New Tool to Measure Mesothelioma Stress

New Tool to Measure Mesothelioma Stress

ByHolly Zink

Researchers from Italy have created a tool to measure psychological distress in patients with malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It is unique among cancers because of the combination of medical, psychological, social, and legal factors. The clinical characteristics of mesothelioma can make this disease especially difficult for patients and families. It can take decades for symptoms to appear, and they are often difficult to treat. Because of this, the prognosis usually is not very good for patients. The fact that asbestos exposure typically occurs at work is also difficult for patients to deal with. Unlike other cancers, mesothelioma patients can blame governments or companies for their disease. This can lead to feelings of…

New Mesothelioma Tool for Better Treatment and Prognosis
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New Mesothelioma Tool for Better Treatment and Prognosis

ByHolly Zink

Researchers from China have come up with a tool to check prognosis in mesothelioma patients depending on where the cancer is located. Mesothelioma develops in the lining that covers many of the internal organs in you body. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. There are different types of mesothelioma depending on where it develops. Pleural mesothelioma grows in the lining of your lungs and chest wall. Peritoneal mesothelioma grows in the lining of your abdomen. Mesothelioma can also occur in the testis or around the heart. The location where mesothelioma grows can have a big impact on diagnosis. It also affects how well you respond to treatment. When it takes longer to make an accurate diagnosis, the disease has…

New Tool Estimates Survival in Mesothelioma Patients
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New Tool Estimates Survival in Mesothelioma Patients

ByHolly Zink

Researchers in China have developed a new tool to estimate survival in patients with mesothelioma. This will help doctors to create effective treatment plans for mesothelioma patients.   A Rare Form of Cancer   Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects almost 2,000 Americans every year. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The WHO predicts that cases of mesothelioma will be more common in the future. The five-year survival rate for mesothelioma patients is less than 10%.   Mesothelioma is hard to diagnose because it takes a long time to develop symptoms. By the time a doctor diagnoses a patient with mesothelioma, it can be difficult to treat.   Limited treatment options are available for mesothelioma. Treatment plans usually…