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What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

by James F. Howell

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the abdomen, or peritoneum. Like the other types of mesothelioma, it is caused by exposure to asbestos, which has been widely used in many industrial products, such as cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon form of mesothelioma cancer that accounts for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma, like other forms of mesothelioma, is inconspicuous until decades after asbestos exposure.
While peritoneal mesotheliomas are less common than pleural mesotheliomas, they tend to be more invasive, and thus often result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. An early diagnosis of the disease is important. The relief and treatment of people with peritoneal mesothelioma improves dramatically the earlier it is detected. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed until it is quite advanced.

The first step towards detecting peritoneal mesothelioma involves X-rays and CT scans, but a definitive diagnosis is only achieved through a biopsy, which usually involves removing a tiny piece of tissue for analysis. At this time, even though there are various treatment options available, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, there is no known cure for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Typical symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pains, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Because these symptoms are so common, and may be attributed to numerous ailments other than mesothelioma, diagnosis is often delayed until it is too late for treatment to do much more than help the patient feel more comfortable.

About the Author
James Howell is a freelance writer and researcher. Find out more about Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Or learn more about Mesothelioma.

Study Finds Increased Mesothelioma Death Rates In A Group Of Shipyard Workers

by Sam Gurgis

A recent study conducted on workers in a US Coast Guard shipyard has found a significantly greater mortality rate associated with lung cancer and mesothelioma compared to the general population. The study also found an increased general mortality rate.

The study followed 4702 (4413 men and 289 women) civilian workers who were employed at the shipyard between January 1950 and December 1964. The study then measured the number of deaths and their causes through 31 December 2001.

The study was conducted by S Krstev, P Stewart, J Rusiecki, A Blair and was published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The original study publication is available at http://oem.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/64/10/651.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is usually associated with exposure to asbestos. The majority of individuals who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos particles at work or home. Family members of workers have also been affected. Renovators of homes containing asbestos cement material are accounting for an increasing number of diagnosed sufferers. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after the exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include abdominal pain and weight loss. Diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult due to the fact that the symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases.

Since mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma can be best be prevented by avoiding or limiting exposure to asbestos in homes, public buildings, and at work. Workers that may be at risk include miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad workers, ship builders, contractors and construction workers, particularly those involved with insulation. If there is a possibility of exposure (such as when renovating old buildings) protective equipment should be used and safety procedures should be applied. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials due to its durability and fire-resistant properties. In addition to buildings, asbestos was used in the manufacture of cars and ships and many other products.

About the Author
Sam Gurgis is a scientific writer and the webmaster at mesotheliomawise.org and sam-gurgis.com

Not Only Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma lung cancer is usually associated with asbestos exposure. In fact there are many other risk factors that cause mesothelioma cancer. One of them is the erionite. Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that belongs to a group of minerals called zeolites. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates of the alkaline and alkaline-earth metals.
Erionite was used in the past as a noble metal-impregnated catalyst in a hydrocarbon-cracking process. It was studied for use in fertilizers and to control odors in livestock production, because of its ability to selectively adsorb molecules from air or liquids. In many countries erionite blocks were used (and may be are still used) as building material or in stucco pastes and whitewash.
Erionite was mentioned for the first time as a mesothelioma lung cancer risk factor in 1975, when Turkish government presented a study that uncovered a high incidence of a rare malignant mesothelioma in lung tissues of people in certain small villages in the Cappadocia area in Turkey’s central mountainous region. In two small villages the mesothelioma lung cancer accounted for 43% of the deaths during 23 years period of study. Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. Comparing this to a 9.7% rate of death from this disease among asbestos insulation installers shows how anomalous this condition was.
Further studies showed erionite causes similar diseases in laboratory animals. When researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital injected rats with the same dosage of erionite that they used for asbestos, the rats didn’t live long enough to get mesothelioma cancer. At a much-reduced dose, the rats did get cancer. Erionite is probably the most toxic known mineral - a milligram of fibers in the lungs is lethal.
Today erionite is considered so hazardous that the EPA requires any one who intends to manufacture, import or process any article containing erionite to notify the E.P.A. 90 days in advance. This gives the EPA a chance to review, limit or prohibit that activity. Read the rest of article here..

