mesothelioma survival time

The researchers recently published the results of a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology detailing a potential treatment for abdominal mesothelioma patients likely improve the condition of patients.

The study found that when patients suffering from abdominal mesothelioma, were given a combination of two drugs, ALIMTA (pemetrexed) and Gemzar (gemcitabine), his condition improved. The following are the results of the study:

* The response rate among patients was 15 percent.

* The rate of disease control of patients, while the medication was 50 percent.

* The median time to progression the disease was 10.4 months.

* The median survival time was 26.8 months.

* The study involved 20 patients with mesothelioma sufferers disease.

Each patient also received various vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B12 and dexamethasone. The study was conducted by researchers involved in a multi-center U.S. trial. The researchers hope that further explore the effects of the drug in patients with abdominal mesothelioma to determine whether treatment can be improved.

What is abdominal mesothelioma?

Abdominal mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of mesothelioma cancer. Commonly described as peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer affects the abdominal wall, which is also known as the peritoneum. Within the abdominal cavity is the serous membrane, which also known as the parietal peritoneum, the membrane and continues to the visceral peritoneum lining the organs. With abdominal mesothelioma, the visceral peritoneum lining and parietal affected the development of cancer cells.

Most often, abdominal cancer occurs when an individual first develops mesothelioma effusion, which is when the lining of the lung cancer cells develops after inhalation of asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma may then spread to the peritoneal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma, which represents less than one third of all diagnoses of mesothelioma.

How is peritoneal mesothelioma contracted?

Abdominal, or peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers or asbestos dust. Asbestos is a material that is derived from vermiculite, a mineral that was mined largely in the UK and States around the world in the 20th century. Asbestos is most commonly used as insulation in the construction industry because it was flame resistant and developed at bargain prices.

There are many common symptoms of mesothelioma, including:

* Shortness of breath.

* Inability to breathe.

* Fatigue.

* Wheezing or severe coughing.

However, many of these symptoms are generalized to cases of mesothelioma in general. Specific symptoms that exist for those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. These symptoms are:

* Loss weight.

* Abdominal bloating, which can be caused by ascites or accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

* Intestinal obstruction.

* Fever.

* Anemia.

* Blood clotting.

* Difficulty swallowing.

* Swelling of the neck and face.

Abdominal Mesothelioma Treatment

Abdominal mesothelioma treatments commonly involve surgical procedures to remove areas infected cancer. Often the major surgery involved with peritoneal mesothelioma is known as cytoreductive surgery. This surgery is usually accompanied perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and together the average survival rate of patients has been shown to increase slightly, though, the treatment depends on a case-by-case basis.

Obtaining Legal Help peritoneal mesothelioma

People who have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma or any similar form of cancer Mesothelioma is advisable to locate an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Because Mesothelioma is considered a highly preventable disease, the individual victims who contract disease probably exposed to asbestos fibers or asbestos dust without knowing the danger of exposure levels. These individuals may be able to receive compensation money for costly medical bills associated with abdominal mesothelioma.

It is especially important for an individual to seek legal advice for mesothelioma lawsuit if it were an employee in the metal, mining, shipping, construction and welding industries.

About the Author:

Learn more about abdominal mesothelioma and treatments at http://mesothelioma.legalview.com or visit http://www.LegalView.com/ . Additionally, LegalView offers information on other various legal issues such as the Cipro risks or the latest on truck accident lawsuits.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.comNew Drug Study for Abdominal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma And Asbestos Cancer Research

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