Improving Mesothelioma Life Expectancies
Those dedicated to researching mesothelioma are constantly testing new ways to improve the life expectancy of patients with the disease. This is accomplished largely through clinical trials , which test new drugs and treatments. Many promising alternatives to traditional treatments have materialized from clinical trials and patients often benefit from participating. Tests to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages are also being developed, which may result in more effective treatment of the disease.
The life expectancy of mesothelioma patients can also be affected by treatment. Mesothelioma patients may elect to undergo treatment to combat the disease, remove the cancer and kill cancerous cells. A doctor will make treatment recommendations based on a myriad of factors. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are the most common mesothelioma treatment options for patients.
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Showing posts with label mesothelioma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mesothelioma. Show all posts
What Affects a Mesothelioma Patient's Life Expectancy
What Affects a Mesothelioma Patient's Life Expectancy?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient is affected by numerous factors including:
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient is affected by numerous factors including:
- Latency Period – Unlike other cancers with symptoms that surface quickly, asbestos fibers that cause mesothelioma over time can lay dormant in the body for up to 50 years. This long period of latency often results in a late diagnosis. In many cases, the diagnosis is made when it has already reached late stages of development, making mesothelioma treatment difficult and sometimes ineffective. Mesothelioma patients diagnosed in later stages will typically receive palliative treatments rather than curative, which serve to make the patient more comfortable and increase their mesothelioma quality of life rather than cure the disease.
- Age of Diagnosis – Most reports indicate that the average age of a mesothelioma patient is 60. In fact, more than 75 percent of mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States occur in men age 55 or older. However, some researchers believe the average age is dropping due to the influx of cases from secondary exposure. When an older person develops mesothelioma cancer, treatment can be compromised due to the presence of other health-related problems. These might include heart disease, additional lung ailments, and high blood pressure. Advanced age and the presence of other diseases can significantly affect a patient's life span.
- Types of Mesothelioma – There are three major types of mesothelioma an individual can develop. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Other forms of the disease include peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma, which affect the lining of the abdomen and heart. Since pleural mesothelioma affects the most mesothelioma patients, more knowledge and research about this form of the cancer is present to utilize when detailing a treatment plan, often times making a plueral life expectancy much longer.
- Smoking – Smoking can greatly decrease the life span of an individual who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should quit smoking immediately, as this could greatly increase a patient's mesothelioma quality of life.
Diagnosing Malignant Mesothelioma To Learn Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Diagnosing Malignant Mesothelioma To Learn Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Various methods are adopted by treating physicians to diagnose any form of malignant mesothelioma. Such diagnosis is vital for learning about the possible life expectancy of the patient after the disease is detected.
X rays, MRI, and CT scan are some of the most popular methods that are used to find out the type of disease from which the patient is suffering. Of course there are other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation those are also used for the treatment of mesothelioma. However, the dangers with these processes of treatment are that they can alleviate the symptoms despite extending the life expectancy of the patient by a few months.
Average life expectancy for any type of mesothelioma is one year. Major factors that influence the mesothelioma life expectancy are the current stage of the disease that determines such life expectancy of the patient. Naturally, the life expectancy would be lesser for advanced stages of mesothelioma and greater for simpler forms of the disease.
In stage 1 of the disease or initial stage of mesothelioma, only one layer of the pleura is affected and cancer spreads to pericardium or diaphragm. Mesothelioma life expectancy at this stage would be 5 years or a little more with good treatment. In stage II of the disease both layers of pleura are affected and the life expectancy is two to four years in this case.
While in stage III when the cancer spreads to the chest wall, the life expectancy is only 6 to 8 months, at stage IV where the cancer spreads to brains, lymph nodes, and bones and liver, the life expectancy is less than six months.
Various methods are adopted by treating physicians to diagnose any form of malignant mesothelioma. Such diagnosis is vital for learning about the possible life expectancy of the patient after the disease is detected.
X rays, MRI, and CT scan are some of the most popular methods that are used to find out the type of disease from which the patient is suffering. Of course there are other treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation those are also used for the treatment of mesothelioma. However, the dangers with these processes of treatment are that they can alleviate the symptoms despite extending the life expectancy of the patient by a few months.
Average life expectancy for any type of mesothelioma is one year. Major factors that influence the mesothelioma life expectancy are the current stage of the disease that determines such life expectancy of the patient. Naturally, the life expectancy would be lesser for advanced stages of mesothelioma and greater for simpler forms of the disease.
In stage 1 of the disease or initial stage of mesothelioma, only one layer of the pleura is affected and cancer spreads to pericardium or diaphragm. Mesothelioma life expectancy at this stage would be 5 years or a little more with good treatment. In stage II of the disease both layers of pleura are affected and the life expectancy is two to four years in this case.
While in stage III when the cancer spreads to the chest wall, the life expectancy is only 6 to 8 months, at stage IV where the cancer spreads to brains, lymph nodes, and bones and liver, the life expectancy is less than six months.
