What You Need to Know About Mesothelioma

What, exactly, is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Lets take the word apart and see what it tells us. Mesothelioma means cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a membrane in your body. It forms the lining of several of your body cavities: Pleura (thoracic cavity) Peritoneum (abdominal cavity) Pericardium (heart sac)

In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and begin uncontrollably dividing. This is how cancer beginswhen your cells start dividing and growing without restraint. These abnormal cells can invade and damage neighboring organs and tissues. If cancerous cells spread out from their original location to other parts of the body, we say the cancer has metastasized. Mesothelioma most often occurs in the cells lining the pleura or the peritoneum. In more rare cases, mesothelioma will occur in the pericardium.

Facts about mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is the sole cause of mesothelioma. A person can develop mesothelioma even if he or she was only indirectly exposed to asbestos. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has a typical latency period of 10 to 60 years. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new mesothelioma cases occur each year in the United States. Mesothelioma can occur in any person at any age. The average age of a mesothelioma patient is 65 years old. Three times more men than women develop mesothelioma. The first lawsuit regarding asbestos injury was filed in 1966 in Texas. The occupations most at risk for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma include pipefitters, electricians, plumbers, insulators, construction workers, and shipyard workers. The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure or take appropriate precautions around asbestos.

Types of MesotheliomaPleural Mesothelioma

Pleural means the lining of the lungs
The three types of mesothelioma all have one thing in commontheir location in the mesothelial membranes of the body. The mesothelial membranes are the thin, clinging tissues that line the chest, abdominal cavities, and outer surface of most internal organs. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that helps organs by enabling them to move. The names of the different types of mesothelioma refer to where the cancer is located. The first, and most common, type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for more than 65 percent of total mesothelioma cases.

Understanding pleural mesothelioma

Simply put, asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. Many victims contract the disease by breathing in asbestos fibers, which lodge in the pleura (lungs) and then lie dormant before causing pleural mesothelioma decades after ingestion. Pleural mesothelioma is found in the outer lining of the lungs. It attacks the lungs and respiratory system, and invades cells in the lining of the lungs and ribs (the pleura). Pleural mesothelioma causes the pleura to thicken. As the pleura gets thicker, it crowds the lungs, leaving them less space to function and making breathing difficult.

Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from other illnesses. As a result, pleural mesothelioma is often is not detected and diagnosed until it is very advanced and has spread to other areas. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Persistent coughing Difficulty swallowing Facial swelling Weight loss Fever

Rasping Coughing up blood Shortness of breath, both when active and when at rest Pain in chest or ribs

Doctors diagnose malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in about two-thirds of all mesothelioma cases. Because it is the most common form of the disease, pleural mesothelioma is studied the most, and treatment options have been developed specifically to help treat it. It often responds better to treatment than the other types of mesothelioma.

Treating pleural mesothelioma

There is no cure for pleural mesothelioma. But, treatments combining surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation may help patients with this form of the disease. Pleural mesothelioma patients typically have the longest life expectancy among mesothelioma patients (about 18 months).

Types of MesotheliomaPeritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal means the lining of the abdominal cavity
The second most common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal, which accounts for the majority of the remaining cases after pleural mesothelioma. Like the pleura, the peritoneum has two parts: The visceral peritoneum, which directly covers the intestinal tract The parietal peritoneum, which lines the abdomen

Understanding peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen. In peritoneal mesothelioma, these thin tissues develop calcifications and plaques that eventually become cancerous. This is a less common form of mesothelioma, occurring in less than 25 percent of all casesand more frequently in women than men. Like all forms of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It can take decades for symptoms appear. By that time, the disease is often so advanced that treatment is only aimed at relieving the symptoms and making the patient more comfortable.

Diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma

While peritoneal mesothelioma does produce a number of symptoms, they are easy to confuse with symptoms of other, more common ailments. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the peritoneum include:

Abdominal pains Weakness Weight loss Nausea

Vomiting Loss of appetite Abdominal swelling Bowel obstruction

Breathing difficulties may also be associated with peritoneal mesothelioma, depending on where in the abdominal lining the disease develops. Because people with much less serious diseases experience similar symptoms, peritoneal mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. Always let doctors know if youve been exposed to asbestos, so mesothelioma will be considered when they evaluate your symptoms.

