All, the you need to know about treatment of Mesothelioma Cancer

The modern world knows that it is very difficult to diagnose mesothelioma, not to speak about curing it. Since it is an aggressive form of cancer patients and their families find themselves at a loss regarding the matter of treatment. But it is an issue which demands urgent attention considering the number of steady rise in the number of mesothelioma patients.
As in the case of any disease timely diagnosis is crucial in the treatments of mesothelioma. Once the doctors understand the stage disease, they can decide upon the course of treatment to be followed. The main factor to be understood is whether the cancer has spread or not. Even though research work is in progress, till now there is no cure for the disease except surgery. But it is a sad state of affair in the case of these cancer patients, it must have spread beyond the point where it could be removed surgically. Hence active symptom control is the only alternative left.
Radiotherapy is popularly used as part of the treatment to control symptoms of the disease. Along with that Chemotherapy is also used for the same purpose and for slowing down the growth of mesothelioma. A patient suffering from this type of cancer will be looked after by a multidisciplinary team rather than a single specialist. This specialist team includes surgeons who are experienced in chest surgery, nurses who give information and support, oncologists (radiotherapy and chemotherapy specialists), symptom control specialists, radiologists who help to analyze x-rays, pathologists who give advice on the type and extent of cancer etc. Other staff like physiotherapists, counselors and psychologists, social workers, dieticians etc will be readily available for help. Depending on the age, general health and impact of the disease on the person, together they decide the course of treatment to be followed.
Though the treatment to be followed will be decided by a team of cancer specialists, it is always better to go for a second opinion treatment. The second opinion may cause a delay in starting the treatment. But the doctor and the patient should have the confidence that it would be beneficial. How ever, before the treatment starts, the team has to get the consent of the patient. He should be made aware of the type and extent of the treatment, its advantages and disadvantages, significant risks or side effects and information regarding other treatment that can be availed.
Mostly people are afraid of cancer treatment thinking of its side effects. But these side effects can be controlled with medicines.The potential benefits of the treatment will vary from person to person. For those who are in the early stage of the disease, surgery and radiotherapy can be considered with the aim of curing the disease. Even some who are in the advanced stage may respond to the treatment well resulting in controlling the symptoms, thereby leading a better quality of life. But for some unlucky ones the treatment will bring only side effects without any relief in the symptoms. Any how the decision to carry on with the treatment will be difficult to make when the aim is controlling cancer and not curing it.


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Overview about Mesothelioma treatment options

Mesothelioma treatment options depend on many internal factors such as: stage, location, and the patient's age and desires. Important external factors to consider include the experience level of the oncologist with mesothelioma cases and whether or not a rural dweller would have to be transferred to a larger city for aggressive treatment or palliative care.
Patient survival rate is determined to be up to a year; while some leading cancer centers have reported life expectancy after diagnosis to be as much as five more years.
Screening
Imaging tests allow doctors to see a picture of the cancer site. These tests could include x-rays, CT scans (computed tomography), or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
New Screening Instrument: The Mesomark Test
The Food and Drug administration has just approved (January 2007) the world's first in-vitro test for mesothelioma. The Mesomark assay test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics is administered to patients diagnosed with biphasic or epithelioid mesothelioma by a simple blood test. The test measures proteins within the blood that reflect changes in the patient's tumor volume, a key factor for monitoring patient status and response to therapies.
Traditional Treatment Types
Surgery, removal of the entire lung and a part of the chest lining, the diaphragm and part of the sac surrounding the heart.
Thoracoscopy is the insertion of an endoscope which is a small narrow tube, containing a tiny cameria into the pleural cavity to look directly at the tumor. Pathologist's perform a biopsy to collect a tissue. Often, chemical pleurodesis (draining fluid in the intrapleural space), can be accomplished during the same procedure.
Mediastinoscopy, another type of surgical incision is sometimes used to stage the extent of disease when enlarged nodes are seen using imaging techniques.
Laproscopy is used in mesothelioma patients when imaging techniques suggest that the tumor has penetrated through the diaphragm. This information is important in evaluating a patient for potential pleurectomy or extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Radiation Therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Radiation - Although mesothelioma tumors are highly resistant to radiotherapy, these treatments are sometimes used to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel.
Radiotherapy is commonly applied to the sites of chest drain insertion, in order to prevent the growth of the tumor along the track in the chest wall.
Chemotherapy - is used to stop the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
Immunotherapy: Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy requires the removal as much of the tumor as possible followed by the direct administration of a heated between (40 and 48°C) chemotherapy agent, into the abdomen for 60 to 120 minutes and then drained.
Palliative Procedures

