Mesothelioma International is dedicated to the struggle against mesothelioma - a global health crisis which has its roots in the use of asbestos by humanity.
Although the use of asbestos has now been banned within the EU, it is estimated that 250 000 workers in Western Europe alone will die of Mesothelioma before 2029.
We hope this site will be useful for those across USA who are affected by this epidemic.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Stages of mesothelioma
Stages of mesothelioma
Knowing the steps in your mesothelioma will be a factor that will help your doctor formulate a treatment plan. The classification most definitive and most widely used system is the International Classification TGM for diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, also called the International System group interested in mesothelioma (International Mesothelioma Interest Group System). This system takes into account the primary tumor (T), lymph nodes (G) and metastasis (M). There is no classification system established for peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal patients may be classified according to the general TGM system for cancer or the tumor load present (ie d. Imperceptibly large, moderately large, etc..). The TGM system is very thorough and difficult to interpret the uninitiated, what follows is a simplified version. The Stage I is the earliest; The Stage IV the most advanced.
Stage I
Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also spread to the lungs, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. The nodes are not involved.
Stage II
Mesothelioma extends to the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes lung on the same side. It has also been extended to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
Stage III
Mesothelioma invades the chest wall, muscles, ribs, heart, esophagus or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without extension to the lymph nodes in the same side as the primary tumor.
Stage IV
Mesothelioma spread to lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends to the organs of the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this step.
Knowing the steps in your mesothelioma will be a factor that will help your doctor formulate a treatment plan. The classification most definitive and most widely used system is the International Classification TGM for diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, also called the International System group interested in mesothelioma (International Mesothelioma Interest Group System). This system takes into account the primary tumor (T), lymph nodes (G) and metastasis (M). There is no classification system established for peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal patients may be classified according to the general TGM system for cancer or the tumor load present (ie d. Imperceptibly large, moderately large, etc..). The TGM system is very thorough and difficult to interpret the uninitiated, what follows is a simplified version. The Stage I is the earliest; The Stage IV the most advanced.
Stage I
Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also spread to the lungs, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. The nodes are not involved.
Stage II
Mesothelioma extends to the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes lung on the same side. It has also been extended to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
Stage III
Mesothelioma invades the chest wall, muscles, ribs, heart, esophagus or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without extension to the lymph nodes in the same side as the primary tumor.
Stage IV
Mesothelioma spread to lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends to the organs of the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this step.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is often obtained from a careful evaluation of clinical and radiological findings, in addition to a tissue biopsy confirmation. Some tests that your specialist may recommend and their diagnostic value and evaluation of mesothelioma are presented below.
•Computed Tomography (CT)
The scans are capable of revealing a pleural effusion, as well as pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible invasion of chest wall. However, the CT can not distinguish between changes associated with benign asbestos disease, or between lung adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma. The scans may also be of value to guide fine needle aspiration of pleural masses for tissue diagnosis. The scan usually takes 10-30 minutes but can vary depending on the patient.
•Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI scans are often used to determine the extent of tumor prior to aggressive treatment. They provide images in multiple planes and therefore peuvnt better identify tumors compared to normal structures. They are also more accurate than CT in estimating the enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes placed between the two lungs and a clear diaphragmatic surface, both having an important function for the surgical option. The MRI scan usually takes 20-40 minutes but can vary depending on the patient.
•Positron emission tomography (PET)
PET imaging is currently occupying a large part of the diagnosis and evaluation of mesothelioma. The PET is considered the best diagnostic of tumor sites, and the best to determine the stage of mesothelioma. PET scans are relatively new and therefore may not be available in all institutions, it may be necessary to travel to find a specialized center is one.
•The analysis of fluid
Analyze the fluid to find malignant cells has only limited diagnostic value for mesothelioma. The diagnostic thoracentesis, in which cells are extracted from the pleural cavity is commonly done when there is a suspicion of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the results are negative or inconclusive in almost 85% of tests. Even in the case of a positive result of liquid, doctors may opt for a biopsy to confirm the time that it is not at the expense of patient health.