Treating peritoneal mesothelioma

While no satisfactory cures are available for any type of mesothelioma, a mesothelioma patients treatment and prognosis depends on several factors. These include the cancers size, spread, location, and cell type. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may benefit from combination treatment with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Unfortunately, peritoneal mesothelioma does not respond to treatment as well as pleurallife expectancy with this form is usually somewhat less than a year.

Types of MesotheliomaPericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial means the heart sac
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs much less frequently than pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. There have only been a few hundred cases of pericardial mesothelioma recorded in medical literature.

Understanding pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the heart and the membrane that surrounds it. Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium (the sac that protects the heart and attaches it to the surrounding walls). Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos fibers.

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma

Much like pleural and peritoneal, pericardial mesothelioma produces no symptoms for decades after the asbestos exposure. The symptoms associated with mesothelioma in the heart include the following:

Persistent cough Shortness of breath Fatigue

Chest pains Heart palpitations Night sweats

Always let your doctor know if you have been exposed to asbestos, so mesothelioma will be considered when evaluating your symptoms. Even so, the difficulty of distinguishing between the cause of these common problems and pericardial mesothelioma means that diagnosis often comes too late for effective treatment of the condition.

Treating pericardial mesothelioma

Medical professionals typically use several kinds of medical treatmentsoften in combinationin cases of pericardial mesothelioma: Surgery to remove tumor cells. Most of the time, the pericardial asbestos cancer is too advanced to allow removal of all the cancerous cells without damaging the heart itself. Chemotherapy. Chemo aims to slow the progress of the mesothelioma, while minimizing collateral damage to vital systems. Radiation therapy. With mesothelioma in the heart, radiation treatment historically has been more successful than chemotherapy. Fine needle aspiration. Tumors pressing on the heart and lungs can cause pain. A needle inserted into the chest cavity drains the excess fluid produced by the disease, relieving discomfort.

As with other forms of mesothelioma, life expectancy with pericardial mesothelioma is limited.

Asbestos & MesotheliomaThe Connection

What is asbestos?
Asbestos is the common name applied to a group of fibrous minerals mined in Canada, South Africa, the former Soviet Union, and the United States. Asbestos fibers are long, flexible strands of minerals. They are strongly resistant to heat, chemical reactions, and electricity. This durability and resistance made asbestos very popular in commercial and industrial building and many other products. Asbestos use dates back to Ancient Greece, where it was used in cloth. The ancient Romans used it in building materials. Asbestos use reached North America in the late 1800s when Canada began to mine it commercially. Soon after, asbestos became popular in the United States. Asbestos usage reached its peak during World War II.

Why did asbestos make me sick?

Although smoking causes many lung disorders, mesothelioma is definitively proven to be caused by exposure to asbestos. The same durability that makes asbestos desirable for commercial use is also what makes it so dangerous to the human body. When you handle materials containing asbestos, invisible asbestos particles are released into the air. These particles are fibrous and jagged. You (and people nearby) inhale the particles into your lungsand your body cannot expel these fibers as it does with other foreign objects. The asbestos fibers then travel through your lungs. They lodge in and cause damage to the mesothelial cells of the thin, clingy membranes that line and encase organs. The irritation from these fibers is what causes your cells to divide abnormally and become malignant. Malignant mesothelioma can invade the lining of the chest (pleural), the abdomen (peritoneal), orin rare caseseven the heart (pericardial). As early as the 1930s, asbestos manufacturers knew about the health risks surrounding their product, but they chose to conceal the information from the public. The U.S. government waited until the 1970s to take action. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new asbestos uses, but continued to permit uses established prior to 1989.

Handling asbestos safely

Government regulations specify what kind of respirators, other protective clothing, and procedures must be used when handling asbestos at work. Remember, wearing a face mask will not protect you or your family from asbestos disturbed during home remodeling or repair projects. If asbestos is present in your home, avoid it. Seek help from experts.