Pleuroperitoneal Shunt is a procedure where a catheter is placed under the skin from the pleural to the peritoneal cavity. This procedure raising concerns as the catheter can cause damage by embedding itself into the abdomen.
Pleurectomy, a palliative procedure, may be performed when more extensive surgery is not an option. The procedure does not effectively remove all tumors. It is considered the most effective means of controlling pleural effusion (fluid buildup) in cases where the lung's expansion is restricted by the mesothelioma.
Potentially Curative Procedures
These procedures are performed with "curative intent".
Pleurectomy/Decortication is usually performed on patients with early stage pleural mesothelioma disease (Stage I and selected Stage II), and attempts to remove all gross tumor.
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy is surgery to remove a diseased lung, part of the pericardium, part of the diaphragm and part of the parietal pleura. This type of surgery is used most often to treat malignant mesothelioma and is combined with traditional chemotherapy and/or radiation, gene therapy, immunotherapy or photodynamic therapy.
Cytoreductive Surgery removes visible tumors in the peritoneal cavity. The remaining cancer cells are treated by Intra-Peritoneal Hyperthermic (heated) Chemotherapy (IPHC) and then delivered to the abdominal cavity.
New or Experimental Therapies
Gene Therapy: The best known tumor suppressor gene is called p53. If this gene is damaged or non existent oncogenes or cancer genes multiply at an abnormal rate. The main focus of gene therapy for mesothelioma involves injecting a virus that has been modified in the laboratory. The virus is injected into the pleural space in the chest, where mesothelioma develops as an attempt to kill the cancer cells.
Drug or Vaccine Therapy
Patients with mesothelioma have much higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) a chemical controlling blood vessel than people with any other type of cancer. Trials are being conducted to see if VEGF can be blocked, thus stopping the growth of blood vessels feeding the mesothelioma tumors.
Bevacizumab is a drug vaccine currently in use. One trial recently reported that this drug may increase survival for patients with lung cancer. An American phase 2 trial tested bevacizumab for mesothelioma, in combination with chemotherapy drugs. Bevacizumab is still in the experimental phase and much larger trials are needed before we will know how effective it will be in treating mesothelioma and other types of cancers.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
In Photodynamic therapy a drug called a photosensitizing agent is injected into the bloodstream and absorbed by the body's cells rendering the cells sensitive to light. When the area to be treated is exposed to laser light, the cells are killed. PDT has to be combined with surgery to treat patients in the early stages of mesothelioma. PDT is still in the trial stages and very experimental.
Clinical Trials and Eligibility
Clinical Trials provide research by using a sampling of people affected by the cancer. The National Cancer Institute states that the purpose of most listed clinical trials is to test new cancer treatments or new methods of diagnosing, screening for or preventing cancer.
Eligibility requirements for clinical trials are not the same; each study has specific guidelines for participation. Some trials allow participation after other treatments have failed, while others require that the patient did not have prior treatment. Choosing a clinical test should only be done after a medical consultation.
Prevention trials - study ways to reduce the risk, or chance, of developing cancer. Most prevention trials are conducted with healthy people who have not had cancer. These trials use drugs, vitamins or diet to reduce risk of cancer. Some trials are conducted with people who have had cancer and want to prevent the return of cancer (recurrence), or reduce the chance of developing a new type of cancer.
Screening Trials - study ways to detect cancer. They are often conducted to determine whether finding cancer before it causes symptoms decreases the chance of dying from the disease. These trials involve people who do not have any symptoms of cancer.
Diagnostic Cancer Trials - develops new tests or scans
Treatment Trials - studies new drugs or combinations of drugs; new ways of giving treatment, and new types of treatment
Quality of life trials explore ways to improve the comfort and quality of life of cancer patients and cancer survivors. These trials may study ways to help people who are experiencing nausea, vomiting, sleep disorders, depression, or other effects from cancer or its treatment.
Genetics Study Trials - are sometimes part of another cancer clinical trial. The genetics component of the trial may focus on how genetic makeup can affect detection, diagnosis, or response to cancer treatment.
Clinical trials are conducted in 4 phases:
Phase 1 trials look at whether a trial treatment drug is safe or has any harmful effects and attempts to establish the right dosage required.
Phase 2 trials look at the effectiveness of the treatment.
Phase 3 trials test a new treatment against the existing standard treatment. If it yields better results, it may become the new standard treatment.
Phase 4 trials are carried out after a drug has been licensed. They collect information about side effects, safety and the long term risks and benefits of a drug.
Ongoing research attempts to improve mesothelioma treatment options but clinical trials will not all result in new and better treatment. After testing, it may be discovered that the treatment being tested does not work, or that it has worse side affects than existing treatments. But, to researchers and doctors, and in the end for patients, it is crucial to keep this research going.

