Predicting Outcomes for People with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Predicting Outcomes for People with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

A new study has found that a prognostic score based on the activity of just two genes could be useful in predicting outcomes for people with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). The study was published the journal Diagnostics and was conducted by scientists from Bulgaria. Early Detection is Key for Better Outcomes Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest called the pleura. It usually happens when a person has been exposed to asbestos. This is a harmful mineral that can be used in buildings and other materials. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can get trapped in the pleura and over time, cause cancer to develop. The cancer cells in … Continue reading Predicting Outcomes for People with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma »

Rare Mesothelioma of the Liver

Rare Mesothelioma of the Liver

Doctors in China recently came across a rare case of primary sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma of the liver. This disease is a type of malignant mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Primary sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma is hard for doctors to diagnose because it is so rare. Doctors also don’t know very much about how it develops or how to treat it. When a person goes to the hospital with symptoms that could be caused by mesothelioma, there are a few different ways to get a diagnosis. Doctors will usually use imaging tests, tissue biopsies, and fluid tests to reach a diagnosis. Diagnosing a Rare Case In this case, a 69-year-old man went to the hospital because he had been having … Continue reading Rare Mesothelioma of the Liver »

Women with Mesothelioma Have Better Odds than Men

Women with Mesothelioma Have Better Odds than Men

Women who are diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma usually have better odds of survival than men. This was one of the findings of a study published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology. The researchers looked at data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. Mesothelioma Rates Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare form of cancer the grows in the lining of the lungs. People with MPM might feel shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lung, chest pain, cough, and fatigue. This cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. This is a naturally occurring mineral found throughout the world. Even though it is toxic to humans, it is still used in manufactured materials in some parts … Continue reading Women with Mesothelioma Have Better Odds than Men »

Rare Mesothelioma Disease Combination

Rare Mesothelioma Disease Combination

Doctors in Italy treated a patient who was diagnosed with both primary gastric Burkitt lymphoma (PGBL) and malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). This is a rare disease combination. The doctors in this case had a hard time reaching the correct diagnosis because the symptoms of these two cancers are very similar. The patient also did not have the usual risk factors for these cancers. For instance, the patient did not have any exposure to asbestos that might cause MPM. Two Rare Diseases MPM is a rare type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and chest wall. Signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath due to fluid around the lung, chest pain, cough, … Continue reading Rare Mesothelioma Disease Combination »

Is Mesothelioma Still A Big Problem Worldwide?

Is Mesothelioma Still A Big Problem Worldwide?

Even though the number of people getting mesothelioma and dying from it has gone down in recent years, it is still a big problem in many parts of the world. This is the finding of an international team of scientists. The authors of this study are from South Korea, Sweden, Spain, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These scientists wanted to find out how many people get mesothelioma and how many people die from it. They also wanted to know how it affects different groups of people based on things like age and where they live. Harmful Use of Asbestos Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos, a harmful material that was used a lot after World War … Continue reading Is Mesothelioma Still A Big Problem Worldwide? »

Understanding the Rare Testicular Mesothelioma

Understanding the Rare Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma is a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in fewer than 50 people each year. Researchers in Australia compared the qualities of testicular mesothelioma with more common types of this cancer. Asbestos Exposure and Treatment Most cases of mesothelioma occur around the lungs (pleural) or around the abdomen (peritoneal). However, there are two rare subtypes that can occur. One is found around the testis and the other can be found around the heart. Testicular mesothelioma is also called paratesticular or mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. The most common symptom is a mass or hydrocele (buildup of fluid) inside the scrotum. Like the other types of mesothelioma, testicular mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is usually … Continue reading Understanding the Rare Testicular Mesothelioma »

Worldwide Mesothelioma Rates Decline

Worldwide Mesothelioma Rates Decline

A new study looked at the worldwide rates of mesothelioma over the past decade. The international team of researchers hailed from China, Sweden, Australia, the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The researchers used information from three different databases to learn about the number of cases and what might cause the disease. The Global Cancer Observatory, Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus, and Global Burden of Disease provided data for this study. Banning Asbestos Worldwide Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium, the lining that covers many of the internal organs of the body. Sites of mesothelioma are typically the outer lining of the lungs and chest wall and the abdomen. … Continue reading Worldwide Mesothelioma Rates Decline »

Understanding Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Understanding Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is difficult to diagnose and treat. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the most aggressive type of mesothelioma. It also looks different from other types of mesothelioma, making it even harder to diagnose and treat. The cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. It takes decades for symptoms of this cancer to appear, and the symptoms often look like other diseases, like pneumonia. A proper diagnosis can take a long time, which means the cancer has more time to spread. Mesothelioma can be categorized into three groups: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. The type of mesothelioma a patient has depends on the shape of the cancer cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma has cube-shaped or column-shaped cells. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma has cells with … Continue reading Understanding Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma »

The Link Between Surgery and Radiotherapy for Mesothelioma

The Link Between Surgery and Radiotherapy for Mesothelioma

A study from the Journal of Clinical Oncology has reviewed the link between radiotherapy and surgery. This is exciting new research in mesothelioma treatment. The study was conducted by mesothelioma experts in Australia. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that rarely responds to a single cancer therapy. Malignant mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Usually, that happens in the workplace. Exciting New Research There is ongoing research exploring surgical options for mesothelioma. There are two common surgical procedures for mesothelioma: extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy decortication. Extrapleural pneumonectomy involves removing the lung affected by mesothelioma. Part of the diaphragm and the linings of the lung and heart are also removed. Pleurectomy decortication is a two-part surgical … Continue reading The Link Between Surgery and Radiotherapy for Mesothelioma »

Using Virtual Reality to Support Mesothelioma Emotional Health

Using Virtual Reality to Support Mesothelioma Emotional Health

A Virtual Reality (VR) experience may be useful in helping mesothelioma patients cope with their diagnosis. This out-of-body experience can help increase stress tolerance and patient empowerment. Italian researchers are looking at VR interventions to improve cancer patients’ well-being. VR can be useful to support mesothelioma patients in coping with distressing situations. One VR experience is with a resilient cancer patient who is facing similar difficulties. This can help train patients how to cope with cancer-related difficulties. If the patient endures a difficult situation in the VR simulation, they will be more likely to cope well in real life. Scenarios endured through a VR experience can build a patient’s resilience. The study found that patients who used the VR experience … Continue reading Using Virtual Reality to Support Mesothelioma Emotional Health »

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