Health Info

Chrysotile Peritoneal Mesothelioma

2006-12-24T04:47:00.000-08:00

Chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that attacks the lining of the abdominal cavity. Chrysotile causes peritoneal mesothelioma when the small fibers are inhaled or swallowed and become lodged in the tissue. Chrysotile linked peritoneal mesothelioma has a long latency period, often diagnosed more than 40 years after exposure.

Victims of chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma suffer from pain in the abdomen, caused by pressure on internal organs. Symptoms of chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma also include nausea, vomiting, bowel blockage, and swelling of the abdomen. When a diagnosis of chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma has been made, the patient is often already in very advanced stages of the disease, and most chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma victims live less than a year after onset of the symptoms. Because the disease involves high concentrations of asbestos, chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma usually occurs in persons who were exposed to chrysotile through their occupation. Many of the individuals diagnosed with chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma worked on shipyards or in other areas where asbestos was used for fireproofing or insulation. Individuals may also contract chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma through prolonged exposure to asbestos in their homes, schools, or places of employment.

If you or a loved one is suffering from chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma, you may be entitled to financial reparations. Victims of chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma who were exposed to chrysotile asbestos through their occupation or environment may be able to recover funds for medical care, lost wages, and damages. An attorney familiar with chrysotile peritoneal mesothelioma may be able to help you understand your rights.

A Brief Summary of Mesothelioma

2006-12-06T04:42:00.001-08:00

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the tissue that surrounds and protects many vital organs in the human body. The tissue that it affects is known as the Mesothelium. Mesothelioma makes lung cells uncontrollably divide. The cancer cells then begin to invade nearby organs and
cause damage to them as well. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this cancer and it affects the sac lining the chest cavity that protects the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal area while pericardial mesothelioma damages the lining surrounding the heart. Mesothelioma tumors can be benign or malignant; however, in most cases they are considered extremely dangerous.

Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are highly carcinogenic.
The fibers lodge into the lining of the lungs and affect the mesothelial cells.
In some cases scarring of the lung tissues can occur. This is known as
asbestosis and isn抰 cancerous. However, this scarring can cause tumors to grow
up to 50 years after initial exposure. If the asbestos fibers are swallowed and
reach the lining of the abdomen, then they can cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
The more prolonged the exposure is, the more likely the person will get
Mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma usually aren't apparent until the cancer has
reached an advanced stage. If it isn抰 detected before this time, the prognosis
for a mesothelioma patient is not very good. The survival rate of mesothelioma
for all stages is usually about one year. The symptoms generally are similar to
those that go with pneumonia, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, and
stomach pain.

There are many treatments for mesothelioma, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or
radiotherapy. The doctor may use a combination of the three. They may perform
surgery to remove the entire lung and part of the chest lining, the diaphragm,
and part of or the entire protective sac surrounding the heart. Doctors can
perform a wide local excision which will remove the cancer and a small amount of
the healthy tissue that surrounds the cancerous area. They may also perform
radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. This can be done internally or
externally. Chemotherapy can be used to stop the cancer cells from dividing and
growing.

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

2006-12-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is neoplasm arising from the serosal lining
of the peritoneal and pericardial cavities. Primary tumors arising from the
peritoneal mesothelioma are extremely rare. The accurate diagnosis of the
diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma is important because it almost invariably has a
fatal outcome. In many cases, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is not diagnosed
until after surgery or autopsy. The distinction of the malignant peritoneal
mesothelioma from tumors metastatic to the serosal membranes can often be made
based on the results of histochemical studies.

The most common symptoms of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are difficulty
in breathing, chest pain, or both. Other symptoms include weight loss, fever,
night sweats, cough, and a general feeling of not being well, although these
symptoms are not as common.

The standard treatment for the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is not
curative. Aggressive treatment will enable some patients to experience long-term
survival, but it is still unclear whether overall survival rates would be
significantly changed by different treatments or combinations of treatments.
There are different treatments available for the malignant peritoneal
mesothelioma, depending upon the state of its diagnosis. For stage one, that is
localized malignant peritoneal Mesothelioma, standard treatments are malignant
peritoneal mesothelioma, intracavitary mesothelioma, intracavitary chemotherapy
following resection.

