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What Medical Tests are used to detect mesothelioma?
Medical History
Physical Exam
Imaging Tests: X-Ray1, CT scans, MRI
Bronchoscopy or Mediastinoscopy
Fluid Samples
Thorascopy or Laproscopy
Surgery to remove some or all of the tissue
1 The X-Ray should be read by a “B-Reader” who reads for signs of asbestos damage.
Where should I go for treatment?
MAJOR HOSPITALS
that can identify and treat the disease.
What are the current treatments available?
Surgery - the most aggressive is an EPP.
Chemotherapy - to try to reduce tumor size
Radiation - to reduce tumor and/or to alleviate pain
Clinical Trials
The Treatment will depend on 1) the overall physical condition, 2) the stage of the disease and 3) personal choice of the patient.
What is an EPP [Extra Pleural Pneumectomy]?
An EPP is the surgical removal of the following that are covered with the sheet
like tumors called malignant mesothelioma.
the lung
pleura - lining of the chest cavity
the pericardium - lining of the heart
the diaphragm
What are New Therapy’s for MESOTHELIOMA?
MULTIMODALITY:
Use of combined surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
CHEMOTHERAPY:
New drugs and combinations are tested in clinical trials alone and with other types of treatments.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
of:
 the cancer tissue.
cells in the fluid surrounding the tumor to learn about the chemical makeup that distinguish mesothelioma cells of the cancer.
blood tests to identify the presence of mesothelioma cells released in the bloodstream.
IMMUNOTHERAPY:
Treatments that utilize the patients own immune system to fight mesothelioma are being tested in clinical trials.
GENE THERAPY:
Injection of virus that infect the mesothelioma cell and make the cancer sensitive to a drug that would otherwise not harm the cancer.
What is the life expectancy?
The average life expectancy is one year
How many of us in the Unites States will get mesothelioma?
Currently there are 2,000 - 3,000 deaths per year in America.
Over 130,000 deaths will occur from asbestos cancers alone by 2020.
Is Research for Mesothelioma Funded?
There is 1 research study funded for every 80 mesothelioma deaths.
In comparison there is 1 study for every 6 breast cancers deaths.
What can I do about mesothelioma?
Support Research
Support Senate Bill S2641.IS
‘Bill to Ban Asbestos in America’
Send or Fax a letter to your State Senator in support of the Bill
What is the Bill to Ban Asbestos in America?
Senate Bill S.2641.IS
Title: Ban Asbestos in America Act of 2002
Introduced by: Senator Patty Murray (D) Washington
June 18, 2002
“To amend the Toxic Substance Control Act to reduce the health risk posed by asbestos-containing products”
To view the bill: Source: http:thomas.loc.gov
When was Malignant Mesothelioma
recognized as a disease?
1943 -1946 reports of pleural (chest) and peritoneal (abdominal) tumors associated with asbestos exposure appeared.
What to ask if you are diagnosed with Malignant Mesothelioma
What kind of mesothelioma do I have?
Has it spread? What is the stage?
What is my prognosis?
What treatment do you recommend and why?
What are the risks and side effects of the treatment?
What should I do to ready myself for the treatment?
What can I expect of recovery?
What should I expect about follow up visits?
Who should I see if it recurs?
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