. If you suspect that you or your loved one may have mesothelioma, it is critical that you inform your doctor of your asbestos exposure. Other less common symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, cough, fever and sweats.

If you or your loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma you should contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately to see if you have a mesothelioma case. Try to write down any source of possible exposure regardless of time passed and try to locate the responsible parties. Your mesothelioma lawyer will advise you on the statute of limitations. If you have a family member who has died from mesothelioma you may still be eligible to file a claim. If you were never directly exposed to asbestos but contracted mesothelioma from indirect exposure, such as asbestos dust brought home on a family members clothing, you may also be eligible to file a mesothelioma case.

While a settlement can not erase the fact that you or your loved one have contracted mesothelioma, it can bring comfort, security and stability to a family in crisis.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is attributed to repeated exposure to asbestos. Individuals most susceptible for developing Mesothelioma are those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines, manufacture asbestos products, and those employed in the heating and construction trades. Mesothelioma does not usually become evident until 20 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma gets its name from the word mesothelium. The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers and helps to protect most of the body's internal organs. This form of cancer invades the mesothelium. Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma are aggressive forms of cancer that attack the protective lining of the lungs, abdomen and heart, respectively.

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most prevalent form of Mesothelioma. It presents itself in the Pleura, or lining of the inside of the chest that house the lungs. When asbestos is mined, manufactured or disturbed, asbestos particles escape into the air. These particles are easily inhaled or swallowed. Over an extended period of time, these inhaled and ingested asbestos particles may eventually cause normal cells in the Pleura to become abnormal, causing Pleural Mesothelioma.

Chronic exposure to asbestos, after a latency period of approximately 20 to 60 years, can cause Mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma it is imperative to know what it is, what causes it and its three major forms; Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Once you know what form of this asbestos related cancer you are up against it will aid you in seeking appropriate treatment options.

In addition to seeking aggressive medical treatment, you need to find out the cause of your asbestos-related cancer. Since all three forms are caused by contact with asbestos, think back on all the jobs you've had, and where you were exposed to asbestos. Next, seek the advice of an attorney who is familiar with litigating Mesothelioma lawsuits. Your attorney will help you in documenting your exposure to asbestos even if it occurred many years ago, and also documenting the physical and emotional damage that your diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma or Pericardial Mesothelioma has caused for you.

Research for Mesothelioma Cancer

Research for Mesothelioma Cancer is being conducted at various cancer centers all over the United States. 

A recent study involving L-NDDP (brand name: Platar) produced two cases of remission in mesothelioma patients. Another study found that a drug known as Lovastatin may hold promise for mesothelioma patients.

To learn more about mesothelioma clinical studies and journal medical journal articles visit the Mesothelioma Web http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org.

There are numerous cancer web sites, some specific to mesothelioma. Because they are often difficult to locate, below are listed some relevant medical web sites that have information about mesothelioma. 

American Institute for Cancer Research
(http://www.aicr.org) 

American Thoracic Society
(http://www.thoracic.org/) 

Canadian Cancer Society
(http://www.bc.cancer.ca) 

MesotheliomaWeb
(http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org)

Facts about Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is the commonest primary tumor of the pleura. There are two main types:
1-the localized mesothelioma(bening and malignant types)
2-the diffuse malignant mesothelioma

Causes
There is a strong correlation between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma, although a history of exposure is not always obtainable in patients who have mesothelioma. There are 2 types of asbestos fibres based on crystalline structure; a-serpentine (chrysolite) and b-amphibole. Included within the amphibole are amosite, tremolte, crocidolite and anthophyllite. The most harmful is the crocidolite or better known as "blue asbestos".

1-i-Localised Bening Mesothelioma

These characteristically arise from the inner layer of the pleura
Symptoms and signs:
-chest pain
-shortness of breath
-most of the times there are no symptoms (asymptomatic), these tumors are usually discovered on routine chest x-ray
-hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) is sometimes associated

Treatment
Surgery is the main treatment, the tumor is removed by the surgeon and reccurence is rare and when it happens transition to malignant form of tumor should be suspected.

1-ii-Localised Malignant Mesothelioma

Symptoms and Signs:
-chest pain
-cough
-fever
-shortness of breath
Treatment
Surgery is also the treatment of choice, although prognosis is very poor.

2-Diffuse Malignant Mesothelioma

This type of mesothelioma can arise from any part of the pleura and often extend into the peritoneum as well as into the ribs and chest wall (peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma). It also spreads commonly to the liver, brain and adrenal glands. Histologically malignant mesothelioma have both fibrous (sarcomatous mesothelioma) and epithelial(papillary) components.

Investigations
-CT scan of the chest is extremely useful in diagnosing the extent of the tumor.
-Needle biopsy (the surgeon inserts a special needle into the pleura to take samples of the tumor which is taken to the laboratory to see under the microscope) of the pleura is a must.
-Pleural fluid is aspirated and taken to the lab for microsopic examination.

Staging of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Stage 1:Involvement of ipsilateral pleura and lungs (affecting just one lung either left or right lung)

Stage 2-Invlovement of chest wall, mediastinum (structure at the middle of the heart), pericardium or contralateral (opposite side)pleura

Stage 3-Distant blood spread into other organs eg brain, adrenals

Treatment
Treatment is discouragingly ineffective and survival rarely longer than 2 years with an average of 10-14 months. In selected cases with stage 1 a radical sugery-pleuropneumonectomy may be effective, but long term survival is rare. Primary radiation therapy may be used also. Combination chemotherapy using either single agent or combination protocols have also been used but the outcome remains dismal.

Mesothelioma Lawyers Helping The Mesothelioma Victims

Mesothelioma lawyers are legal experts specializing in lawsuits for compensation to mesothelioma victims. Among the many forms of cancer, Mesothelioma is a rare manifestation that attacks the linings of the internal organs. Mesothelioma has a 100% mortality rate and occurs in people exposed to poisonous dust particles emanating from asbestos or related products. Victims of such exposure can hope to be compensated by approaching specialized legal professionals, aptly called mesothelioma lawyers.

Mesothelioma lawyers: A Helping Hand

Victims of asbestos poisoning can approach mesothelioma lawyers if they want to take legal action against the company or individual responsible for their condition. In fact, many such victims have won lawsuits and financial compensation running into millions of dollars. In some cases, the money recovered has sustained a family for years even after the death of the victim. Mesothelioma lawyers also help to obtain disability benefits and workers compensation for those affected with the disease.

If the exposure to asbestos poisoning was caused by the accused party’s negligence even years ago, a mesothelioma lawyer can still fight for compensation, which might have been denied years ago. Lawyers fighting for asbestos related lawsuits argue the cases as product liability claims under the theories of negligence and strict liability. Generally, a lawsuit is filed against the company, where the victim was employed. Because every affected employee has a unique work history, the attorney must dedicate sufficient time and attention to investigate each case in detail.

Fee Structure of Mesothelioma Lawyers:

Mesothelioma lawyers charge their clients only after the successful completion of a case. This fee plan is called a contingent fee plan wherein a percentage of the compensation received goes to the lawyer as the fee and the lawyers do not charge a fee if the victim does not get a compensation. Normally the lawyers first identify the offending party, and then file the lawsuit in the state where the laws are more pro-employees. This increases the chances of securing a positive verdict. However, in cases of companies are granted immunity under bankruptcy laws, mesothelioma lawyers are there again to assist in arranging out of court settlements.