What is Mesothelioma?
Here we analyze the different types of mesothelioma including peritoneal (cancer of the abdominal lining), pleural (cancer of the pleural sac surrounding the heart), and pericardial (cancer of the pericardium)...

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma
Here we analyze the different types of mesothelioma including peritoneal (cancer of the abdominal lining), pleural (cancer of the pleural sac surrounding the heart), and pericardial (cancer of the pericardium)...

Treatment Options
Here we discuss the 4 main types of mesothelioma treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and clinical trials...

Asbestos Exposure
Starting as early as the 1940s, millions of Americans have worked around Asbestos and have been exposed to the deadly substance. The types of jobs where asbestos exposure is highly likely to occur include...

Diagnosis Techniques
If the doctor suspects that his patient suffers from Mesothelioma, he can perform several imaging techniques to diagnose mesothelioma. These include Computed Tomography (CT) scans, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans and X-rays.

> Epidemiology of Malignant Mesothelioma – Introduction, Exposure to Serpentine Asbestos Crystals, Medical Examination of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer & Diagnosis using Mesothelin
(November 5th, 2009)
In 2002, deaths caused by malignant mesothelioma in the United States peaked at 3060 and have since declined, although remain at high levels to present day. Scientists predict the deaths from asbestos related diseases including mesothelioma will peak in 2020 in the United Kingdom, ranging in a few thousand deaths. Total estimated deaths from malignant lung cancer in the United Kingdom are expected to come in at 90,000 till 2050. The diagram on the left shows Asbestos related deaths of US residents between 1983 to 1992 with the black solid box showing deaths of greater than 10 million and medium grey box showing greater than 5 & less than 10 million deaths across all states (see legend)...

> Former Employee Accuses Denver Water of Illegally Dumping Asbestos Containing Chemicals
(October 28th, 2009)
Joseph Pacheco is going back 20 years in time and accusing the Denver Water authority of illegally forcing him and several other employees to dumping asbestos containing chemicals on a lot at 12th and Sheridan, Denver. He says he was forced to keep quiet about it and not let the secret out otherwise he would get fired. Joseph quotes, "I have to go to bed every night knowing what happened. We were not able to speak about this to the public, to homeowners or to the news media..." (View Full)

> Improper Removal of Asbestos Containing Boiler in New York Building Raises Asbestos Concerns
(October 17th, 2009)
Improper removal of an asbestos containing boiler in a building in Auburn, New York has raised concerns for local citizens living there of harmful exposure to environmental asbestos fibers that could dissipitate in to the air thanks to the removal of the boiler. A commercial building on Market street, New York city was evacuated after air became contaminated and workers complained of bad air. Local workers and public around the area are concerned they might have been exposed to asbestos fibers or Carbon monoxide which is a dangerous chemical substance... (View Full)

> Surgery as Treatment Option for Lung Cancer - Risks of Lung Cancer Surgery, Questions to Ask your Doctor, Surgery Pictures
(October 9th, 2009)
Surgery as a treatment option for general lung cancer works best when the Cancer or malignant tumor is in its early stages, usually in Stage I. In this article, we explore when having a surgery is the most effective and when it is the least effective, so that in case your medical doctor suggests you going through a surgery, you have some information to analyze. There are several things taken in to account to determine if surgery will be the proper treatment option for your level of lung cancer. These are: i) Type of lung cancer – Surgery is usually effective on non small-cell lung cancer because it does not spread as fast as small cell lung cancer. Common good treatment options for small cell lung cancer include chemotherapy & radiation... (View Full)

> Researchers Seek Clinical Trial Patients for New Mesothelioma Drug: Gefitinib
(September 25th, 2009)
Scientists and researchers at the National Cancer Institute in based in Bethesda, Maryland are seeking 40 new patients to try out a new malignant mesothelioma drug known as Gefitinib. As a fundamental requirement, these patients must not currently be having surgery or radiation as part of diagnosing methods and must have signs of or have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or related asbestos diseases such as pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, as well as Asbestosis. Malignant Mesothelioma is layers of neoplasms or tumors that exist in the Pleural or Peritoneal surfaces of the lungs. Malignant mesothelioma is usually linked to occupational or environmental exposure to Asbestos and Asbestos containing products. Malignant mesothelioma occurs when cells of the Mesothelium become abnormal and spread or divide themselves without control or order... (View Full)