Primary peritoneal cancer - why every woman needs to know about this disease or else

Primary Peritoneal Cancer is a rare form of cancer (also known as peritoneal adenocarcinoma) that originates in the peritoneum, a thin sheet of fine lines inside the abdomen and covers the uterus and extends over the bladder and rectum. The peritoneum is comprised of epithelial cells. By producing a lubricating fluid, peritoneum, this helps organs move smoothly in the pelvic cavity. Primary peritoneal cancer looks and behaves like ovarian cancer but the ovaries are minimally involved. Women who develop symptoms of ovarian cancer unfortunately will probably end up with primary peritoneal cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the ovary. There are three types of ovarian tumors: epithelial cells, germ cells and the stromal cells. The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but there are certain risk factors that indicate an increased likelihood of a woman in developing ovarian cancer metastasis. A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. The following have been suggested as risk factors for ovarian cancer:

Early menstruation - starting periods at an early age usually before age 12
Late menopause (after 52 years of age)
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
Having a first child after age 30
Personal history of breast cancer or colon cancer
Family history of ovarian cancer
Some fertility drugs
Exposure to asbestos developing into mesothelioma tumor which affects the abdominal cavity.

The diagnosis of primary peritoneal cancer consists of the following different exams:

Pelvic Exam
Ultrasound
Determination of CA-125 (a blood test to measure the level of CA-125. CA-125 is a protein also known as a Tumor marker that is often found in greater concentrations in the blood of women suffering from ovarian cancer or cancer peritoneal)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Lower GI or barium enema (a series of X-rays of the colon and rectum. The photographs were taken after the patient receives an enema with a white, chalky solution containing barium, the colon and rectum on x-ray, making tumors or other abnormal areas easier to see and detect)
Biopsy

The treatment for Primary Peritoneal Cancer depends on several factors, including: the stage of the cancer, the extent of it and the patients overall health. The treatment is a combination of the following methods; surgery, intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, supportive care (which is directed to the symptoms, including pain relief, weight loss and fluid in the abdomen, which can be removed during a procedure called abdominal paracentesis)

Finally we have the preventive measures suggested by physicians that include: a healthy diet (high in fruits, vegetables, grains and low in saturated fats), birth control pills, pregnancy and lactation and eventually if the person is presenting some symptoms of ovarian cancer the removal of the ovaries. Also studies have shown that certain genes are responsible for increasing the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. A routine inspection for gynaecological cancers can prevent or diagnose at an early stage the presence of tumors. Your doctor will eventually decide what treatments to carry out to help fight primary peritoneal cancer.

