Mesothelioma Is Not Lung Cancer
ByWhen nonseroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, are combined with Piroxicam and cisplatin (CDDP) they produce an anti-tumoral treatment of cancerous cells, specifically malignant mesothelioma cancer cells. These results, published in May 2008 in the Journal of Translational Medicine, are getting plenty of attention by both scientists as well as victims of mesothelioma cancer. Prior to this study, the prognosis for malignant mesothelioma cancer was grim, even at best, but now, researchers are breaking open a can of worms that may provide treatment for the deadly cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust.
While this study offers a slice of hope for victims, the further research is required. Scientists with this study also found that the potential for determining a specific molecular target of mesothelioma cells, because of these drugs’ anti-tumor effects, could lead to advances in therapy treatments of the deadly cancer.
What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer?
There are several varieties of mesothelioma cancer, however, malignant mesothelioma is considered one of the most lethal. According to the study, “prognosis is poor and patients have a median survival of a few months in either treated or untreated cases.” Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer with malignant cancer cells forming on the sac lining of the chest or abdomen, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is often associated with exposure to airborne asbestos particles and fibers, which increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma developing in an individual.
Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is often marked by several symptoms including lumps in abdomen, weight loss, pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and difficulties breathing. The cancer can also often cause fluid retention in the abdomen or around the lungs. The cancer often has symptoms similar to other conditions making misdiagnosis of the condition common.
Medical professionals have even admitted that malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are very similar and differentiating between the two is difficult, however, there is an array of tests that physicians can use to increase the potential for a more accurate diagnosis. Tests for diagnosis may include the patient enduring physical exams, chest x-rays, biopsy of body tissues, getting a complete blood count (CBC), cytologic exam, which is an exam of cells under a microscope, or a bronchoscopy procedure where a bronchoscope is inserted into the nose or mouth for a better view of airways.
Diagnosing and Treating Malignant Mesothelioma
While treatments for mesothelioma are rare in and of themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat malignant mesothelioma because of the severity of the condition. However, medical professionals take into consideration several factors prior to treatment to determine a patient’s prognosis. The following is a detailed list of these factors, according to the NCI:
* The stage of cancer, which includes stage I or localized malignant mesothelioma or advanced malignant mesothelioma that includes stage II, stage III and stage IV.
* The size of a tumor.
* Potential for tumor removal through a surgical procedure.
* The amount of fluid gathered in the chest or abdomen.
* A victim’s age, physical health and previous health issues.
* Type of mesothelioma cancer.
* Whether a cancer is diagnosed as reoccurring or not.
Often, cancer may spread through the lymph system, blood stream or other bodily tissues.
Treatments for malignant mesothelioma can range from surgery to therapy, including chemotherapy and biological therapy to clinical trials, although the outcome is based on the progression of the cancer and most often, individuals are not aware of their condition until it reaches an advanced and, usually, an untreatable stage.
Asbestos Exposure and What to Do
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used heavily in a range of building materials from vinyl flooring to insulation. It was prized for its inexpensive production costs and fire-retardant ability making it ideal among construction companies. Unfortunately, the inhalation of high levels of asbestos dust and fibers contributed to the development of mesothelioma cancer.
Unfortunately, this discovery came far too late, as millions of Americans working in the industry were exposed and millions more continue to remain at risk for exposure as asbestos still exists in homes, schools, apartment complexes and dozens of other types of buildings across the country. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos particles and fibers should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If mesothelioma is the outcome it is advisable for a patient to receive consultation from an experienced mesothelioma attorney, as the potential for a mesothelioma lawsuit may exist with the opportunity for monetary compensation.
Watch the video related to Mesothelioma Cancer
In this video, Dr. Case describes the differences between mesothelioma cancer and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos and is around the lung, while lung cancer is inside the lung. Shown with graphics.
Help answer the question about Mesothelioma Cancer
With the cancer mesothelioma, what effect does metastasis to the lymph nodes have on the patient?I'm doing some research and have heard that it's common for mesothelioma, in more advanced stages, to metastasize to the lungs. What symptoms does this cause for the patient?
Thank you in advance.
Whoops, I meant lymph nodes, not lungs. And I am aware what metastasis means, I'm just wondering what metastasis particularly to the lymph nodes would cause.