> Secondary Cancer in the Lymph Nodes - Role of Lymph Nodes in the Body & the Lymphatic System
(September 18th, 2009)
First off, secondary cancer is any neoplasm or groups of tissues that contain cancer cells that is either metastatic offspring of a primary malignant tumor; in other words the Cancer has spread from the original place it formed to other parts of the body, thus forming a process of metastasis. In this context, secondary cancer refers to a situation where cancer cells have spread from their primary growth location to the lymph nodes. Lymph node is an organ that houses many types of cells and is part of the body’s lymphatic system. Cancer in the lymph nodes can develop in two ways, either it starts from there as primary cancer or can spread in to the lymph nodes from a primary cancer residing elsewhere in the lungs or organs of the body... (View Full)

> Talcum Powder Slows Down Growth of Lung Cancer Tumors
(September 15th, 2009)
In a recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal in April 2009, it was discovered that a substance known as talcum powder stimulates the production of healthy cells to produce a substance known as endostatin which is considered to be a revolutionary treatment for metastatic lung cancer. Endostatin is an anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agent that consists of protein fibers and is usually released by malignant tumors themselves. Endostatin has the ability to stop cell division, especially the fast growth of cancer tumor cells and also slows down the growth of new blood vessels. This research study was conducted by scientists at the University of Florida’s Science & Research department... (View Full)

> Carbon Nanotubes that Look and Behave like Asbestos could cause Pleural Mesothelioma
(September 11th, 2009)
A huge study published in the research journal Nature Nanotechnology suggests that some forms of Carbon nanotubes could be as harmful as asbestos fibers if inhaled in to the body and to the Esophagus and lungs. The study confirms that specific types of carbon nanotubes have the potential to cause malignant mesothelioma including Pleural mesothelioma that can take 30 to 40 years after initial asbestos exposure to surface to life. The research study suggests that nanotubes that are very thin, long and multi-walled look like asbestos fibers, and behave like asbestos fibers. This image on the left shows Carbon nanotubes in the top half, and tissues of asbstos fibers in the second half. You can see the similarities between the two fibers, and scientists think that carbon nanotubes can also cause mesothelioma lung cancer & other malignant diseases... (View Full)

> Chest X-Rays Can Detect Early Lung Cancer, but also Alert many False-Positive Results
(September 7th, 2009)
A new study pioneered by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) shows that doing chest x-rays on lungs can help detect lung cancer in its early stages, but also many a times, a 2nd or 3rd test is required to accurately diagnose lung cancer, and most of the alerts are false. This study was published in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial journal (December 21, 2005). It is estimated that over 170,000 people die from lung cancer in the United States each year and most are diagnosed of lung cancer in its late stages, making survival chances very slim... (View Full)

> Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Cancer of the Peritoneum or Linings of the Abdomen - Symptoms of Peritoneal Lung Cancer, Role of Asbestos & Treatment Options
(August 31st, 2009)
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the linings that surround the abdomen or stomach, also known as the Peritoneum. The peritoneum is a membrane that surrounds and lines the abdominal cavity with it being divided in to 2 separate membranes, i) parietal membrane that covers the chest cavity and ii) parietal peritoneum that covers all the organs mentioned above, e.g. digestive tract, kidneys, liver, etc. Below are the parts & characteristics of the peritoneum & the abdominal cavity.

> History and Advent of Cancer Treating Chemotherapy – Nitrogen Mustard as Anti-Cancer drug, Invention of Red Clover to treat Respiratory & Malignant Lung Cancers
(August 30th, 2009)
The advent of Chemotherapy came even before the 1940s. For instance, as early as 300 BC, a substance known as Galangal which is a root in the ginger family of plants was used to treat skin cancer. Furthermore, a plant called red clover (Trifollium pratense) was discovered in 300 BC and was used in treatment of certain types of Cancer. Red clover (an image of red clover is on the left) is a wild plant used for grazing cattle and other animals and most recently, it has been used in the treatment of skin inflammations, respiratory problems, excessive cough and cancer...

