How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Malignant mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms of the disease often closely mimic those of less serious conditions. It will often require X-ray and other body scans (CT or MRI) in addition to a biopsy to conclusively diagnose mesothelioma. Nevertheless, those experiencing chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or breathing difficulties should alert their physician immediately. This is particularly true among those with a known asbestos-exposure history. Those with asbestos exposure history should communicate this to their physician even before symptoms appear so that they may be able to alert patients to warning signs of the disease. If detected early enough, patients may be eligible for aggressive treatment options, including surgical resection of the mesothelioma cancer and affected tissue. Oncologists and thoracic specialists will be able to assist the patient in determining the extent of the disease and the best treatment options for that particular patient.
Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer but can be managed with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Currently, there is no known cure for asbestos cancer but several mesothelioma treatment regimens have proven to be successful in helping the patient avoid pain and discomfort caused by the disease. Several therapies have emerged in recent years that have extended survival rates to levels previously thought to be impossible. Cancer centers have initiated hundreds of clinical trials in recent years to help mesothelioma patients find a therapy that works for them while still working towards a cure for future patients. Progressive therapies are now being developed through the International Mesothelioma Program under the direction of thoracic specialist Dr. David Sugarbaker.

Pleural mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the body's internal organs, a thin layer of cells known as the mesothelium. While very thin, this layer of cells is vitally important to organ function and the health of the inner body structures. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleural lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs within the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity and is the second most common form of the disease. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest variety of the disease and occurs in the pericardial lining of the heart. The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors, such as smoking may increase the likeliness of the disease in certain individuals.

Timeline of Cancer

Humans have, no doubt, battled cancer throughout their existence. One of the first written descriptions of cancer/cancer treatment is found in an Egyptian papyrus dating from around 3000 B.C. The following section provides a timeline of some key events in the history of cancer from 3000 B.C. to the present. The timeline also offers a brief description for each event. To put these events into perspective, common historical world events are included in the timeline. Place the mouse over the bar to view the list of general world events.
Click on an event to view details.
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The individual events may also be browsed in the following pages.

Knowledge about HIV

The Basics
HIV is a virus that infects and destroys CD4 cells. CD4 cells are part of the body’s immune system. The immune system protects the body from invaders. When the immune system loses too many CD4 cells, it becomes weak and is unable to fight off germs. At this point, you are vulnerable to AIDS-related opportunistic infections (OIs) that can cause serious illness or death.
HIV Treatments
Scientists have developed drugs that block HIV from reproducing (multiplying) at different stages of its life cycle. So far there are four classes of drugs:
Fusion inhibitors
Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (“nukes” or NRTIs)
Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (“non-nukes” or NNRTIs)
Protease inhibitors (PIs)

Treatment and Trials