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11 Comments
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 am
For great information on mesothelioma go to: discussmesothelioma.blogspot,com
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 am
wow you graduated med school?
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:37 am
Shortness of breath is the main first symptom. Fatigue, weight loss, and a dry cough are also symptoms. My mom died from mesothelioma in 2006.
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 am
Dear Raviela I am NOT a doctor, but I do know cancer, all types including Mesothelioma, and i will be honest where most doctors will not be….
Based on what you are telling me here, it is time to call in Hospice since the chemotherapy is not doing anything and this cancer is spreading… There is nothing that can be done and Celebrex in NOT for lung cancer especially Mesothelioma… Also, the radiogrequency ablation will NOT help your husband since his cancer is SO VERY FAR ADVANCED…..
The way to help him now is to call in Hospice, stop all treatments, let Hospice keep him as pain-free and comfortable as possible… It is almost inhumane to keep hoping for a cure when for this type and stage of his cancer, there is NO CURE….
You did not mention here anything about where he use to work, did he work or live in an environment where asbestos was prominent etc…. I would also contact a good attorney who will handle a Mesothelioma law suit for you if you husband worked around asbestos etc…. Asbestos is the MAJOR cause of Mesothelioma in patients with this type of lung cancer….
You can refer to this blog which show you a articles and videos of Mesothelioma and Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers
http://the-cancer-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post.html
Mesothelioma article:
http://the-cancer-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/
Texas Mesothelioma
http://the-cancer-mesothelioma.blogspot.com/2009/05/texas-mesothelioma-lawyer-asbestos.html
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:29 am
This would depend on the severity of the asbestosis, i.e. some sufferers can have a mild widespread scarring of the lungs over a life time. However smokers who continue smoking after they have been diagnosed with asbestosis have a fifty five percent higher chance of developing cancer and mesothelioma – particularly if the person smokes more than 20 per day.
Tobacco smoke and asbestos both contribute to each other’s cancer-causing carcinogenic effects, hence, both risk factors combined is more dangerous than the effects of one risk factor alone.
November 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
Most people with lung cancer do not need the entire lung removed and undergo a lobectomy. However mesothelioma is not your typical lung cancer and does not arise from the lung, but from the pleural around the lung. In early stage disease if all of the tumor cannot be removed without removing the lung then they will do a pneumonectomy. The best chance for cure is to do an extrapleural pneumonectomy. This is a very extensive surgery and should only be carried out by surgeons with great expertise in evaluating patients and performing the procedure itself. Best wishes I hope everything goes well for you.
November 3rd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I hated the old one that used to come on like 4 years ago.It came on so often i had the whole commercial memorized to the word.
Iv never tried that…im to impatiait
November 4th, 2009 at 6:42 am
By the time you have advanced cancer, if it ever happens to you, remember all these funny little questions you asked .
Cancer hurts, so you take meds and it hurts, so you take more meds and it is so painful that you cannot think straight and you don't care what it is or where it is until the pain can go away.
Satisfied?
November 4th, 2009 at 8:13 am
It would cause an avenue tor the cancer to spread to other areas of the body. This is a highly lethal disease. Less than 10% survive 5 years.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I understand where you are coming from. You just want the facts not someone to try to make you feel better (as if that is possible at this point). Although I deal with cancer everyday I really don’t know the answer to your question and honestly his oncologist would know the answer specifically to your grandfather better than anyone. However, I am on my way to a tumor board now and will ask one of the oncologist when I’m there and edit my answer when I return.
EDIT: According to one of my oncologists most often death is due to heart failure.
Now for the rest of your question., there is a small chance the new chemo may help pull him out of this for awhile, but it is more likely this is the beginning of the end. You will know when he loses weight, sleeps more, tires easily, coloring changes, gets confused and he doesn’t want to eat or drink much.
You may want to look into hospice so that when you and your family are ready, you have a plan. They help the entire family not just the patient and they are wonderful people. I am very sorry you and your grandfather have to go through this. May God bless both of you.
November 5th, 2009 at 2:28 am
Peritoneal Mesotheliomas are not plaques as they are in the lungs, but are tumour like nodules within the peritoneal space (a part of the stomach) They can vary in size, and also in colour such as – white, red, yellow-tan, pink, or grey.
Kind regards,
Ann.
More info on my mesothelioma website . .