New Marker Could Improve Mesothelioma Diagnosis

There has been another potential breakthrough in the ongoing worldwide effort to find an effective way to diagnose mesothelioma earlier.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fast-growing cancer of the mesothelium.  As with all cancers, early detection can greatly improve the odds of survival.  But because the early symptoms can be mild or mimic other lung diseases, mesothelioma is often not definitively diagnosed until its later stages, when treatment may be less effective. 

Now, a team of Austrian doctors has identified a cellular protein that they say may be a promising diagnostic marker for mesothelioma. Elevated levels of serum integrin-linked kinase, a protein associated with multiple cellular functions, have already been found in cases of ovarian cancer.  To test its presence in mesothelioma cells, researchers took blood serum samples from 36 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, 98 patients with other types of malignant chest disease, and 23 patients with benign chest diseased.  They used an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test to measure the amount of integrin-linked kinase in the serum.

The results were significant. Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma were found to have a higher level of integrin-linked kinase (8.89 ng/mL) in their serum than the other test subjects (0.66 mg/mL for malignant chest disease, 0.78 mg/mL for benign chest disease). They found that serum integrin-linked kinase had an overall accuracy of 91% for distinguishing between mesothelioma and other diseases. The level of serum integrin-linked kinase was not affected by mesothelioma subtype and did not appear to have an impact on prognosis.

In an article in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, the researchers concluded that integrin-linked kinase can be used as another diagnostic marker for mesothelioma.  Serum levels of other compounds, including osteopontin and mesothelin, are already being used, along with imaging studies like PET/CT, to aid in mesothelioma diagnosis.  Identification of additional compounds and tests for them could help doctors identify mesothelioma earlier, more quickly and more accurately.

Sources:

Watzka, SB et al, “Detection of integrin-linked kinase in the serum of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma, May 25, 2011, Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Epub ahead of print.

Mesothelioma Questions & FAQs

Following a mesothelioma diagnosis, many patients and their loved ones have numerous questions about the cancer. Detailed below are answers to top mesothelioma questions.

What is mesothelioma cancer?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. The cancer develops in the mesothelium, a protective membrane that lines three body cavities: the thoracic cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and the heart sac (pericardium). In the case of testicular mesothelioma, the cancer develops in the tunica vaginalis, the membrane surrounding the testicles.

Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually.

What is the proper mesothelioma pronunciation?

Mesothelioma is pronounced mez-uh-thee-lee-oh-muh.

What are the different types of mesothelioma?

The four different types of mesothelioma are named for the area of the body they affect. The most common type of the cancer is pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the membrane surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium while testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis, the lining around the testicles.

How does mesothelioma develop?

The cancer develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body where they can become lodged in organs or cavities, causing inflammation or infection and cellular damage. Overtime, the cancerous cells begin to divide uncontrollably, causing the membranes in the affected location to thicken. Fluid then begins to build up in the spaces between membrane layers and tumors begin to form, causing impaired bodily function.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

A mesothelioma patient will generally not demonstrate symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Symptoms often resemble illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia, and in the case of pericardial mesothelioma, symptoms can resemble other cardiac conditions. This can make diagnosis difficult though informing a doctor of prior asbestos exposure can alert them of the possibility of an asbestos-related disease.

Patients with pleural mesothelioma may experience symptoms including persistent raspy cough, difficulty breathing and swallowing, night sweats, fatigue and chest pain. Symptoms expressed by a peritoneal mesothelioma patient include diarrhea or constipation, nausea, fever, swelling or pain in the abdomen and anemia. Pericardial mesothelioma patients may experience chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, fever and fatigue. The only known symptom of testicular mesothelioma is the appearance of testicular lumps.

What is the typical prognosis for a patient with mesothelioma?

