Asbestos Related Illnesses and Deaths Grow According to CDC Report

Big industry had for years claimed that asbestos was safe and not a risk to human life and it is only after years of research, and thousands of deaths, that the true dangers of asbestos exposure have become crystal clear. The Centers for Disease Control reports that despite efforts to lower exposure rates to asbestos, more people, and especially tradesmen, are continuing to develop health problems associated with the hazardous fibers.

Doctors with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health performed their research with over 38 years of data. This data showed that the number of premature deaths, or deaths that occurred before the age of 65, from asbestos-related diseases are occurring at a high rate now and will continue to increase in years to come. The increase will become more apparent as the latency period between exposure and the onset of asbestos disease is between 20 to 50 years. Many people exposed to asbestos in their teens and twenty’s during the 50 and 60’s are only now developing symptoms. The diseases take so long to have their full impact that death and disease will continue to grow.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was mined and used extensively in insulation and other uses in a wide range of products for its heat resistance. When loose asbestos fibers are inhaled, they “grab onto” the lining of the lungs and other internal organs, which can lead to debilitating and often terminal disease. The terminal lung cancer mesothelioma is a major killer with most patients diagnosed only having a few months to a year to live.

According to the CDC’s study, almost 13% of victims who died from asbestosis were tradesmen between the ages of 25 and 64. Actually tradesmen and construction workers accounted for the largest percentage of asbestos related deaths. Although many uses of asbestos have been banned since the 1980s, researchers still estimate that there are 1.3 million construction workers being exposed to asbestos every year through building demolitions or renovation work.

Contrary to popular belief, asbestos is still in use by some industries today. In their study, the CDC stated that more than 2,000 metric tons of asbestos was used in manufacturing in the US in 2006 alone and an unknown amount was imported. In addition, asbestos remains in the building materials in many homes and buildings that were built prior to 1970.

The study also cited other top industries in which high rates of asbestos-related diseases among workers were noted, including shipbuilding and repair, the military, and automobile maintenance. Researchers urge for the continued efforts to spread awareness of the dangers of asbestos. Since many symptoms of asbestos-related diseases are similar to other common illnesses and non-asbestos related lung cancer, health experts recommend the use of chest x-rays, CT imaging, and biopsy to diagnose and screen patients who may have been exposed to asbestos either at work or in the home.

Pleural Mesothelioma Clinical Trial Looks Promising

A clinical trial recently conducted in Japan and supervised by the Japanese Ministry of Health and cancer researchers Eli Lilly and Company had very promising results. They recently announced that a combination of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin, two chemotherapy drugs, safely and effectively treated patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma and effectively prevented the spread of the asbestos cancer in trial participants.

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the pleura, or lining of the lung cavity, and is caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. This study involved 20 participants who were between the ages of 20 and 75 and were given a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis and had visible and measurable cancerous tumors. Those who participated in this clinical trial were not eligible for any curative surgery and had not received chemotherapy treatment before the trial.

Participants were monitored throughout the study as they received two Pemetrexed plus Cisplatin chemotherapy treatments. Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug known as Alimta and is engineered to interfere with the reproduction and spread of cancer cells in the body by preventing the production of key enzymes needed for cell growth. Cisplatin is also a chemotherapy drug that is known to cause apoptosis or the death of cancerous cells. When accompanying Pemetrexed, these two drugs were very effective in preventing the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

The findings of this clinical trial are extremely encouraging to oncologists and cancer researchers; not to mention the thousands of people suffering from pleural mesothelioma cancer or other malignant mesothelioma cancers and those suffering from other non-small-cell lung cancers. The combination of Pemetrexed and Cisplatin has been approved by the Federal Drug Administration and is a valid initial method of treatment for patients.

University Gives Update on Mesothelioma Study

In 2006, the University of Minnesota began a 4.9 million dollar study of mesothelioma in the Iron Ridge of Minnesota where unusually high rates of the rare and terminal lung cancer have been discovered. Interest in the study was sparked further as the Minnesota Department of Health began reviewing data from the state cancer registry in preparation for the study and discovered an alarming number of mesothelioma deaths in Minnesota’s iron mining industry.

The Iron Range is located in the northeastern region of Minnesota. It is a landscape that is rich in taconite, which contains iron and silica and is melted down to produce steel. The research into the region will continue, with health screenings for miners of the region and their families to begin this spring. Researchers hope to complete random screenings of at least 2000 people in the Iron Ridge region. The screenings will be completed at the Virginia Regional Medical Center in the next six to nine months.

