An article published in the Journal of Translational
Medicine in May 2008, brought to light research that is
being conducted by several Italian scientists, which
exposes the possibility of treatment for mesothelioma
cancer with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
These drugs, NSAIDs, are anti-inflammatory and analgesic
drugs often found in small doses in common pain relieving
over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin. Scientists used a
combination of two of the NSAIDs, Piroxicam and cisplatin
(CDDP), and found the results produced anti-tumoral
activity within malignant mesothelioma cancer cells.
The research, considered by some to be breakthrough
research for victims of mesothelioma cancer, will continue
to be studied but the initial results highlighted a
significant and positive trend toward cancer cell
repression and prevention, particularly for malignant
mesothelioma. Scientists with this study also found that
the potential for determining a specific molecular target
of mesothelioma cells, because of these drugs' anti-tumor
effects, could lead to advances in therapy treatments of
the deadly cancer.
What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer?
There are several varieties of mesothelioma cancer,
however, malignant mesothelioma is considered one of the
most lethal. According to the study, "prognosis is poor and
patients have a median survival of a few months in either
treated or untreated cases." Malignant mesothelioma is a
rare cancer with malignant cancer cells forming on the sac
lining of the chest or abdomen, according to the National
Cancer Institute (NCI). It is often associated with
exposure to airborne asbestos particles and fibers, which
increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma developing in
an individual.
Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is often marked by several symptoms
including lumps in abdomen, weight loss, pain or swelling
in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and difficulties
breathing. The cancer can also often cause fluid retention
in the abdomen or around the lungs. The cancer often has
symptoms similar to other conditions making misdiagnosis of
the condition common.
Medical professionals have even admitted that malignant
mesothelioma and lung cancer are very similar and
differentiating between the two is difficult, however,
there is an array of tests that physicians can use to
increase the potential for a more accurate diagnosis. Tests
for diagnosis may include the patient enduring physical
exams, chest x-rays, biopsy of body tissues, getting a
complete blood count (CBC), cytologic exam, which is an
exam of cells under a microscope, or a bronchoscopy
procedure where a bronchoscope is inserted into the nose or
mouth for a better view of airways.
Diagnosing and Treating Malignant Mesothelioma
While treatments for mesothelioma are rare in and of
themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat
malignant mesothelioma because of the severity of the
condition. However, medical professionals take into
consideration several factors prior to treatment to
determine a patient's prognosis. The following is a
detailed list of these factors, according to the NCI:
* The stage of cancer, which includes stage I or localized
malignant mesothelioma or advanced malignant mesothelioma
that includes stage II, stage III and stage IV.
* The size of a tumor.
* Potential for tumor removal through a surgical procedure.
* The amount of fluid gathered in the chest or abdomen.
* A victim's age, physical health and previous health
issues.
* Type of mesothelioma cancer.
* Whether a cancer is reoccurring or just recently
diagnosed.
Additionally, a doctor will likely look at whether or not
the cancer has spread to other various parts of the body
and the most common ways that the cancer spreads are
through bodily tissues, the lymph system or through veins
and capillaries within the blood stream.
Treatments for malignant mesothelioma can range from
surgery to therapy, including chemotherapy and biological
therapy to clinical trials, although the outcome is based
on the progression of the cancer and most often,
individuals are not aware of their condition until it
reaches an advanced and, usually, an untreatable stage.
Asbestos Exposure and What to Do
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used heavily in a
range of building materials from vinyl flooring to
insulation. It was prized for its inexpensive production
costs and fire-retardant ability making it ideal among
construction companies. However, it was discovered that
inhaling elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos
contributed to the development of mesothelioma cancer.
Unfortunately, this discovery came far too late, as
millions of Americans working in the industry were exposed
and millions more continue to remain at risk for exposure
as asbestos still exists in homes, schools, apartment
complexes and dozens of other types of buildings across the
country. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed
to asbestos particles and fibers should seek medical
attention as soon as possible. If mesothelioma is the
outcome it is advisable for a patient to receive
consultation from an experienced mesothelioma attorney, as
the potential for a mesothelioma lawsuit may exist with the
opportunity for monetary compensation.
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For more information on mesothelioma treatments, visit
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