•Analysis of tissue (biopsy)
In most cases, finally takes a needle biopsy of pleura, or surgical biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma. When a pleural biopsy procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the chest wall and inserted into the chest between two ribs a thin lighted tube called thorascope. It will remove a sample of tissue is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. When peritoneal biopsy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a péritonéoscope in the abdominal cavity.
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is often obtained from a careful evaluation of clinical and radiological findings, in addition to a tissue biopsy confirmation. Some tests that your specialist may recommend and their diagnostic value and evaluation of mesothelioma are presented below.
•Computed Tomography (CT)
The scans are capable of revealing a pleural effusion, as well as pleural thickening, pleural calcification, thickening of interlobular fissures, or possible invasion of chest wall. However, the CT can not distinguish between changes associated with benign asbestos disease, or between lung adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma. The scans may also be of value to guide fine needle aspiration of pleural masses for tissue diagnosis. The scan usually takes 10-30 minutes but can vary depending on the patient.
•Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
MRI scans are often used to determine the extent of tumor prior to aggressive treatment. They provide images in multiple planes and therefore peuvnt better identify tumors compared to normal structures. They are also more accurate than CT in estimating the enlargement of mediastinal lymph nodes placed between the two lungs and a clear diaphragmatic surface, both having an important function for the surgical option. The MRI scan usually takes 20-40 minutes but can vary depending on the patient.
•Positron emission tomography (PET)
PET imaging is currently occupying a large part of the diagnosis and evaluation of mesothelioma. The PET is considered the best diagnostic of tumor sites, and the best to determine the stage of mesothelioma. PET scans are relatively new and therefore may not be available in all institutions, it may be necessary to travel to find a specialized center is one.
•The analysis of fluid
Analyze the fluid to find malignant cells has only limited diagnostic value for mesothelioma. The diagnostic thoracentesis, in which cells are extracted from the pleural cavity is commonly done when there is a suspicion of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the results are negative or inconclusive in almost 85% of tests. Even in the case of a positive result of liquid, doctors may opt for a biopsy to confirm the time that it is not at the expense of patient health.
•Analysis of tissue (biopsy)
In most cases, finally takes a needle biopsy of pleura, or surgical biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma. When a pleural biopsy procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the chest wall and inserted into the chest between two ribs a thin lighted tube called thorascope. It will remove a sample of tissue is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist. When peritoneal biopsy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a péritonéoscope in the abdominal cavity.
Symptoms and diagnosis of mesothelioma
Symptoms
Early symptoms of mesothelioma are non-specific and may delay diagnosis. In general, breathlessness, chest pain and cough are common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, but in some cases they may not be sufficiently serious to cause the patient to a medical consultation. Some patients complain of pain in the shoulder blade or the lower back. These symptoms mostly occur 2-3 months before a confirmed diagnosis. In peritoneal mesothelioma, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea or vomiting, bowel obstruction and weight loss are the most common symptoms. Importantly, these symptoms are not specific to mesothelioma and can be symptoms of other conditions. The assessment by a qualified physician is always recommended.
As mesothelioma progresses, the pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid between the two pleural layers) occurs in 95% of patients, and this symptom that ultimately leads patients to consult their doctor. During this visit, a chest x-ray can confirm the effusion. A thickening of the pleura may also be noted at this time. If the doctor suspects cancer, he can send his patient to a hospital consultant who specializes in lung cancer and mesothelioma.
When your doctor recommends you send the following information should be given to you:
•Where you are sent.
•When the appointment is made.
•Who you visit.
•What test can you expect.
•When the test results will be available.
Early symptoms of mesothelioma are non-specific and may delay diagnosis. In general, breathlessness, chest pain and cough are common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, but in some cases they may not be sufficiently serious to cause the patient to a medical consultation. Some patients complain of pain in the shoulder blade or the lower back. These symptoms mostly occur 2-3 months before a confirmed diagnosis. In peritoneal mesothelioma, abdominal pain and swelling, nausea or vomiting, bowel obstruction and weight loss are the most common symptoms. Importantly, these symptoms are not specific to mesothelioma and can be symptoms of other conditions. The assessment by a qualified physician is always recommended.