The questions raised during this research include if the taconite dust may be contaminated with asbestos or if the exposure occurred at various construction and labor jobs around the taconite mines.

Asbestos Awareness Day Conference Registration Open

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, an independent organization funded through voluntary contributions and staffed completely by volunteers, has opened registration for its 5th annual Asbestos Awareness Day Conference for March 27 through March 29, 2009. This year’s event will be held at the Manhattan Beach Marriott in Manhattan Beach, CA.

In 2004, asbestos victims and their families founded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). The mission of ADAO is to provide the most advanced medical, occupational and environmental information available about asbestos-related diseases to individuals throughout the world. The global asbestos crisis will be an integral part of the 2009 ADAO conference and there will be a particular focus on India, the world's largest importer of asbestos.

This year the organization plans to bring together a powerful combination of asbestos victims, their families, employers, employees, researchers and medical experts from around the globe to offer medical, occupational and environmental information about asbestos-related disease. There will be expert speakers discussing exposure prevention and identifying occupational and non-occupational exposure, public health and the early warning symptoms of asbestos-related disease. Musician Jordon Zevon, son of Warren Zevon who lost his life to asbestos disease and prominent advocate for the rights of asbestos victims and their families, will be the event’s keynote speaker.

The conference is made possible with the support and collaborative efforts of two key organizations. The first is the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, which is one of the 41 National Cancer Institutes and is considered one of the nation’s best facilities as they have conducted over 700 cancer-specific scientific investigations and clinical trials. The International Ban Asbestos Secretariat also plays a key role in the conference. The IBAS works as an instrument for the exchange of information between groups and individuals working to achieve a global asbestos ban.

For more information or to register, go to: www.AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org

Cancer May Overtake Heart Disease

Heart disease may be losing its number one position in the next two years as cancer quickly takes its place as the number one killer. In reports released on Tuesday by international health experts, global cancer cases and deaths will more than double by the year 2030 with cancer becoming the number one cause of death worldwide by 2010.

The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer reported that 12.4 million people would be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year and 7.6 million people will die globally. Much of this trend is attributed to a growing population, rising cancer cases among aging populations, as cancer is more common in the elderly, and an increasing rate of cigarette smoking in poorer countries.

Lung cancer was the most common form of new cases and deaths for men and breast cancer the most common type among women according to the report. There are more deaths among men from cancer than women and cancer currently accounts for approximately one in eight deaths worldwide. Many forms of cancer are still untreatable, such as mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.

Peter Boyle, director of the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer stated that “this is going to present amazing problems at every level in every society worldwide” during a news conference. He also stated “there are more deaths in the world from cancer than from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria combined."

Once believed to be a problem for Westernized, wealthier and industrialized countries, cancer has grown to become a global burden and has begun to impact poor and medium-income countries as well. Although wealthier countries have made progress in eliminating cigarette smoking, one of the most common causes of lung cancer and other illnesses, the tobacco industry has found new customers in developing countries, which have limited health budgets. This means that cancer treatment facilities are out of reach for many people and life-saving treatments are seldom available according to Boyle.

Although there has been progress against cancer in the United States and Europe through regular screenings for breast and colorectal cancer, an overall decline in smoking rates and improved cancer treatments, the global threat of cancer has not yet been recognized in some developing countries. For this reason, there has been a gathering of organizations calling on the government to act, including a request to ratify an international tobacco control treaty. These organizations include the American Cancer Society, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Cancer Institute of Mexico, among others.

I have been given a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Since this is a rare disease, how do I know that my physicians have enough experience with the disease to treat me?

Ask! Don’t hesitate for one second to ask your doctor about his experience treating mesothelioma!  He or she will not be offended.  Keep in mind that if your physician had been given the same diagnosis, he too would be asking where to find the best treatment.

According to Dr. Pass, if your physician or medical treatment facility has not treated more than 50 cases of mesothelioma per year or does not specialize in the disease, your doctor will most likely refer you to a cancer treatment center.

Enlist your doctor’s aide in coordinating your initial consultation with a mesothelioma specialist or other treating facility.  Many people I have spoken with claim that their personal physician is their strongest advocate.  Use your trusted physician to perform the preliminary medical testing and provide your medical history to your new doctor.  Once you have undergone surgery or chemotherapy your primary care physician will be instrumental in your recovery.

Lynn Collins has been helping mesothelioma patients and families for over 10 years. In this exclusive series she examines the book 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma" by Harvey I. Pass, MD, Laura Roy, RN, and Susan Vento.