A mesothelioma patient’s prognosis, or the probable course and outcome of a disease’s influence on the body, is controlled by numerous factors. Since a mesothelioma diagnosis often occurs once the cancer has progressed to later stages of development, prognosis is typically poor. However if a patient is diagnosed before the cancer has spread or elects to undergo treatment to combat the cancer, their prognosis may improve. Factors that may influence prognosis include: the stage of a patient’s mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis, type of mesothelioma, size of the tumor, location of the tumor and whether it may be surgically removed and the age and overall health of the patient. Asbestos.com offers additional information about mesothelioma and treatment options to help improve prognosis through a comprehensive packet. Please fill out the form on the right side of this page to receive your copy of the complimentary packet.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

While a cure for mesothelioma does not currently exist, treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are available for patients to help combat the cancer. Extensive studies and clinical trials are in progress internationally and cancer specialists and doctors are constantly working towards the discovery of a cure.

What is the definition of mesothelioma?

Merriam-Webster defines mesothelioma as a malignant tumor derived from mesothelial tissue.

What is the difference between mesothelioma and asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a progressive pulmonary disease caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestosis is characterized by scar tissue on the lungs, making it difficult for the lungs to expand or contract. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the membrane that lines several body cavities.

What is the history of mesothelioma?

Medical researchers Chris Wagner and Ian Webster and physician Chris Sleggs conducted a study on South African mesothelioma patients who worked in the area of an asbestos mine in the 19050s. In 1959 the men presented their findings at an international conference. The team and submitted the reports from the study to a British medical journal and an article was published in 1960, highlighting the link between mesothelioma and exposure to crocidolite asbestos. Before this study was published, mesothelioma was rare and many professionals questioned whether or not it was a real condition. The first patient was officially diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1962, when an Australian man who worked with asbestos was diagnosed.

Reports and studies continued to surface linking asbestos exposure to the development of mesothelioma. Unfortunately the mineral was heavily used throughout the 20th century until the 1980s. Many industries used asbestos due to its innate resistance to heat and fire. Many of the patients who have later developed mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos on the job or during service.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos lodges itself in and around the heart.

Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for approximately half of all pericardial tumors and is an extremely rare. Researchers from various mesothelioma studies report that pericardial mesothelioma accounts for approximately 1 to 6 percent of all mesotheliomas. To date, fewer than 150 cases have been presented in medical literature and approximately 200 cases have been reported worldwide. Pericardial tumors are typically diffuse (not localized) and tend to cover most of the heart.

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, a membrane made up of mesothelial cells that surrounds the heart and provides protection and support to this organ. The membrane is composed of two different layers: an outer layer called the parietal layer (called the heart sac or theca cordis), and an inner layer known as the visceral layer (called the epicardium). The parietal layer is part of a larger membrane that lines the entire chest cavity, while the visceral layer is the pericardial membrane that lines the heart.

Those diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma usually have a number of questions about how to approach the treatment process. We offer a complimentary packet for pericardial mesothelioma patients containing information about their specific diagnosis, treatment options and top doctors.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Treatments

Most people diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma are not good candidates for cancer surgery . However, there are rare cases where the cancer is diagnosed early, and surgery can be carried out to remove small, localized pericardial tumors. This type of surgery carries great risk, simply due to the proximity of the heart.

Prognosis for those with pericardial mesothelioma is grim and palliative treatment is usually the only option for people diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This type of treatment is performed to improve a patient's quality of life, and reduce the severity of symptoms caused by the build-up of fluid in the pericardium. Fine needle aspiration may be carried out to remove excess fluid as well. In some cases, radiation therapy may be an option. Unfortunately, the proximity of the heart and lungs make this a risky prospect.

Treatment for this type of mesothelioma is almost purely palliative. Roughly 50 to 60 percent of pericardial mesothelioma patients are claimed by the disease within six months of diagnosis. One patient survived five years following treatment of partial surgical resection and radiation. One other patient survived one year after a similar treatment approach.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

Symptoms for pericardial mesothelioma can be very similar to other heart conditions, making it difficult to diagnose.

An additional problem is that the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other heart conditions, and this makes the cancer relatively difficult to diagnose quickly. A pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis may require a variety of tests to confirm the presence of cancer.