If you can detect the symptoms of ovarian cancer at an early stage the survival rate is much improved. Unfortunately 75% of cases are detected at an advanced stage. Make sure you are not one of those statistics. Visit our site today for more information.

The facts about Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue lining the abdomen which is called the peritoneum hence the name of this form of the cancer. The peritoneum protects the contents of the abdomen and is therefore very important.

Currently, only one cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is known and this is exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. Only a couple of months of exposure to asbestos without sufficient protection can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma thirty to fifty years later. Those suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma are mostly elderly men who worked amongst asbestos decades ago when workers were not protected from asbestos dust. Many of these men are currently lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to asbestos. Asbestos fibres can get into the peritoneum in two different ways. The most common way they reach the peritoneum is by them getting trapped in the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (inside the lungs) by mucus and end up being swallowed. From here they can pass through the intestine wall into the peritoneum. The second way in which asbestos fibres can reach the peritoneum is by them lodging inside the lungs. They then move into the lymphatic system and get transported to the peritoneum. Constant exposure to asbestos leads to a great number of fibres being built up in the peritoneum.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are generally only felt when the cancer has developed greatly. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pains and loss of appetite. As the cancer matures, the symptoms will become more pronounced and severe. To learn more about the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma go to [http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk]

There are several treatments for peritoneal mesothelioma although all of them have a poor success rate. The likelihood of a patient surviving depends on how early and aggressively the cancer is treated. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are the most commonly used methods of treatment. Research into the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma is being conducted in research stations in the United States and by many pharmaceutical companies.

All the detailed information you need on the symptoms, treatment, risks, science and more about mesothelioma can be found at:

[http://www.1-mesothelioma.co.uk]

Be sure to visit to learn more about this deadly cancer and how you can prevent it.

The truth about Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the delicately thin membrane which surrounds and protects gastrointestinal tracts called peritoneum. Aside from being a protective layer, peritoneum also provides fluids for the lubrication of the stomach and intestines so that they will function properly. Moreover, these organs should need to move properly so that digestive system can process the food and push out wastes. Should peritoneum fail to function the way it is expected, devastating and severe consequences arise.

But just like other types of mesothelioma, the symptoms of mesothelioma are hard to diagnose. More often, diagnoses will lead to other less severe diseases concealing the true symptoms. Thus, patient will be complaisant which will worsen the situation in the future.

Here are the true symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma:

? Lower abdominal pains

? Stomach pains

? Loss of appetite

? Problems with bowel movements

? Weight loss

? Nausea

? Abdominal swelling

? Weakness

It is believed that asbestos fibers enter the body and reach the stomach through the mouth. Once these fibers settle inside the stomach, they can easily penetrate the stomach lining. And since the lining is so delicate, the cells will begin to mutate and develop into cancerous mesothelioma cells. Constant irritation on the cells over a long period of time will develop into tumors and engulf the stomach resulting to the destruction of healthy cells and the growth of the cancerous ones. Furthermore, asbestos fumes will inhibit the peritoneum to develop and repair the protective lining that supports the stomach in all its activities. In some cases, tumors inside the stomach grow larger in size that they will occupy most of the space exerting too much pressure on other organs surrounding the stomach. Such activity will cause excruciating pain.

There is no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma. However, there are some conditions that doctors are hoping to find in mesothelioma patients that can help them to, at least, alleviate the pains and sorrows and to prolong the lives of the patients. These conditions include age, size and stage of the tumor at the time of discovery, types of cells affected and the responsiveness of the tumors to treatments. Likewise, these conditions will provide the doctors some idea what course of action to take to help the patients.

Generally, early diagnoses as well as vigorous treatments are the keys to prolong the life of the patients. But unfortunately, peritoneal mesothelioma lies undetected and does not show symptoms until the cancer is in its most advanced stage. At the time of discovery, patients can live not more than five years depending on the age and the resistance of the body.

Tip: If you have been exposed to asbestos before, consult your doctor and tell him/her about it so that once a single symptom starts to show, proper steps can be taken.

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