http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org Resources and Information for Mesothelioma Patients Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:29:43 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Mesothelioma shares symptoms with many other, less serious conditions, so a doctor will try to rule out those conditions through a physical exam including x-rays and tests of lung function. Imaging tests such as MRIs , CAT scans and PET scans may be done. The only way to definitively diagnose mesothelioma ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/31/how-is-malignant-mesothelioma-diagnosed/ Cell types: Epithelioid: The most common (50-70 percent). Has the highest rate of survival of the three. Sarcomatoid: 7-20 percent of diagnoses. More aggressive than, and has a lower rate of survival than, epithelioid mesothelioma. Mixed/biphasic: 20-35 percent of diagnoses. Malignant tissue contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. Lower rate of survival than ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/30/describe-the-different-cell-types-of-malignant-mesothelioma-and-relative-rates-of-survival-and-the-different-typeslocations-of-mesothelioma-and-rate-of-occurrence/ Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are standard for all types of malignant mesothelioma. Treatment is often focused on reducing symptoms (palliative therapy) and giving the patient more time, rather than getting rid of the cancer and going into remission (curative therapy). This is because mortality is high despite treatment; it is ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/29/how-is-malignant-mesothelioma-treated-and-what-is-the-goal-of-each-treatment/ Side B: The biggest risk factor by far of developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos particles, often at work. Asbestos exposure occurred in 70-80 percent of people with mesothelioma. Diagnosis usually occurs 20 to 50 years after exposure, and even low levels of exposure can be carcinogenic to some. Family ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/28/what-are-the-risk-factors-diagnosis-rates-and-survival-rates-for-malignant-mesothelioma/ Since the early 1970’s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have recognized asbestos as a cancer-causing agent. These agencies have tried to pass asbestos laws to ban or limit the use of this deadly material. Many asbestos producers began to pressure the U.S. ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/27/discuss-the-legal-implications-of-asbestos-and-mesothelioma/ The treatment for mesothelioma is dependent upon the extent of the disease, the age and medical history of the patient, and the location and type of mesothelioma. • A surgical procedure called a pneumonectomy can be used for pleural mesothelioma, which involves the removal of the diseased lung. Depending upon the spread ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/27/list-the-current-treatment-options-for-mesothelioma/ When a patient presents to a physician complaining of difficulty breathing, abdominal pain or pneumonia-type symptoms and reports a history of asbestos exposure, an x-ray or CT scan is ordered to detect the presence of asbestos in or around the lungs, heart or stomach. If asbestos is detected, the ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/26/how-is-mesothelioma-diagnosed-9/ • Pleural Mesothelioma: This type affects the lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, coughing, fever, weight loss and pain. • Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This cancer may also affect the abdomen and symptoms include nausea and vomiting, abdominal ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/25/define-the-three-most-common-forms-of-mesothelioma-and-describe-the-symptoms-of-each/ Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue, known as the mesothelium, which lines and protects the major organs of the body such as the heart, stomach and lungs. This form of cancer is the result of repeated and unprotected exposure to asbestos. ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/24/what-is-mesothelioma-and-how-is-it-most-likely-caused/ Staging allows the patient and doctor to determine treatment options.  Staging is divided into 3 areas, designated by the capital letters TNM: •         T refers to whether the original tumor has exceeded its margins. •         N stands for lymph nodes that are affected. •         M refers to metastasis to other areas of the ... http://www.mesotheliomaquestions.org/2007/10/23/explain-the-staging-of-mesothelioma/