Treatment for Mesothelioma
Most of the internal organs are covered by a layer called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is the cancer of the mesothelium. This particular type of cancer is triggered by the asbestos exposure. Knowing the treatments on mesothelioma not only help you to treat the condition properly, but also you can help the sufferers.
Pleura is the lining mostly affected by mesothelioma. Peritoneum and pericardium are also affected by mesothelioma. Though mesothelioma affects both sexes men are more prone than women. The reason could the men are more exposed to asbestos than women. Mesothelioma affects people of all age groups but senior people are more prone than the younger ones. The reason could be drop in immunity as the persons gets older.
Mesothelioma Treatment :
The conventional therapies are not very successful for the mesothelioma treatment. The survival time for the patients is only 6 -12 months. The malignancy of the mesothelioma is affected by many factors. One such thing is the long latency period between disease development and exposure to the asbestos.
Surgery :
Surgery is one of the treatments on mesothelioma. The surgery can be performed alone or in combination with post and pre operative adjuvant therapy. But the results of the surgery attempted either alone or with post and pre operative therapy is found to be disappointing because the survival rate of the patients [five years] is less than 10%. The most common surgery is pleurectomy. Here the lining of the chest is completely removed. Extra pleural pnemorectomy is not very common.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Radiation Therapy :
Mesothelioma is highly resistant to radiation therapy. But still this treatment is attempted to reduce the sufferings that arise because of mesothelioma growth. This radiation therapy is applied chest drain insertion site most commonly. This prevents the tumor growth along the wall of the chest.
Chemotherapy :
Pemetrexed is the drug that was approved by the food and administration of United States of America in the year 2004 for the treatment of pleural malignant mesothelioma. Pemetrexed is administered with cisplatin. In order to reduce the side effects of the pemetrexed, folic acid is used.
Immunotherapy :
Immunotherapy is the other treatment option for mesothelioma. Immunotherapy produces variable results. Bacillus calmette- Guerin is found to effective in boosting the immune response for the cancer of the urinary bladder. But the same therapy attempted for mesothelioma provides no relief to the patients. Vitrolysis by LAK cells [followed by interleukin- 2 activation] is effective in destroying the mesothelioma cells.
But the biggest disadvantage here is that the suffering of the patients because of the side effects of this therapy. This treatment was really stopped because of the very serious side effects of the interleukin-2 toxicity. The most common side effect is cachexia and fever. Interferon alpha is really producing encouraging results of late. There is nearly fifty percent reduction in the tumor mass. The side effects are very, very less in this therapy.
Mesothelioma is highly resistant to radiation therapy. But still this treatment is attempted to reduce the sufferings that arise because of mesothelioma growth. This radiation therapy is applied chest drain insertion site most commonly. This prevents the tumor growth along the wall of the chest.
Chemotherapy :
Pemetrexed is the drug that was approved by the food and administration of United States of America in the year 2004 for the treatment of pleural malignant mesothelioma. Pemetrexed is administered with cisplatin. In order to reduce the side effects of the pemetrexed, folic acid is used.
Immunotherapy :
Immunotherapy is the other treatment option for mesothelioma. Immunotherapy produces variable results. Bacillus calmette- Guerin is found to effective in boosting the immune response for the cancer of the urinary bladder. But the same therapy attempted for mesothelioma provides no relief to the patients. Vitrolysis by LAK cells [followed by interleukin- 2 activation] is effective in destroying the mesothelioma cells.
But the biggest disadvantage here is that the suffering of the patients because of the side effects of this therapy. This treatment was really stopped because of the very serious side effects of the interleukin-2 toxicity. The most common side effect is cachexia and fever. Interferon alpha is really producing encouraging results of late. There is nearly fifty percent reduction in the tumor mass. The side effects are very, very less in this therapy.
Diagnosis Mesothelioma
Diagnosis Mesothelioma is found to be a difficult task for the medical professionals. The main misleading fact in the diagnosis mesothelioma for the health care professional is that the symptoms resemble to those of other conditions.