Lung Cancer Awareness

Many cancer awareness organizations deemed last month as Lung Cancer Awareness month; this year lung cancer will claim the lives of over 100,000 Americans. In spite of such statistics, lung cancer often goes unrealized until it has reached an advanced level, making it difficult to treat. We'd like to encourage people to educate themselves and others to increase their awareness of lung cancer and related diseases such as mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects thousands each year and is one of the most painful cancers and most difficult lung cancers to treat.

Doctors face difficulties in diagnosing any lung cancer, as there is no established screening process like the ones that exist for breast and prostate cancer diagnosis. Mesothelioma diagnoses are even more difficult to make due the long latency period and aggressive nature of the disease. Mesothelioma is generally directly associated with occupational and environmental asbestos exposure and although it is more commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 50, it has been discovered that more women and younger people have been exposed to second hand asbestos and they are at risk for a mesothelioma diagnosis as well.

We encourage all individuals who have been exposed to asbestos in their lifetime - whether occupationally, second hand, or environmentally - to speak with their doctors about their exposure. The earlier a mesothelioma diagnosis is made the greater number of treatment options are available. In addition, we urge you to participate in the many rallies and fundraisers throughout the year in support of lung cancer research and treatment. Building awareness will save lives, there are still a few days left to participate and build lung cancer awareness in your community.

How Will I Learn About My Biopsy Results, and How Can I Be Sure the Diagnosis is Mesothelioma?

After the pathologist has reviewed the fluid or tissue specimen he will issue a report stating the findings and diagnosis. This report will be provided to your doctor. Normally the physician or surgeon that performed the biopsy will receive the results. If you were referred to this physician by your primary care provider, the performing physician may prefer to have your personal physician relay the results to you.

You should not feel slighted should this happening. Many doctors I have spoken with feel that if the patient is more comfortable with his personal physician, he is more likely to ask the questions about mesothelioma treatment and seek out additional medical consultations.

As a precaution and for better understanding you should:

• Not accept the results of any pathological testing over the telephone;

• Schedule your follow-up appointment with your doctor when he is available to answer your questions;

• Bring with you a list of any questions you may have regarding your mesothelioma diagnosis;

• Ask your spouse or other family member to accompany you to the appointment so that you have not only their support but an extra pairs of ears to take in what your doctor is telling you.

And remember that as a cancer patient you have the right:

• To ask your doctor questions regarding your diagnosis and the procedures performed to obtain the diagnosis;

• To seek a second opinion from another qualified physician or expert;

• To receive complete information about your illness;

• To be informed of all mesothelioma treatment options, including that of chemotherapy, surgical intervention, radiation and other procedures as well as the risks and benefits associated with each;

• To choose your type of care including that of alternative medicine or palliative care, providing you understand all risks involved.

Lynn Collins has been helping mesothelioma patients and families for over 10 years. In this exclusive series she examines the book 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma" by Harvey I. Pass, MD, Laura Roy, RN, and Susan Vento.

Asbestos Tragedy of Libby Goes National

Libby is a beautiful picturesque town located in the northwest corner of Montana. Framed by the Cabinet Mountains and Kootenai River more than 12,000 people call Libby home and many of those people consider Libby to be their worst nightmare.

It's a subject we've often covered on this blog because it is one of the greatest, most well known asbestos tragedies of our time. Since 1999, the EPA has been investigating asbestos contaminated vermiculite in the area of Libby. This vermiculite was discovered in the 1800s by miners and in 1920, Zonolite began mining the substance. In 1963, W.R. Grace bought out the mining operation and in 1990 the plant was closed. It was later discovered that the vermiculite mined in this area for soil conditioners and building insulation contained naturally occurring asbestos materials. The same materials that can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses.

Since the EPA and Emergency Response Teams attention was focused on Libby in 1999, in 2002, Libby was placed on the EPA’s National Priorities List. Properties and land in the area of Libby were inspected for asbestos materials. Extensive clean-up efforts have been taking place in the mine area and the community of Libby for years and samples are still tested today.

The tragedy of Libby lives on and moves beyond the small Montana town’s borders. The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry has identified 28 other states that processed a minimum of 100,000 tons of vermiculite from those asbestos laden Libby mines. Each of these sites has been instructed by the EPA to take action regarding their contamination and the spread of the deadly asbestos materials beyond the processing facilities.