Not Only Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma lung cancer is usually associated with asbestos exposure. In fact there are many other risk factors that cause mesothelioma cancer. One of them is the erionite. Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that belongs to a group of minerals called zeolites. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates of the alkaline and alkaline-earth metals.

Erionite was used in the past as a noble metal-impregnated catalyst in a hydrocarbon-cracking process. It was studied for use in fertilizers and to control odors in livestock production, because of its ability to selectively adsorb molecules from air or liquids. In many countries erionite blocks were used (and may be are still used) as building material or in stucco pastes and whitewash.
Erionite was mentioned for the first time as a mesothelioma lung cancer risk factor in 1975, when Turkish government presented a study that uncovered a high incidence of a rare malignant mesothelioma in lung tissues of people in certain small villages in the Cappadocia area in Turkey’s central mountainous region. In two small villages the mesothelioma lung cancer accounted for 43% of the deaths during 23 years period of study. Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. Comparing this to a 9.7% rate of death from this disease among asbestos insulation installers shows how anomalous this condition was.

Further studies showed erionite causes similar diseases in laboratory animals. When researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital injected rats with the same dosage of erionite that they used for asbestos, the rats didn’t live long enough to get mesothelioma cancer. At a much-reduced dose, the rats did get cancer. Erionite is probably the most toxic known mineral - a milligram of fibers in the lungs is lethal.

Today erionite is considered so hazardous that the EPA requires any one who intends to manufacture, import or process any article containing erionite to notify the E.P.A. 90 days in advance. This gives the EPA a chance to review, limit or prohibit that activity.

Erionite is no longer mined or marketed for commercial purposes. Although other natural zeolites have many commercial uses (pet litter, soil conditioners, animal feed, waste-water treatment, gas absorbents, etc.) So potential occupational exposure to erionite occurs during the production and mining of other zeolites.

And there are questions:

Are there other mineralogical hazards like erionite and asbestos?

Should we expected mesothelioma lung cancer increases not only from asbestos exposure after another 20 - 30 years?

Read the rest of article here…

Mesothelioma Cancer Cells Types

Malignant mesothelioma is generally divided into three histological categories, or types of cells: epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. Within each of these mesothelioma cancer cell types, subtypes exist. Many mesothelioma patients display more than one cell type.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma cannot be specifically by lung x-rays or other types of imaging, because many different types of cancer can be present in the lungs. The images show only that a tumor may be present, but does not provide an indication of whether the tumor is mesothelioma. A biopsy must be performed where the mesothelioma cancer cell types are used to distinguish mesothelioma from other types of cancer, such as lung cancer.
Epithelioid Mesothelioma Cancer
Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common cell type, constituting approximately 50% to 70% of all malignant mesothelioma. These cells are relatively uniform in shape and have a tubular pattern with a distinct cell nucleus. The individual cells are shaped like cubes or multi-sided boxes.
Because of the similarity between adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma cancer cells, they are often confused and mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed. Inspection of the cancer cells under high-powered microscopes and identification of unique characteristics of the chemical properties of the cells can help make the proper diagnosis. Learn more about epithelioid mesothelioma cancer.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma Cancer
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common type of mesothelioma cancer cell and accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of malignant mesothelioma. These cells typically have more of an oval, irregular shape and the nucleus of each cell is not as visible with a microscope as the epithelioid mesothelioma cancer cells. Because of the similarity of appearance, the sarcomatoid cancer cells can also easily be confused with the more typical sarcoma cancer cells. Learn more about sarcomatoid mesothelioma cancer.
Biphasic Mesothelioma Cancer
Approximately 20% to 40% of the mesothelioma cancer cells fall into the biphasic category, which is combination of the sarcomatoid and epithelioid types. The biphasic type can occur with the two types of cells intermixed continuously throughout the tumor, or with them in specific groupings. Transitional areas between the two cell types are often present. Learn more about biphasic mesothelioma cancer.
Prognosis Based on Cell Type
The mesothelioma cancer cell type does affect the prognosis. A study conducted on 167 patients showed that patients had the following mean survival times:
epithelioid
8.5 months
sarcomatoid
7 months
biphasic
6 months
Treatment options are very similar for patients with the different cell types.

Types of Mesothelioma

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cancer affects the serous membranes that surround the major organs in the midsection of the body. Different organs can be affected by mesothelioma because the serous membranes surround the lungs, heart, abdomen and others. The most common type of mesothelioma is that which affects the lung lining, and is called pleural mesothelioma. Other types are pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart, and peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdomen.