As with all other forms of mesothelioma, symptoms do not arise until later stages of cancer development. All asbestos-related diseases exhibit a latency period while the asbestos fibers slowly cause cellular damage within the exposed person's body. It typically takes decades for the lodged asbestos fibers to cause enough cellular damage to result in disease. Once cancerous changes have taken place in the cells, reporduction of those cells can lead to the accumulation of tumors and onset of symptoms..

Most pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are caused by the build-up of fluid and the thickening of pericardial layers. The following symptoms may indicate pericardial mesothelioma.

• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Chest pain
• Murmurs
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing, even when at rest (dyspnea)
• Orthopnea (dyspnea which occurs when lying down)
• Fatigue
• Fever or night sweats

Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A fast and accurate diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult, due to the non-specificity of the symptoms of this type of cancer.

X-Rays, CT Scans, and biopsies are often used to help diagnose pericardial mesothelioma.

To diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, a patient's symptoms, medical history, and current medical condition must all be assessed. The initial stages of diagnosis involve taking a medical history and undergoing a thorough physical examination.

Following these initial steps, a variety of imaging tests may be required to determine exactly where cancer is located. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been found to be the most effective at assessing the disease and determining the extent of its development. The final stage of diagnosis typically involves a biopsy to confirm the point of origin of the cancer. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue or fluid from the pericardium, followed by laboratory tests of the tissue and fluid to confirm the presence of mesothelioma.

In sum, medical professional typically take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing this disease, recommending analysis of gross appearance, proteins of cancerous cells and electron microscopy.

How Does Asbestos Cause Pericardial Mesothelioma?

It has long been known that pleural mesothelioma , which develops in the lining of the lungs, is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. However, the way in which asbestos causes the development of pericardial mesothelioma is not very well understood. Scientific research has yet to reveal a clear correlation between this disease and exposure to asbestos, but a number of patients with pericardial mesothelioma have a history of asbestos exposure.

Some experts believe that inhaled asbestos fibers travel via the bloodstream from the lungs to the heart, although there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.

What is known is that asbestos fibers somehow become lodged in the pericardial membranes that surround the heart. When this occurs, the body experiences extreme difficulty in eliminating the asbestos fibers and they can remain stuck in the membranes. Over a long period of time, sometimes two decades or more, the asbestos fibers cause the cells of the pericardium to undergo changes that may result in cancer.

Once cells become cancerous they begin to divide more rapidly, without the restraint that regulates the growth cycles of normal healthy cells. As these malignant pericardial mesothelioma cells continue to grow they lead to the thickening of the pericardial membranes, and eventually cause tumors to develop. These changes in the pericardial membrane lead to the build-up of fluid between the pericardial layers, which, combined with the thickening of the layers, puts pressure on the heart.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
3. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003062-pdf.pdf

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Of the 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States annually, 10 to 20 percent of the patients are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen, in the mesothelial cells that form a layer called the peritoneum.

In an effort to help patients understand peritoneal mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a complimentary packet that contains treatment information tailored to your specific diagnosis. The packet also covers the nation's top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.

Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum

Once asbestos is inhaled it can affect many of the body's different organs including the throat, lungs, stomach, heart and testicles.

The peritoneum is a membranous layer that is made up of two sub-layers called the parietal and visceral layers. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds abdominal organs. Together these two layers provide support and protection for abdominal organs and the abdominal cavity as a whole.

Mesothelioma of the abdomen, like all types of mesothelioma, is caused by asbestos exposure. Though it can take many years for a patient to demonstrate symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer develops when the asbestos fibers become lodged in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

A patient with peritoneal mesothelioma may not demonstrate symptoms of the cancer for 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure since it often takes years for mesothelioma to manifest. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, asbestos fibers travel into the peritoneal layers where they cause irritation and inflammation and the development of cancerous cells which divide and grow uncontrollably. The cells cause thickening of the peritoneum and fluid build-up in the peritoneal layers. As the cancerous cells continue to divide overtime, tumors start to form. Most peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are caused by this membrane thickening, fluid build-up, and eventual tumor development - all of which put pressure on internal organs.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation)
• Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
• Night sweats or fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Anemia

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis

X-rays are the most common scans used to help diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma.

