Recurring Collapsed Lung as an Early Indicator of Malignant Mesothelioma
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Recurring Collapsed Lung as an Early Indicator of Malignant Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

A new article highlights the link between a collapsed lung and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma, caused by asbestos exposure, can present unexpectedly. It often requires many clinical tests for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. A new study explores the case of a 73-year-old man whose recurrent collapsing lung was found to be mesothelioma. This shows the importance of thorough tissue examination for early detection and diagnosis. The Unusual Case The patient was a 73-year-old man who experienced recurrent collapsed lungs. This is where air collects in the pleural space around the lungs. A chest CT scan showed a left collapsed lung and calcified plaques. This finding implied prior asbestos exposure. Other symptoms, including nodules in both lungs, raised the suspicion of mesothelioma….

Different Mesothelioma Subtypes: Gene Study Could Lead to Targeted Treatments
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Different Mesothelioma Subtypes: Gene Study Could Lead to Targeted Treatments

ByAlex Strauss

A group of European pathologists say the different mesothelioma subtypes have significant differences in their pattern of gene expression. Exploiting these differences could help scientists craft more effective mesothelioma treatments.  Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. But doctors know that genetics play a role, too. Newly-approved immunotherapy drugs target proteins expressed by specific genes. But these drugs work much better in some mesothelioma patients than they do in others.  The new study suggests that differences in the genetic profiles of different mesothelioma subtypes could help explain why.  Immunotherapy Drugs for Mesothelioma Immunotherapy is an up-and-coming treatment approach for mesothelioma and other cancers. It harnesses the power of the person’s immune system to fight cancer.  In people with mesothelioma,…

Metastatic Mesothelioma: Does Chemotherapy Work?
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Metastatic Mesothelioma: Does Chemotherapy Work?

ByAlex Strauss

New research out of Pennsylvania suggested that not all people with metastatic mesothelioma will live longer with chemotherapy. Although chemotherapy is the primary treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma, some types of metastatic mesothelioma appear to be less responsive than others. In some cases, the researchers say best supportive care may be a better option for preserving a patient’s quality of life. Three Mesothelioma Subtypes There are three histological subtypes of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The categories are based on how the cells look under a microscope. Cell type appears to influence how aggressive they are as metastatic mesothelioma. Cell type also factors into mesothelioma prognosis. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common cell type. Epithelioid cells tend to lack uniformity and may…