Health
Breakthrough on asbestos disease
Asbestos is highly dangerous
Doctors are developing the first ever effective treatment for the respiratory disease mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a disease of the lung lining and chest wall contracted from exposure to asbestos. It is responsible for as many deaths as cervical cancer.
The disease has traditionally viewed as untreatable and incurable, but speakers at the British Thoracic Society (BTS) summer meeting in Southampton on Thursday will outline medical and surgical advances that suggest otherwise.
They will highlight recent trials which show that chemotherapy treatment improves the symptoms of mesothelioma, while a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery can produce prolonged survival, if the disease is detected early.
In the preliminary results of a recent study of 19 patients at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, nearly half (47%) of patients with advanced malignant mesothelioma experienced improved respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and chest pain after receiving simple out-patient based chemotherapy. There were few side effects.
In a separate study the life expectancy of 31 patients who underwent a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery was extended by two to five years.
Surgery involves the removal of the whole of the affected lung and the membranes surrounding it. Doctors may also need to remove the membranes surrounding the heart, and the diaphragm, the muscle associated with breathing.
21st century problem
[ image: Chemotherapy works in combination with other treatments]
Chemotherapy works in combination with other treatments
Dr Robin Rudd, BTS member and lung specialist from St Bartholomew's Hospital and the London Chest Hospital, said: "Despite much stricter regulations on asbestos use, mesothelioma will still be contracted into the new century as a result of its long latency period.
"This emphasises the importance of developing effective treatment and recent developments suggest that we are beginning to make progress."
Mesothelioma is most common in men born in the 1940s, who worked in construction and building maintenance.
It is predicted to be the cause of one per cent of all deaths of men in this group by the year 2020.
In 1996 there were 1,301 deaths from mesothelioma in the UK.
The disease can take up to 35 years to develop from the point that asbestos is first breathed in.
The asbestos fibres irritate the tissues of the lung and cause inflammation which eventually leads to the development of malignant tumours.
Death usually occurs 12-18 months after the first onset of symptoms.
The supply, marketing and use of brown and blue asbestos - the most potent forms of asbestos - were banned in 1985 under The Asbestos Prohibition Regulations.
The Health and Safety Executive recently amended the regulations regarding working with asbestos to increase the protection for people still working with the material.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Mesothelioma Treatment - Part I
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen.
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.
Anatomy of the respiratory system, showing the trachea and both lungs and their lobes and airways. Lymph nodes and the diaphragm are also shown. Oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and passes through the thin membranes of the alveoli and into the bloodstream (see inset).
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor.
Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur. Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include the following:
* Living with a person who works near asbestos.
* Being exposed to a certain virus.
Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.
Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or in the abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
* Trouble breathing.
* Pain under the rib cage.
* Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
* Lumps in the abdomen.
* Weight loss for no known reason.
Tests that examine the inside of the chest and abdomen are used to detect (find) and diagnose malignant mesothelioma.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. The following tests and procedures may be used:
* Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits, exposure to asbestos, past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
* Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
X-ray of the chest. X-rays are used to take pictures of organs and bones of the chest. X-rays pass through the patient onto film.
* Complete blood count (CBC): A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:
o The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
o The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells.
o The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells.
* Sedimentation rate: A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube.
* Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues from the pleura or peritoneum so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. Procedures used to collect the cells or tissues include the following:
o Fine-needle (FNA) aspiration biopsy: The removal of tissue or fluid using a thin needle.
Lung biopsy. The patient lies on a table that slides through the computed tomography (CT) machine which takes x-ray pictures of the inside of the body. The x-ray pictures help the doctor see where the abnormal tissue is in the lung. A biopsy needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the area of abnormal lung tissue. A small piece of tissue is removed through the needle and checked under the microscope for signs of cancer.
o Thoracoscopy: An incision (cut) is made between two ribs and a thoracoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted into the chest.
o Peritoneoscopy: An incision (cut) is made in the abdominal wall and a peritoneoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted into the abdomen.
o Laparotomy: An incision (cut) is made in the wall of the abdomen to check the inside of the abdomen for signs of disease.
o Thoracotomy: An incision (cut) is made between two ribs to check inside the chest for signs of disease.
* Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look inside the trachea and large airways in the lung for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. A bronchoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
Bronchoscopy. A bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth, trachea, and major bronchi into the lung, to look for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a cutting tool. Tissue samples may be taken to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
* Cytologic exam: An exam of cells under a microscope (by a pathologist) to check for anything abnormal. For mesothelioma, fluid is taken from around the lungs or from the abdomen. A pathologist checks the cells in the fluid.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
* The stage of the cancer.