Factors Affecting Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Factors Affecting Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Research scientists and medical practitioners have worked very hard to improve mesothelioma life expectancy rates of patients for decades. While there is no specific cure for mesothelioma, patients may elect to undergo intensive treatment that may help extend their life expectancy or improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient is affected by a number of factors, which are:
• Latency Period – Unlike other forms of cancers with symptoms that surface quickly, asbestos fibers that cause mesothelioma over time can lay dormant in the body for up to 50 years. This long period of latency often results in a delayed diagnosis. In many situations, the diagnosis is, made when it has already reached final stages of the illness, making mesothelioma treatment very tedious and sometimes unsuccessful.
• Mesothelioma patients diagnosed in advanced stages will typically receive palliative treatments rather than curative, which serve to make the patient more relaxed and increase their quality of life rather than cure the disease.
• Age of Diagnosis – Most reports indicate that the median age of a mesothelioma patient is 60. In fact, more than 75 percent of mesothelioma patients diagnosed in the United States occur in men age 55 or older. However, some researchers think that the average age is dropping due to the flood of cases from secondary exposure. When an older person develops mesothelioma cancer, treatment can be, negotiated due to the presence of other health-related problems. These might include heart diseases, additional lung problems, and high blood pressure. Old age and the presence of other diseases can greatly affect a patient's life span. In other words, it can have a significant impact on the mesothelioma life expectancy rate.
• Types of Mesothelioma – There are three major types of mesothelioma an individual can develop. The most known is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Other classes of this cancer include peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma, which affect the lining of the abdomen and heart. Since pleural mesothelioma influences most mesothelioma patients, more knowledge and research about this form of the cancer is present to use when detailing a treatment plan, often increasing mesothelioma life expectancy
• Smoking – It is known well by one and all that smoking can greatly decrease the life span of an individual who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should quit smoking instantly.
Those who are devoting time to researching mesothelioma are constantly testing new advanced ways to improve the life expectancy of patients with this disease. This is, accomplished greatly through clinical trials, which test new medicines and treatments. Many futuristic and promising alternatives to conventional treatments have materialized from clinical trials and patients often benefit from participating. Tests to diagnose mesothelioma in its earliest stages are, also being developed, which may result in more effective and efficient treatment of the disease.
Mesothelioma life expectancy rate in patients can also be affected by treatment. A doctor will make treatment recommendations based on a number of factors.
Related Links :
What is peritoneal mesothelioma
Mesothelioma cure
Mesothelioma treatment
Research scientists and medical practitioners have worked very hard to improve mesothelioma life expectancy rates of patients for decades. While there is no specific cure for mesothelioma, patients may elect to undergo intensive treatment that may help extend their life expectancy or improve the patient’s overall quality of life.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient is affected by a number of factors, which are:
• Latency Period – Unlike other forms of cancers with symptoms that surface quickly, asbestos fibers that cause mesothelioma over time can lay dormant in the body for up to 50 years. This long period of latency often results in a delayed diagnosis. In many situations, the diagnosis is, made when it has already reached final stages of the illness, making mesothelioma treatment very tedious and sometimes unsuccessful.
• Mesothelioma patients diagnosed in advanced stages will typically receive palliative treatments rather than curative, which serve to make the patient more relaxed and increase their quality of life rather than cure the disease.
• Age of Diagnosis – Most reports indicate that the median age of a mesothelioma patient is 60. In fact, more than 75 percent of mesothelioma patients diagnosed in the United States occur in men age 55 or older. However, some researchers think that the average age is dropping due to the flood of cases from secondary exposure. When an older person develops mesothelioma cancer, treatment can be, negotiated due to the presence of other health-related problems. These might include heart diseases, additional lung problems, and high blood pressure. Old age and the presence of other diseases can greatly affect a patient's life span. In other words, it can have a significant impact on the mesothelioma life expectancy rate.
• Types of Mesothelioma – There are three major types of mesothelioma an individual can develop. The most known is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Other classes of this cancer include peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma, which affect the lining of the abdomen and heart. Since pleural mesothelioma influences most mesothelioma patients, more knowledge and research about this form of the cancer is present to use when detailing a treatment plan, often increasing mesothelioma life expectancy
• Smoking – It is known well by one and all that smoking can greatly decrease the life span of an individual who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma should quit smoking instantly.
Those who are devoting time to researching mesothelioma are constantly testing new advanced ways to improve the life expectancy of patients with this disease. This is, accomplished greatly through clinical trials, which test new medicines and treatments. Many futuristic and promising alternatives to conventional treatments have materialized from clinical trials and patients often benefit from participating. Tests to diagnose mesothelioma in its earliest stages are, also being developed, which may result in more effective and efficient treatment of the disease.
Mesothelioma life expectancy rate in patients can also be affected by treatment. A doctor will make treatment recommendations based on a number of factors.
Related Links :
What is peritoneal mesothelioma
Mesothelioma cure
Mesothelioma treatment
Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
What Is The Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Mesothelioma life expectancy
Mesothelioma is of three types and once the disease has been diagnosed the average mesothelioma life expectancy is only two years or less. There are many people who are diagnosed with malignant Mesothelioma on an annual basis and this number is increasing. The worst thing is that this disease manifests symptoms only after 50 years of being exposed to asbestos initially. Some of the symptoms include breathlessness, cough that is repetitive and pain in the chest and the abdomen. At times there is also severe pain in the areas around the abdomen and the chest.
