Chemotherapy Helps Mesothelioma Survival?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Each year, more than 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed within the United States, many of which end up being terminal.

While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for mesothelioma, researchers and doctors have been working on different treatments to help make this rare form of cancer more manageable. Currently, treatment for mesothelioma generally depends on the location, stage, general health and age of the mesothelioma patient. From that point, patients may receive one or more of a combination of treatments that involve surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Does Chemotherapy Treatment Work?

Chemotherapy is considered a palliative treatment modality which means that it can help reduce the symptoms of mesothelioma and perhaps the size of the tumors, but it is not curative. Within the last decade, chemotherapy containing cisplatin-antifolate combinations has been shown to improve responses and prolong survival in mesothelioma patients. Based on the successes shown in clinical trials, a trio of research scientists in The Netherlands launched their own population-based study to "assess the impact of this development on clinical practice and survival at a population-based level."

The study focused on 4,731 Dutch patients diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1995 and 2006. For the periods 1995-1998 and 2005-2006, the use of chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma jumped from 8% to 36%. At the same time, median survival for chemotherapy-treated patients increased from 10.1 months in earlier years to 13.1 months in more recent years. The researchers summarized their findings by stating that increased chemotherapy use at the national level did improve survival rates of mesothelioma patients, but they also cautioned that there may still be alternative explanations as to why this is the case.

Alimta and Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug marketed as Platinol and used to treat a number of different cancers, including mesothelioma, some carcinomas such as small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer, lymphomas and germ cell tumors. Inside cancer cells, cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs trigger cell death, killing the cancerous cells. In the United States, the platinum-based drug, cisplatin, is usually combined with another drug, Alimta, for treating mesothelioma. Alimta is an antifolate drug, which works by blocking the activity of folic acid inside cells interfering with cellular metabolism.

The FDA approved the Alimta plus cisplatin combination after a clinical trial demonstrated that the two drugs were more effective than one drug. In the July 2003 edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology the published results reported a median survival time of 12.1 months for mesothelioma patients who received Alimta and cisplatin versus 9.3 months for the mesothelioma patients who just received cisplatin. The researchers also found that the addition of folic acid and vitamin B12 helped to reduce the toxicity of the drugs without adversely affecting survival time.

It is the hope that as research continues there will also continue to be better alternatives (and hopefully a cure) for those who suffer from mesothelioma.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Myra D. Foreman writes for Surviving Mesothelioma. This is the only website where this important book is available for free. The book is written by Paul Kraus who was diagnosed with mesothelioma more than a decade ago and is still enjoying life today

Mesothelioma - What Is It?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that originates in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma occurs when the mesothelium cells start to divide uncontrollably. They can begin invading and damaging the nearby tissues and organs and gradually may spread to other parts of the body.

About 2,500 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States every year and the majority are traced back to occupational asbestos exposure. Asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma and its chief risk factor. There are higher incidents of this cancer in men as compared to women and most victims are over 65, but the disease can strike at any age.

Although use of asbestos has been decreased substantially in the past few years, this has not resulted in any major decline in the incidence of mesothelioma. The reason is because there is a latency period from asbestos exposure to disease diagnosis - it can take about 20 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.

The Mesothelium

The mesothelium membrane is comprised of two layers of cells. One layer surrounds the organs while the other forms a sac around it. There is a lubricating fluid produced by the mesothelium between these two layers that helps in the gliding movement of the organs against each other.

Depending on the location in the body, the mesothelium is known by different names. The mesothelial tissue covering the abdominal organs is known as peritoneum and the membrane covering the lungs and chest cavity is called pleura. The mesothelium covering the heart and protecting it is known as pericardium.

Most cases of mesothelioma start in the peritoneum or pleura. However, the cancer can attack tunica vaginalis, which is the sac that surrounds the testis and the pericardium.

Types of Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is, unfortunately, the most prevalent type, but there is a benign form too:

• Malignant mesothelioma

This is the rare form of cancer and the most serious of all asbestos related diseases. It can be a difficult disease to diagnose correctly because symptoms may be similar to other ailments. Today, pathologists use immunohistochemistry to actually identify the proteins and DNA of the cancer cells to help arrive at the correct diagnosis. Typical treatments for malignant mesothelioma include chemotherapy (usually pemetrexed and cisplatin), radiation, surgery, and multi-modality therapies (two or more therapies combined).