For stages 2 to 4, that is advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma,
treatments available are symptomatic treatment to include drainage of effusions,
chest tube pleurodesis, or thoracoscopic pleurodesis, palliative surgical
resection in selected patients, palliative radiation therapy, single-agent
chemotherapy, and multimodality clinical trials.

To date, there are no treatment approaches that have been shown to improve
survival or control symptoms for a prolonged period of time. But with the
advancement in the field of technology and medicine, there is hope that some
day, doctors will be able to defeat the tumor and come out with some life-saving
treatment against this dreadful tumor.

Mesotherapy provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of
mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more.
Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors
Info.

MESOTHELIOMA COMMON QUESTIONS

2006-12-04T04:37:00.000-08:00

What is Mesothelioma?
The National Cancer Institute
states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in
which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the
pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining
around the heart (the pericardium)."

What is peritoneal mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma
is a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity. This form of cancer makes up
approximately one-fifth to one-third of the total number of mesothelioma cases
diagnosed. More on peritoneal mesothelioma.

How do you get Mesothelioma?
Most people with malignant
mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others have been
exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it. More
about the different ways in which people have been exposed to asbestos.

How much exposure does it take to get the disease?
An
exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40
years later. Mesothelioma cause.

How long does it take after exposure for the disease to show
up?
People exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are now being
diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos
disease.

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?
Like most
cancers, the prognosis for this disease often depends on how early it is
diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated. Click on Treatment Options to find
out more about traditional and new approaches.

Is there any promising research or are there promising drugs for
mesothelioma?
Research is being conducted at various cancer centers all over
the United States as well as by pharmaceutical companies. To find more about
these studies, click on Clinical Trials. To read abstracts of the latest journal
articles on mesothelioma research and to access these articles, click on Medical
Journal Articles; or Mesothelioma News for news articles. A recent study of
Alimta showed patients living much longer with Alitma than other chemotherapy
drugs.

Where can I find information on living with
mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma Aid is a good website for resource for
families dealing with mesothelioma. It includes advice and referrals to other
resources for coping with cancer, caregiving, financial challenges, and support
groups. Alternatively, contact us here at Mesothelioma Web for help finding
resouces for living with this disease.

What kinds of other resources are available for people with
mesothelioma?
There are numerous cancer web sites, some specific to
mesothelioma. Because they are often difficult to locate, we have listed some
relevant medical sites under Leading Cancer Links. We are always on the lookout
for more so check our site often.

What is malignant mesothelioma?

2006-12-04T04:36:00.001-08:00

Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer
(malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or abdomen
(the peritoneum). Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs
where they breathed asbestos.

A doctor should be seen if a person has shortness of breath, pain in the
chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. If there are symptoms, the doctor may
order an x-ray of the chest or abdomen.

The doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called
a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope
will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test, called thoracoscopy, is
usually done in the hospital. Before the test, the patient will be given a local
anesthetic (a drug that causes a loss of feeling for a short period of time).
Some pressure may be felt, but usually there is no pain.

The doctor may also look inside the abdomen (peritoneoscopy) with a special
tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in
the abdomen. This test is also usually done in the hospital. Before the test is
done, a local anesthetic will be given.

If tissue that is not normal is found, the doctor will need to cut out a
small piece and have it looked at under a microscope to see if there are any
cancer cells. This is called a biopsy. Biopsies are usually done during the
thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy.

The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends on the size of the cancer, where
the cancer is, how far the cancer has spread, how the cancer cells look under
the microscope, how the cancer responds to treatment, and the patient's age.

STAGE EXPLANATION

Stages of malignant mesothelioma

Once malignant mesothelioma is found, more tests will be done to
find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. This is called
staging. A doctor needs to know the stage of the cancer to plan treatment. The
following stages are used for malignant mesothelioma.

Localized malignant mesothelioma

Stage I: The cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity near
the lung and heart or in the diaphragm or the lung.

Advanced malignant mesothelioma

Stage II: The cancer has spread beyond the lining of the chest to
lymph nodes in the chest.

Stage III: Cancer has spread into the chest wall, center of the chest, heart,
through the diaphragm, or abdominal lining, and in some cases into nearby lymph
nodes.

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues.

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma

Recurrent disease means that the cancer has come back (recurred)
after it has been treated. It may come back in the lining of the chest or
abdomen or in another part of the body.

General Information About Malignant Mesothelioma

2006-12-04T04:36:00.000-08:00

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in
the lining of the chest or abdomen.