Mesothelioma, contrary to what many people think, is not a type of primary lung cancer. That is, mesothelioma does not originate in the lungs, but as described above, it starts in the serous membranes or lining around the lungs (or other organs). However, mesothelioma can spread to the lungs and when this occurs, it is considered to be a secondary lung cancer. Mesothelioma is also commonly referred to as an asbestos lung cancer. Technically, this is also incorrect, since mesothelioma does not originate in the lungs. Asbestosis is a type of asbestos lung disease that is often confused with mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma represents about 75% of all mesotheliomas. The disease can grow quickly and enlarge the pleural space, causing it to fill with fluid. This fluid leads to the discomfort or pain associated with first detection of the disease. It is thought that pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhaling of fibrous materials, including asbestos. These fibers lodge in the pleura and, over time, cause damage to the tissue layer and cancer erupts. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma.

Pericardial Mesothelioma
The rarest form of mesothelioma is that which affects the linings of the heart cavity, called the pericardium. Less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases are related to the heart. As in the lung, the rapid growth of the cancerous tumors can cause expansion of the tissue and accumulation of fluid. The fluid can interfere with the functioning of the heart and cause chest pain. Mesothelioma cases are known to be caused by exposure to asbestos; but it is completely unknown how the asbestos fibers enter the tissue layers surrounding the heart. Learn more about pericardial mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma of the abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. The serous membrane surrounding the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. This disease accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of mesothelioma cases. In addition, a rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma affects the male testicles. The covering layer of the scrotum is actually an outpouching of the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is due to the ingestion of fibrous materials, including asbestos. Learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma.

