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 »

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 »

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 »

Global Call for Asbestos Hazardous Waste Management Strategies

Global Call for Asbestos Hazardous Waste Management Strategies

A new report in the Journal of Environmental Management warns that asbestos-bans should be supported by coordinated asbestos hazardous waste management strategies. Asbestos is classified as a Class I Carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Sixty countries have bans on asbestos. The US, China, India, and Russia are not among them. Nonetheless, asbestos is still part of the daily life of the population as asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in many buildings constructed and renovated before the 1990s. Asbestos has been used by many automobile, construction, manufacturing, power, and chemical industries for many years. Asbestos was a popular insulator because it resists heat and flame. The identification and coordinated management of asbestos hazardous waste is … Continue reading Global Call for Asbestos Hazardous Waste Management Strategies »

Stories from Wives and Caregivers of People with Mesothelioma

Stories from Wives and Caregivers of People with Mesothelioma

A new Australian study looked at people who took care of mesothelioma patients.  The study found that caretakers needed different types of support. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Patients with mesothelioma, and their caregivers, are known to have some of the highest unmet needs of all cancer populations. Researchers talked to fourteen caregivers recruited from the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA). Of those interviewed, 13 were wives, and one was a daughter. Seven were retired at the time of the patients’ mesothelioma diagnosis, and 4 stopped work to provide care. Researchers used the feedback to assess best practices for follow-up care for mesothelioma. They now plan to share these best practices with clinicians across the … Continue reading Stories from Wives and Caregivers of People with Mesothelioma »

Genomic Experts Report Most Complete Picture of Mesothelioma to Date

Genomic Experts Report Most Complete Picture of Mesothelioma to Date

Australian and American genomic experts have completed a key step in improving the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. A new study gives results from a large study of malignant pleural mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops on the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs and chest wall. Asbestos causes mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos was used in thousands of industrial, commercial, construction, automotive, and consumer products. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in about 2,000 people in the United States every year. Scientists at the National Centre for Asbestos-Related Disease have taken a dramatic leap forward in the understanding of pleural mesothelioma. DNA Genes Impact Personalized Treatment Plans Previous genomic studies of malignant pleural mesothelioma were limited. … Continue reading Genomic Experts Report Most Complete Picture of Mesothelioma to Date »

Radiotherapy Outcomes in Mesothelioma Linked to Pembrolizumab

Radiotherapy Outcomes in Mesothelioma Linked to Pembrolizumab

Canadian researchers say radiotherapy may hold the key to improving outcomes in mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a fast-growing membrane cancer caused by asbestos. Doctors have not found a single therapy that can beat it. For most patients, a combination of treatments offer the best survival odds. Pembrolizumab plus Radiotherapy Pleural mesothelioma is a rare lung-related cancer caused by asbestos exposure. There is no cure for mesothelioma. Most mesothelioma patients have a combination of therapies. Radiation is one of the methods doctors use to help slow its spread. Outcomes in mesothelioma vary widely with the use of radiotherapy. Pembrolizumab is used in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for mesothelioma. Radiotherapy uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells. One … Continue reading Radiotherapy Outcomes in Mesothelioma Linked to Pembrolizumab »

Bevacizumab: An Immune Therapy in Mesothelioma Treatment

Bevacizumab An Immune Therapy in Mesothelioma Treatment

Bevacizumab, an immune therapy, enhances the immune system to target cancer cells. Historically, chemotherapy drugs were considered the standard treatment. But, a new study highlights bevacizumab, an immune therapy. It can now be considered in combination with mesothelioma treatments where accessible. Chemotherapy has been a popular treatment therapy. Cytotoxic chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It results in a modest improvement in patient survival. But toxicity limits the eligible patient population. Targeted Chemotherapy Agents Immunotherapies are now playing a greater role in the treatment of many cancers. The last decade has presented a paradigm shift. There has been a change in the way we understand the relationship between the immune system and cancer progression. Several targeted agents … Continue reading Bevacizumab: An Immune Therapy in Mesothelioma Treatment »

Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope

Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope

Mesothelioma surveillance protocols are a series of medical tests. Surveillance is designed to detect and track cancer progression. Surveillance protocols also check treatment effectiveness. And they provide patients with reassurance and hope. A new study identified the effectiveness of mesothelioma surveillance protocols. This study focused on patients who have noncurative treatment intent. Importance of Reassurance and Hope Findings from nine different studies identified the need for reassurance and hope as part of surveillance. They also highlighted the importance of trust and relationships. Follow-up and surveillance models provide patients with continuity, reassurance, and updates on condition. Continuity ensured patients knew who to contact if they had a new symptom or concern. Patient hopes for follow-up were for management of pain and … Continue reading Mesothelioma Surveillance Protocols, Quality of Life, and Patient Hope »

Get your free copy of
“Surviving Mesothelioma” Today!