Mesothelioma Drugs

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is normally treated by a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Since mesothelioma symptoms do not normally appear until decades after initial exposure, this cancer generally goes undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. This makes treatment extremely difficult, as options are often limited.

Sometimes the stage of a patient’s mesothelioma makes surgery impossible, forcing doctors to result to other treatments. Among these alternative are the administration of cancer drugs. Drug therapy for Mesothelioma cancer normally involves chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is the best way to destroy cancer cells and prevent the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is not a cure for mesothelioma. The type of chemotherapy that is used depends on the type of mesothelioma the patients is diagnosed with. It also depends on how far along the cancer has progressed. For example, neoadjuvant chemotherapy is used to shrink the size of a cancerous tumor before a more radical approach. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is needed so that the tumor can be shrunken to a size that allows it to be removed by surgery.

Adjuvant chemotherapy is only used after the tumor has been surgically removed. Adjuvant chemotherapy is used to prevent any remaining cancer cells from regenerating. More than one drug is generally given during this form of chemotherapy. This is known as combination chemotherapy.

Palliative chemotherapy is not a cure for mesothelioma. It is only used to relieve some of the painful symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. Often this form of chemotherapy is given to patients with metastatic cancers, which means they have a shorter life expectancy. Although chemotherapy is by its very nature, toxic, doctors are increasingly prescribing it closer and closer to the end of patients’ lives. 
Alimta and Cisplatin

Alimta is a cancer medication that was approved by the FDA in 2004. Alimta is specifically identified as a treatment for pleural mesothelioma. It is used to prevent tumors from reproducing and spreading. In addition, Alimta is often used in conjunction with the drug Cisplatin when surgery is not an option. The combination of these two drugs for mesothelioma is known to improve the life expectancy of mesothelioma patients.
Anti-Angiogenesis Drugs

Angiogenesis is the term used to describe the process of new blood vessels being created from old blood vessels. Angiogenesis happens when a tumor develops. After a tumor develops, angiogenesis will create new blood vessels that will help the tumor get the nutrients that it needs in order to develop and grow. Anti-angiogenesis drugs, like Avastin, are designed to stop this process from occurring. This drug is often used to treat patients that cannot undergo surgery.  
Side Effects

Chemotherapy drugs are extremely toxic and likely cause side effects that will make the mesothelioma patient weak and tired. Side effects include fatigue, hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, anemia, and constipation. In addition, it is common for chemotherapy drugs to cause added damage to the kidney, liver, and heart. Although given to kill cancerous cells, chemotherapy can also harm normal cells.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms

For the past several decades, information about mesothelioma had been scarce and inconclusive, making this form of cancer one of the most indefinite and unspecified diseases in modern history. As physicians, scientists and various medical research experts learn more about this fatal disease, we’ve been able to determine that the greatest asset we have in battling this disease is information. Because mesothelioma carries such a great latency period, this disease is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are so similar to more common and treatable illnesses.

MesotheliomaSymptoms.com is an extensive database of information and resources for patients and their families to better understand the symptoms of mesothelioma and the various aspects of diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and many other factors of survival. Information regarding mesothelioma will continue to become more prevalent over the next 10 years, as scientists are working effortlessly to better understand this terrible disease. With this new information comes hope and progress, and patients, their families, and the general public can continue their growth in knowledge and awareness, and through that this disease can be combated.

Currently, as many as 3,000 people will be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, and that number is only expected to increase in conjunction with the widespread use of asbestos throughout the last century. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but that does not mean that something cannot be done to prevent the spread of this cancer. By identifying symptoms early, life expectancy can be increased, creating a better quality of life for patients and their loved ones.
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Types of Mesothelioma

diagnoseThere are four malignant types of mesothelioma, and a benign type of mesothelioma, which is non-cancerous.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this disease, occurring in 75 percent of cases. This cancer develops in the pleura, which is the lining of the lung.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneal membrane in the stomach. This type accounts for less than 20 percent of cases.

Pericardial mesothelioma forms in the pericardium, which is the lining of the heart. This type accounts for less than 5 percent of cases.