• Non-malignant Mesothelioma

Also referred to as benign mesothelioma, this is much easier to treat as compared to the malignant form of the cancer. Many cases have been successfully treated and cured.
Protecting Yourself from Mesothelioma

Because mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, the best way to minimize your risk is to reduce your exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos was used in thousands of different products especially building products. In addition, the US currently does not have a total ban on asbestos today. Recently, independent testing found that some children's toys from China contained asbestos. Typically asbestos is not dangerous unless it is ingested or inhaled. However, the fibers are so small (microscopic) that you cannot see them with the naked eye.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Malignant mesothelioma is, unfortunately, the most prevalent type, but there is a benign form too. Although use of asbestos has been decreased substantially in the past few years, this has not resulted in any major decline in the incidence of mesothelioma. To learn more, visit the Surviving Mesothelioma website.

Simple Facts of Smoking - Lung Cancer

Built-up in the body over a long period of time, smoking caused cancers have distinct stages that peak in smokers between the ages of 55 years and 65 years old. Smoking causes almost immediate changes within the lungs, shortly after they have come into contact with carcinogenic chemicals (chemicals that cause cancer). Soon after their first exposure, abnormal cells begin to appear within the main breathing tubes. These cells are accelerated in growth through the continued exposure to these dangerous chemical substances (caused through smoking). Some of these cells will become cancerous and others will form into small tumors.

There are two Main Types of Lung Cancer

The first is Non-Small Cell Cancer that consists of three different types: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Ademocarcinoma and Large Cell Carcinoma.

The second is Small Cell Cancer, also referred to as (Oat Cell Cancer). This is a faster spreading cancer than the Non-Small Cell type and is usually contributed to over 20% of all lung cancer cases.

Key Facts about Lung Cancer

1. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, with more than 1.8 million cases diagnosed every year.

2. The highest rate of detection for men is in Central and Eastern Europe, while for women the highest rate of detection is in North America. The lowest rate of detection can be found within the Middle African Countries.

3. It is the second most diagnosed cancer in men after prostate cancer, with around 215,000 new cases being diagnosed every year in the USA, and around 25,000 new cases being diagnosed every year in the United Kingdom.

4. Of the 215,000 new cases which are diagnosed every year in the USA, around 85% will die within the first five years of diagnoses.

5. Current or former cigarette smokers make up for over 80% of all lung cancer deaths in both men and women over the age of 55 years, and is on the rise.

6. Smoking is the cause of over 25% of all cancer deaths in the world, with over 32% of deaths occurring in men, and 25% in women.

7. Every year a higher percentage of men are diagnosed with lung cancer than women.

8. A man who smokes up to two packets of cigarettes a day, has more than 25 times higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than a non-smoker.

9. Cancers mortality rate can be heavily reduced through its early detection and treatment.

10. It is never to late to stop smoking as within the first 30 minutes of smoking the last cigarette the bodies organs begin to benefit.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, 'Proofreading, and Website Design." Philip's business also offers an extensive selection of professionally written e-books. If you are interested in reading more about how smoking can damage your bodies organs, or if you are having problems quitting smoking, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/stop-smoking

How Many Different Types of Lung Cancer Are There?

There are two major types of lung cancer that can be found in both men women. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Small Cell Lung Cancer, both which are unique to each other as they grow and spread within the body differently.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

NSCLC is the more common of the two lung cancers, and is attributed to about 85% of all cases found in a patient. It tends to grow and spread at a much slower pace than small cell lung cancer, and is broken down into three main subtypes, all which have their own unique cancer cells.

1. Squamous Cell Caricinoma (epidermoid caricinoma) is attributed to about 25-30% of all cases found. It is made up from thin flat cells (similar to fish scales) that line the inside airways of the lung, and begins in the squamous cells in the centre of the lung.

2. Adenocaricinoma is attributed to about 35-40% of all cases found, mainly in smokers, although it is also found in non-smokers as well. It begins in the cells that have glandular (secretory) properties, and grows slowly in the outer-region of the lung. It is more common in women than men, and more likely to be found in a younger person. Patients with this type of cancer usually tend to have a better prognosis (life expectancy).