Where Does Asbestos Hide?

Asbestos is widespread
Chances are you were exposed to low levels of asbestos. Asbestos is present all around us. Its fibers are found in air, water, and soil. Most asbestos applications were banned in the United

States after 1980, but its still present in millions of buildings and products. And, some asbestos products continue to be manufactured and sold.

Workers at elevated risk

About 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to occupations that continuously expose workers to asbestos. The most obvious places workers come into contact are asbestos mining and milling facilities and in places that manufacture products containing asbestos. Asbestos was integrated in many industrial and domestic productsfrom naval vessels to building materials and brake linings. So there are many sites where asbestos exposure in the workplace is a serious and almost unavoidable hazard, including: Auto plants Auto repair shops Chemical plants Construction sites Demolition sites Foundries Machine shops Heating plants Paper mills Power plants Railroad facilities Shipyards

But you dont have to work in one of these facilities to be exposed to asbestos. Asbestos insulation and building materials are present in the air ducts, pipes, walls, and flooring of commercial buildings, schools, and hospitals constructed or remodeled from 19201970. Anyone who lived with someone who worked with asbestos without proper protection is also at risk of developing asbestos-related conditions. Often, these people were exposed to the asbestos fibers carried home on the worker's clothingfor example, the family member who laundered the workers clothes, which were covered in asbestos fibers.

Asbestos at home
The same is true in your home, especially if it was built more than 30 or 40 years ago. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises that weve all been exposed to small amounts of asbestos in our lifetimes and should not panic. Household asbestos isnt considered a danger, as long as the material in which its bound in remains intact. But keep in mind that home repair and remodeling activities carry significant risk if they involve disturbing asbestos-containing building materials. If you were exposed to asbestos at work or lived with someone who was, within the last 10 to 40 years, see your doctor and describe your level of asbestos exposure. Your doctor may want to run some tests to check your condition.

MesotheliomaWhat are My Treatment Options?

More options available
Malignant mesothelioma is difficult to treat effectively. Unfortunately, its highly aggressive and resistant to many standard cancer treatments. But, current treatments can control symptoms, increase survival time, and improve the quality of life. Always discuss any treatment with a doctor beforehand. A mesothelioma specialist can best assess and advise on the treatments most likely to produce the most positive results in each case.

Conventional mesothelioma treatments

Conventional mesothelioma treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Using therapies together (multimodal therapy) often enhances results. Surgery: Surgical options range from inserting a tube to drain fluid to radical procedures that remove as much diseased tissue as possiblesometimes the entire lung. Chemotherapy: Drugs are introduced to bloodstream and travel throughout the body killing cancer cells. In addition to killing cancer cells, chemotherapy restricts the spread of abnormal cancer cells by preventing them from dividing and multiplying. Radiation: Though radiation therapy can relieve pain by shrinking tumors, its difficult to irradiate tumor tissue without injuring nearby organs like the lungs, heart, and liver.

Experimental mesothelioma treatments

Several non-traditional therapies for mesothelioma have shown promising results in trials. Photodynamic therapy: A drug is given that collects in cancerous cells and makes them sensitive to a certain kind of light. That light is then delivered through surgically placed fiber optic cables, producing toxic molecules that kill the cancer cells. Gene therapy: A suicide gene is inserted directly into tumors, making their cells sensitive to a drug that can destroy them while leaving the healthy cells unharmed. Immunotherapy: Also called biological response modifiers (BRMs), this therapy uses the patients immune system to fight cancer cells. Although experimental, several of the mesothelioma patients with the longest survival rates reported using some method of strengthening their immune systems.

Non-medical mesothelioma treatment options

Non-medical treatments alone are advised only for people who know they were exposed to asbestos. Most alternative mesothelioma treatments involve dietary changes and taking herbal and other supplements. This approach assumes that the asbestos fibers lodged in the body are irritants and will overcome the bodys defenses, causing inflammation that eventually becomes mesothelioma. Among the foods and supplements recommended are: Organically-grown foods Vine-ripened whole foods High-fiber foods Oatmeal Zinc Selenium Citric acid Sodium bicarbonate Baby aspirin

Non-medical mesothelioma treatment options have not been studied rigorously.