A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. The process begins with a thorough examination of a patient’s medical history and physical condition, followed by sophisticated diagnostic testing such as imaging and fluid and tissue tests.

Imaging tests such as x-rays or CT scans are used to detect any abnormalities in the body and a biopsy is usually performed to confirm that the cancer involved is indeed mesothelioma. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal of fluid or tissue from the peritoneum.

After the biopsy, the fluid and tissue is tested in a laboratory for the presence of mesothelioma cells. If the biopsy returned reveals that a patient has peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor, together with the patient, will detail a treatment plan.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatments

Though treating peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult since the cancer has typically progressed to later stages of development, doctors typically recommend treatment to patients to combat the cancer and aid in pain relief. Common treatments used for patients with mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation . Chemotherapy medications and radiation therapy target and kill cancerous cells that rapidly divide.

While no known cure for peritoneal mesothelioma exists, patients may elect to undergo a combination of treatments or participate in clinical trials to alleviate pain and increase the quality of life. Clinical trials are studies that qualifying patients may participate to test up-and-coming medications and treatments. All potential treatment options and medications must go through clinical trials before they are deemed safe and effective.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is just one effective form of peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

Some peritoneal mesothelioma patients may opt for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, where medications are injected directly into the peritoneum immediately following surgery. In some cases, patients may first go through radiation therapy to shrink tumors before undergoing surgery.

Many patients, however, are not good candidates for surgery since mesothelioma has often spread too extensively or because the patient’s general health is too poor to cope with the stress of surgery. These patients may elect to participate in palliative treatment options that do not attempt to cure a patient, but work to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

How Does Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

There are two main theories regarding how asbestos exposure leads to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane.
• Asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.

Regardless of how asbestos fibers actually enter the peritoneal layers, once they do enter the membrane, the body experiences difficulty in expelling them. The fibers become trapped in the peritoneal membrane, and over a period of two or more decades, cause certain changes in the mesothelial cells of the peritoneum.

The exact way in which asbestos fibers cause changes in these mesothelial cells is uncertain. One theory is that asbestos fibers cause long-term inflammation and irritation that eventually causes mesothelial cells to become cancerous. When cells become cancerous, they lose the ability to regulate their own division and growth. Cancerous mesothelial cells divide and grow without restraint, and this uncontrolled cell growth causes thickening of the peritoneum, and the build-up of fluid in the peritoneal layers. Overtime, as cancerous cells continue to divide, tumors form.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
3. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003062-pdf.pdf

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium (a membrane that lines many of the body’s organs and cavities). In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the cancer develops in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura or pleural membrane. Although a mesothelioma prognosis is typically poor for the majority of patients, some who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies to improve life expectancy.

In an effort to help patients understand pleural mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a complimentary packet that contains treatment information tailored to your specific diagnosis. The packet also covers the nation's top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs. To receive your packet in the mail, please enter your information below.

Mesothelioma of the Lung

The pleura is comprised of two layers, which provide support and protection for the lungs and chest cavity. The outer layer, or the parietal layer, lines the entire chest cavity and the diaphragm. The inner layer, or visceral layer, covers the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma typically develops in one layer, but can metastasize, or spread, to the other layer. If the cancer spreads to distant locations, the mesothelioma prognosis can become poorer.

Like all mesothelioma cancers, pleural mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and develops when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Once trapped in the body, asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally, resulting in the thickening of the pleural membrane. This has the potential to encourage build-up of fluid (called pleural effusion). The fluid begins to place pressure on the lungs and the respiratory system in general, preventing normal breathing. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are largely caused by these developments and may include the following:

Pleural mesothelioma specifically develops in the pleural lining of the lungs.

• Persistent dry or raspy cough
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
• Shortness of breath that occurs even when at rest (dyspnea)
• Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing
• Development of lumps under the skin on the chest
• Night sweats or fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

As with other types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because symptoms do not typically arise for some time after initial asbestos exposure occurs. Additionally, since the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are typical of many illnesses, the condition is often mistaken for less threatening diseases such as influenza and pneumonia.