An overview of the options for the treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Treatment options depend on many factors such as time, place and the age of patients and wishes. Important external factors to take into account the much experience with the oncologists at mesothelioma, and if so, whether a city-rural area to be transferred to a big city or for the aggressive palliative care. Survival rate of patients is determined to up to one year, while some major centres were of a cancer of the life expectancy after diagnosis, so as to be that five years longer. Screening By imaging tests allow doctors to see a photo on the side of the cancer. These tests can also use the X-ray computed tomography (CT) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). New tool for early detection: The test Mesomark The Food and Drug Administration has just the (January 2007), the first test for the in-vitro mesothelioma. Mesomark The test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics is in the patients with epithelioid biphasic mesothelioma or by a simple blood test. The test measures proteins in the blood, changes in the volume of the patient’s tumor is an important factor for the monitoring of the patient and the response to therapy. Modern Art treatment Surgery, the removal of the entire lung and in a part of the edition of the chest, the diaphragm and the part of the bag, which surrounds the core. Thoracoscopie is the insertion of an endoscope, which is a small narrow tube with a small cameria pleural fibrosis in the cave, situated directly on the tumor. Pathologiste, a biopsy, a tissue. Often chemical pleurodesis (emptying the liquid in the space intrapleurale), during the same procedure. Médiastinoscopie, another type of surgery is sometimes used for the measure from the stage of the disease, when enlarged nodes are using imaging techniques. Laproscopy mesothelioma in the techniques of imaging in patients indicate that the tumor invaded by the diaphragm. This information is important in assessing a patient potential for pleurectomy or extrapleuralen lung resection. Radiation Therapy (with high doses of X-rays or other high-energy radiation for cancer cells. Irradiation - Although the mesothelioma tumours are very resistant to radiation therapy, sometimes, these treatments to alleviate the symptoms that arise from the growth of tumors, such as the blocking of a main blood vessel problem. Radiation therapy is generally at the opening of the chest drain sites to prevent the growth of tumors along the paths in the chest wall. Chemotherapy - is used to prevent the cancer cells to grow and divide. Immunotherapy: intraopérative Intrapéritonéale heated chemotherapy is necessary to deprive the tumor as much as possible, followed by the direct administration of a heated between (40 and 48 ° C), chemotherapy, in the abdomen, while 60 to 120 minutes, then Abgetropfte. Palliative care procedures Pleuropéritonéale shunt is a procedure in which a catheter under the skin of pleural mesothelioma in the abdominal cavity. This procedure raises concern that the catheter may cause damage by anchoring himself in the abdomen. Pleurectomy a palliative procedure, if further surgery is not an option. The procedure can not effectively remove tumors. It is regarded as the most effective means to control the pleural effusion (water storage), in cases where the expansion of the lungs is by mesothelioma. Potentially curative These procedures are “intent” healing. Pleurectomy / Peel, usually in patients with early stage disease pleural mesothelioma (stage I and stage II select), and tried all gross tumor. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy for surgery is the removal of a diseased lung, a portion of the Pericardium a part of the membrane and a part of the parietal pleura. This type of surgery is often used to a clever and traditional mesothelioma in combination with chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy, gene therapy, immunotherapy, or photodynamic therapy. Cytoreductive Surgery removed tumors visible in the abdominal cavity. The rest of the cancer cells by intra-peritoneal hypertermiques (heated) chemotherapy (IPHC), then delivered the abdominal cavity. New treatments or experimental Gene Therapy: The best-known gene, called the p53 tumor. When this gene is damaged or missing, or genes, oncogenes cancer proliferate in a normal pace. The main axis of gene therapy for mesothelioma is a virus injected, has been changed, in the laboratory. The virus is in the room pleural mesothelioma in the chest, where the mesothelioma developed to be an attempt to kill cancer cells. Vaccine or drug therapy The mesothelioma patients have a high vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a chemical in the blood vessels, that the people of other types of cancer. The experiments are currently under way to check whether the VEGF can be blocked, making the vehicles of growth of blood vessels pull mesothelioma tumors. Bevacizumab is a vaccine against the drug currently in use. A process has recently declared that the drug increases the chances of survival for patients with lung cancer. An American Phase 2 bevacizumab procedures tested to mesothelioma, in combination with chemotherapy drugs. Bevacizumab is still in the testing phase, and much more important process are necessary before we know it in the treatment of mesothelioma and other types of cancer. The photodynamic therapy (PDT) In photodynamic therapy drug called a photosensitising injection into the bloodstream and into the cells of the body through which the light-sensitive cells. If the patient is in the laser light, the cells. PDT is used in combination with surgery for the treatment of patients in the early stages of mesothelioma. PDT is in the stages of the proceedings and very experimental. The clinical trials and election law The clinical studies of the research with the help of an investigation of individuals affected by cancer. The National Cancer Institute says that the purpose of most clinical trials are designed to test new drugs against cancer or new methods for diagnosis, prevention or early detection of cancer. The conditions for the approval for clinical trials is not the same, each study contains specific guidelines for participation. Some procedures allow for the participation of other treatments have failed, while others require that the patient is not treated. The choice of a clinical trial may only after a medical consultation. Examinations for the Prevention - ways to reduce the risk or the likelihood of cancer to develop. Most tests are conducted on the prevention, in which healthy people who had no cancer. These tests, drugs, vitamins or diet to reduce cancer risk. Some procedures are interviews with people who have cancer, and want to prevent the return of cancer (Relapse), or the risk of developing a new type of cancer. Screening Trial - ways to detect cancer. They are often carried out to determine whether the cancer before finding the causes of the symptoms reduces the chances of dying of the disease. These procedures are people who show no signs of cancer. Diagnosis Cancer Trials - develops new tests or scans The trials for the treatment - studies of new drugs or combinations of drugs, new treatment options, and new ways of processing Quality of life processes explore how the comfort and quality of life of patients with cancer and survivors of cancer. These tests can be opportunities for the people who are suffering from nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbances, depression, or adverse reactions, cancer or treatment. Trials Genetics Study - sometimes are part of another clinical trial of cancer. The genetic component of the negotiations may affect the way can influence the genetic detection, diagnosis, or a response to a therapy against cancer. The clinical studies are in 4 phases: The phase 1 of the examination, if the attempt to treat drug is safe or harmful, and the efforts to establish the correct dosage. Phase 2 trials check the effectiveness of the treatment. Phase 3 tests to examine a new treatment against the current standard therapy. If it leads to better results, it could be the new standard treatment. Phase 4 trials are after a drug was approved. They collect information on the side effects of the safety and the long-term risks and benefits of a drug. The research is underway, the possibilities for improving the treatment of Mesothelioma, but clinical trials are not all in new and better treatments. After the examination, he discovered that the treatment in the test does not work, or it is the worst side effect, the existing forms of treatment. But for the researchers and doctors, and at the end for the patients it is important that this research is in progress.