Mesothelioma and the Law

Who is accountable?
If you or someone you know is suffering from mesothelioma, you may be wondering who should be held accountable for suffering and loss. First, you must understand terms of general accountabilitya company is legally responsible and accountable when their negligence or disregard for the health and safety of others results in serious injury or illness. So, in the case of mesothelioma, this accountability certainly applies to corporations who mined, manufactured, and profited from the sale of asbestos-containing products. Researchers recognized a relationship between asbestos and health problems as early as the 1920s. However, most industries ignored these warnings, putting their employees at risk for lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. For the next 50 years, companies continued their use and manufacture of asbestosrarely informing workers of the dangers of exposure. Discovering that you or someone you care about has mesothelioma can be overwhelming. While medical care and comfort is your first concern, you also have medical bills. You worry about lost income and other financial and emotional burdens. You wonder how your family will survive.

What are my options?

The heaviest public exposure to asbestos has been mostly occupationalat construction sites, shipyards, and other workplaces where asbestos is manipulated daily. In most states, workers compensation laws prevent suing your employer. In a typical workers compensation case, compensation is usually limited to direct medical expenses and partial payment for time off work. However, if your asbestos exposure was during your military service, you cannot sue the government. To date, most successful mesothelioma lawsuits are filed as products liability claims against the companies that manufactured, sold, and installed asbestos products. Unfortunately, many of these companies declared bankruptcy to avoid paying appropriate compensation to the people injured by their products. Some of these companies established bankruptcy trusts to handle these claims. Although these trusts may not pay as much as you deserve, mesothelioma lawyers can help victims get substantial awards by this route. A newer approach for when adequate compensation is not available elsewhere is to seek damages from building owners and operators who failed to protect the public. Exposure to asbestos risks sustained by a contractors employees who worked in a clients building containing asbestos materials is not legally the same as asbestos workers exposure in their employers workplace. So, in these cases, workers compensation does not apply. Only knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyers like the attorneys at Belluck & Fox can determine what type of case could be most successful for you.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit cannot take the physical effects of the disease away, but it can help you to deal with the associated expenses while achieving some justice. There are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits available to help you get compensation: While the victim is alive, a personal injury lawsuit is appropriate. After a victim dies, the immediate family can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Find an experienced mesothelioma attorney

It is often difficult to establish responsibility for your illness, as the asbestos exposure that caused the mesothelioma probably occurred 20 to 40 years before a diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, you should contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. Dont be afraid to ask about the law firms experience with asbestos. Be sure the law firm you choose has extensive knowledge and demonstrated success in these cases.

A mesothelioma lawsuit needs thorough investigation

When you retain a law firm that focuses on asbestos injury cases, your attorney does the necessary research and preparations for filing your mesothelioma lawsuit. Having successfully prosecuted these lawsuits for many years, the lawyers at Belluck & Fox have experience gathering the proof necessary for a mesothelioma lawsuit. Our attorneys know what is required and immediately begin working to establish the facts in your case by: Reviewing your comprehensive work and life history to identify possible sources of asbestos exposure Interviewing you, your family, friends, and co-workers Identifying the company or companies responsible for your exposure Finding witnesses and documentation to establish the exposure

Belluck & Fox mesothelioma attorneys are thorough in their investigation. Our law firm will not file a mesothelioma lawsuit in your name unless your attorney is convinced your case will have a successful outcome.

Is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?

Are mesothelioma and lung cancer the same?
Because pleural mesothelioma (the most common type of mesothelioma) presents as cancer around the lungs, you may think that it is the same thing as lung cancer. Its understandable to think of pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer as the same diseasemesothelioma and lung cancer are both cancers and affect the same region of the body. Asbestos can cause lung cancer, but it is the only known source for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma and lung cancer differ considerably when it comes to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Although mesothelioma may affect the chest and some mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of lung cancer, mesothelioma is different from lung cancer.

Whats the difference?