How is Mesothelioma diagnosed and treated?
X-ray of the chest and complete blood count are the two ways in which the condition is diagnosed. At times a biopsy and Thoracotomy are also conducted. The first phase of treatment involves removal of as much of the infected area as possible. There is a surgery called the Palliative surgery which is done when the stage of the cancer is slightly more advanced. This is usually done when there is fluid retention in the lungs or when the tumor presses against the wall of the lung. Another treatment is to radiate the cancer cells and shrink the tumor. The side effects of this treatment is nausea, vomiting and also general feeling of fatigue. Another treatment is chemotherapy; however in this kind of cancer chemotherapy cannot do much.
The first thing to do is to understand that mesothelioma cancer can be treated and legal help is also at hand. If you are positive in approach then your body reacts to the medicine and treatments positively and this increases the mesothelioma life expectancy. If you give up then no amount of medicines and treatment or even the compensation can help. All you need to do is to contact your doctor and he will help you to get in touch with the many groups that exist to help and encourage people who are suffering the onslaught of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lung called Mesothelium and thus the name. The main cause of mesothelioma life expectancy form a cancer is asbestos but when it becomes malignant mesothelioma then the causes could vary according to extent of exposure.
Mesothelioma life expectancy
Mesothelioma is of three types and once the disease has been diagnosed the average mesothelioma life expectancy is only two years or less. There are many people who are diagnosed with malignant Mesothelioma on an annual basis and this number is increasing. The worst thing is that this disease manifests symptoms only after 50 years of being exposed to asbestos initially. Some of the symptoms include breathlessness, cough that is repetitive and pain in the chest and the abdomen. At times there is also severe pain in the areas around the abdomen and the chest.
How is Mesothelioma diagnosed and treated?
X-ray of the chest and complete blood count are the two ways in which the condition is diagnosed. At times a biopsy and Thoracotomy are also conducted. The first phase of treatment involves removal of as much of the infected area as possible. There is a surgery called the Palliative surgery which is done when the stage of the cancer is slightly more advanced. This is usually done when there is fluid retention in the lungs or when the tumor presses against the wall of the lung. Another treatment is to radiate the cancer cells and shrink the tumor. The side effects of this treatment is nausea, vomiting and also general feeling of fatigue. Another treatment is chemotherapy; however in this kind of cancer chemotherapy cannot do much.
The first thing to do is to understand that mesothelioma cancer can be treated and legal help is also at hand. If you are positive in approach then your body reacts to the medicine and treatments positively and this increases the mesothelioma life expectancy. If you give up then no amount of medicines and treatment or even the compensation can help. All you need to do is to contact your doctor and he will help you to get in touch with the many groups that exist to help and encourage people who are suffering the onslaught of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lung called Mesothelium and thus the name. The main cause of mesothelioma life expectancy form a cancer is asbestos but when it becomes malignant mesothelioma then the causes could vary according to extent of exposure.
DIAGNOSIS OF PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA
As with all mesotheliomas, the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma can be challenging. CT findings may help differentiate between the two clinical types of peritoneal mesothelioma, termed “dry” or “wet”, since their appearances are very different upon imaging. In the “dry” type, CT may reveal multiple small masses or a single dominant localized mass. There is normally little or no ascites. In the “wet” type, CT may reveal widespread small nodules, but no dominant mass. Ascites is usually present.
If fluid is present, it may be removed in a procedure called paracentesis. Unfortunately, as is the case with pleural mesothelioma, fluid analysis offers limited diagnostic value. It is normally a tissue biopsy obtained in a laproscopic exploratory that will yield a definitive diagnosis.
If fluid is present, it may be removed in a procedure called paracentesis. Unfortunately, as is the case with pleural mesothelioma, fluid analysis offers limited diagnostic value. It is normally a tissue biopsy obtained in a laproscopic exploratory that will yield a definitive diagnosis.
SYMPTOMS OF PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA
Clinical symptoms at the time of presentation may include abdominal pain, abdominal mass, increased abdominal girth, distention of the abdomen, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia and digestive disturbances. Some patients complain of more non-specific symptoms for a number of months prior to a confirmed diagnosis. In a percentage of cases, peritoneal mesothelioma is found incidentally when the patient has sought help for another health problem such as gallbladder, hernia or pelvic mass.
Experienced doctors report that patients typically experience symptoms 6 months to 2 years before diagnosis. When the patient goes to the doctor, the patient, the family, and the doctor all usually think something else is wrong. Men often first show up with an inguinal hernia (a bulge in the groin) or an umbilical hernia (bulge around the belly button.) The first indication of a problem for some women comes during a pelvic examination when a tumor mass is discovered.
Late-stage peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include bowel obstruction and increased tendency of the blood to clot. Blood tests show increased platelet count in half of peritoneal patients, although this is of little use in diagnosis because it can be caused by so many disorders. Anemia and low albumin levels are also found.
