Desmoplastic mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive subtype of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Diagnosing this subtype can be challenging because it is rare and has characteristics similar to benign conditions. Desmoplastic mesothelioma contains fibrous connective tissue and is very difficult to treat. What Does Desmoplastic Mean? The term desmoplasia refers to any type of growth of fibrous
Medications for mesothelioma are an essential part of treatment for most patients. Treatment for mesothelioma usually includes a combination of medications with surgery or radiation. Mesothelioma medications include chemotherapy and immunotherapy drugs, targeted drugs, light-activated drugs, and palliative medications.
Mesothelioma chemotherapy is a common treatment strategy for this type of cancer.[footnote num="1"] Patients usually receive a combination of chemotherapy drugs, most often pemetrexed and cisplatin, to target the fast-growing cancer cells. Chemotherapy helps shrink tumors to extend life expectancy and improve qualify of life by relieving symptoms.[footnote num="2"]
Mesothelioma surgery is one of the most effective treatments for this type of cancer. Extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy decortication surgeries are used to treat pleural mesothelioma, while cytoreductive surgery is often used for peritoneal mesothelioma. Surgery can slow the progression of the cancer, extend life expectancy, and provide relief from symptoms for palliative care.[footnote num="1"]
Benign mesothelioma is a non-malignant (non-cancerous) growth in the mesothelium that does not spread to other parts of the body. This is a rare and treatable type of mesothelioma. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the tumor, and the prognosis is excellent. What Is Benign Mesothelioma? Malignant vs. Benign Mesothelioma The main difference between these
Testicular mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of mesothelioma associated with asbestos exposure that develops in the tissue lining the testicles. With so few cases, information is limited, but symptoms generally include a lump and fluid buildup. Treatment is straightforward, and the prognosis is better than for other forms of mesothelioma. Facts About Testicular Mesothelioma
Facts About Pericardial Mesothelioma Pericardial mesothelioma is a primary cancer of the pericardium, the layer of tissue that surrounds the heart. Because of this location, it is tough to treat. Pericardial mesothelioma is also very rare. Pericardial mesothelioma is so rare that the exact number of cases is unknown. Some estimates put it at only
Asbestos exposure in home remodeling can be an issue because many homes built before the 1980s contained asbestos in insulation and other materials. Disturbing asbestos during a renovation can release fibers and cause exposure. Asbestos exposure most often occurs in the workplace and can cause major health issues, including mesothelioma, but homeowners should also be careful.
The mesothelioma latency period is the time between asbestos exposure and symptoms that lead to a diagnosis. Compared to other types of cancer, mesothelioma latency can be as long as 20 to 50 years, which means many people get diagnosed at a later stage of cancer. What Is a Latency Period? A latency period is
A mesothelioma biopsy is the removal of a fluid or tissue sample to test for cancer. It is an essential part of diagnosing mesothelioma. A biopsy is used to confirm or rule out the presence of malignant mesothelioma cells. What Is a Biopsy? A biopsy is the examination of a fluid or tissue sample to