Pleural mesothelioma is not a cancer in the lung at all. Rather, it is a cancer that develops in the pleura (mesothelial membrane), which is the lining around the lung. Mesothelioma can begin in the lung lining, but it may also originate in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen) or the pericardium (the lining of the heart) and later spread to the pleura. Lung cancer, on the other hand, may spread to other parts of the body, but it always originates in the lungs. Lung cancer most frequently appears as a single tumor growing in a lung, while mesothelioma cancer in the pleura occurs as many smaller tumors across the surface outside the lung. In both cases, though, these growths can cause pressure and pain in the chest and interfere with lung function. Mesothelioma is more difficult to treat than lung cancers that can be removed surgically and fought with targeted radiation. Because of their similar symptoms, pleural mesothelioma is often mistaken for lung cancer. Remember, if you were ever exposed to asbestos, it is critical that you inform you doctor so mesothelioma can be considered as a diagnosis.

What about smoking?

Although smoking doesnt directly cause mesothelioma, the combination of smoking cigarettes and inhaling asbestos fibers is especially deadly. Medical research shows that smokers who were exposed to asbestos have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than smokers who were never exposed to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Caregivers: What You Should Know

Life expectancy
A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating for both patients and families. While it is impossible to predict just how long someone will live, statistics show that in the majority of cases, treatment options are limited in effectiveness and life expectancy is short. Because of this sad prognosis, many families focus on caregiving and keeping the patient comfortable. Many at-home caregivers are not medical professionalsbut this doesnt mean that they cant help improve a mesothelioma patients quality of life.

Non-medical pain management

Medicines limitations on effectively treating mesothelioma have prompted both ongoing medical research and alternative non-medical mesothelioma treatments. To date, there is only anecdotal evidence on the effectiveness of alternative mesothelioma treatment options. But they do provide some hope for mesothelioma patients and may be used to supplement medical therapy treatments. Always check with a doctor before trying any alternative therapies. When medicine cant provide adequate relief from mesothelioma symptoms, alternative mesothelioma treatments can supplement medical care. Treatments that may prove effective in controlling mesothelioma pain include: Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation Massage therapy Acupuncture Meditation Biofeedback

Tips for mesothelioma caregivers

Many caregivers forgo their own mental and physical health when taking care of an ill friend or family member. Keep this advice in mind for your own well-being: Dont be afraid to ask for help. Keep in close touch with the patients doctors. Seek counseling if your emotions are overwhelming. Take care of your own physical health. Join a support group.

Help from an asbestos disease awareness organization

Organizations including the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization also provide websites and other information to support mesothelioma victims and their families.

Mesothelioma Symptoms
Easy to misdiagnose
Mesothelioma is relatively rare, with only 2,000 to 3,000 cases diagnosed in the United States each year. Because of this, its symptoms are frequently mistaken for more common health problems. Recognizing mesothelioma symptoms is also complicated because symptoms do not typically appear until 20 to 40 years after the asbestos exposure.

When do symptoms appear?

The latency period for a disease is the time that elapses between exposure to the agent that caused the disease and when symptoms actually appear. Malignant mesothelioma is characterized by an exceptionally long latency period. Mesothelioma symptoms may not develop until decades after an asbestos exposure. Experts believe that the lungs of people exposed to extremely high levels of asbestos over a short period of time may be so damaged that they will develop mesothelioma faster than people who were exposed to lower levels of asbestos over many years. Mesothelioma symptoms are already appearing in rescue and recovery workers who spent time at the World Trade Center site following the 9/11 disaster. Having any of the symptoms below does not necessarily mean that you have mesothelioma. However, if you were exposed to asbestos and are experiencing these symptoms, consult a doctor right away. Tell your doctor about any known asbestos exposures and other risk factors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma

Painful breathing Pain in rib and chest area Shortness of breath, even when idle Fatigue Fever Night sweats Chronic hoarseness

Swelling of face and arms Lumps in chest Unexplained weight loss Sensory loss Difficulty swallowing Persistent dry cough Bloody sputum

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma

Abdominal pain or swelling Bowel obstruction Constipation Diarrhea Lumps under skin in abdominal area Vomiting or nausea

Fatigue Fever Night sweats Anemia Unexplained weight loss Frequency of urination

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma

Irregular heartbeats Heart palpitations Difficulty breathing

Night sweats Fatigue Fever

Early detection is key

Although the disease cannot be prevented, the best hope for treatment of mesothelioma is early diagnosis. Asbestos-related diseases can take decades after exposure to produce symptoms. By then, the disease has usually progressed too far for effective treatment.