In 2002, it had been determined that the mortality rates in Libby, Montana were 40% to 80% higher than expected and lung cancer mortality rates were increased as well. Employees of the plants that processed this asbestos laden vermiculite were exposed, as well as their family members, and residents in the area of facilities processing the vermiculite. The same risks hold true for those 28 other states that processed vermiculite from the Libby mines.

The Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry has supplied public reports for those 28 states with facilities that, although they may no longer be in operation, may have exposed employees, employee family members and residents of the community to airborne asbestos.

Marathoner With Mesothelioma Finishes The Race

The Mercury News recently ran the inspiring story of Tom Kaisersatt, a 68-year-old runner in the 26.2-mile Silicon Valley Marathon, who finished the race in spite of the fact that he is currently undergoing treatment for mesothelioma.

Kaisersatt, a software developer for NASA-Ames, is also a well-known running coach in California. As a veteran of over 150 marathons himself, Kaiseratt had dedicated years of life to helping others finish the race by founding San Jose Fit that trains runners and walkers for marathons and long distance events. Kaiserett is noted by his past trainees as being the ideal coach and being continually supportive of each trainee, no matter how long it took them to get to the finish line.

Diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer generally caused by exposure to airborne asbestos, Kaisersatt was undergoing chemotherapy at the time of the race, but was determined to run the race even with his diminished lung capacity. Former trainees and friends made special arrangements with race organizers to allow Kaiseratt to perform portions of the race during the weeks prior and then complete the last 5 miles during the official race with runners from his own San Jose Fit organization.

Kaisersatt was proud to finish what may be his final race, as the next step in his mesothelioma treatment will be one final round of chemotherapy and then a possible extra-pleural pneumonectomy, which will mean the removal of his right lung. Kaisersatt is upbeat about his condition and feels confident that he will continue to live well even with the lung removal, but probably not be running in the next marathon.

The greatest blessing in this story is the number of yellow-shirted balloon toting “Team Tom” fans that lined the streets where the marathon was run and cheered in support of Kaisersatt’s inspirational story. Consisting of colleagues and former trainees, Kaisersatt was moved by the outstanding showing and overwhelmed by the support. The struggle with mesothelioma is far from over for Tom Kaisersatt, but the love and support will probably stay with him through these trying times.

Common Mesothelioma Questions & Answers

Whether it is you or a loved one who has been given a mesothelioma diagnosis, the same common set of questions often pop into our minds. These are mesothelioma issues we've covered often on this blog, but they are so important, so critical, that they are worth revisiting from time to time. Covering the basics of mesothelioma is at the core of what we are trying to do in our effort to connect patients and families with critical information. As with any illness, you will learn a lot as you meet with doctors, but it is important to do your own research as well. Here are some common mesothelioma questions we've heard asked over the years by newly diagnosed patients:

What exactly is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium and is caused from exposure to airborne asbestos particles being inhaled and injested. Mesothelioma typically infects the pleura (lungs) or peritoneum (abdomen). The asbestos cancer forms around the lining of the organs. When infected by asbestos fibers, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and begin to divide at a rapid rate often causing malignant cells to develop and spread.

What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be attributed to exposure to asbestos. Due to the long latency period of the disease, the asbestos exposure most often occurs decades prior to diagnosis, between 30-40 years prior in many cases. Many diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the workplace; however, the dangers of this exposure were also taken home to family members. Even low levels of exposure can lead to the development of mesothelioma. In addition, there are environmental exposures from deteriorating buildings and old asbestos construction materials to natural occurring asbestos in the earth being disturbed.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
If you have already received a mesothelioma diagnosis, then it may be a little less common to ask this question, but many family members and individuals in search of a second opinion are interested in understanding how mesothelioma is diagnosed. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of asbestosis, a non-cancerous yet life threatening inflammation of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos, and lung cancer, making it difficult to identify. A complete patient history is required to determine a mesothelioma diagnosis including any exposure to asbestos. Of course, a physical examination is conducted as well as x-rays of the chest and abdominal area. A CT scan, MRI and biopsy are most often used to make a mesothelioma diagnosis.

What are the mesothelioma treatment options?
The treatment of mesothelioma varies from case to case. Factors that influence treatment options for mesothelioma include the location of the asbestos cancer, how far the cancer has developed, and the age and health of the individual diagnosed. Treatment options include surgery to remove the cells, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The National Cancer Institute sponsors clinical trails to advance the treatment options for mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there currently is no cure for mesothelioma.

