A Summary of Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare form of cancer that usually develops in the lining of the chest or abdomen and affects approximately 3,000 people every year.
Mesothelioma has an unusually long latency period, meaning that after asbestos exposure, symptoms usually do not appear for 20 – 50 years. Once symptoms do occur, the cancer can progress quickly. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek immediate treatment from a specialist. Call our office at (310) 478-4678 to find specialists in your area and around the United States.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) is known as pleural mesothelioma and accounts for approximately 90% of all mesothelioma cases.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma located in the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen is known as peritoneal mesothelioma.
What is malignant mesothelioma and how is it caused?
The body has protective sacs known as mesothelium that cover most of our internal organs. The mesothelium sacs are actually a flat layer of cells which produce lubricating fluid. However, like any other form of cancer, MM begins when a cell or group of cells undergoes a change that causes it to grow uncontrollably. The cancer can then metastasize or spread throughout the body’s blood vessels or lymph system to other areas inside the body.
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of malignant mesothelioma. It is important to consult a doctor if you believe you have MM.
How is malignant mesothelioma treated?
The most common forms of mesothelioma treatment include a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Surgery
Surgical resection of a mesothelioma tumor can be accomplished through an extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) which is a surgery to remove the entire affected lung and sacs or through a less radical pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) which is a surgical procedure that removes only the affected lining of the lungs but leaves the lung in place. Much debate and research exists regarding these two methods of surgical resection. Patients who undergo surgery as a first line treatment may also be candidates for future aggressive treatment, as well. Speak to your mesothelioma specialist about which surgery may be more appropriate for you.
Other forms of surgical treatment options include a pleurodesis, a procedure to inject a sclerosing agent such as talcom powder into the chest to prevent further fluid accumulation. Surgery with hyperthermic chemotherapy may be another option where heated chemotherapy agents are washed through the incision to eradicate remaining mesothelioma cells.
Radiation
Radiation is also frequently administered for mesothelioma patients, especially following surgery. Patients who have had their lung amputated in an EPP procedure have less risk of damaging internal organs while undergoing radiation. Once the lung is removed, radiation beams can be more highly targeted to the effected area without elevated risk of radiating critical organs. Patients who have undergone a P/D and still have both lungs should chose an experienced radiologist who can still successfully perform the procedure without damaging the lungs or other internal organs. Many experienced radiologists have devised appropriate protocols to treat each type of patient.
Chemotherapy
Most patients undergo chemotherapy using a combination of pemetrexed (Alimta) and carboplatin (Cisplatin) administered through an IV. This regimen is administered once every three weeks for approximately four to six treatments. Onconase is another chemotherapy agent frequently used. Patients who undergo chemotherapy first may be precluded from receiving aggressive future treatment for their mesothelioma. It is important to get second opinions from a variety of specialists because many patients do not respond to chemotherapy. Therefore, it may unnecessary for some patients to undergo chemotherapy and during the 12 – 18 week period that a patient is undergoing chemotherapy, the mesothelioma may be progressing.
Alternative Treatment
Clinical trials testing new chemotherapy agents, immunotherapy agents, and anti-angiogenesis factors are ongoing. Patients should speak to their doctor about available clinical trials.
If you want to speak with a specialist about a diagnosis of mesothelioma, send your questions to Jessica Like via email or call (310) 478-4678.