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of the cancer. It develops in the testicles. There have been very few diagnosed cases of testicular mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear for 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. When symptoms do appear, it may still be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, as the symptoms often mimic other diseases like asbestosis, as well as typical respiratory illnesses and even the common cold. The symptoms vary according to the type of mesothelioma. Those with pleural mesothelioma often exhibit persistent coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath, fatigue and lumps on the chest, under the skin. Those with the peritoneal type may experience abdominal pain, weight loss and nausea. Pericardial mesothelioma causes irregular heartbeats, palpitations, breathing difficulties, chest pain and night sweats. Testicular mesothelioma causes lumps on the testicles that may or may not be painful.
Diagnosis

A physician will perform a review of a patient's medical history and conduct a physical examination. If the findings suggest something abnormal, the doctor may order some diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans or PET scans. These tests are used to locate the cancer, identify the size and determine the type of cancer. A biopsy is usually also ordered to test fluid and tissue samples and see if the mesothelioma is benign or malignant.
Treatment

After a diagndoctor's signatureosis of mesothelioma is confirmed, the next step is to decide the course of treatment. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Patients usually choose a combination of treatments, as it helps the body aggressively fight the cancer and lengthen the patient's life expectancy. Mesothelioma patients are often given only one year to live following diagnosis, although early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may improve the outcome.

Besides the three most common types of treatment, there are also experimental treatments such as gene therapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy. However, these options have not been fully researched and approved for use and may only be available through clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials, though sometimes risky, may increase the chance of a cure being discovered.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Throughout the last century, countless numbers of people were exposed to asbestos in their work environment. The dangers were unknown to many, and companies that manufactured products containing asbestos did not make any efforts to protect workers or even make them aware. Many people are able to seek legal recourse to receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering.

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Types of Mesothelioma

There are several types of mesothelioma. All but one are cancerous, and most are aggressive and deadly. Some types denote the area of the body that is affected. These include pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. Other types denote the type of cell affected. These include epithelial and sarcomatoid. Mesothelial cells produce a lubricating fluid that protects organs as they function and move.

    * Pleural
    * Peritoneal
    * Pericardial
    * Benign
    * Malignant
    * Epithelial
    * Sarcomatoid
    * Biphasic
    * Papillary

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, which begins in the lungs, is the most common type of mesothelioma accounting for 75% of all diagnoses. The root cause is exposure to asbestos. Many professions and jobs utilized and were exposed to asbestos without taking precautions, thereby putting their workers at risk to breathe in the asbestos fibers that eventually cause mesothelioma.

The cancer attacks the lining of the lungs and ribs, known as the pleura. Because the symptoms of mesothelioma take twenty or more years to present themselves, the disease is usually in the advanced stages before a diagnosis is made.

The symptoms for pleural mesothelioma are common and often misdiagnosed. This creates even more delays in completing the appropriate diagnosis and seeking proper treatment.

If you have been exposed to asbestos, notify your physician to assist with the correct diagnosis of your symptoms. Otherwise, your doctor may assume more common medical ailments, such as pneumonia, to explain your condition.

Some symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

    * Coughing
    * Fever
    * Shortness of breath
    * Weight loss

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the stomach and abdomen, is second most common after pleural mesothelioma and accounts for less than 20% of all mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma is often caused by ingesting asbestos fibers. The fibers can become trapped in the digestive system, creating a tumor.

As with other mesothelioma types, peritoneal mesothelioma has a long latency period thereby delaying diagnosis and impeding treatment. Because the symptoms are common to other ailments, diagnosis can be delayed.

Some symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

    * Swelling
    * Abdominal pain
    * Fever
    * Weight loss

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma and accounts for very few cases. This asbestos cancer affects the heart and its surrounding cavity. As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma has a long latency period thereby delaying diagnosis and impeding treatment.

Some symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:

    * Persistent coughing
    * Chest pain
    * Palpitations
    * Shortness of breath

If you have been exposed to asbestos, make sure to notify your doctor so appropriate measures can be taken to ensure a correct diagnosis of your symptoms.
Benign Mesothelioma

Unlike all other forms of mesothelioma, benign mesothelioma is not cancerous. A tumor forms in the mesothelial layer around the heart, lungs, stomach or elsewhere in the abdomen and grows larger. However, it is not cancerous and does not spread to nearby tissues or other areas of the body.

