Mesothelioma

Hafiz

At Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, we are dedicated in serving mesothelioma victims and their families.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that happens in the mesothelium, the thin layers of cell lining the body’s internal organs. So far, there are 3 recognizable type of mesothelioma:

Pleural mesothelioma: Most common out of the three, accounting for approximately 70% of the occuring cases, and it happens in the lining of the lining, also known as the pleura.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: Occurs in the peritoneum ( linings of the abdominal cavity).
Pericardial mesothelioma: happens in the pericaridum ( linings of the heart)

Mesothelioma is caused by the exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of the asbestos particles. Thus a person may be at risk to develop it if he or she was exposed to asbestos, whether at home or at work.

It’s troubling since mesothelioma symptoms does not occur until many years after the person’s exposure to asbestos. Those who had experienced the symptoms should consult a doctor or physician with expertise in accurately diagnosing mesothelioma. This is detrimental as the earlier it is diagnosed, it is more likely to be detected at an early stage. More treatments are available and often, a better prognosis is given for earlier stages of mesothelioma.

Additional information on mesothelioma and its statistics can be found in this section

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once diagnosed with a qualified doctor, the next step for the patient is to discuss the proper treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Latest scientific research has discovered significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients. Currently, more options are now available in managing mesothelioma and to support a more improved quality of life.

Newly diagnosed patients would have many questions for their doctors about treatment choices that would be the most effective for them. Among conventional treatments include surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. For chemotherapy, recent research proven that chemotherapy drugs like Alimta® and Cisplatin have shown good and promising results on some patients.

Clinical trials as well as experimental treatments for mesothelioma are among the other options that certain patients may be eligible to participate. Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section which includes important informations for both patients and families. We’ve acquired and included resources on top mesothelioma experts such as from Dr. Sugarbaker as well as a comprehensive list of cancer centers where mesothelioma treatment available and takes place. Certain alternative therapies may provide assistance to mesothelioma, aside from the conventional treatments. We update this section o four site continuously as new treatments become available. Check back here often to read about the latest advances.

Asbestos Exposure and Cancer

The primary cause of mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. Inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function ( which leads to the occurrence of mesothelioma development) may be cause by inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. Unfortunately, asbestos were used extensively in the 20^th century within a wide variety of applications. Companies continued producing these products even after they were known as hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Both individuals who manufactured as well those who used them at commercial, industrial and military job sites sustained the asbestos exposure due to manufacturing and using these products. Among the places with high risk of asbestos exposure are places with renovation, construction at both homes, schools, and public facilities.

Among those who commonly faced asbestos related cancer are military veteran who were exposed to it on naval ships, shipyards and at military bases. Exposure in naval ships occurs frequently in aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers, submarines, warships, and other types of crafts. Brooklyn Navy Yard, Norfolk Navy Shipyard, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard were among the prominent shipyards where asbestos exposure was prevalent. For commercial and industrial locations, refineries, power plants, steel mills, auto production facilities and construction sites were where asbestos have the most exposure. Workers with occupations such as electricians, plumbers, boilermakers, carpenters, mechanics, machinists, and those related have risks of exposure. People at home would be safe either. If he or she lived with someone who was constantly exposed to asbestos, he or she could also be at risk for second hand asbestos.

Veterans and Mesothelioma

Despite rare occurrences, mesothelioma can affect veterans from any branch of services, may it be the Army, the Navy, the Air Force or the Marines. Mesothelioma has long latency period and can remain dormant for even decades, which was why veterans who served our country from 1930 to 1990 had just recently diagnosed with the disease.

Veterans of the navy that worked in the navy shipyard or served on our nation’s warships and submarines since World War Two through the Vietname War were already exposed to high concentration of asbestos at a dangerous level. Among the most common areas where asbestos was present were boiler rooms, engine rooms, sleeping quarters, and most areas of the naval vessels. It resulted that the Navy veterans were among those with greater risk of developing mesothelioma. For those who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, medical support and treatment centers are available, If you are among the veterans and believed that you were exposed, you must infomr your physician during the next visit.