3. Large Cell (Undifferentiated) Caricinoma is attributed to about 10-15% of all cases found. It grows and spreads quickly as its cells multiply rapidly. When viewed under a microscope, the cells have an abnormal look to them compared to other types of cancer cells.

Adenosquamous Caricinoma and Sarcomatoid Carcinoma are also subtypes of NSCLC, although they are very rarely found in a patient.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

SCLC is much less common than NSCLC, and only attributes to about 10-15% of all cases found. It tends to grow and spread much faster than other types of cancer, and is broken down into three types, each which contain different cell types.

Small Cell Caricinoma (oat cell cancer) is a highly malignant cancer that is usually found in the lung, although it can be found in other parts of the body as well, such as the cervix, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract.

Mixed Small/Large Cell Caricinoma is a rare form of lung cancer, which when diagnosed is formed from both small cell caricinoma, and large cell caricinoma.

Combined Small Cell Caricinoma is diagnosed when a malignant tumor is found arising from the lung tissues, and contains both small cell caricinoma, mixed with one or more components of non-small cell caricinoma.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design." If you are interested in reading more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Lung Cancer From Asbestos: Important Facts to Know and How to Cope With the Problem

What are asbestos? Asbestos are mineral fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. These minerals have been used widely in many industries. Chemically, asbestos are silicate compound of silicon and oxygen atoms in their molecular structure. The building and construction industries use asbestos for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industries insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes with these minerals. For their vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads, the automotive industry makes use of these fibers. Asbestos materials are also used in ceiling and floor tiles paints, coatings, adhesives, plastics and many others.

In recent years, due to widespread public concern about the health hazards of asbestos, domestic consumption had significantly dropped. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, studies show that constant exposure to asbestos caused an increase in asbestosis syndrome, mesothelioma, gastrointestinal, colorectal cancers and other diseases. Early stage asbestos lung cancer is hard to detect because of lack of apparent symptoms. It usually begins in the bronchial lining or the bronchioles, lung air sacs and trachea. The cancer develops slowly but can spread and invade other parts of the body.

Like any other type of lung cancer, the diagnostic tests include physical exams, x-rays, ct scans, imaging tests, PET scan and biopsies. During the diagnostic procedures, you should provide the medical team with vital and relevant information on the extent of asbestos exposure. Factors such as how long has been the exposure, estimated volume of exposure, source, size, shape and chemical make- up of asbestos fibers, whether you are a smoker or non-smoker and current lung problem are important things your doctors should be aware of. With regards its chemical make-up, studies have suggested that if the exposure is with the amphibole asbestos rather than the chrysotile, the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma lung cancer is greater because of the tendency of the amphibole fibers to lodge in the lungs for a long time.

Asbestosis is a disease in which asbestos fibers can cause scarring, inflammation of tissues and growth of non-malignant tumors in the lungs. They are benign and do not spread to the other organs. On the other hand, with mesothelioma, the growth of tumors that occurs in the serious thin membrane linings are malignant and they grow fast and spread to the other organs. When it occurs in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. It is a rare type of lung cancer. You can detect it by x-rays and confirm by biopsy test. Traditional treatments recommended by a medical team depending on individual evaluation include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

Prognosticating mesothelioma reveal serious mortality rates. Factors which affect prognosis are area of cancer, stage, histology, patient's general health, age and response to treatment. Survival rate for patients with high level of white cell counts, presence of SV40 virus and certain biochemical markers from date of diagnosis is only a few months. The median life expectancy rate is about a year.

There are still many work environments and trades in which people are constantly exposed to asbestos. You may belong to any of these groups. Some of them are operational engineers, steamfitters, sheet metal workers, pipe fitters, plumbers, metal lathers, merchant marine, firefighters, shipyard workers, industrial plant workers, plumbers, construction workers, asbestos plant workers, boilers, longshoremen, railroad workers, industrial painters, workers in glass factory, schools, power plants, cement plants, military, hotels, telephone companies, oil refinery, loading docks, hospitals, chemical plants, heating and air-conditioning, boiler or engine rooms, etc.