> Intra-peritoneal Therapy – Delivery of Chemotherapy Drugs in to Abdominal Cavity, Port and Catheter
(August 30th, 2009)
Intra-peritoneal therapy is the delivery of chemotherapy drugs directly in to the abdominal cavities or the peritoneal space. The abdominal cavity is the biggest hollow area of the body and has a sheet of muscle and connective tissue that separates it from the chest cavity. The abdominal cavity houses or insulates major organs of the body including the liver, digestive tract, kidneys, the spleen, adrenal glands and the pancreas.

> Chemical Pleurodesis for Malignant Pleural Effusions or Fluids in Lungs
(August 26th, 2009)
Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid-like substances around the pleura which is the area between the parietal and visceral pleura that covers the lungs and surrounds the chest walls. When this fluid accumulates or starts to form in the pleura, the patient can suffer from dyspnea (shortness of breath), have difficulty in breathing and have a faster heart beat rate, which makes life very unpleasant. Note that these symptoms do not occur suddenly, they tend to develop over a gradual period of time and pleural effusions or the fluids in the pleura can be detected via a chest x-ray or more advanced screening methods such as Computed Tomography (CT) scans.

> Evaluation of Pleural Thickening and its Effects on Development of Malignant Lung Cancer
(August 23rd, 2009)Pleural thickening is the term used to describe the appearance of scarring or marks along the pleura linings of the lungs. The Pleura is a thin serous membrane around the lungs and inner walls of the chest that covers the walls of the thorax or pleural muscles. The function of the pleura is to house and insulate the lungs (cover the lungs) and consist of a thin membrane called the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a very important organ in the lungs because it enables the lungs to expand/contract properly thus enabling them to flow blood effective from the lungs to other organs of the body including the heart and bones.

> Chest X-Ray – Uses of Chest X-Rays, How to Prepare for X-Ray Session, Performance, Risks & Results, and Normal versus Abnormal Results
(August 15th, 2009)A chest x-ray is a snapshot of your heart that shows important organs such as your heart, lungs, blood vessels, lymph nodes, lung airways, spine, chest and more. A chest x-ray also displays the bones in your spine, chest and ribs as well as your collarbone and breast bone. A chest x-ray is the most common method of detecting abnormalities in the chest. A chest x-ray usually takes 2 snapshots, 1) front of the chest and 2) sides of the chest. During emergencies, only a picture of the front chest is taken.

> Multi-cystic Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum - Examinaton of the Pelvis, Abdominal Mass using Ultrasound, Process of Hysterectomy by a Gynecologist
(August 5th, 2009)
During a pelvic examination conducted on a 44 year old woman in the Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, an abdominal mass was detected. An abdominal mass is any localized swelling or enlargement of cells/tumors in the human abdomen. Abdominal mass can also lead to peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs when the abdominal lining of the abdomen becomes cancerous or malignant and could develop into a full mesothelioma tumor.

> Mesothelioma Lung Cancer & Effects on Army, Navy & Marine Veterans - Asbestos Exposure in Battleships, Aircraft Carriers, Submarines and Navy Ships
(May 18th, 2009)
Between the 1940s to the 1960s, many laborers in America served as former Army, Air Force, Marine, Navy, and Coast Guard personnel and now as they are retiring, them and their spouses are developing Asbestos related lung cancer, including malignant mesothelioma. Due to the long latency period in Asbestos relate diseases, it takes between 20 - 50 years before the symptoms of asbestos exposure begin to surface, after initial exposure. The setting of asbestos exposure could be the World War II, the Korean War of 1950s, and other conflicts including the Vietnam war from early 60s to 1975. Navy retirees are shocked to hear that their service to their country is now potentially costing them off their lives; through Cancer development.

