There are certain things that almost all pleural mesothelioma victims have in common before their diagnosis: chest pain; coughing, weight loss, fatigue. In response to these symptoms, physicians conduct extensive tests to ensure a proper diagnosis. Though immunohistochemistry can both confirm mesothelioma and distinguish its specific cell type, researchers have found that more extensive testing
Pleurodesis is one of many procedures that patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma can expect to undergo. This minor surgery drains fluid that builds up in the space between the pleural lining and the lung, making it easier for patients to breathe. But a new study out of Canada has revealed that the procedure can
In the last several years, targeted therapies have shown great promise in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma, but the rare, asbestos-related form of cancer continues to claim lives. In an attempt to find a more effective method of delivering these state-of-the-art drugs, researchers from the Hyogo College of Medicine have developed a minimally invasive,
Dr. Sunil Singhal is a thoracic surgeon at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine and the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center. He specializes in the surgical treatment of illnesses of the lungs and chest cavity, including pleural mesothelioma. Dr. Singhal also directs thoracic surgery research. Education and Training Dr. Singhal earned a degree
There are few options available to those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Though patients eligible for surgery may choose a less aggressive approach that promises shorter recovery time, surgeons often find mid-procedure that a more invasive procedure is required. A recent study revealed how patients fare when their surgery shifts mid-stream.
Though individuals with a known history of exposure to asbestos are at high risk for malignant mesothelioma, symptoms do not necessarily mean that they have the rare form of cancer. Accurate diagnosis is essential to getting the right treatment but can be time consuming and invasive. A new study conducted by researchers in the United
Back when COVID-19 first made itself known in the United States, experts in mesothelioma and other cancers worried that the pandemic would have long-term impacts on diagnosis, treatment and research. Eighteen months later the virus is still with us, but so are vaccines and boosters. In a recent interview, Ned Sharpless, director of the National
A year after the introduction of vaccinations against COVID-19, patients with cancers like malignant mesothelioma are being warned of the dangers of breakthrough infections. A report published in the Annals of Oncology confirms that these medically fragile patients are extremely susceptible to severe outcomes. Researchers Cite Vulnerabilities of Those with Mesothelioma Since the beginning of the global pandemic,
Malignant mesothelioma is among the most challenging cancers to treat. The rare form of cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos, has proven resistant to chemotherapy, and as each new therapeutic has been introduced its tumors have revealed a new defense. In response to the use of checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T protocols, mesothelioma cells secrete transforming
People diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma have limited options for treatment. When deciding whether to pursue surgery they need as much information as possible about their own condition and how far the cancerous cells have spread within their bodies. A recent study from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania has revealed that one of the