Mesothelioma Cancer Information Site

New Mesothelioma website which is regularly updated with articles about mesothelioma and asbestos cancer.

(PRWEB) December 17, 2005 -- Keep up to date with the latest news, research and developments with regard to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure and asbestos legislation.

Mesothelioma is a rare but serious cancer. There are three types of mesothelioma based on the types of cancerous cells. The most common type is epithelioid which consists of 50-70% of total cases and has the best prognosis. The second type is called sarcomatoid, which consists of 10-20% of mesothelioma cases and is more unpredictable in nature. The third type of mesothelioma is called biphasic, it is a combination of the other two types and consists of 20-35% of all cases.

Traditionally, the later stages of mesothelioma have been treated with either chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill the cancer cells while radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill the cancer cells and shrink tumors.

There are approximately 2000-3000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year. Most of these cases begin in the chest wall (pleural mesothelioma), a few start in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and very rare are the cases starting in the lining surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma treatment methods differ depending on the stage of the cancer upon detection, as well as the patient’s age and personal choice of treatment. There are four distinct stages of the disease that are a factor in determining the type of mesothelioma treatment that can be carried out. The first stage is when the tumor has had limited growth on the pleural lining (the lining of the lungs). At this stage, an attempt can be made to surgically remove the entire tumor. However, if the tumor is detected at a later stage when it has invaded surrounding areas, it is considered incurable.

Read articles about new treatments for mesothelioma cancer and how to protect against mesothelioma by avoiding asbestos.

For more information please visit: http://mesothelioma-cancer-advice.blogspot.com

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