Experienced doctors report that patients typically experience symptoms 6 months to 2 years before diagnosis. When the patient goes to the doctor, the patient, the family, and the doctor all usually think something else is wrong. Men often first show up with an inguinal hernia (a bulge in the groin) or an umbilical hernia (bulge around the belly button.) The first indication of a problem for some women comes during a pelvic examination when a tumor mass is discovered.
Late-stage peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include bowel obstruction and increased tendency of the blood to clot. Blood tests show increased platelet count in half of peritoneal patients, although this is of little use in diagnosis because it can be caused by so many disorders. Anemia and low albumin levels are also found.
What is PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA
PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity, is less common than the pleural form, comprising approximately one-fifth to one-third of the total number of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. According to the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database, these diagnoses are approximately 54.7 per cent male versus 45.3 per cent female, with the median age being 65-69. The latency period appears to be shorter for asbestos-exposed individuals with symptoms appearing 20-30 years after exposure rather than the 30-40 year latency more commonly associated with pleural mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity, is less common than the pleural form, comprising approximately one-fifth to one-third of the total number of mesothelioma cases diagnosed. According to the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database, these diagnoses are approximately 54.7 per cent male versus 45.3 per cent female, with the median age being 65-69. The latency period appears to be shorter for asbestos-exposed individuals with symptoms appearing 20-30 years after exposure rather than the 30-40 year latency more commonly associated with pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Cure
Mesothelioma Cure
Following the backlash of asbestos-related exposures and illnesses, many people were wondering how scientific research was going to proceed. The response has been encouraging, with cancer specialists and other doctors working each day towards a cure for malignant mesothelioma. While a way to completely eliminate the cancer from the body does not presently exist, there are several successful mesothelioma treatment programs as well as clinical trials that are working towards developing a way to eliminate this unfortunate form of cancer.Treatments for patients of malignant mesothelioma commonly fall in line with treatment of other lung and lung-related cancers. Curative treatments are those which remove the cancer from the body completely. While there are no cures for mesothelioma, any treatment could theoretically be curative, so long as it is successful in completely removing the cancer from the body. While the treatment may be curative, it is important to remember that curative treatments do not rule out the recurrence of the disease.
While curative treatments may not prevent the disease from recurring, it is important to be aware of current initiatives that are working towards a total cure for the disease. There have been instances of unique treatment programs that have prevented the recurrence of the disease for several years. Paul Krauss was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1997 and given only a few months to live by his physician. Today, Paul Krauss is still alive and active and has dedicated himself towards spreading awareness of the disease and working with others in developing treatment programs that would be as successful as his has been.
Combination treatments, which integrate two or more different treatment options, such as surgery coupled with radiation, or surgery paired with radiation and chemotherapy have been successful in extending life expectancies. Researchers believe that when the right combination of therapies is found, prognoses will be far longer than anyone could have imagined when the disease first manifested. Technology has also afforded new possibilities to mesothelioma patients. CT (Computer Topography) scans have been able to map three-dimensional images of the body's internal organs for targeted chemotherapy or radiation therapy to be administered.
Another novel technique is being integrated with surgical resections of mesothelioma tumors. Heated chemotherapeutic agents have shown increased proficiency in the elimination of cancer cells. Side effects of chemotherapy have, in the past, prevented physicians from delivering an optimal dosage of the drug. However, a novel procedure known as intracavity heated chemotherapy treatment has integrated these two concepts into a successful program. Heated chemotherapeutic agent is administered directly to the affected area during the surgical removal, destroying any remaining cancer cells in the area and extending prognoses well beyond typical timeframs.
It is through technology and advancements such as these that cancer specialists and physicians are laying the groundwork for a cure.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Clincal Trials for Mesothelioma Treatment
Clinical trials are the study of promising new treatments for a particular disease. These trials are constantly in need of patients who are willing to try these experimental treatments before they are approved by the FDA. Patients should speak to their doctors about current clinical trials available to them and if they might qualify to be a part of a particular study. Those opting to participate in a clinical trial should carefully weigh what advantages and disadvantages, in addition to the goals of the trial before deciding to participate.Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment
Alternative therapies include potential treatment for a disease or its symptoms that are not part of the conventional treatment generally recommended for patients with the disease. These might include the use of vitamins or herbs or participation in therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or hypnosis.Steps involved in Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosing mesothelioma can indeed by a tricky process. Because the symptoms are similar to those of so many other common diseases, this aggressive form of cancer can often be mistaken for something else. An accurate diagnosis largely depends on the patient providing a complete history - both medical and occupational. This may indicate any past exposure to asbestos which may have caused the disease.
Often, if the patient was exposed for just a short period of time many years ago, he/she views it as unnecessary to mention. The fact remains that ever brief exposure to asbestos may cause the disease, so it's always important to mention any situations which may have put the patient at risk.
After the doctor takes a detailed history of the patient - even if meso is not yet suspected - he/she will most likely order a diagnostic test or two to further investigate the cause of the problems.