The symptoms of benign mesothelioma are often similar to those of other types of mesothelioma, and depend, somewhat, on what area's mesothelial lining is affected. Typically, they include:

    * Pressure, tightness, swelling or pain in the affected area
    * For peritoneal (abdomen): nausea, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction
    * For pericardial (heart): heart palpitations, shortness of breath, persistent cough
    * For pleural (lungs): shortness of breath, wheezing, persistent cough

Treatment for benign mesothelioma is usually surgery. The prognosis after surgery is excellent.
Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a general term that encompasses all cancerous types of mesothelioma. To learn more about each of the types of mesothelioma including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and survival, follow these links:

    * Pleural
    * Peritoneal
    * Pericardial

Epithelial Mesothelioma

Epithelial mesothelioma is a malignant form of mesothelioma that specifically affects the epithelial cells. Epithelial cells build the tissue and membranes that line and protect the outside of organs as well as the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). 50% - 70% of all diagnosed cases of malignant mesothelioma are classified as epithelial, or epithelioid, mesothelioma. The symptoms of epithelial mesothelioma depend on the area or organ where the cancer is located such as the lungs, stomach or abdomen, or heart or if it has spread to other areas of the body.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is another form of malignant mesothelioma. It is responsible for between 7% and 20% of all mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma can occur in most areas of the mesothelioid layer, and is classified by cell shape (oval-ish, irregular) and nucleus appearance (less visible, vague).

Symptoms are similar to other types of mesothelioma and depend on the area the disease begins and the stage of the disease. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma may be confused with other sarcoma types of cancer, and as a result may be more difficult to diagnose. There is some evidence to suggest that this type of mesothelioma may be even more aggressive and resistant to treatment than other types.
Biphasic Mesothelioma

Biphasic mesothelioma is diagnosed when a tumor is found in the patient that contains both epithelial mesothelioma cells and sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells—either mixed together or in separate areas of the tumor. Symptoms and treatment of the disease are similar to other types of mesothelioma and depend on the area the cancer begins, the stage the disease is in, and other factors.
Papillary Mesothelioma

Papillary mesothelioma is a very rare form of mesothelioma that is not well understood. It can occur in the heart, lungs, stomach or abdomen like other forms of mesothelioma, but also occurs in the ovaries and testicles. Some cases of papillary mesothelioma have been associated with asbestos exposure, others have not.

In a good portion of the cases that have been reported, the disease did not spread to other areas of the body, but it did show a high rate of recurrence. A uniform method of treatment has not been established, but surgery and chemotherapy have most often been used. Prognosis after treatment for this form of mesothelioma is often much better than other types of malignant mesothelioma.

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Mesothelioma

The Mesothelioma Family Resource Center is dedicated to providing information on mesothelioma, including the latest mesothelioma treatment options and legal precedents. It is our strongest desire to equip you with knowledge about this cancer and your options.
What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of asbestos cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells. These cells form tissue that surround or line the lungs, heart, and stomach. The mesothelial cells protect these organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows them to move smoothly.

Asbestos is the overwhelming cause of mesothelioma in the United States. Typically the asbestos exposure occurred in an occupation or work environment over a prolonged period of time. However, it is also well-established that bystander (working near others using asbestos products) and household exposures (exposure from family members and their work clothes in the home) are known causes of mesothelioma. There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos.
Types of Mesothelioma

There are three types of mesothelioma:  Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

    * Pleural Mesothelioma accounts for 75% of all diagnoses.
    * Peritoneal Mesothelioma accounts for less than 20% of all mesothelioma cases.
    * Pericardial Mesothelioma is the most rare and accounts for very few cases.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. While you may have one or many of the risk factors associated with a disease, such as mesothelioma, that does not mean that you will get the disease.

The main risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Prolonged exposure to asbestos through a job, or during a building demolition or remodel increases your chances. Other recognized, but very rare, known causes include exposure to zeolites (minerals primarily located in Turkey), therapeutic thoratrast radiation, and chronic inflammation of the pleura. However, there have been very few reported cases of mesothelioma from causes other than asbestos.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma symptoms include but are definitely not limited to:

    * shortness of breath
    * chronic cough,
    * chest pain
    * fatigue

Often mesothelioma is misdiagnosed because the symptoms are common to other ailments, such as colds and flu.
Stages of Mesothelioma

Stages of mesothelioma were established by the Mesothelioma Interest Group and adopted by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), and are similar to the staging system used by most other cancers.   At this time, the staging system is only applied to mesothelioma around the lung, and uses Roman numerals from I to IV (1 to 4) to describe the severity of the cancer.
Key Statistics

Each year, between 2,000 and 4,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma. This cancer has a very long latency stage, and most often shows up late in life and primarily in men. Unfortunately, mortality is very quick after diagnosis, typically because mesothelioma is often far advanced by the time a diagnosis is made.

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