Desmoplastic Malignant Mesothelioma

Desmoplastic malignant mesothelioma is the growth of fibrous or connective tissues around the tumor of the lining of the lung or chest cavity. The term .desmoplastic. refers to the growth of fibrous or connective tissue. "Desmo-" comes from the Greek "desmos" meaning "a fetter or band" and "-plastic" is also borrowed from the Greek, from "plassein" meaning "to form" = to form a band or fetter.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma is affects the thin lining of tissue that surrounds the heart, or the pericardium. This cancer can occur at any age, although the mean age of presentation is 46. Symptoms include chest pain, cough, dyspnea, and palpitations. As with the other forms of Mesothelioma, a strong link to asbestos exposure seems evident. Surgery and radiation therapy can provide some palliation, however the prognosis is extremely poor.

A common sign of pericardial mesothelioma is pericardial effusion, or a collection of fluid in the sac that surrounds the heart. If caused by cancer, this symptom can be caused by the direct spread of cancer, or the result of cancer metastasized from other parts of the body.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the abdomincal cavity and organs, including the liver, spleen and bowels. Pain is the most common symptom in cases of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. However, the accumulation of fluid can often cause the abdominal region to appear enlarged. Other common symptoms include vomiting, nausea, foot swelling, increased body temperature or fever, and difficulty in moving bowels. The survival time is poorer than pleural mesothelioma, with most patients averaging 10 months from the first display of symptoms. Peritoneal Mesothelioma accounts for approx. 10 percent of mesothelioma cases.

Pleural Mesothelioma - Cancer of the Lung Lining

Pleural Mesothelioma affects the chest cavity, sometimes including the lungs. Metastates, or the spreading of the cancer, can occur in any other organs, and is much more common than originally thought. This form of mesothelioma usually has a slow onset, with the most common symptoms is localized chest pain. This can be accompanied by trouble breathing, caused by pleural effusion, or a buildup of liquid in the pleural space (chest cavity). Additional symptoms include cough, weight loss, and fever. The best test for determining the extent of Pleural Mesothelioma is a computed chest tomograph (CT-scan). Median survival time for this form of Mesothelioma is approximately 17 months from the onset of symptoms. This is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for 80-90% of cases.

The pleura are the tissues lining or covering surrounding the actual lungs. There are 2 pleural membranes, separated by the pleural space. These membranes are fibrous sheets, protecting the lungs by producing a lubricating fluid to assist in lung operation.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are five known types of mesothelioma. Four of these are malignant cancers, and one is a benign condition.

Once asbestos is inhaled it can effect many of the bodys different organs including the throat, lungs, stomach, heart and testicles.

Pleural Mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, with around 70 percent of cases being pleural in origin.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneal membrane. Approximately 25 percent of mesothelioma cases are of this type.

Pericardial Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. About 5 percent of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial.

Testicular Mesothelioma: This is the rarest type of malignant mesothelioma; to date, there have been less than 100 recorded cases. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles.

Benign Mesothelioma: The benign form of mesothelioma most commonly develops in the pleura. This is the only form of mesothelioma for which full cure and recovery is a probable outcome, though it may be a precursor of future asbestos-related problems

Mesothelioma Causes & Steps After a Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that lines many organs and body cavities. The mesothelium (composed of mesothelial cells) is the membrane that lines three of the body's cavities, and depending on what cavity it lines it is given a specific name: the thoracic cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the heart sac (pericardium).

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can develop in the mesothelium of the thoracic cavity in the lungs.

The mesothelium that covers the internal organs is called the visceral mesothelium, while the layer that covers the body wall is called parietal mesothelium.

Mesothelium tissue also surrounds the male internal reproductive organs and covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide uncontrollably and without order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the thoracic cavity (pleura) or the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States, comprising around 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. This cancer occurs about four times more frequently in men than in women. All forms of mesothelioma, except for benign mesothelioma, are invariably fatal. The prognosis for mesothelioma is almost always poor and most studies report a median survival of less than one year, but the prognosis really depends on how early the cancer is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated.

After a mesothelioma patient learns of their diagnosis, the next step is often exploring applicable treatment options to create the best treatment plan possible. Treatment options range from surgery to chemotherapy and we offer information about the various types of treatment available to patients. To help you learn more about these options, we provide an informational packet to interested patients and their loved ones at the top, right of this page.

