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Malignant Mesothelioma – A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

This is a 3-in-1 reference book. It gives a complete medical dictionary covering hundreds of terms and expressions relating to malignant mesothelioma. It also gives extensive lists of bibliographic citations. Finally, it provides information to users on how to update their knowledge using various Internet resources. The book is designed for physicians, medical students preparing for Board examinations, medical researchers, and patients who want to become familiar with research dedicated to malig

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Dr. H. Richard Alexander, an internationally renowed surgical oncologist at the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, puts a human face on the challenges facing cancer research institutions today. He gives some historical context to our existing biomedical research infrastructure and lays out what we need to do to ensure that the next discovery in the fight against cancer does not go unfunded. This presentation took place as part of the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma 2008. Related Links: Dr. H. Richard Alexander www.umm.edu University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center www.umgcc.org UMGCC Gastrointestinal Oncology Program www.umgcc.org Pancreatic Cancer Therapy Program www.umgcc.org UMGCC Research Programs www.umgcc.org Distributed by Tubemogul.

www.curemeso.org Julie Brahmer, MDpresents at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma. This conference presented by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, took place in Washington DC in June 2010. To view all presentations or for more information, visit curemeso.org

www.curemeso.org Raffit Hassan, MDpresents at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma. This conference presented by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, took place in Washington DC in June 2010. To view all presentations or for more information, visit curemeso.org

Purchase DVD at www.curemeso.org Concert in memory of mesothelioma patient Jill Armsbury-Pendarvis, featuring her husband, Saturday Night Live Music Director, Leon Pendarvis. All proceeds benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

www.lpklaw.com Mesothelioma Lawyer/Attorney Robert I. Komitor of Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP, a New York based mesothelioma law firm, speaks with Christopher Hahn of Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a national non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma by funding research and educating mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma Lawyers at Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP provide free consultation to victims of mesothelioma or lung cancer resulting from asbestos exposure. To receive a free mesothelioma consultation, please call our toll-free 24/7 hotline at 1-800-637-6529 or 1-212-605-6333. DISCLAIMER: *************** This media presentation is an attorney advertisement brought to you by Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP. Any information provided in this presentation should not be considered legal advice and does not take the place of consulting with an attorney. Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP expressly denies that an attorney-client relationship is formed between Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP and any and/or particular viewers and/or listeners of this media presentation, unless and until the parties have come to a written agreement regarding legal representation. Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP is proud of its past achievements, but its prior success does not and cannot guarantee a similar outcome in the future.

www.curemeso.org Help us fund mesothelioma research and continue providing patient services. Watch this video and send it to your friends and family.

More videos are available at www.curemeso.org – Video summary of the 2009 International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma. The Symposium is a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity for patients and their families. Doctors and research scientists present the most up-to-date information on mesothelioma treatment and mesothelioma clinical trials. The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

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.

A UK medical journal, The Lancet, released disturbing results of a study finding no benefit of chemotherapy on patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

The research, considered a setback for scientists seeking treatment for the condition, was conducted by Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, director of the Nevada Cancer Institute in Las Vegas, and was released in May 2008.

Chemotherapy Ineffective Mesothelioma Treatment

The study found that chemotherapy not only did not offer any improvement among mesothelioma patients but was found to have no significant impact whatsoever on survival rate of victims.

According to the study, the median average of survival rate between victims who received an active symptom control (ASC) versus those who received the same treatment plus chemotherapy was less than a month apart, suggesting no beneficial impact, although, the study did suggest further investigation into treatments of ASC and chemotherapy were likely required.

What is Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?

MPM is considered an advanced and more severe form of malignant mesothelioma and has been characterized as an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis, according to a study published in The Oncologist, an international medical journal, in 2007. The cancer typically affects an individual’s lungs and causes extreme difficulties when breathing.

The condition is also difficult to treat because of the high rate of misdiagnosis among patients. Unfortunately, the incidence of this condition has also been on the rise, and experts speculate that through the next 10 to 20 years, the number will only increase.

Mesothelioma Causes

For years, mesothelioma has been linked to the inhalation of vermiculite asbestos fibers and dust. Vermiculite is a mineral that was heavily mined. During the 20th century, several vermiculite mines, although the exact number is unknown, were functional in the United States, with countless other mines in operation throughout the world.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently in charge of regulating and issuing guidelines for the safe removal and cleanup of asbestos in homes and building throughout the country. However, there is a large number, although estimates are not clear, of structures with asbestos-ridden insulation currently in the United States and improper exposure to such could increase risk of developing a form of mesothelioma.

Additional Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment Options

While the unfortunate truth is that malignant pleural mesothelioma is usually fatal among victims, there are a few treatment options for managing the disease, however these often depend upon the symptoms and stage of the illness.

Surgery is the most common mesothelioma treatment, although a study released in July 2007 in The Oncologist emphasized that the role of surgery in managing MPM is debatable. However, the three main surgical techniques used to manage MPM are pleurodesis, pleurectomy/decorication (P/D) and extrapleural pnemonectomy (EPP).

The study noted that as of yet, there have been no controlled studies determining whether one surgical procedure is better than another. Of the surgical procedures, the P/D and EPP methods aim for local control of the disease and while P/D has a limited morbidity, EPP has between 1.5 to 5 percent mortality rates.

It is often recommended that individuals who suffer from this type of mesothelioma or any form of mesothelioma locate an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Because of the high costs and technical difficulties associated with mesothelioma treatment, a mesothelioma lawsuit may potentially offer relief in the form of monetary compensation, especially since mesothelioma is considered by some to have been highly preventable.