The toughest question, one of the first questions any normal person thinks of, is that of life expectancy. This must be determined on an individual basis. Like treatment, it depends greatly on the type of tumor (pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma), the stage of the disease, and the overall health of the patient.

Catonsville Pushing State of Maryland to Put Asbestos Rules In Place

Residents of Catonsville want bigger answers from the state of Maryland regarding asbestos hazards as a natural rock formation appeared in the middle of a construction site. Neighbors are not only worried about their health, but are growing even more concerned about state and county regulations regarding the rocks removal.

Why such a fuss about a rock? As it turns out this rock is asbestos. Exposure to airborne asbestos can lead to illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a terminal cancer, and the construction company working on the site was crushing the rock, sending asbestos into the air.

Enterprise homes, the company performing the crushing, immediately stopped operations and willingly tested nearby homes for asbestos, but it is the State’s failures that have residents really upset. It is under question to many residents if the state of Maryland has adopted the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act that would deal with situations such as these. AHERA has multiple requirements, including inspecting known asbestos-containing materials every three years, maintaining up-to-date asbestos management plans and training custodial staff in handling the mineral. Many residents believe there are no county or state regulations to deal with asbestos exposure, but that federal standards should have been followed. The Maryland Department of the Environment expressed in a Hometown Annapolis article, that there is not a need to mandate asbestos handling guidelines for companies like Enterprise, when they are willing to cooperate and make efforts to remedy the situation.

Construction at the site in Catonsville has resumed, although the asbestos rock is no longer being crushed. Neighbors are left to deal with dust and residue from the site on their homes and in their yards. Although they are being told the residue has been tested and does not contain asbestos, many are still uncertain. There is no doubt that resident’s hope that state and local jurisdiction will come up with an action plan to deal with similar situations in the future.

How are Biopsies Performed and Which One is Right for Me?

In the book 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma the authors ask the following: "How are biopsies performed and which one is right for me?" In my years of working with people that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, when reviewing their medical records I find that often majority of the time fluid obtained from a thoracentesis or paracentesis is inconclusive for a mesothelioma diagnosis.

While the removal of the fluid provides relief it is very difficult to secure a firm diagnosis of mesothelioma. Why? Because sometimes the abnormal cells are so slight that they are impossible to tell apart from benign, reactive mesothelial cells or other large cells that contain waste or foreign bodies. And, if no abnormal or malignant cells are found in the fluid the patient is often misdiagnosed.

Problems arise when the procedure does not yield sufficient cells to perform the special staining required to diagnose mesothelioma. Extracted fluid that is very thick tends to contain more cells making evaluation by way of immunohistochemical (IHC) or special staining easier to secure a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

The procedure to obtain fluid for cytological analysis requires a local anesthesia and a special needle to drain the fluid. This procedure can normally be performed in the doctor’s office.

A pleural biopsy consists of fluid and a small amount of tissue from the pleura. If the immunohistochemical staining (sometimes referred to as immunos) comes back as inconclusive, then more evasive procedures may be required to confirm a diagnosis. Your doctor may perform a thoracoscopy (a lighted scope with or without a camera). This involves making a small incision in your chest wall and placing a thin tube, called a thoracoscope, into your chest. This enables your physician to look inside your chest and obtain tissue samples. Not only can this procedure obtain tissue samples necessary to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis it can also help your doctor determine the amount and whereabouts of the disease helping him to formulate a treatment plan.

If, through radiological observation, there appears to be more solid tumor than fluid, then your doctor will recommend an open biopsy. The incision is determined by the size of the thickened pleura and should be done by a thoracic surgeon with knowledge of mesothelioma. Normally a tissue sample measuring from 1 to 1½ inches in diameter is harvested to provide the pathologist adequate tissue to make a diagnosis.

You should follow your doctor’s advice on which procedure should be used for your diagnosis as he is the best one to determine your physical ability to undergo these diagnostic procedures.

Everyday - even this very minute - dedicated researchers are diligently working to advance our ability to diagnose mesothelioma through immunohistochemical staining and other special procedures less evasive in hopes that early detection may aide in the treatment of mesothelioma patients.

Lynn Collins has been helping mesothelioma patients and families for over 10 years. In this exclusive series she examines the book 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma" by Harvey I. Pass, MD, Laura Roy, RN, and Susan Vento.