Often, the first test ordered is a traditional x-ray, which can identify pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs) or the presence of a tumor or pleural plaques or calcification. This typically indicates pleural mesothelioma.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scans The CT scan will provide your doctor with a more detailed picture of areas in question. While conventional x-rays focus beams of radiation towards one part of the body, the CT scan machine consists of an x-ray-generating device that rotates around the entire body. The device, which is connected to a high-tech computer, provides cross-section images (or "slices") of the inside of the body.
No preparation is necessary for a CT scan, which will be performed at either a hospital or an outpatient facility. These scans are painless and require no anesthesia. You'll simply lie on a table, which may be raised, lowered, or tilted in order for the technician to get the most accurate pictures possible. You will be provided with a pillow for your head and technicians will be sure that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Even more accurate than the CT scan is the MRI, a diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the head or body. This test has proven especially successful in detecting tumors in or around the lungs, which makes it especially useful for diagnosing mesothelioma. It provides extremely clear pictures and is often the most successful of all the imaging processes in diagnosing the disease.
No preparation is needed for the MRI unless your doctor recommends that the test be done using a contrast dye. If so, you'll need to drink the harmless dye prior to the test being administered. Patients will simply lie on the table that moves through the MRI machine, which directs radio waves towards the body. Clicking and other noises may occur during the procedure but patients should be assured that they're harmless and are no indication of a problem. Most MRIs last from 30 to 90 minutes and many people fall asleep during the test. If you have a fear of closed-in spaces, some hospitals and other facilities offer open MRIs or you will be offered a sedative before the test.
A biopsy, derived from the Greek word meaning "view of the living", involves removing a sample of fluid or tissue from the affected area and sending it to a pathologist for examination. The biopsy is done by inserting a thin needle into the area in question.
With potential mesothelioma patients, the first biopsy usually performed is one which removes fluid from around the lungs. Other doctors, however, might prefer to proceed directly to the tissue biopsy, deeming the fluid biopsy inconclusive. Still, other physicians may opt for a laparoscopy or thoracoscopy, which involves making a small incision and using a tiny camera to look at the affected area. A tissue sample can be taken during this procedure. These procedures will probably involve a local anesthetic.
Most recently, however, mesothelioma specialists have concluded that the open lung biopsy is the most reliable in making an accurate diagnosis. Akin to surgery and done under general anesthesia, an incision will be made and a small piece of lung tissue removed. The tissue will then be sent to a pathologist for examination and the doctor will receive the results at a later date. The surgeon may leave a chest tube in place for a few days to prevent the lung from collapsing.
Diagnosing mesothelioma can indeed by a tricky process. Because the symptoms are similar to those of so many other common diseases, this aggressive form of cancer can often be mistaken for something else. An accurate diagnosis largely depends on the patient providing a complete history - both medical and occupational. This may indicate any past exposure to asbestos which may have caused the disease.
Often, if the patient was exposed for just a short period of time many years ago, he/she views it as unnecessary to mention. The fact remains that ever brief exposure to asbestos may cause the disease, so it's always important to mention any situations which may have put the patient at risk.
What's the First Step?
Usually, a potential mesothelioma victim will visit their family doctor or general practitioner with complaints about a number of ailments, which often include chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing. These are the most prevalent signs of the disease and usually the ones that appear first and that are most bothersome.After the doctor takes a detailed history of the patient - even if meso is not yet suspected - he/she will most likely order a diagnostic test or two to further investigate the cause of the problems.
Often, the first test ordered is a traditional x-ray, which can identify pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs) or the presence of a tumor or pleural plaques or calcification. This typically indicates pleural mesothelioma.
What Comes Next?
If the x-ray shows suspicious spots or fluid retention, the doctor will probably decide to order a more sophisticated test that can help him get a better look at the affected organs. These tests might include:Computed Tomography (CT) Scans The CT scan will provide your doctor with a more detailed picture of areas in question. While conventional x-rays focus beams of radiation towards one part of the body, the CT scan machine consists of an x-ray-generating device that rotates around the entire body. The device, which is connected to a high-tech computer, provides cross-section images (or "slices") of the inside of the body.
No preparation is necessary for a CT scan, which will be performed at either a hospital or an outpatient facility. These scans are painless and require no anesthesia. You'll simply lie on a table, which may be raised, lowered, or tilted in order for the technician to get the most accurate pictures possible. You will be provided with a pillow for your head and technicians will be sure that you are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Even more accurate than the CT scan is the MRI, a diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the head or body. This test has proven especially successful in detecting tumors in or around the lungs, which makes it especially useful for diagnosing mesothelioma. It provides extremely clear pictures and is often the most successful of all the imaging processes in diagnosing the disease.
No preparation is needed for the MRI unless your doctor recommends that the test be done using a contrast dye. If so, you'll need to drink the harmless dye prior to the test being administered. Patients will simply lie on the table that moves through the MRI machine, which directs radio waves towards the body. Clicking and other noises may occur during the procedure but patients should be assured that they're harmless and are no indication of a problem. Most MRIs last from 30 to 90 minutes and many people fall asleep during the test. If you have a fear of closed-in spaces, some hospitals and other facilities offer open MRIs or you will be offered a sedative before the test.