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are
found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and
covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the
abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about
malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.

Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant
mesothelioma.

Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where
they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually
takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur. Other risk factors for
malignant mesothelioma include the following:

Living with a person who works near asbestos.
Being exposed to a certain
virus.
Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath
and pain under the rib cage.

Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or in the
abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma.
Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if
any of the following problems occur:

Trouble breathing.
Pain under the rib cage.
Pain or swelling in the
abdomen.
Lumps in the abdomen.
Weight loss for no known reason.
Tests
that examine the inside of the chest and abdomen are used to detect (find) and
diagnose malignant mesothelioma.

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma
and lung cancer. The following tests and procedures may be used:

Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of
health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else
that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits, exposure to
asbestos, past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
Chest x-ray: An
x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy
beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas
inside the body.

Malignant Mesothelioma Info

2006-12-04T04:35:00.000-08:00

A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells lines the chest
cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around your heart. These cells also
cover the outer surface of most of your internal organs. The tissue formed by
these cells is called mesothelium.

The mesothelium helps protect your organs by producing a special lubricating
fluid that allows organs to move around. This fluid makes it easier for the
lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium of the chest is
called the pleura and the mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the
peritoneum. The mesothelium of the "sac-like" space around the heart
(pericardial cavity) is called the pericardium.

Tumors of the mesothelium can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous
(malignant). A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called a
malignant mesothelioma; however, malignant mesothelioma is often simply
called mesothelioma.

Malignant mesotheliomas are divided into 3 main types:

epithelioid (50% to 70% are of this type) -- this type has the best
outlook for survival (prognosis)
sarcomatoid (7% to 20% are of this type)
mixed/biphasic (20% to 35% are of this type)

Treatment options are the same for all 3 types.

About 75% of mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. They are known as
pleural mesotheliomas. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen. These are
called peritoneal mesotheliomas. Pericardial mesotheliomas start
in the cavity around the heart and are very rare. The covering layer of the
testicles is actually an outpouching of peritoneum into the scrotum.
Mesotheliomas that affect this covering of the testicles can occur but are quite
rare.

It is important not to confuse malignant mesothelioma with benign tumors that
also start in the mesothelium. The mesothelium of certain female and male
reproductive organs may develop a type of benign tumor called an adenomatoid
tumor. In men, this non-cancerous tumor often starts in the
epididymis (a small collection of ducts that carry sperm cells out of the
testicle). In women, this tumor may begin in the fallopian tubes (tubes that
carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus or womb). Another non-cancerous tumor
that may begin in mesothelium near female reproductive organs is called
benign cystic mesothelioma.

A type of benign tumor that used to be called benign fibrous
mesothelioma can form in the pleura surrounding the lungs. Doctors now know
that this tumor actually starts from tissue under the mesothelium and not from
mesothelial cells. For this reason, the new name of this tumor is solitary
fibrous tumor of the pleura. This disease is usually not cancerous, but
cancerous forms can occur. A similar disease starting in the peritoneum is
called solitary fibrous tumor of the peritoneum. The tumors described in
this paragraph are usually removed by surgery, and there is no need for
additional treatment. Only malignant mesothelioma will be discussed further in
this document.

All About Malignant Mesothelioma

2006-12-04T04:34:00.000-08:00

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelial
cells of the serous membranes in the body. The most common form of mesothelioma,
affecting the lining of the lung, is pleural mesothelioma. Two to three thousand
new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.

The mission of All About Malignant Mesothelioma is to provide a one-stop
resource for comprehensive, up-to-date mesothelioma information. We cover the
full scope of malignant mesothelioma issues including background, history, risk
factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Please recommend the site to someone who may
benefit from mesothelioma information.

Introduction to Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma affects the
lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body. These cavities,
called the serous cavities, house certain major organs in the body including the
heart, lungs, abdomen and others. The membranes that surround these cavities are
called the serous membranes. They serve to protect these major organs from the
friction and abrasion that occur as the organs move against each other during
typical daily functioning, such as breathing and heart beating. The serous
membranes derive from specialized cells called mesothelial cells. These cells
form to create the mesothelium, which is the major tissue layer of the serous
membranes. Cancer that occurs in the mesothelium tissue is called
mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma takes on three forms:

Peritoneal mesothelioma, in the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the
abdomen. A rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma can also affect the male
testicles, because the lining around the scrotum is an extension of the
peritoneum.

