Mesothelioma

6 January, 2004 11:55 PM

Mesothelioma resources and links

• What is Mesothelioma? 'Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.' - From: Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
• 'Mesothelioma Treatment: What You Can Do - If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, remember that time matters. The faster you consult your doctor and get professional care the better your chances will be of dealing with this dangerous cancer. There are three traditional methods of fighting cancerous mesothelioma: surgery, chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. Please contact your doctor as soon as possible to get more information.' From: Mesothelioma Information
• 'Who is at risk of Mesothelioma? - The only cause that is known to cause Mesothelioma is past exposure to Asbestos. Workers were often not told that they were working around Asbestos. If the manufacturers revealed this secret, they would lose huge profits. Generally, anyone who has inhaled asbestos fibers is at risk of Mesothelioma.

  Even the friends/family of a person who has had asbestos exposure are at risk. This is because Asbestos can often be carried on clothings. From: Mesothelioma Online Advice

• Coping with Mesothelioma - 'It can be very difficult coping with a diagnosis of mesothelioma both practically and emotionally.  You are likely to be feeling very upset and confused. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed at quite an advanced stage.  As well as coping with your diagnosis, you may also have to cope with being told that your cancer is very difficult to treat and unlikely to be cured. 

  As well as coping with the fear and anxiety that any diagnosis of cancer brings, you have to work out how to manage practically.  There may be money matters to sort out.  Who do you tell that you have cancer?  And how do you find the words?  There may be children to consider.

  It is important that you have enough information to enable you to make decisions about your treatment if that is what you want.  At every stage you and your relatives or carers should be offered clear and comprehensive information both verbally and in writing about all aspects of your cancer and its treatment.' Read more at Cancer Help - Coping with Mesothelioma

• Mesothelioma Treatment - 'The type of treatment available for Mesothelioma depends largely on its location in the body and its stage of development diagnosis. The patient's age and physical health are also taken into consideration. The most common types of treatment for mesothelioma are surgery, radiation treatment and chemotherapy.'Mesothelioma Treatment

'The Thoracic Oncology Program at the University of Maryland Medical Center is one of the pioneering institutions nationally using a finely tuned multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. 'Center for Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Diseases

• 'Mesothelioma Information at MesoInfo.com is an educational resource for those who suffer from the lung cancer mesothelioma, also known as asbestos cancer, or who know someone who does.' From: Mesothelioma Information - Asbestos Cancer Resource
• 'Mesothelioma is increasing in frequency and presents many diagnostic and management challenges. An optimal universal staging system is still awaiting definition and validation. Prognosis is best for patients with localized disease and epithelial histology. Surgical techniques including pleurectomy/decortication and EPP can result in a major debulking of disease, and studies are ongoing to determine if the addition of chemotherapy and radiation has an impact on survival. Several new investigational approaches are now being tested, including intrapleural interferon gamma, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy'Current Therapy for Mesothelioma
• '"It is no longer acceptable to dismiss mesothelioma as untreatable, for 'untreatable' implies an acceptance of failure. We must dispel this attitude of nihilism by education and establishment of treatment networks.

  If we can be as aggressive with our investigations of novel therapies for mesothelioma as we are with breast and prostate cancer, we may avoid the perpetuation of this tragedy into the new millennium."' Found at - Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

• 'What can someone with mesothelioma do?
  - Seek out the best and most up-to-date information
  - Seek out the best medical care.
  - Stay in close contact with your doctor.
  - Consider whether or not you want to bring a lawsuit because of this asbestos-related injury.

  Remember that resources are available to you through community and medical support groups, asbestos victims' organizations, your place of worship, as well as your family and friends.' From: Mesothelioma FAQs

• 'The Mesothelioma Information and Resource Group [MIRG] is an organization created to assist patients, and family in learning about mesothelioma and other asbestos-related injuries. It is the aim of MIRG to provide information about the disease, its causes, its treatment and its personal and legal impact.' Source - Mesothelioma Information Resource Group
• 'The Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy, Support, and Education (ALCASE) has had many requests to provide information about mesothelioma, resources for treatment options, and support to those dealing with mesothelioma. We hope this Web site will help to meet that need.' From: Mesothelioma Information, Support, and Resources

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