mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that kills approximately 10,000 people each year

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is only caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing porducts. Mesothelioma can even be caused by second-hand exposure to asbestos fibers. There are reported cases where family members have developed mesothelioma by inhaling the sbestos fibers while washing clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer where the malignant cancer cells develop in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the protective membrane that forms the lining of the pleura (thoracal cavity), peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (heart sac).

Mesothelioma typically will not spread to the brain, bones, or adrenal glands.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they were exposed to asbestos particles, dust or fibers.

Many people are shocked to realize that asbestos manufacters and asbestos industry insiders have known about the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma since as early as 1934. However, internal documents show that they were more concerned about corporate profits than the safety of their employees.

symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms are unique in that they often do not present until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• dry cough
• shortness of breath
• pain in the chest

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal swelling pain due to ascites, anemia and fever.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, pleural effusion (fluid surrounding the lungs), anemia and hoarseness, wheezing or cough.

diagnosis

As with all mesotheliomas, an accurate diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma can be challenging as the symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to so many other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a thorough review of the patient's clinical history. Exposure to asbestos may increase the suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is conducted, followed by a chest X-ray and further studies are ordered based on the results.

Computed tomography (CT) findings can be useful in differentiating between the two clinical types of peritoneal mesothelioma - “wet” or “dry”, since their appearances are very different upon imaging. In the “dry” type, CT may reveal multiple small masses or a single dominant localized mass. There is normally little or no ascites. In the “wet” type, CT may reveal widespread small nodules, but no dominant mass. Ascitesis usually present.

staging

There is currently no established staging system for mesothelioma, however staging can be done using the TNM system. This system refers to the status of the tumor (T), lymph nodes (N) and metastases (M).

There are general categories which may also be somewhat helpful in determining stage:

• The first category shows a localized lesion able to be completely resected (entirely removed).
• In the second category, the disease is contained within the abdominal cavity on peritoneal and organ surfaces where debulking (the removal of as much, but not all of the tumor) is possible.
• Category three shows disease contained within the abdominal cavity with invasion of organs such as the colon or liver.
• Category four shows disease extending outside the abdominal cavity.

treament

Treatment options for mesothleioma depend on a number of factors, including:

• the stage of mesothelioma
• pre-existing medical conditions
• patient's general fitness

Mesothelioma is a highly aggresive tumor that is often deadly.

Unfortunately, mesothelioma does not always respond to cancer treatments.  Doctors and researchers are working to improve mesothelioma treatment all the time.  You may be offered treatment as part of a clinical trial and not as a standard treatment.  The results of the trials will be used to improve treatment in the future.  There is information about taking part in a clinical trials.

Mesothelioma treatment is either designed to treat the immediate area of the primary mesothelioma growth or the whole body.  Whole body treatments are called systemic treatments.  Localised treatments include surgery and radiotherapy. Systemic treatments act on cancer cells no matter where they may be in the body and include chemotherapy.

what can be done?

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or if you are experiencing the symptoms associated with mesothelioma, you may have a claim against the manufacturers of these asbestos products.

Please contact us today by filling out the brief questionnaire, or by calling our toll free number (1-800-898-2034) for a free, no-cost no-obligation evaluation of your case.