Abdominal Fluid Retention

Because mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to give an accurate estimate of how the disease has progressed, researchers are constantly looking for new ways to do both. A recent study shows promise of helping doctors choose which mesothelioma patients can most benefit from receiving multimodal therapies.

Tests have shown that certain special cells found in all human cells (called microRNAs) can be used to predict which cases of mesothelioma have the greatest chance of responding to aggressive approaches that use several types of treatments. These might include first doing pleurodesis surgery to prevent fluid buildup in the pleura (lung linings) or abdominal fluid retention, then surgery to remove malignant cells (cytoreduction), and then chemotherapy with drugs such as pemetrexed and carboplatin. Side effects can be difficult with these therapies, but results can improve myriad symptoms.

Early mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to pleurisy symptoms. Then later they might include typical symptoms of advanced lung cancer. Any help doctors can find for diagnosing it or predicting its course can mean better symptom relief and longer survival times.

If you are receiving mesothelioma treatment, consider speaking with a mesothelioma cancer attorney. You may be eligible to receive compensation for your suffering. We can answer all your questions at 800.443.6353. Call any time.

Encouraging news was just published about results of a clinical trial for a new treatment protocol for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Researchers were experimenting with creating a vaccination-type of treatment using special types of cells that trigger the immune system. The cells are treated with two additional immune system boosters: KLH and autologous tumor lysate.

Together, this combination is known as "dendritic cell-based immunotherapy." It activates T cells (white blood cells that are key to the immune system) and encourages the growth of B cells, another type of white blood cell that can produce antibodies. Dendritic simply refers to the shape of the cells:tree-like with branches.

The bottom line is that this new trial has established that this type of vaccination has the ability to fight tumor growth, which can help reduce the lung cancer effects that mesothelioma patients must endure. Such effects can include cachexia (muscle wasting, fatigue), pleurisy symptoms, and abdominal fluid retention (ascites). Treatments can help some, but researchers are constantly looking for better ways to fight. We try to bring you news of every promising development in mesothelioma treatment.

Call us if you have questions about your legal right to pursue compensation by filing mesothelioma litigation. 800.443.6353.

Ascites is the medical term for when abnormal amounts of fluid accumulate in the abdomen. It often occurs with liver disease such as cirrhosis and other chronic conditions. The main cause is inflammation brought on by some substance irritating or inflaming the smooth lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).

Ascites treatment must take into account underlying factors. It's a condition that can come on quite quickly with traumatic injury, perforated ulcer, appendicitis, or when other nearby organs become inflamed. The fluid itself may be from intestinal fluid, bile, or pancreatic juices. But long-lasting, chronic diseases are the most frequent causes.

Removing fluid from the abdomen (paracentesis) and/or an abdominal ultrasound may be needed to accurately diagnose ascites. Treatment then depends on the source of the abdominal fluid retention. Cancers that spread to (or begin in) the abdomen are frequent causes of ascites.

Ascites may also be one of the symptoms of mesothelioma, the lung cancer known to be associated with asbestos exposure. If you are receiving ascites treatment, be sure to mention any possibility of previous exposure, either through working or living around asbestos. And question your doctor closely to make certain s/he understands the connection. It's critical to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible so that you can receive the most appropriate help for relieving symptoms and extending your survival time.

Pemetrexed, a drug that's become common as part of chemotherapy treatments for mesothelioma and other forms of lung cancer, has been shown to help slow the progress of the disease. Mesothelioma is a ravaging form of lung cancer that's connected with asbestos exposure, may take decades to develop, and is often not diagnosed until late stages.

The drug--trade name Alimta(R)--is occasionally spelled as "pemextred." Either way, even though it's hard to spell and pronounce, it is one useful weapon--usually in combination with another drug such as cisplatin--against the relentless pace of mesothelioma. It is sometimes used also with carboplatin. Side effects are not uncommon with chemotherapy of all types, so get some reassurance from your doctor if you experience anything unusual while taking these drugs.

If you or someone you know think you may have been exposed to asbestos--on the job, living with someone who worked with the material, or living in a region where it has been mined--watch your health carefully. If you begin suffering from pleurisy-like symptoms such as sharp chest pain on breathing or persistent coughing, or you've been referred for pleurodesis surgery or ascites treatment or other lung or abdominal fluid retention, make absolutely certain that your doctor is familiar with the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma. It's not easy to tell the difference between many different diseases--it takes an expert to diagnose mesothelioma. And time is of the essence. Survival times can be extended with proper treatment, which may include pemetrexed.

Many public entities in Canada have come out against the country's continued exporting of asbestos to third-world countries. It's surprising to see, then, a carefully written current story in the Toronto Star news outlet about a guy--CEO of Canada's largest still-working asbestos mine--openly beating the bushes for money to keep mining and exporting the deadly mineral.

According to the Star, Bernard Coloumbe claims that chrysotile asbestos, the type found in this mine, is less dangerous than other types such as crocidolite. He also claims he won't sell to companies with "unsafe" manufacturing practices. But he admits there's no protection whatever for the people in the field who buy the manufactured asbestos products and cut and saw them to fit their projects.

Asbestos exposure is proven to lead to fatal lung diseases. Victims who've contracted mesothelioma--the asbestos-exposure-related lung cancer--often begin to suffer pleurisy-like symptoms, which include pain on breathing, dry cough, and shortness of breath. They may experience weight loss, muscle wasting, loss of appetite, and general debility (a constellation known as cachexia). They may develop abdominal fluid retention (known as abdominal ascites). Standard lung cancer treatment is seldom effective.

Coloumbe is quoted in the story: "If everything goes well...we will be working in the underground mine and starting to produce in 2010. I can tell you, not just the Indian customers, but the big users of the world – Mexico, Venezuela, Pakistan, Vietnam. They're waiting for us."

At this time there is no cure for mesothelioma. Most major countries have banned the use of asbestos. And the fact that Canadian asbestos manufacturers are looking the other way as they send out their products to cause certain disease and death around the world is truly frightening.