As mesothelioma progresses, the pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid between the two pleural layers) occurs in 95% of patients, and this symptom that ultimately leads patients to consult their doctor. During this visit, a chest x-ray can confirm the effusion. A thickening of the pleura may also be noted at this time. If the doctor suspects cancer, he can send his patient to a hospital consultant who specializes in lung cancer and mesothelioma.
When your doctor recommends you send the following information should be given to you:
•Where you are sent.
•When the appointment is made.
•Who you visit.
•What test can you expect.
•When the test results will be available.
What types of products typically contain asbestos?
The following products have widely varying rates contained asbestos. This list does not include them all and is a source of general information.
•Preformed or molded armor used in thermal insulation of pipes and boilers
•The planned asbestos used as protection against fire in ducts, firewall, panels, partitions, soffit boards, ceiling panels and around structural steel construction
•Insulation panels used as protection against fire, heat insulation, partitions and ducts
•Stuffing asbestos used as a firewall in false ceilings
•Wrapped cardboard, paper and paper products used for insulation of electrical equipment, asbestos paper may also be used as side panels on combustible wood fiber
•Products of asbestos cement flat and corrugated sheets used to cover walls or ceilings, cement products have also been used in the gutters, water pipes and rain water tanks
•The textured surfaces (such as the Artex)
•Material coverage bitumen roof
•Tile floor vinyl or thermoplastic
•Preformed or molded armor used in thermal insulation of pipes and boilers
•The planned asbestos used as protection against fire in ducts, firewall, panels, partitions, soffit boards, ceiling panels and around structural steel construction
•Insulation panels used as protection against fire, heat insulation, partitions and ducts
•Stuffing asbestos used as a firewall in false ceilings
•Wrapped cardboard, paper and paper products used for insulation of electrical equipment, asbestos paper may also be used as side panels on combustible wood fiber
•Products of asbestos cement flat and corrugated sheets used to cover walls or ceilings, cement products have also been used in the gutters, water pipes and rain water tanks
•The textured surfaces (such as the Artex)
•Material coverage bitumen roof
•Tile floor vinyl or thermoplastic
Who is at risk for developing mesothelioma?
Those who have worked directly with asbestos or asbestos products are most at risk of developing mesothelioma, however, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals having minimal exposure.
Among the businesses at high risk of developing mesothelioma include:
•The carpenter iron (including shipbuilding)
•The builders of the vehicle chassis (including rail vehicles)
•Plumbers
•Gas Installers
•Carpenters
•Electricians
•Construction workers
•Plasterers
•Contractors
•DIY
•Steel fabricators
•Painters
•Sheet Metal
•Welders
Among the businesses at high risk of developing mesothelioma include:
•The carpenter iron (including shipbuilding)
•The builders of the vehicle chassis (including rail vehicles)
•Plumbers
•Gas Installers
•Carpenters
•Electricians
•Construction workers
•Plasterers
•Contractors
•DIY
•Steel fabricators
•Painters
•Sheet Metal
•Welders
What is mesothelioma?
Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that starts in the mesothelium, a membrane that covers and protects most internal organs of the body.
The mesothelium is composed of two layers, one surrounding the body itself, and the other forms a sac around it completely. A small amount of fluid is normally produced between these two layers, lubricating the motion of bodies protected.
When normal cells of the mesothelium lose control and spread rapidly, they produce mesothelioma. The form of mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma "pleural". It occurs in the pleura, the lining of the lungs. Other forms are mesothelioma "peritoneal" reaching the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity and mesothelioma "pericardial", pericardium, the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is composed of two layers, one surrounding the body itself, and the other forms a sac around it completely. A small amount of fluid is normally produced between these two layers, lubricating the motion of bodies protected.
When normal cells of the mesothelium lose control and spread rapidly, they produce mesothelioma. The form of mesothelioma is the most common mesothelioma "pleural". It occurs in the pleura, the lining of the lungs. Other forms are mesothelioma "peritoneal" reaching the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity and mesothelioma "pericardial", pericardium, the lining of the heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