Greater Research for Environmental Asbestos Exposure

For years mesothelioma concerns have been focused on the occupational environment, for those exposed to asbestos materials in the workplace and the people these workers were in daily contact with outside of the workplace. Only recently have researchers started to focus on asbestos fibers in the general environment and they are finding that asbestos is affecting more than just workers exposed to airborne asbestos.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and is recognized for contributing to mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the pleural and peritoneal linings of internal organs and asbestos lung cancer. Mesothelioma is distinct in the cancer family as it originates from no other factor than exposure to asbestos materials. As it was once believed this exposure was only happening in the workplace, it is now becoming apparent that there are risks of exposure in our general environment. An individual can be exposed to asbestos when living with asbestos workers, has regular exposure to soiled work clothes from an asbestos worker, environmental exposure in neighborhoods of industrial sources, and passive exposure from buildings containing asbestos materials.

New research is being conducted to determine the effects of environmental asbestos exposure. With the help of the Mesothelioma Database, researchers have been able to study the geographical impact of environmental asbestos exposure. This research will help to determine the effects of airborne asbestos on people living close to industrial sources and naturally occurring asbestos mines and moving outward geographically to determine how much of a risk the asbestos is to residents of the next town. This risk mapping will expand mesothelioma diagnosis abilities and hopefully, allow for quicker mesothelioma treatment options.

The Mesothelioma Database

Imagine how difficult it was to track and gather knowledge about certain medical conditions before the introduction of computers. Now specialists can log into central databases for cancers and genetic disorders and see how other persons in the same situation as their patients were treated, medicated and how their illness progressed. These databases offer an abundance of information for researchers who are looking for specific information or tissue samples for treatment research as well.

Although databases have been developed for several medical conditions, it was not until recently, August, that there was an announcement of a mesothelioma database. For years mesothelioma has been one of the most difficult cancers to diagnosis, research, investigate and treat, but now there is a database that can save countless hours and will become an invaluable tool in the treatment of mesothelioma.

The Center for Disease Control and The National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety joined together to create the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank that collects, stores and distributes tissue samples, blood samples and DNA samples. In addition to this, the bank collects demographics on patients including symptoms, treatment and recurrences. All of this information can be used to perform focused research on mesothelioma.

Researchers can perform further exploration of cures and treatments by using the information collected in the database. The database is also made available to patients and the public. Only general demographics are listed in the database and patient's confidentiality is not breeched. It is completely optional for patients to have their medical information placed in the database and each participant must provide informed consent to their doctor.

The National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank has already collected multiple samples and demographics and the numbers grow with each new diagnosis. All of the information gathered in the database will further research into mesothelioma and hopefully, through this research, more effective treatments of this terminal disease will be found.

Screening for Mesothelioma

There have been many questions raised about mesothelioma and how to distinguish a mesothelioma diagnosis from a lung cancer diagnosis, as the physical symptoms of both cancers can, on the surface, appear to be quite similar. If you have been extensively exposed to air born asbestos or live with some one who works with asbestos materials, you may be at risk for mesothelioma and it could be worthwhile to have a mesothelioma screening if you are displaying any systems such as pain under the rib cage, trouble breathing, swelling or lumps in the abdomen, or unexplainable weight loss.

According to WebMD, there are several screenings available to test for mesothelioma. As with all appointments, a medical history of the patient is completed along with a physical exam. Chest x-rays are also taken to view the condition of the lungs, organs and bones in the chest area. Blood work is ordered for a complete blood count. This lab checks for white blood cell, red blood cell and platelet numbers as well as hemoglobin and proteins in the blood. There is also a sedimentation test performed on the drawn blood which checks for the rate at which red blood cells separate and settle to the bottom of a test tube. These are fairly non-invasive screenings, but there is more to the screening.

In many cases a biopsy is performed where they remove tissue from the pleura, peritoneum (organ linings), lungs or abdomen to view under a microscope. There are several different methods to of performing a biopsy. Tissue may be retrieved using the most appropriate of these methods. There is fine needle aspiration biopsy, which uses a long thin needle and imaging machinery to allow the physician to draw fluid from abnormal areas or the lungs. With thoracoscopy, a thin tube-like apparatus is inserted which contains a light and lens for viewing the interior of the chest. Peritoneoscopy uses a similar instrument as thoracoscopy, but the peritoneoscopy is used for viewing the abdomen. Laparotomy and thoracotomy involve cutting the wall of the abdomen and chest (respectively) and checking for disease. With a bronchoscopy, a thin tube-like apparatus with a light and lens is inserted through the nose or mouth, down the trachea and into the lungs. This tool can also be used to remove tissue samples.