The Final Step to Diagnosis
Such sophisticated imaging procedures as MRIs and CT scans usually offer a fairly clear diagnosis, but doctors almost always recommend one more test before coming to a definitive conclusion about any type of cancer. That test is known as a biopsy.A biopsy, derived from the Greek word meaning "view of the living", involves removing a sample of fluid or tissue from the affected area and sending it to a pathologist for examination. The biopsy is done by inserting a thin needle into the area in question.
With potential mesothelioma patients, the first biopsy usually performed is one which removes fluid from around the lungs. Other doctors, however, might prefer to proceed directly to the tissue biopsy, deeming the fluid biopsy inconclusive. Still, other physicians may opt for a laparoscopy or thoracoscopy, which involves making a small incision and using a tiny camera to look at the affected area. A tissue sample can be taken during this procedure. These procedures will probably involve a local anesthetic.
Most recently, however, mesothelioma specialists have concluded that the open lung biopsy is the most reliable in making an accurate diagnosis. Akin to surgery and done under general anesthesia, an incision will be made and a small piece of lung tissue removed. The tissue will then be sent to a pathologist for examination and the doctor will receive the results at a later date. The surgeon may leave a chest tube in place for a few days to prevent the lung from collapsing.
Receiving the Diagnosis
In most cases, it will take several days or longer to receive the results of many of these tests. While it may be difficult to be patient during the waiting period, patients should be assured that doctors are offering the best tools available for an accurate diagnosis and will deliver the diagnosis as soon as possible. A proper diagnosis will help your doctor to determine the best mesothelioma treatment available.Does Medicare plan D cover Mesothelioma
How Does the Medicare Plan D Apply to Mesothelioma Patients?
The Part D drug benefit is prescription drug coverage for people with Medicare. Medicare offers Part D to everyone with Medicare. (People enrolled in Medicare are called Medicare beneficiaries.) Part D coverage may help you lower your prescription drug costs and help protect you from higher costs in the future. It can give you greater access to the anti cancer drugs you need to treat your cancer . To get Medicare Part D
drug coverage, you must join a plan that is run by an insurance company or other private company that has been approved by Medicare.
If you join a Medicare drug plan, you usually pay a monthly premium. If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible (able to join), you may pay a penalty if you decide to join later. If your income and resources are limited, you might qualify for extra help paying Part D costs.
There are different plans that vary in cost and the type of drugs that are covered by each plan and it is hard to compare them. As a mesothelioma cancer patient, your may incur huge annual drug expenses , so it is important to look at each plan's coverage, as well as your cost-sharing obligations during coverage gaps. Coverage gaps are dollar limits that, when reached, leave you responsible for some or all of the drug costs
The coverage gap or "donut hole" is the gap in which you must pay 100% of your prescription costs. Once your total drug costs (what you and the plan pay for your prescriptions) reach a pre-set dollar amount for the year, you will hit the "donut hole." Then you will pay all of your drug costs until the total out-of-pocket costs reaches another pre-set amount. Reaching this amount triggers what is called catastrophic coverage. After that, Medicare Part D will cover 95% of your drug costs and you will pay a flat co-pay or 5% of the cost of the drug for the rest of that year. (Keep in mind that some cancer drugs cost a lot and 5% can be several hundred dollars a month.)
The Part D drug benefit is prescription drug coverage for people with Medicare. Medicare offers Part D to everyone with Medicare. (People enrolled in Medicare are called Medicare beneficiaries.) Part D coverage may help you lower your prescription drug costs and help protect you from higher costs in the future. It can give you greater access to the anti cancer drugs you need to treat your cancer . To get Medicare Part D
drug coverage, you must join a plan that is run by an insurance company or other private company that has been approved by Medicare.
If you join a Medicare drug plan, you usually pay a monthly premium. If you decide not to join a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible (able to join), you may pay a penalty if you decide to join later. If your income and resources are limited, you might qualify for extra help paying Part D costs.
There are different plans that vary in cost and the type of drugs that are covered by each plan and it is hard to compare them. As a mesothelioma cancer patient, your may incur huge annual drug expenses , so it is important to look at each plan's coverage, as well as your cost-sharing obligations during coverage gaps. Coverage gaps are dollar limits that, when reached, leave you responsible for some or all of the drug costs
The coverage gap or "donut hole" is the gap in which you must pay 100% of your prescription costs. Once your total drug costs (what you and the plan pay for your prescriptions) reach a pre-set dollar amount for the year, you will hit the "donut hole." Then you will pay all of your drug costs until the total out-of-pocket costs reaches another pre-set amount. Reaching this amount triggers what is called catastrophic coverage. After that, Medicare Part D will cover 95% of your drug costs and you will pay a flat co-pay or 5% of the cost of the drug for the rest of that year. (Keep in mind that some cancer drugs cost a lot and 5% can be several hundred dollars a month.)
Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma Treatment
Chemotherapy drugs, in general, are either ingested in pill form or injected into the patient systemically. In the case of mesothelioma patients, the drugs are administered intravenously. Doctors will typically combine two drugs for the best result. One will act as the primary cytotoxin and another will serve as an alkalizing agent to stabilize surrounding healthy cells. At the present the only combination approved by the Food and Drug Administration is Alimta; (pemetrexed) and Cisplatin, but other drugs are used in tandem if deemed preferable for a specific patient participating in a clinical trial. In some cases, patients can only tolerate a single drug so only one is used for treatment.