>> Ruth Phillips - 10 Year Mesothelioma Survivor Living Large - Discussion of Immuno-Augmentive Therapy & Other Cancer Treatments
(May 5th, 2009)
When Ruth Phillips (image on the left) was just 47 years old, she was diagnosed with Peritoneal mesothelioma lung cancer, specifically on July 1st, 1999. As of today, she is still living large and enjoying life, and is better off. Born in 1952, Ruth was diagnosed with Peritoneal mesothelioma at the Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia. At first, the diagnosis was of Ovarian cancer which is malignant or Cancerous tumor deriving from an ovary. The diagnosis process began through a Laparotomy (surgical procedure that puts an incision through the abdominal wall to gain access to the abdomen and abdominal cavity). The medical doctor wanted to find out why her Colon was blocked for 9 days. After a huge 16" vertical incision, the doctors found malignant tumors residing in the Omentum and immediately took steps to remove this.

>> Prevention of Lung Cancer when You are at Risk, or when You Already Have Lung Cancer
(April 27th, 2009)
As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure! In this topic, we will explore the types of things you should do to prevent or avoid developing lung cancer if you don't already have it. If you do already have it, we will discuss how to minimize the symptoms, live a better life and steps to better pain management. Some reasons why patients could potentially develop lung cancer include exposure to Asbestos or Radon, smoking cigarettes or tobacco related products, second-hand smoke, or if your family member has lung cancer and you are close to that person or through other environmental factors. If your doctor has said you are at risk of developing lung cancer, the first logical step would be to stop smoking if you already do.

>> Research Suggests Vitamin D Plays a Large Role in Preventing and Fighting Lung Cancer
(April 21st, 2009)
According to the 100th Annual Meeting at the American Association for Cancer Research, lung cancer cells within our body tend to be destroyed by Vitamin D cells that are vital in fighting against cancers. New research done at the AACR suggests Vitamin D can significantly reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including lung cancer. Vitamin D is a soluble fat vitamin that is derived from dietary supplements such as cereals, fish (tuna, salmon & mackerel), and fortified milk.

>> What Types of Lung Cancer Exist? Differences between Small Cell & Non Small-Cell Lung Cancer
(April 15th, 2009)
All types of Lung Cancers (also known as Bronchogenic Carcinomas) are classified in to 2 types: i) Small Cell lung cancer ii) Non Small Cell Lung cancer. These names are based on the appearances of malignant tumors within these cells with the look of a microscope. Small cell and non small cell lung cancers appear and grow in different ways, and have very many distinctions, which will be described in this article. Small Cell lung cancers make up about 20% of all lung cancers and are the most aggressive/rapidly growing types of lung cancer out there. Small cell lung cancers are closely related to smoking because 99% of all small cell lung cancers occur in people who smoke.

>> Steve Lee, 63, from Reading UK, Completes Half Marathon with Asbestos Lung Cancer
(April 8th, 2009)
Last week, Steve Lee from Reading City, UK completed the 13 mile half marathon in under 2 hours and 45 minutes, and he was excited with this performance! It was not his fastest time by all means, he used to finish the entire marathon in 1 hour and 45 minutes. But about 1 and 1/2 years ago, Steve Lee was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, an Asbestos related lung cancer and was warned that he had only 1 year left to live.

>> Basic & Advanced Symptoms of Mesothelioma & Common Misconceptions
(March 28th, 2009)
Early symptoms of mesothelioma are very minor and can easily be mistaken for symptoms of other less serious diseases such as pneumonia. For example, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (Pleural mesothelioma occurs when the pleural sac surrounding the lungs, abdomen and ribs becomes malignant or cancerous due to asbestos exposure) such as chest pain, shortness of breath or cough can be mistaken as symptoms of pneumonia...