* The size of the tumor.
* Whether the tumor can be removed completely by surgery.
* The amount of fluid in the chest or abdomen.
* The patient's age and general health, including lung and heart health.
* The type of mesothelioma cancer cells and how they look under a microscope.
* Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.
Anatomy of the respiratory system, showing the trachea and both lungs and their lobes and airways. Lymph nodes and the diaphragm are also shown. Oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and passes through the thin membranes of the alveoli and into the bloodstream (see inset).
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn’t mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor.
Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur. Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include the following:
* Living with a person who works near asbestos.
* Being exposed to a certain virus.
Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.
Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or in the abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
* Trouble breathing.
* Pain under the rib cage.
* Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
* Lumps in the abdomen.
* Weight loss for no known reason.
Tests that examine the inside of the chest and abdomen are used to detect (find) and diagnose malignant mesothelioma.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. The following tests and procedures may be used:
* Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits, exposure to asbestos, past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
* Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
X-ray of the chest. X-rays are used to take pictures of organs and bones of the chest. X-rays pass through the patient onto film.
* Complete blood count (CBC): A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:
o The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
o The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells.
o The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells.
* Sedimentation rate: A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube.
* Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues from the pleura or peritoneum so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. Procedures used to collect the cells or tissues include the following:
o Fine-needle (FNA) aspiration biopsy: The removal of tissue or fluid using a thin needle.
Lung biopsy. The patient lies on a table that slides through the computed tomography (CT) machine which takes x-ray pictures of the inside of the body. The x-ray pictures help the doctor see where the abnormal tissue is in the lung. A biopsy needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the area of abnormal lung tissue. A small piece of tissue is removed through the needle and checked under the microscope for signs of cancer.
o Thoracoscopy: An incision (cut) is made between two ribs and a thoracoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted into the chest.
o Peritoneoscopy: An incision (cut) is made in the abdominal wall and a peritoneoscope (a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted into the abdomen.
o Laparotomy: An incision (cut) is made in the wall of the abdomen to check the inside of the abdomen for signs of disease.
o Thoracotomy: An incision (cut) is made between two ribs to check inside the chest for signs of disease.
* Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look inside the trachea and large airways in the lung for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. A bronchoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a tool to remove tissue samples, which are checked under a microscope for signs of cancer.
Bronchoscopy. A bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth, trachea, and major bronchi into the lung, to look for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a cutting tool. Tissue samples may be taken to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
* Cytologic exam: An exam of cells under a microscope (by a pathologist) to check for anything abnormal. For mesothelioma, fluid is taken from around the lungs or from the abdomen. A pathologist checks the cells in the fluid.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
* The stage of the cancer.
* The size of the tumor.
* Whether the tumor can be removed completely by surgery.
* The amount of fluid in the chest or abdomen.
* The patient's age and general health, including lung and heart health.
* The type of mesothelioma cancer cells and how they look under a microscope.
* Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
Meso
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the membrane that covers and protects various internal organs of the body (mesothelium). The mesothelium is composed of two layers of specialized cells known as mesothelial cells. One layer directly surrounds an organ; the other forms a protective sac around the organ. The most common form of mesothelioma affects the membrane or sac that lines the lungs (pleura). Other common sites include the membrane lining the stomach (peritoneum) and the membrane lining the heart (pericardium).
The term "cancer" refers to a group of diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cellular growth (e.g., mesothelial cells) that invades surrounding tissues and may spread (metastasize) to distant bodily tissues or organs via the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, or other means. Different forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, may be classified based upon the cell type involved, the specific nature of the malignancy, the tissues or organs affected, and the disease's clinical course. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending upon the location, type and stage of the cancer. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of cases of mesothelioma result from exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until up to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. However, after symptoms began apparent, mesothelioma may rapidly progress to cause life-threatening complications.
Resources
American Cancer Society, Inc.
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
USA
Tel: 4043203333
Tel: 8002272345
Internet: http://www.cancer.org
American Lung Association
61 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10006
USA
Tel: 2123158700
Fax: 2123158870
Tel: 8005864872
Internet: http://www.lungusa.org
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Blvd, MSC 8322, Room 3036A
Bethesda, MD 20892-8322
USA
Tel: 3014353848
Tel: 8004226237
TDD: 8003328615
Internet: http://www.cancer.gov
Canadian Cancer Society
10 Alcorn Avenue
Suite 200
Toronto
Toronto, M4V 3B1
Canada
Tel: (416) 961-7223
Fax: (416) 961-4189
Tel: (888) 939-3333
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Internet: http://www.cancer.ca/
Cancer Care, Inc.