Other drugs are given to the patient to combat the unpleasant side effects of chemo, such as medication to relieve nausea and vomiting or vitamins to replace essential ones lost during chemotherapy. Some patients for one reason or another will make a measured determination that the side effects of chemotherapy are too severe and opt not to receive this treatment.
Radiation Therapy for Mesothelioma Treatment
External beam radiation - the preferred type to treat mesothelioma, this type of radiation comes from a machine outside the body and is aimed toward affected areas. Usually administered 5-days-a-week for up to 5 weeks, this type of radiation is often used for palliative purposes - to lessen breathing difficulties, pain, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing - but has seldom shown true efficacy as a curative mesothelioma treatment. This type of radiation may also be used in addition to surgery.
Brachytherapy - Rarely prescribed for mesothelioma, this kind of radiation places radioactive material directly inside the lung or abdomen.
Surgery for Mesothelioma Treatment
Surgery can be performed on mesothelioma patients for one of two reasons: in an attempt to cure the disease or for palliative reasons in order to keep the patient more comfortable and improve the quality of life. Because mesothelioma is nearly always diagnosed in its later stages, curative surgery is typically not an option. Once the tumor has metastasized outside the pleural cavity, palliation is typically the only ends for which surgery is utilized.
As tests are developed that may help to diagnose mesothelioma at an earlier stage, surgery may become more of an option in the future. At that point, doctors may be able to attempt to remove the cancer and some of the surrounding tissue in an attempt to stabilize the disease.
More often, however, surgery is used as a palliative measure. For example, doctors may opt for a surgery called a pleurodesis, which involves injecting talc into the lungs to prevent fluid from returning. A thoracentesis, a surgical procedure that removes fluid from the lungs by means of a thin needle, may also be recommended.
In severe cases, a pleurectomy may be recommended for palliative purposes. This involves removing the pleura - the lining of the lung - and can control fluid build-up and lessen pain and breathing difficulties.
Advancements in Mesothelioma Surgery
In recent years, there have been advancements with extensive surgeries that have extended mesothelioma survival rates in those diagnosed with early stage disease. Among the more exciting of these treatments is what is known as extrapleural pneumonectomy. This procedure, which requires the expertise of a leading mesothelioma doctor, involves the surgical resection of the entire affected lung, pleurectomy, removal of the pericardium (a membrane which surrounds the heart), and the diaphragm. During the course of surgery, intra-operative chemotherapy agent (i.e. cisplatin or GEMzar) will be applied directly to the affected area to eliminate any remaining malignant cells. Following the application of chemotherapy, the diaphragm and pericardium are reconstructed with prosthetic material.
As tests are developed that may help to diagnose mesothelioma at an earlier stage, surgery may become more of an option in the future. At that point, doctors may be able to attempt to remove the cancer and some of the surrounding tissue in an attempt to stabilize the disease.
More often, however, surgery is used as a palliative measure. For example, doctors may opt for a surgery called a pleurodesis, which involves injecting talc into the lungs to prevent fluid from returning. A thoracentesis, a surgical procedure that removes fluid from the lungs by means of a thin needle, may also be recommended.
In severe cases, a pleurectomy may be recommended for palliative purposes. This involves removing the pleura - the lining of the lung - and can control fluid build-up and lessen pain and breathing difficulties.
Advancements in Mesothelioma Surgery
In recent years, there have been advancements with extensive surgeries that have extended mesothelioma survival rates in those diagnosed with early stage disease. Among the more exciting of these treatments is what is known as extrapleural pneumonectomy. This procedure, which requires the expertise of a leading mesothelioma doctor, involves the surgical resection of the entire affected lung, pleurectomy, removal of the pericardium (a membrane which surrounds the heart), and the diaphragm. During the course of surgery, intra-operative chemotherapy agent (i.e. cisplatin or GEMzar) will be applied directly to the affected area to eliminate any remaining malignant cells. Following the application of chemotherapy, the diaphragm and pericardium are reconstructed with prosthetic material.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Treatment
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is always difficult, whether it is pleural mesothelioma or another variety. Because this is such an aggressive malignancy, patients and their families may have a difficult time addressing the issue of treatment. However, because options for mesothelioma patients are steadily increasing, the discussion of treatment with one’s primary oncologist, family members, and loved ones is important. Nearly all mesothelioma patients have treatment options-be they curative or palliative that can extend survival, alleviate pain, and increase quality of life.
Each mesothelioma case is considered individually and there is no singular prescribed roadmap for the management of malignant mesothelioma. What's best for each individual patient will depend on any number of factors. Diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and biopsies will be used to determine these factors and these tests will assist your primary care physician and/or oncologist in determining the best treatment for the individual and their particular circumstances
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is always difficult, whether it is pleural mesothelioma or another variety. Because this is such an aggressive malignancy, patients and their families may have a difficult time addressing the issue of treatment. However, because options for mesothelioma patients are steadily increasing, the discussion of treatment with one’s primary oncologist, family members, and loved ones is important. Nearly all mesothelioma patients have treatment options-be they curative or palliative that can extend survival, alleviate pain, and increase quality of life.