Diagnosis mesothelioma by imaging :
Mesothelioma diagnosis begins with the close interaction with the patient’s anamnesis mainly the history of the exposure to asbestos, which is the precursor of Mesothelioma. The common diagnosis of Mesothelioma depends on the Lung function tests and X-rays of the chest (irregular thickening of the pleura) or abdomen. Diagnosis mesothelioma by imaging can be performed by the following procedures:
Computed Tomography scan (CT scan)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A CT scan and MRI :
Diagnosis Mesothelioma can be achieved by performing either A CT scan or MRI scan. In A CT scan, X-ray machine is going to be useful. Here, pictures of the areas inside the body is taken in a continuous manner and is easily viewed by through the computer, which is lined to the x-ray machine.
In MRI scan, the detailed picture of the internal organs can easily be viewed and is achieved by a powerful magnet connected to the computer. The detailed picture of your internal organs can easily be achieved by MRI scan by printing the results directly from the computer.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) :
This type of diagnosis Mesothelioma is having more advantage than the CT scan and MRI scan. In the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use both tracers and cameras to identify the biological changes in the cells and to spot dangerous neoplastic growth.
Diagnosis Mesothelioma is found to be a difficult task for the medical professionals. The main misleading fact in the diagnosis mesothelioma for the health care professional is that the symptoms resemble to those of other conditions.
Diagnosis mesothelioma by imaging :
Mesothelioma diagnosis begins with the close interaction with the patient’s anamnesis mainly the history of the exposure to asbestos, which is the precursor of Mesothelioma. The common diagnosis of Mesothelioma depends on the Lung function tests and X-rays of the chest (irregular thickening of the pleura) or abdomen. Diagnosis mesothelioma by imaging can be performed by the following procedures:
Computed Tomography scan (CT scan)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
A CT scan and MRI :
Diagnosis Mesothelioma can be achieved by performing either A CT scan or MRI scan. In A CT scan, X-ray machine is going to be useful. Here, pictures of the areas inside the body is taken in a continuous manner and is easily viewed by through the computer, which is lined to the x-ray machine.
In MRI scan, the detailed picture of the internal organs can easily be viewed and is achieved by a powerful magnet connected to the computer. The detailed picture of your internal organs can easily be achieved by MRI scan by printing the results directly from the computer.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) :
This type of diagnosis Mesothelioma is having more advantage than the CT scan and MRI scan. In the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans use both tracers and cameras to identify the biological changes in the cells and to spot dangerous neoplastic growth.
Confirmative Diagnosis :
“Diagnosis Mesothelioma” has been performed by so many ways and means. But Biopsy will give us a confirmative diagnosis. In Biopsy, a sample cancerous tissue will be removed from the site of infection. The site of infection is ascertained either by Thoracoscopy or Peritoneoscopy.
Another modern technology called mediastinoscopy is useful in detecting mesothelioma in lymphnodes of mediastinum (lymphnode concerned with Lungs).
In Thoracoscopy, a small incision is made on the chest wall and a small, thin, lighted tube (Thoracoscope) is placed in between the two ribs. This will enable the doctor to see the affected tissue on the lung and the tissue samples may be obtained from the affected tissue to provide confirmative diagnosis Mesothelioma.
In peritoneoscopy, the physician may take a look into the abdominal area. A small nick is made in the abdomen and peritoneoscope is inserted through that nick. The required tissue sample will be obtained through this tube for conducting Biopsy. A more elaborate diagnostic surgery is being carried out, if these methods of collecting biopsy don’t prove fruitful results.
In mediastinoscopy, the surgeon inserts a lighted mediastinoscope in the incision made in the chest area to collect samples of the tissue. Mediastinoscopy is used for diagnosis mesothelioma in the lymphnodes of mediastinum. The sample tissue collected from the mediastinal area is subjected for different tests for differential diagnosis of Mesothelioma from other types of infection.
Diagnosis mesothelioma by Staging :
Diagnosis Mesothelioma helps to find out the stage of the disease. Staging diagnosis helps a lot to the health care provider to plan the treatment accordingly because the localized mesothelioma will become generalized by spreading from original membrane surface to other parts of body which includes kidney, liver, chest wall, lymph nodes and lungs.
“Diagnosis Mesothelioma” has been performed by so many ways and means. But Biopsy will give us a confirmative diagnosis. In Biopsy, a sample cancerous tissue will be removed from the site of infection. The site of infection is ascertained either by Thoracoscopy or Peritoneoscopy.