X-rays or CT-Scans are often used to diagnose pleural mesothelioma.

A pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is made partly on the basis of symptoms, but additional diagnostic tests are needed to confirm the presence of cancer. Following a medical history review and physical examination, patients typically undergo imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to confirm the location of cancer. A patient also usually undergoes fluid and tissue tests, known as biopsies, to confirm the type of cancer involved. Generally, the earlier a patient is diagnosed, the greater their mesothelioma prognosis may be.

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatments

The on-going development of new drugs and detection techniques is improving the outlook for patients with pleural mesothelioma. Since pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, more research and knowledge about this type of mesothelioma is available to utilize when discussing a treatment plan.

In general, pleural mesothelioma patients have three options: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Typically, patients will receive a combination of two or more of these types of treatment.

Understanding available treatment options is very important to patients and their loved ones. We offer a complimentary informational packet detailing treatment options for pleural mesothelioma patients. Click here to receive your packet overnight or call 800-615-2270 to speak with a patient and family advocate available at no charge to answer questions and offer guidance.

Early detection of pleural mesothelioma can significantly improve a patient's mesothelioma prognosis and treatment options. If the disease is diagnosed early enough, surgery to remove localized tumors followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be an effective treatment. Curative surgery candidates must be in a good general state of health, and their cancer must not have spread beyond localized sections of the lungs.

Mesothelioma Prognosis

When mesothelioma is diagnosed before the cancer has greatly progressed, a patient is typically in the first stages of mesothelioma. Doctors typically address the seriousness of cancer in terms of stages ranging from one to four, with the level of the cancer’s progression increasing with each stage. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in stage one or two generally have greater treatment options and a better prognosis.

According to some current studies, approximately 10 percent of all pleural mesothelioma patients will survive for three to five years following diagnosis, and about 5 percent will survive five years or more.

Pleural mesothelioma patients who are not diagnosed early enough for curative treatment have fewer treatment options, mostly limited to palliative treatments, designed to relieve pain and discomfort to improve a patient's quality of life, rather than their prognosis. Palliative treatments include removal of built-up fluid from the pleural spaces, and surgical removal of tumors to relieve pressure on the lungs.

How Does Asbestos Cause Pleural Mesothelioma?

In cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure occurs via inhalation of asbestos fibers. Once these fibers have entered the lungs, they work their way to the pleural membrane, and the body experiences great difficulty in expelling the fibers. Over a long period of time - typically two decades or more - asbestos fibers cause changes in these pleural cells, which may cause scarring of the lungs and, eventually, the formation of tumors.

When pleural cells become cancerous, they are no longer regulated by the mechanisms that control division of normal healthy cells. They begin to divide continuously, and this causes thickening of pleural membranes. As a result, lung capacity is reduced, and fluid begins to build up between pleural layers.

Sources:

1. Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
2. Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
3. Castleman, B. Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects. Aspen Publishers: New York. 2005.
4. http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=4473
5. http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003062-pdf.pdf

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once an individual has been diagnosed by a qualified mesothelioma doctor, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing mesothelioma and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients often have many questions for their doctors about the treatment options that would be most effective for them. Conventional treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiatin and chemotherapy. Recently, chemotherapy drugs including Alimta® and Cisplatin have showed promising results in some patients. Mesothelioma clinical trials as well as experimental treatments are other options that certain mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma experts such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of cancer centers where mesothelioma treatment takes place. Beyond the conventional treatments for mesothelioma, certain alternative therapies may provide assistance to mesothelioma patients. We continually update this section of our site as new mesothelioma treatment information becomes available. Check back often to read about the most recent advances.

Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart.

An individual may be at risk to develop mesothelioma if he or she was exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of asbestos particles. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those with a past asbestos exposure history experiencing symptoms should consult a physician with experience in accurately diagnosing mesothelioma. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be caught at an early stage. At earlier stages of mesothelioma progression, more treatment options are available and oftentimes a better prognosis is given. Additional mesothelioma information and statistics can be found in this section.