Pericardial mesothelioma, in the perdicardium or
lining surrounding the heart.

Pleural mesothelioma, which is the
most common form of malignant mesothelioma and affects the lining of the lung
cavity.

All mesotheliomas are now considered to be malignant, or cancerous. They
start as a localized tumor and spread rapidly to include most of the surrounding
tissues and organs. Originally, fibrous cists and other non-cancerous growths
that appeared in the serous membranes were thought to be mesotheliomas and were
termed "benign fibrous mesothelioma" and "multicystic mesothelioma." These
conditions are now known not to originate in the mesothelial cells, but other
cells within the serous membranes. These conditions are typically localized,
non-cancerous and do not spread rapidly.

Etiology of Malignant Mesothelioma
Most cases of malignant mesothelioma
are associated with a previous exposure to fibrous minerals, of which asbestos
is the most important. There is now indisputable evidence of the role of these
fibers in the development of this disease. This has been demonstrated in animal
experiments and many other experiments. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos
fibers has developed malignant mesothelioma, suggesting that other factors may
also be involved.

Mesothelioma Information & Help

2006-12-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

If you, or a loved one, have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or think you
might be at risk for developing the disease, you might feel scared, confused or
angry. But you don抰 need to be alone. We can help.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can be difficult to diagnose. Several
diseases can cause symptoms similar to mesothelioma. To get the best treatment
for lung related diseases, it抯 important to seek medical help as early as
possible. An early diagnosis provides the best chance for effective treatment to
prolong your life. Promising research is going on right now that gives hope for
better treatments, and hopefully a cure for this aggressive disease in the
future.

Mesothelioma has been conclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos-related illnesses have occurred in workers in many industries where
this insulating material was used. However, people exposed to asbestos
secondarily can develop lung-related medical problems. If you have worked in an
asbestos-related industry or lived in close contact with someone who did, there
is a chance you may develop lung problems, including mesothelioma.

If you suspect you抳e been exposed to asbestos through your job, a family
member or the environment, you can protect your health by getting more
information. You may not notice symptoms right away. Even minimal exposure to
air-borne asbestos can cause health problems. Since it can take many years for
problems to develop, frequent monitoring should be continued throughout your
life. Submit your contact information for a free packet on mesothelioma, there
is no obligation.

There are many resources to help you navigate the medical and financial
issues you may be faced with. Information about the diagnosis and treatment of
this serious cancer is available. You can get support in finding the best
treatments, and coping with the effects of mesothelioma. There may be financial
compensation available for mesothelioma sufferers. Learn more about your rights
and possible financial assistance as well.

A Cancer of the Lining of the Lungs

2006-12-03T08:42:00.001-08:00

Pleural Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, called the
"pleura". The "pleura" are fibrous sheets that help to protect the lungs. They
produce a lubricating fluid that allow the lungs to move smoothly as we breathe.

Because pleural mesothelioma is uncommon, some doctors misdiagnose the
disease as lung cancer. Lung cancer, however, is different from pleural
mesothelioma because lung cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the
lungs, whereas pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma. It
accounts for about 75% of all types of malignant mesothelioma.

Find out more about:

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms.
Articles / Case Studies on
Pleural Mesothelioma or Diffuse Malignant Mesothelioma.

About
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer
in the lining that surrounds the stomach or abdomin, called the peritoneum. The
peritoneum are cells that produce a lubricating fluid that protect the stomach.
They allow the stomach to move freely when, for instance, you are digesting
food.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common than pleural mesothelioma. It
accounts for about 10 to 20% of mesotheliomas.

Find out more about:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms.
Article / Case Studies on
Peritoneal Mesothelioma / Abdominal Mesothelioma.

About
Pericardial Mesothelioma Cancer

Pericardial mesothelioma is a
cancer in the lining that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium. The
pericardium are cells that produce a lubricating fluid that protect the heart.
They allow the heart to move freely when, for instance, it is pumping blood to
other parts of your body.

Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common form of malignant mesothelioma.
It only accounts for 5 to 15% of all mesotheliomas.