Another modern technology called mediastinoscopy is useful in detecting mesothelioma in lymphnodes of mediastinum (lymphnode concerned with Lungs).
In Thoracoscopy, a small incision is made on the chest wall and a small, thin, lighted tube (Thoracoscope) is placed in between the two ribs. This will enable the doctor to see the affected tissue on the lung and the tissue samples may be obtained from the affected tissue to provide confirmative diagnosis Mesothelioma.
In peritoneoscopy, the physician may take a look into the abdominal area. A small nick is made in the abdomen and peritoneoscope is inserted through that nick. The required tissue sample will be obtained through this tube for conducting Biopsy. A more elaborate diagnostic surgery is being carried out, if these methods of collecting biopsy don’t prove fruitful results.
In mediastinoscopy, the surgeon inserts a lighted mediastinoscope in the incision made in the chest area to collect samples of the tissue. Mediastinoscopy is used for diagnosis mesothelioma in the lymphnodes of mediastinum. The sample tissue collected from the mediastinal area is subjected for different tests for differential diagnosis of Mesothelioma from other types of infection.
Diagnosis mesothelioma by Staging :
Diagnosis Mesothelioma helps to find out the stage of the disease. Staging diagnosis helps a lot to the health care provider to plan the treatment accordingly because the localized mesothelioma will become generalized by spreading from original membrane surface to other parts of body which includes kidney, liver, chest wall, lymph nodes and lungs.
Mesothelioma Causes :
Mesothelioma causes are not plenty. This disease is difficult to cure and can spread to other organs thus making the recovery very difficult. Since prevention is better than cure let us discussed about mesothelioma causes here.
The incidence of the mesothelioma is more in western countries than the developing countries. The reason is industrialization of the western countries. The triggering factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Exposure :
Asbestos exposure is more in industrial areas than the other. Mesothelioma is not sex specific, but still the men are more prone than women. Likewise mesothelioma is noticed in all age groups but the older people are easily susceptible because of the reduced immune level.
Exposure to the asbestos is the major mesothelioma cause. In almost all cases of mesothelioma the asbestos exposure finds a place. But there are cases of mesothelioma in which the sufferer has no direct or indirect exposure to asbestos. As a rare possibility mesothelioma is triggered by even radiation.
Fibrous silicates inhalation is also found to be a mesothelioma cause but the incidences are very, very rare. Like fibrous silicate induced mesothelioma, thorium dioxide triggered mesothelioma is once in blue moon affair.
The asbestos is the primary mesothelioma cause. Asbestos belongs to mineral classification and is present in flexible fibrous form in nature. These fibers can be easily separated.
The asbestos is very widely used in industrial products. Asbestos finds a place in cement, lining of the brake in automobiles, flooring products, roofing products; insulation and textile products etc. during the asbestos manufacture the particles starts floating in the air.
These tiny asbestos particles are swallowed or inhaled by the people who are near the manufacturing area. The asbestos thus inhaled results in so many health complications and the major problem is mesothelioma. The other health complications can be cancer of the kidney, lung cancer, larynx cancer, asbestosis etc.
Mesothelioma causes are not plenty. This disease is difficult to cure and can spread to other organs thus making the recovery very difficult. Since prevention is better than cure let us discussed about mesothelioma causes here.
The incidence of the mesothelioma is more in western countries than the developing countries. The reason is industrialization of the western countries. The triggering factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Exposure :
Asbestos exposure is more in industrial areas than the other. Mesothelioma is not sex specific, but still the men are more prone than women. Likewise mesothelioma is noticed in all age groups but the older people are easily susceptible because of the reduced immune level.
Exposure to the asbestos is the major mesothelioma cause. In almost all cases of mesothelioma the asbestos exposure finds a place. But there are cases of mesothelioma in which the sufferer has no direct or indirect exposure to asbestos. As a rare possibility mesothelioma is triggered by even radiation.
Fibrous silicates inhalation is also found to be a mesothelioma cause but the incidences are very, very rare. Like fibrous silicate induced mesothelioma, thorium dioxide triggered mesothelioma is once in blue moon affair.
The asbestos is the primary mesothelioma cause. Asbestos belongs to mineral classification and is present in flexible fibrous form in nature. These fibers can be easily separated.