Each mesothelioma case is considered individually and there is no singular prescribed roadmap for the management of malignant mesothelioma. What's best for each individual patient will depend on any number of factors. Diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and biopsies will be used to determine these factors and these tests will assist your primary care physician and/or oncologist in determining the best treatment for the individual and their particular circumstances
Medicare payment update for Mesothelioma
Medicare Cuts for Mesothelioma
You may have heard that Medicare cuts are to blame for the shortage of primary care physicians in America. There’s some truth in that, but not in the way you probably think.
Most graduate medical education in the United States is funded, at least in part, by Medicare. Back in 1996, Medicare decided it would pay for no more than 100,000 medical residencies a year, and that number hasn’t changed since. This in turn has limited the number of medical school graduates who can complete residencies and become certified doctors.
Why did Medicare decide to limit funding of residencies? Believe it or not, a few years back there were predictions the nation was educating too many doctors. Medical journals of the 1980s and 1990s warned that there would be a glut of doctors in America. Some doctors worried the competition would erode their income. The American Medical Association and other professional organizations actually lobbied for the cap on the number of funded residencies.
Now the shortage is so acute that the only reason many of us don’t have to wait many weeks for a doctor’s appointment is that so many Americans have been without medical insurance. But the new health care reform bill is expected to enable many millions of Americans to obtain insurance who don’t have it now.
Further, that other famous glut called the Baby Boom generation is getting older and will need more medical services in the years ahead.
And even further, of those doctors who do finish their residencies and become licensed to practice medicine, fewer and fewer are becoming family practice physicians. There are several reasons for the shortage of primary care doctors, but most of them boil down to the fact that primary care doctors work longer hours and get paid less for it than doctors in other areas of medicine.
What about cuts to the Medicare program you might have heard about? Medicare is a critical concern to people suffering from asbestos cancer, because the cancer can take decades after exposure to asbestos to develop. Many patients receiving mesothelioma treatment are on Medicare and are no doubt worried that their doctors will stop accepting Medicare.
First, understand that the recent cuts in Medicare payments to physicians were not part of the health care reform bill, although I’m sure many people believe otherwise. Here’s the real story:
Many years ago, Congress established a payment formula for Medicare that was supposed to keep costs under control. Reimbursements to physicians were supposed to be trimmed a little every year. But beginning in 2003, Congress voted to defer those cuts every year — until this year.
And now all those deferred cuts are going to be imposed all at once. and Medicare fees are being cut by more than 21 percent. In June Democrats in Congress tried to pass “doc fix” legislation that would have prevented these cuts, but Republicans blocked it. And yes, if you are on Medicare, you should be concerned.
You may have heard that Medicare cuts are to blame for the shortage of primary care physicians in America. There’s some truth in that, but not in the way you probably think.
Most graduate medical education in the United States is funded, at least in part, by Medicare. Back in 1996, Medicare decided it would pay for no more than 100,000 medical residencies a year, and that number hasn’t changed since. This in turn has limited the number of medical school graduates who can complete residencies and become certified doctors.
Why did Medicare decide to limit funding of residencies? Believe it or not, a few years back there were predictions the nation was educating too many doctors. Medical journals of the 1980s and 1990s warned that there would be a glut of doctors in America. Some doctors worried the competition would erode their income. The American Medical Association and other professional organizations actually lobbied for the cap on the number of funded residencies.
Now the shortage is so acute that the only reason many of us don’t have to wait many weeks for a doctor’s appointment is that so many Americans have been without medical insurance. But the new health care reform bill is expected to enable many millions of Americans to obtain insurance who don’t have it now.
Further, that other famous glut called the Baby Boom generation is getting older and will need more medical services in the years ahead.
And even further, of those doctors who do finish their residencies and become licensed to practice medicine, fewer and fewer are becoming family practice physicians. There are several reasons for the shortage of primary care doctors, but most of them boil down to the fact that primary care doctors work longer hours and get paid less for it than doctors in other areas of medicine.
What about cuts to the Medicare program you might have heard about? Medicare is a critical concern to people suffering from asbestos cancer, because the cancer can take decades after exposure to asbestos to develop. Many patients receiving mesothelioma treatment are on Medicare and are no doubt worried that their doctors will stop accepting Medicare.
First, understand that the recent cuts in Medicare payments to physicians were not part of the health care reform bill, although I’m sure many people believe otherwise. Here’s the real story:
Many years ago, Congress established a payment formula for Medicare that was supposed to keep costs under control. Reimbursements to physicians were supposed to be trimmed a little every year. But beginning in 2003, Congress voted to defer those cuts every year — until this year.
And now all those deferred cuts are going to be imposed all at once. and Medicare fees are being cut by more than 21 percent. In June Democrats in Congress tried to pass “doc fix” legislation that would have prevented these cuts, but Republicans blocked it. And yes, if you are on Medicare, you should be concerned.
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