If you happen to believe having a prolonged exposure to asbestos and are experiencing abnormalities, it is to your best interest to undergo a comprehensive physical exam. You should have a complete x-ray of the front, back, side, and oblique views. Other tests are pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan, etc. Request your doctors to explain to you what the tests reveal. It you are diagnosed with a lung cancer from asbestos, have the courage to face it frontally and disclose your condition to your loved ones. Ask for their support and prayers. Seek a second opinion. Lastly, pray for supernatural healing!

My name is Jet Jones and I research and write about lung cancer info. Please visit my site at http://lungcancer-stages.com/ to find information about lung cancer stages and treatments that can help you better understand this dreaded disease.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - (Stages 0-4)

After non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been diagnosed in a patient it is given what is called a "stage." This describes both the size of the tumor, and to what extent the tumor has spread within the body. Once diagnosed, a more accurate prognosis (life expectancy) of a patient can be given. There are five main stages of NSCLC (0, 1, 2, 3, 4). Each of these stages is further divided into more specific sub-stages.

(Stages 0-4)

- 0 The cancer has not spread past the inner lining of the lungs; also known as carcinoma in situ (CIS).
- 1 The cancer is localized within the lungs but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
- 1A (the tumor is 3 cm or less in diameter).
- 1B (the tumor is greater than 3 cm in diameter).
- 2 The cancer has either spread outside the lungs to the nearby lymph nodes, or has NOT yet spread to the lymph nodes, but is localized in a certain area of the main bronchus (tubes that allow air to pass between the trachea and the lungs). The tumor may also be located in an area where it has invaded the lining of the lungs, or the wall of the chest.
- 2A (the tumor is 3 cm or less and has spread to the lymph nodes).
- 2B (the tumor is greater that 3 cm and has spread to the lymph nodes. It may also be present in the main bronchus region, has invaded the lining of the lungs, or wall of the chest.
- 3 The cancer has spread to the nearby tissue of the lungs.
- 3A (the tumor is lager in size and has spread to the lymph nodes. At this stage multi-tumors of any size may have spread away from the main tumor area).
- 3B (tumors of any size that have spread to distant lymph nodes and have invaded other organs such as the esophagus, the heart, or tumors with malignant pleural effusion [an abnormal amount of fluid in the space between the tissue that lines the inside of the lungs]).
- 4 The cancer has reached its most dangerous stage by having spread to other organs of the body, including another lobe of the lung.

Doctors may often describe NSCLC with a system called TNM. This system is used to further classify lung cancer within its sub-stages. Each letter stands for a different degree (stage) of the disease.

T - (the size of the tumor).
N - (indicates which lymph nodes have been invaded).
M - (defines whether the cancer has metastasized).

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

What Is Asbestos?

The set of silicate minerals which is commercially used for their desirable physical properties is known as Asbestos. The word asbestos comes from the ancient Greek meaning "unquenchable" or "inextinguishable". The term asbestos is traceable to Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder's manuscript Natural History, and his use of the term asbestinon, meaning "unquenchable".

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, its resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability.

It was used in such applications as electrical insulation for hot plate wiring and in building insulation. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement (resulting in fiber cement) or woven into fabric or mats.

Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause asbestos, pleural disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibers inhaled and the risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

Where to find asbestos

Some of areas in your home where you may find asbestos include:

· eaves, soffits, gutters and rainwater fall pipes

· fire blankets

· garage and shed roofs

· linings for walls, ceilings and doors

· insulation panels in some storage heaters

· bath panels

· central heating flues

· loose asbestos packing between floors and in partition walls

· floor tiles

How to remove asbestos

If you find asbestos in your environment then you have two options first, you can remove it by yourself and second you can hire the expert for it. If you are going to do it by yourself then u need following precautions

· Wear a dust mask specifically approved for asbestos

· Wear a disposable overall

· Keep other people away from the working area

· Wet the material well with water containing a little washing up liquid; check that there is no potential for contact with electricity first

· Always remove whole sheets or components; do not break them up

· Place any loose or small items in strong plastic labeled bags and seal

· Clean up all dust with a damp cloth and then seal it in a plastic bag whilst damp

· Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner as dust may pass through the filter

· All asbestos waste should be double bagged or double wrapped in heavy duty plastic.

If you have removed asbestos from your home yourself, it will need to be disposed of separately from your normal household waste.

If you have adopted the second option for asbestos removal then " asbestos audits " can be the one of finest options.