Veteran Support

Navy veterans who worked in navy shipyards and or served on our nation’s warships and submarine’s from WWII through the Vietnam War were exposed to high concentrations of deadly asbestos. Boiler rooms, engine rooms, sleeping quarters, and other areas of naval vessels were the most common areas where asbestos was present. As a result, Navy veterans are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. Veterans who were exposed should fill out the brief form on this page to receive a free mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information kit. Support systems are in place to make sure you receive the assistance you deserve.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure is the single known cause of mesothelioma. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads to the development of the disease. Asbestos products were used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufactured the products as well as those who used them at commercial and industrial jobsites including shipyards, refineries, power plants, steel plants and more. Several asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Those who have become sick because of exposure to these products may now be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongfully exposed.

Asbestos was also used at many New York jobsites including Ground Zero and the former World Trade Center site. Common asbestos exposure sites in New York include the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Todd Shipyard, and the Con Edison power plant in New York City.

Who is at risk for Mesothelioma?

The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and jobsite exposure information.

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including those about new treatment therapies like Alimta and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treat asbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.

Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.
People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI's Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.
People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/publications on the Internet.

How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.
Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).
To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

Doctor Explains Mesothelioma Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Risks of Mesothelioma

Risks of Mesothelioma

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen and surrounds the organs in these areas. The lining around the lungs is called the pleura and in the abdomen it is known as the peritoneum.
About 2000 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
Mesothelioma of the lining of the lungs, known as pleural mesothelioma, is much more common than mesothelioma in the peritoneum. For every one person with peritoneal mesothelioma, there will be about 12 people who have pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma

The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung; and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily.
When mesothelioma develops in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), the delicate membranes thicken and may press inwards on the lung. Fluid may also collect between the two layers of the pleura: this is known as a pleural effusion.

Structure of the lungs and pleura

Peritoneal mesothelioma

The lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs, and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall.
If the mesothelioma is in the peritoneum it is called peritoneal mesothelioma and causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.
Side view of the abdomen. The peritoneum is shown as the thick line surrounding the abdominal organs.

Surgery for mesothelioma

In the uncommon situation where the cancer is only in one area of the pleura (localised), surgery can be used to treat mesothelioma. It may involve removing part, or all, of the pleura and the lung tissue close to it. This is known as pleurectomy. Sometimes the pleura, diaphragm, and the whole lung on the affected side are removed as well as the tumour. This operation is known as extra-pleural pneumonectomy.
At present it is not clear whether surgery can give better control of symptoms or can help people to live for longer than just using active symptom control. A research trial is currently looking at whether extra-pleural pneumonectomy can give a better quality and length of life for people with localised pleural mesothelioma. This trial is called the MARS trial. You may be invited to take part if your doctor thinks that surgery could possibly be helpful for you.
It is not usually possible to surgically remove abdominal (peritoneal) mesothelioma. If surgery is possible, it is carried out by surgeons with specialist expertise in treating mesothelioma. However, the operation is not likely to cure the mesothelioma.
It is important that you discuss any operation fully with your doctor beforehand so that you understand what it involves. Remember, no operation or procedure will be done without your consent.
Surgery may sometimes be combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Drips and drains

A drip (intravenous infusion) will be used to give you fluids for a couple of days, until you are able to eat and drink normally again. You will also have drainage tubes in your wound. These are usually removed about 2–7 days after your operation depending on your recovery. X-rays will be taken regularly to make sure your lung is working properly.

Pain

It is normal to have some pain or discomfort after your operation. This can usually be controlled using painkilling drugs. Let your doctor or one of the nurses know if you have any pain so they can treat it as soon as possible. Mild discomfort or pain in your chest can last for several weeks and you will be given some painkilling tablets to take home with you.

Going home

You can usually go home after about seven days after a pleurectomy. If you have an extra-pleural pneumonectomy it will probably be about 14 days before you are ready to go home. If you think you might have problems when you go home – for example, if you live alone or have several flights of stairs to climb – let one of the nurses or the hospital social worker know when you are admitted to the ward, so that help can be arranged.
When you go home, it is important to exercise gently, to build up your strength and fitness. Walking and swimming are suitable for most people after surgery to the lung area. But it is a good idea to check with your doctor or physiotherapist which kind of exercise would be suitable for you