The asbestos is very widely used in industrial products. Asbestos finds a place in cement, lining of the brake in automobiles, flooring products, roofing products; insulation and textile products etc. during the asbestos manufacture the particles starts floating in the air.
These tiny asbestos particles are swallowed or inhaled by the people who are near the manufacturing area. The asbestos thus inhaled results in so many health complications and the major problem is mesothelioma. The other health complications can be cancer of the kidney, lung cancer, larynx cancer, asbestosis etc.
Mesothelioma Information
Mesothelioma is nothing but a cancer of mesothelium. Mesothelium is the covering structure of the most of the internal organs of the body.Cancer as we all know is excess growth of cell of the particular organ or tissue. Here the triggering factor is believed to be the asbestos. Thats why it is called ASBESTOS LUNG CANCER.
Mesothelioma is predominantly noticed in pleura [the lining that covers the chest cavity and the lung]. The pericardium [the covering of the heart] and peritoneum [the covering of the abdominal cavity] are also affected by this dangerous cancerous growth.Mesothelioma Causes :
The people who are exposed to asbestos particle are highly prone for this dangerous disease condition. The people who are in the job of washing the dress materials of the person who is working in asbestos factory are also equally susceptible.
The reason is that these people may inhale the asbestos dust that comes out while washing the asbestos contaminated dress materials. The people who are in to house renovation using the asbestos mixed cement products are also coming under risk category. But one big relief is that there is no connection between the smoking habit and mesothelioma development.
Epidemiology :
The incidence of mesothelioma is one in ten lakh persons. As far as western countries are concerned the incidence is slightly high. The incidence of mesothelioma is 7 – 40 in ten lakhs persons. The reason for the increased incidence in western countries is nothing but the industrialization.
As far as United States of America is concerned the mesothelioma incidence reached 15 people out of ten lakh persons in the year 2004.
The men are more prone for mesothelioma however this disease condition can be noticed women too. The risk of mesothelioma increases as the age increases but the disease can make its appearances at any age.
As far the part of the body is concerned the peritoneum are highly susceptible as nearly one third of the mesothelioma are found to be seen in peritoneum.
The Risk Factors :
The asbestos exposure is the major risk factor. This doesn’t imply that the person who are not at all exposed to asbestos are not be bothered by this dangerous disease condition.
Yes, there are reports of mesothelioma in those who were not at all having any connection to asbestos either directly and indirectly.
Mesothelioma can also be triggered by other substances such as irradiation, erionite [fibrous silicate], and thorium dioxide but the incidences are very rare.
Treatment :
Radiotherapy is one of the treatment options as far as mesothelioma is concerned. These mesothelioma tumors are resistant to radiation, but radio therapy helps to mitigate the symptoms such a blood vessel obstruction.
Radio therapy along with chemotherapy can be attempted. Knowing the mesothelioma information will definitely help you to prevent the mesothelioma condition.
The incidence of mesothelioma is one in ten lakh persons. As far as western countries are concerned the incidence is slightly high. The incidence of mesothelioma is 7 – 40 in ten lakhs persons. The reason for the increased incidence in western countries is nothing but the industrialization.
As far as United States of America is concerned the mesothelioma incidence reached 15 people out of ten lakh persons in the year 2004.
The men are more prone for mesothelioma however this disease condition can be noticed women too. The risk of mesothelioma increases as the age increases but the disease can make its appearances at any age.
As far the part of the body is concerned the peritoneum are highly susceptible as nearly one third of the mesothelioma are found to be seen in peritoneum.
The Risk Factors :
The asbestos exposure is the major risk factor. This doesn’t imply that the person who are not at all exposed to asbestos are not be bothered by this dangerous disease condition.
Yes, there are reports of mesothelioma in those who were not at all having any connection to asbestos either directly and indirectly.
Mesothelioma can also be triggered by other substances such as irradiation, erionite [fibrous silicate], and thorium dioxide but the incidences are very rare.
Treatment :
Radiotherapy is one of the treatment options as far as mesothelioma is concerned. These mesothelioma tumors are resistant to radiation, but radio therapy helps to mitigate the symptoms such a blood vessel obstruction.
Radio therapy along with chemotherapy can be attempted. Knowing the mesothelioma information will definitely help you to prevent the mesothelioma condition.
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