Ask Your Doctor These Questions About Mesothelioma

Trust is important in treatment
Mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment is often a difficult, painful, and frustrating process. Emotional issues make a difference in how treatment proceeds. Thats why its so important to trust that your mesothelioma doctor will do what is best for you and your family.

Questions to ask
Your mesothelioma treatment begins when you choose a physician. When evaluating a mesothelioma specialistwho may be a surgeon, oncologist, or radiologist, depending on of the treatment indicated for your casemake sure you have answers to these key questions: What are the doctors medical credentials? If you are going to have surgery, is the surgeon board-certified? Does the doctor belong to a medical specialty society? How many mesothelioma patients has the doctor treated in the past year? In his or her career? What treatment options does this mesothelioma doctor provide? Has the doctor given you information about mesothelioma, all the types of treatment options you might be eligible for, their risks and side effects, and their potential benefits? Does the doctor listen to your concerns and treat you thoughtfully and with respect?

Find out about the healthcare facility where the mesothelioma specialist will treat you: Has the National Cancer Institute designated it as one of its premier facilities? Which kinds of treatment options does it offer? Has the facility been rated by state or consumer groups on its quality of care? Is medical care at the facility covered under your insurance plan? Are other resources available to pay for care there?

Initial evaluation
When you are comfortable that you have a doctor you can trust, ask for a thorough initial evaluation. To identify risk factors and symptoms, the doctor asks questions about your medical and occupational history and any asbestos exposure you may have had. The physical examination should include:

Listening for muted breath sounds, which may indicate fluid in the chest cavity Comparing sound resonance between the two sides of the chest, which may also indicate a build-up of fluid Tapping on the chest to identify any areas that make a dull, thumping sound that could indicate presence of a mass Manual examination of lymph nodes for swelling Other diagnostic tests

Remember, even if you trust your doctor, it is always prudent to seek a second opinion when youre dealing with a disease as serious as mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma: The Search for a Cure

Finding new hope
There is no known cure for malignant mesothelioma. But ongoing research efforts create new possibilities. Recent developments in drugs and medical procedures are providing reasons for hope. These procedures may extend lives and alleviate pain and suffering. Currently, there are many clinical trials underway, with others on the horizon. There is also government support for the search for a cure for malignant mesothelioma.

Why it is so difficult
The best hope for a cure to any cancer is finding the disease early. It is best to find it when it is not firmly established and is still susceptible to therapies that can eliminate it while sparing the bodys vital organs and systems. Mesothelioma has been known for decades, but compared to other malignancies, it is difficult to diagnose at an early stage, finding a cure has proved especially difficult for several reasons: Mesothelioma has a 20- to 40-year latency period. It develops long after exposure to asbestos. Doctors rarely test for or detect mesothelioma before it has had a chance to develop and spread. Mesothelioma develops into tumors that spread insidiously along surfaces, nerves, and blood vessels. This makes it virtually impossible for treatment to rid the patient of all of the disease.

Research into finding a cure for mesothelioma

Medical science has not given up on finding cures for mesothelioma. Clinical trials are ongoing, and several approaches show promising results: Photodynamic therapyusing light energy to kill cancer cells, but only when it has not yet spread Gene therapyusing genetic material to target cancer cells and make them more susceptible to chemotherapeutic drugs Immunotherapyusing the patients own immune system to kill the cancer

Steady progress is being made through continued research on asbestos and related cancers. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundationa nonprofit collaboration of patients and families, physicians, advocates, and researchersis dedicated to researching the prevention of, early detection of, and cures for mesothelioma.