Find out more about

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms.
Article / Case Studies on
Pericardial Mesothelioma

Treatment for malignant mesothelioma by stage

2006-12-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

Therapies will vary according to the stage of mesothelioma, which is
determined at the time of diagnosis. If the cancer is localized (found in only
one place in the chest), treatment probably will consist of surgery to remove
the tumor and surrounding tissue. If the cancer is present in a larger area,
treatment may involve more extensive surgery, external radiation and/or
chemotherapy. Treatment for advanced disease may include thoracentesis or
paracentesis to reduce discomfort, as well as drugs placed directly into the
chest to prevent further fluid buildup. Surgery and radiation may relieve
symptoms, and various types of chemotherapy may be used.
Stage I
mesothelioma - Most patients with stage I mesothelioma have their cancer
surgically removed by pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy.
The value of adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy (treatments given after
surgery) for stage I mesothelioma is uncertain. If a patient wants aggressive
treatment and is fit enough to have surgery, some centers may do an extrapleural
pneumonectomy. Another surgical option is pleurectomy and decortication, which
is sometimes done to relieve some of the symptoms of mesothelioma. Both of these
procedures may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Stages II, III mesothelioma - Treatment options include palliative and
supportive care providing relief of symptoms, such as thoracentesis (to remove
fluid accumulation in the chest cavity), operations to remove as much of the
tumor as possible in some cases, and radiation therapy or chemotherapy aimed at
easing symptoms. Cure is not possible in these stages. Enrollment in clinical
trials evaluating the newest treatment possibilities in large medical centers
should be considered. Pleurectomy and decortication may be done to relieve
symptoms in pleural mesothelioma. Other procedures such as thoracentesis may be
done to drain fluid (pleural effusions) and prevent them from recurring.
Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy also may be administered for symptom
relief.

Stage IV mesothelioma - Because stage IV mesothelioma cancer has spread to
distant organs, a cure is not possible. If any aggressive therapy is used, such
as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the goals should be clear to the patient
and family. Enrollment in clinical trials evaluating the newest treatment
possibilities in large medical centers should be considered. Supportive care may
be the best choice, perhaps in the setting of a good hospice program. Pain
management is an important aspect of patient care. It is important for patients
to know that medications are available to effectively treat pain due to
mesothelioma. Patients should not hesitate to request pain medications or
discuss pain control problems with their cancer care team.

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma - There is no standard treatment for
recurrent mesothelioma. Generally, treatments are considered that were not used
the first time the disease was treated. Treatment depends on many factors,
including where the cancer came back and what treatment the patient received
before. Clinical trials are testing new treatments.

How do you get mesothelioma?

2006-12-03T08:41:00.001-08:00

How do you get mesothelioma?

Most people
with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos.
Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without
knowing it.

How much exposure does it take to get
mesothelioma?

An exposure of as little as one or two months can
result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later.

How long does it take after exposure for mesothelioma to
show up?

People exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, and 70s are now
being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos
disease.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Mesothelioma
is diagnosed by pathological examination from a biopsy. Tissue is removed,
placed under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis, and
issues a pathology report. This is the end of a process that usually begins with
symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid build-up around the lungs
(pleural effusions), shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling
in the abdomen. The doctor may order an x-ray or CT scan of the chest or
abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:

Thoracoscopy

For pleural mesothelioma the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a
special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest
wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test
is usually done in a hospital with a local anesthetic or painkiller.

If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of
your body by putting a needle into your chest and use gentle suction to remove
the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.

Peritoneoscopy

For peritoneal mesothelioma the doctor may also look inside the
abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put
into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital
under a local anesthetic.
If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out
of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to
remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.

Biopsy

If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece
and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the
thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.

Malignant Mesothelioma Message

2006-12-03T08:41:00.000-08:00

Epithelioid Mesothelioma
This is the most common cell type, constituting
approximately one-half to 70% of all malignant mesothelioma. These cells are
relatively uniform in shape. They display a tubular pattern with a distinct cell
nucleus. The individual cells look like cubes or multi-sided boxes.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common type
of mesothelioma cancer cell and accounts for approximately 15% or less of
malignant mesothelioma cases. These cells typically display an oval, irregular
shape. The cell nucleus is not as visible with a microscope, compared to other
cell types. Sarcomatoid cancer cells are easily confused with the more typical
sarcoma cancer cells.

Biphasic Mesothelioma
About 20%-40% of the mesothelioma cancer cells are
biphasic category; meaning a combination of sarcomatoid and epithelioid types.
The biphasic type occurs with the two types of cells intermixed continuously
throughout the tumor, or with them in specific groupings.

Visit AllAboutMaligantMesothelioma.com for reliable mesothelioma
information.