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Tel: (212)302-2400
Fax: (212)719-0263
Tel: (800)813-4673
Email: info@cancercare.org
Internet: http://www.cancercare.org
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Inc.
3944 State Street
Suite 340
Santa Barbara, CA 93190-1840
USA
Tel: 8055638400
Fax: 8055638411
Tel: 8773636376
Email: j-wayne@marf.org
Internet: http://www.curemeso.org
Rare Cancer Alliance
1649 North Pacana Way
Green Valley, AZ 85614
USA
Tel: 5206255495
Fax: 6155264921
Email: sharon.lane@rare-cancer.org
Internet: http://www.rare-cancer.org
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
1525 Aviation Boulevard
Suite 318
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Tel: (310)480-2989
Fax: (310)798-9235
Email: info@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
Internet: http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
Friends of Cancer Research
2231 Crystal Drive
Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22202
Tel: (703)302-1503
Fax: (703)302-1568
Email: info@focr.org
Internet: http://www.focr.org
People Living With Cancer
1900 Duke Street
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703)299-0150
Fax: (703)684-8618
Tel: (888)651-3038
Email: contactus@plwc.org
Internet: http://www.plwc.org
Wellness Community
919 18th Street N.W.
Suite 54
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202)659-9709
Fax: (202)659-9301
Tel: (888)793-9355
Email: help@thewellnesscommunity.org
Internet: http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org
Lance Armstrong Foundation
PO Box 161550
Austin, TX 78716-1150
Tel: (512)236-8820
Fax: (512)236-8482
Tel: (866)235-7205
Internet: http://www.livestrong.org
The term "cancer" refers to a group of diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cellular growth (e.g., mesothelial cells) that invades surrounding tissues and may spread (metastasize) to distant bodily tissues or organs via the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, or other means. Different forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, may be classified based upon the cell type involved, the specific nature of the malignancy, the tissues or organs affected, and the disease's clinical course. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending upon the location, type and stage of the cancer. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of cases of mesothelioma result from exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until up to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. However, after symptoms began apparent, mesothelioma may rapidly progress to cause life-threatening complications.
Resources
American Cancer Society, Inc.
1599 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
USA
Tel: 4043203333
Tel: 8002272345
Internet: http://www.cancer.org
American Lung Association
61 Broadway, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10006
USA
Tel: 2123158700
Fax: 2123158870
Tel: 8005864872
Internet: http://www.lungusa.org
National Cancer Institute
6116 Executive Blvd, MSC 8322, Room 3036A
Bethesda, MD 20892-8322
USA
Tel: 3014353848
Tel: 8004226237
TDD: 8003328615
Internet: http://www.cancer.gov
Canadian Cancer Society
10 Alcorn Avenue
Suite 200
Toronto
Toronto, M4V 3B1
Canada
Tel: (416) 961-7223
Fax: (416) 961-4189
Tel: (888) 939-3333
Email: ccs@cancer.ca
Internet: http://www.cancer.ca/
Cancer Care, Inc.
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Tel: (212)302-2400
Fax: (212)719-0263
Tel: (800)813-4673
Email: info@cancercare.org
Internet: http://www.cancercare.org
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Inc.
3944 State Street
Suite 340
Santa Barbara, CA 93190-1840
USA
Tel: 8055638400
Fax: 8055638411
Tel: 8773636376
Email: j-wayne@marf.org
Internet: http://www.curemeso.org
Rare Cancer Alliance
1649 North Pacana Way
Green Valley, AZ 85614
USA
Tel: 5206255495
Fax: 6155264921
Email: sharon.lane@rare-cancer.org
Internet: http://www.rare-cancer.org
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
1525 Aviation Boulevard
Suite 318
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Tel: (310)480-2989
Fax: (310)798-9235
Email: info@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
Internet: http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
Friends of Cancer Research
2231 Crystal Drive
Suite 200
Arlington, VA 22202
Tel: (703)302-1503
Fax: (703)302-1568
Email: info@focr.org
Internet: http://www.focr.org
People Living With Cancer
1900 Duke Street
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (703)299-0150
Fax: (703)684-8618
Tel: (888)651-3038
Email: contactus@plwc.org
Internet: http://www.plwc.org
Wellness Community
919 18th Street N.W.
Suite 54
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: (202)659-9709
Fax: (202)659-9301
Tel: (888)793-9355
Email: help@thewellnesscommunity.org
Internet: http://www.thewellnesscommunity.org
Lance Armstrong Foundation
PO Box 161550
Austin, TX 78716-1150
Tel: (512)236-8820
Fax: (512)236-8482
Tel: (866)235-7205
Internet: http://www.livestrong.org
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