Once a tissue sample is recovered it is sent for a cytologic exam from a pathologist who will check for abnormalities. Ultimately, it is the biopsy and cytologic exam that will give the final determination if mesothelioma cancer is found. Knowing the steps and terminology of an asbestos cancer screening can take a lot of the fear out of your doctors’ visit. Take time to do your own research in mesothelioma diagnosis, screening and treatments.

Asbestos, Cancer and September 11th

It is hard to believe that the tragedy of September 11th was seven years ago. It seems like it was just yesterday. Although Manhattan is slowly progressing on building the new Freedom Tower, and the Pentagon is fully restored, there is a lingering issue that goes beyond the tragic events of that day.

When the World Trade Center crumbled to the ground, the air was filled with smoke, dust and debris. As the days and weeks progressed, and the fires eventually subsided, and the smoke cleared, the question of what was in that debris that filled the air and blanketed New York came about. Steel, glass, concrete, paper. But there was also a variety of more dangerous health hazards, including asbestos.

Many of those heroic first responders did not wear protective equipment. In all the chaos, it was only several days later that these workers were reminded to wear protective gear. Although the EPA maintains that disease from exposure to asbestos from September 11th is very low, there has already been one mesothelioma-related death. Deborah Reeve was an emergency responder on September 11th, a paramedic for the Fire Department of New York. She began to have symptoms in early 2003 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004. Reeve passed away from the disease in March 2006, less than five years after her exposure on 9/11.

Deborah's case is unique in that mesothelioma usually takes decades to develop. City health officials refuse to acknowledge at this time that Reeve’s death was caused by toxic dust from the remains of the World Trade Center, but doctors for the paramedic say they have little doubt as to what caused her disease. They say the amount of asbestos she inhaled must have been enormous.

It has been estimated that more than 100,000 people were exposed to asbestos with the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11th, including approximately 4,000 first responders. Because of this concern, and cases like Reeve, it is encouraged that those who were exposed to the toxic smoke and dust caused by the attack on September 11th undergo periodic exams, including lung capacity testing and chest x-rays.

Dangerous Careers With Exposure To Asbestos

Since the 1800s doctors have seen a link between exposure to asbestos in the workplace and lung disease. It wasn’t until the 1970’s and the Industrial Revolution that the EPA issued warnings about exposure to asbestos in the workplace, but at this time of growth and prosperity, many employers and employees ignored those warnings and continued to handle asbestos laden materials without the proper protection. It was not until the Environmental Protection Agency started placing bans on the use of asbestos materials that the true threat of asbestos was heard.

Exposure to airborne asbestos can cause a form of cancer known as mesothelioma. This cancer can affect the lining of several internal organs and is only treatable in certain cases. Those employees exposed throughout the last two decades to asbestos in the workplace are often stricken with asbestos-related diseases. As asbestos was used so regularly prior to the 1970s, it can still be found in many materials from building materials on older homes like shingles, insulation and flooring, on automotive parts such as brakes and as insulation in many operations that required a high heat shielding material. Due to the widespread use of asbestos and the isolated continued usage of this hazardous material, asbestos still poses threats to many in the workplace.

There are many careers that carry a risk of asbestos exposure and although not all employees in these fields experience asbestos-related disease, there are several occupations that carry a higher risk factor than others. Mine workers who have excavated vermiculite and talc have often been exposed to airborne asbestos and of course those employees of plants that produce asbestos products are at a constant risk of exposure. Steel mills, oil refineries and power plants that required insulation products with high heat and fire resistance used many asbestos products as thermal insulators. Railroads and shipyards used asbestos materials for many purposes and repairs to such materials were usually done by hand and with no protection from the airborne particles that cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. Most construction workers were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis as most building materials from drywall and stucco to shingles and flooring contained amounts of asbestos that could be harmful. These risks extend to demolition crews hired to tear down older buildings. Automotive repairmen also run the risk of exposure as many brake pads and drums were constructed of asbestos material.

Today one job that still encounters the high-risk of asbestos exposure everyday is the life of a firefighter. Homes and businesses built before the ban of asbestos materials burn like any other and firefighters come to the rescue with each flame. Each time a firefighter responds to a fire at an older building they are running the risk of being exposed to asbestos fibers in the building materials. In order to conduct fire control techniques, firemen must chop through walls, ceilings and floors to control the fire and with each swing of the ax in an older building; more asbestos could possibly be escaping into the air. Most fireman wear protective masks when inside of a building, but there really is no stopping these materials from escaping into the outside air when a building collapses. The irony of the firefighters career is that most of the protective gear they wear is made from asbestos material because of its heat and fire resistant properties. Firemen are trained on the dangers of asbestos exposure and most wear facial masks with HEPA filters to reduce their risk of exposure.

