1. A Rare Cancer in a Common Body Part
The mesothelium are membranes that cover the organs in the abdomen, chest cavity and reproductive system. Without the two lubricating layers of the mesothelium, our organs couldn't move freely in the presence of neighboring organs. When cells in the mesothelium grow without control or order, a person may receive a diagnosis of adult malignant mesothelioma. About 2,200 people receive this diagnosis in the United States each year.
2. Stay Away From Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral mined for many uses, ranging from insulation and fireproofing to crayon manufacturing and potting soil. Its ubiquitous nature means nearly everyone has received at least some amount of asbestos exposure. However, in the 1970s, researchers learned about the environmental hazards causing mesothelioma, and heavy government regulation has dropped asbestos use to record lows. Mesothelioma may not develop until 30 years or more following exposure to asbestos, so workers in jobs that require asbestos exposure must follow their employer's safety guides to reduce their risk.
3. Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer?
Mesothelioma can cause symptoms similar to lung cancer, including shortness of breath, chest pain and unexplained weight loss. A doctor may administer a chest X-ray to look for abnormalities around the lung. However, doctors must take a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis is mesothelioma and not lung cancer. The doctor removes a sample of tissue with a needle or by making a surgical incision, or via a thin tube inserted through the nose or mouth and threaded down to the lungs. An experienced pathologist can tell if the abnormal cells derive from lung or mesothelial tissue by examining the tissue sample under a microscope, but it's often helpful for patients to get a second opinion from another pathologist.
4. Surgery Helps
Patients with malignant mesothelioma can ask their doctor about several treatment options to treat the disease and reduce symptoms. The doctor may remove part of the sac lining the lung, chest, heart or diaphragm. If the mesothelioma has spread to one of the lungs, the doctor can also remove the lung. If fluid buildup around the lungs makes it difficult for the patient to breathe, the doctor can drain fluid from the lining around the lungs with a tube and put medicine into the space to prevent more fluid from accumulating.
5. Fight Mesothelioma with Folic Acid
We know that folic acid, one of the B vitamins, is essential in a healthy diet for normal cell function. Now researchers have developed a drug that fights mesothelioma by interrupting the cancer cells' metabolism of folic acid. This drug, called Altima, extended the lives of mesothelioma patients nearly 30% longer than patients receiving only the standard drug Cisplatin.