>> Choosing Your Mesothelioma Doctor - Medical & Radiation Oncologists, Laparoscopic Surgeons
(February 4th, 2009)
Finding a good mesothelioma doctor who specializes in various treatments available (chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy) is a tough task itself. Your local hospital may offer 'standard' care options, but if your mesothelioma tumor is high and you are looking into surgical options, it is crucial to find the right doctor who specializes in that particular type of surgery. It is important to find a doctor who has the right tools, surgical knowledge and is up to date on latest industry protocols, tools & developments.

>> Study Suggests Computed Tomography (CT) Scans Increase Risk for Cancer Development - Mesothelioma News
(November 30th, 2008)
A new research study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine says Computed Tomography (CT) scans may increase patients' risk of developing cancer, especially for children. Overuse of CT scans to diagnose cancer related diseases (an example is mesothelioma lung cancer) may cause as many as 3 million more cancers in the United States over the next 20 - 30 years. Researchers says they are not trying to discourage the use of CT scans, they are merely indicating that doctors are overlooking the risks that these machines possess.

>> Diagnosing Mesothelioma & Pathological Testing
(February 6th, 2009)
If mesothelioma is diagnosed through a PET Scan, MRI scan or a CT scan, it is confirmed by a pathological examination. Lung tissues are extracted, put under the microscope and a pathologist writes a pathology report confirming definitive diagnosis. This is the culmination of a process that begins by fluid build up in the lungs (pleural effusions), swelling in the abdomen, pain in the chest or shortness of breath. The pathologist may order an xray of the chest or abdomen before a full pathology report is submitted. The following types of tests may be conducted if further examination of the lungs is needed.

>> Eat Fruits & Vegetables - Prevent Cancer and Stay Healthy
(January 12th, 2009)
If you read our article on how Gardening & Good Diet lead to Less Lung Cancer Risk, you will see that good diet & gardening can reduce your risk of developing lung cancer by 40 - 46%! In this article, we explain how to set up your diet so as to maximize the number of fruits and vegetables you consume in any given day. The American Cancer Society suggests that you eat 5 servings of these foods every day. Here is a sample menu to incorporate to your diet each day without taking on extra expenses.

>> Gardening & Good Diet Leads to Less Lung Cancer Risk
(January 7th, 2008)
Cancer scientists at the The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center say that by simply eating 4 or more servings of green salad a week, and doing their gardening once or twice a week, people (both smokers and non-smokers) will be able to substantially reduce their risks of developing lung cancer during their lifetimes. This is a matter of doing physical exercise by gardening, and having good nutrition by eating green salads and other healthy meals.

>> PhotoDynamic Therapy - Types of Mesothelioma Treatments
(March 18th, 2008)
Photodynamic therapy uses laser light to kill malignant or cancerous cells in the abdominal/lung area. Approved by the Food & Drug Administration Act (FDA) for use on non-small cell lung cancer & esophagus cancer, photodynamic therapy is a treatment in its early stages of life and is still being experimented on. Photodynamic therapy works by the patient receiving a photosensitizing agent or photosensitizer which is a drug that exposes cancerous cells to the laser light which kills these cells. The photosensitizer has the ability to differentiate between good body cells & cancerous cells, and will not diffuse in the good cells, leaving to expose only cancerous cells.

>> Surviving Lung Cancer - Thoracic Surgeons Roll Out New Tumor Removal Procedure
(January 20th, 2009)
Every year, 170,000 Americans are diagnosed with lung cancer. Surgery performed to remove these lung cancer tumors require patients to stay in the hospital for weeks after weeks, and can be very expensive. However now, Thoracic Surgeons have pioneered a new procedure called thorascopic lobectomy where surgeons make three incisions or cuts into the chest and use new tools to reach into the lungs. A specialized camera helps them see the tumors that have developed around the lungs and these are removed through a bag.

>> Timing of Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment Options - Surgery, Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapy
(February 5th, 2008)
The treatment program that your mesothelioma doctor will design for you depends on the stage of the cancer, location, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancerous cells look under the microscope and the age of the patient. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are often told the expected survival rate is only 8 - 12 months. This is however changing rapidly. Infact, specialists that treat malignant mesothelioma at leading Cancer centers nationwide often produce better statistics