| Mesothelioma | |||||
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- What is mesothelioma?
- Symptoms of mesothelioma
- Causes of mesothelioma
- Treatment of mesothelioma
- Important mesothelioma facts
Mesothelioma is a rare, malignant cancer of the mesothelial cells. This cancer is normally found in people who have had some type of exposure to asbestos particles which have been inhaled or digested.
The mesothelial cells are found in the pleural lining of the lungs and the peritoneum around the abdominal organs. Mesotheliomia can develop in the lining of those cells.
The stages of malignant mesothelioma is divided into two groups:
- Localised malignant mesothelioma (stage I) - found only in a specific area (or areas) and has not spread to surrounding areas
- Advanced malignant mesothelioma (stage II, stage III, and stage IV) - the cancer has spread to other areas such as the heart, chest wall and lymph nodes; in stage IV the cancer has spread all over the body
Mesothelioma that occurs in the plura of the lungs has the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- Pain under the rib cage
- Shortness of breath
Mesothelioma that occurs in the peritoneum of the abdomn has the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Ascites (abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Swelling of the stomach
- Weight loss
Most cases (up to around 90%) of the underlying cause of developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
Currently a research study is taking place to try to find out more about the causes of mesothelioma. It is called the National Study of Occupation and Lung Diseases.
Diagnosis and testing
Malaria is diagnosed by a doctor through the following methods:
- Biopsy - some of the cells of the suspected area of malignancy are removed to test them under a microscope for signs of the cancer (there are various procedures which are used to take some of the suspected malignant cells); this test is normally performed once x-ray and other tests confirm suspicious areas in either the lungs or abdomen
- Blood test - to test the blood for the levels of red and white blood cell counts
- Chest x-ray - to review the chest for symptoms of the disease
- Cytologic exam - fluid from the lining around the lungs or abdomen are removed to test for signs of malignancy
- History of symptoms - your doctor will ask a series of questions about history of the symptoms and past exposure to asbestos
- Physical examination - to check for any symptoms of the disease (and their severity)
Conventional treatment
Certain factors affect the treatment and chances of recovery (and even survival):
- If the tumour can be removed by surgical means
- Patient age and health
- Newly diagnosed cancer or recurrent one
- Stage of the cancer
- Size of the tumour
- Type and health of mesotheliomal cells (which have been reviewed under a microscope)
- Whether the cancer has spread to other cells, tissues or organs in the body
Standard treatment
- Chemotherapy - drugs which kill cancer cells are either injected or swallowed; more than one type of anti-cancer drug can be used; the types of drugs used depends on the stage and type of mesothelioma being treated
- Radiation therapy - high energy x-rays or other radiation is used to kill cancer cells; the type of radiation therapy used depends on the stage and type of mesothelioma being treated
- Surgery - to remove the cancer cells and even some of the surrounding healthy cells; surgery is normally done in conjunction with either chemotherapy or radiation therapy, depending on the stage of the mesothelioma and where it is located
Experimental treatment
- Biotherapy/Immunotherapy - certain biological agents are used that boost the body's immune system to fight off the mesothelioma - all cancer clinical trials in the USA
Alternative / complementary treatment
Always ensure that you notify your medical practitioner of any supplements that you want to take - it may interfere with other medication or conditions you have. Confirm with your doctor it is safe to take BEFORE you try it.
At present, there is no cure for mesothelioma. The treatments below may only alleviate symptoms.
- Diet - certain dietary changes may help with some of the symptoms
- More fruits and vegetables - these foods contain vital antioxidants which support the immune system to function properly
- Herbs - certain herbs are potent antioxidants
and assist the immune system
- Echinacea - this herb assists the immune system to stimulate it to work properly
- Olive leaf - an anti-viral herb which has a supportive effect on the immune system
- Minerals - antioxidant minerals help support the immune
system
- Zinc
- Vitamins - with antioxidant properties help the immune system
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- While mesotheliomia is a very rare cancer, its level of occurence is too high in Australia in comparison to many other countries
- Mesotheliomia is more common in men than women
- Mesotheliomia is usually diagnosed after age 50
- There is a type of non-cancerous mesothelioma that can develop in the pleura or the lining of the reproductive organs, but is more rare than the cancerous type
- Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in the pleura, which is where it is related to inhaled asbestos fibres, which are implicated in its development
references
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To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- Australian Cancer Council
- Leukemia Foundation (Australia)
- UK Cancer Help
- Cancer Back-up (UK)
- National Cancer Institute (USA)