Although bans have been placed to restrict the use of asbestos and regulations must be posted in workplaces where exposure to asbestos is still a possibility, the threat of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma still exist for many of today laborers. Before making your next career choice or planning your next big job change, make the proper inquiries about your risk of exposure to asbestos in the workplace.

What Tests are Performed to Help Diagnose Mesothelioma?

For the men and women who worked in the asbestos industry, a chest film or chest x-ray was likely required by your employer or union. Unfortunately, some of the individuals I have had the opportunity to speak with tell me that they stopped monitoring their health through chest films once they retired or left the asbestos industry.

That may be the result of not having enough information from your employer, union, doctor or other resources regarding the potential risk and long latency period for asbestos-related diseases. You may not feel a chest x-ray or annual visit to your doctor was necessary because you haven't experienced mesothelioma symptoms or were not ill. But if you have a history of asbestos exposure, an x-ray is an important tool for monitoring your health. A recent chest film should be compared to one from the previous year to chart any changes or abnormalities.

Even though an x-ray can identify pleural scarring, fluid accumulation and abnormal masses, further diagnostic testing is warranted if your physician feels it is necessary to provide or confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. A CT or CAT scan can give your doctor a better picture of any fluid or masses surrounding your lungs, heart or diaphragm.

The powerful electro magnets of a MRI provide detailed images of the body and demonstrate a greater contrast between the soft tissues of the body. It can be a useful tool in determining the involvement of the tumor.

A PET scan requires radioactive glucose injected into the bloodstream to recognize high levels of glucose that are retained in active tumors, cancer cells and other infected areas. Areas with high levels of glucose will appear as bright spots or abnormal cells.

The latest technology combines both the CT scan and the PET scan into a single computer image to provide a more accurate image of tumor activity in the body. An area with high active sugar consumption suggests cancer while a low level of activity is indicative of a benign tumor, a healing or inflammatory response to an injury. Used together the two can establish the location of tumor, growth and identify excessive biological activity.

While all of the above procedures can identify pleural effusions, masses or other abnormalities in the body, none can determine if you have mesothelioma. Cytological analysis of pleural fluid or pathological testing of specimens from a tissue biopsy is recognized as the standard tool to obtain confirmation of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Lynn Collins has been helping mesothelioma patients and families for over 10 years. In this exclusive series she examines the book 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma" by Harvey I. Pass, MD, Laura Roy, RN, and Susan Vento.

Are Blood Tests Useful to Diagnose Mesothelioma?

Almost all of us have had a blood test for one reason or another. It is a basic procedure for any routine physical. If your white blood cell count is elevated it suggests an infection of some type and more often than not likely your doctor writes out a prescription for an antibiotic. After a few days the antibiotic destroys the microorganism or bacteria that caused our illness and you assume your daily routine.

But just what is a biomarker? A biomarker is a specific physical trait used to measure or indicate the effects or progress of a disease, illness or condition. If a biomarker can be identified and validated, it can be used to diagnose the presence of a disease or aid in the treatment of a disease.

Since the 2005 publication of 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma, significant progress has been made to find biomarkers for early detection and treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Two promising discoveries related to blood analysis and testing are discussed below:

Osteopontin – A Potential Marker for Mesothelioma

Osteopontin (OPN) is a protein which can be found in circulating blood and is associated with cancers.

The presence of the blood protein osteopontin was investigated in three subject groups. The study included 69 subjects with an asbestos-related pulmonary disease, 45 healthy subjects with no known asbestos exposure and 76 mesothelioma subjects. The OPN levels were found to be significantly higher is those diagnosed with mesothelioma as compared to those with pulmonary plaques and fibrosis. The osteopontin levels were clearly identified in 78% of the mesothelioma subjects. And had an accuracy of 85.5% when identifying those with mesothelioma as compared to subjects with benign lung conditions. The osteopontin levels between those with non-malignant asbestos disease and those with no asbestos exposure showed no sizeable difference.

It was concluded that serum osteopontin levels could be used to identify those persons with pleural mesothelioma from those with exposure to asbestos who do not have cancer.

MESOMARK – A Blood Test for Monitoring Mesothelioma

Another biomarker has been identified by the presence of soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMRP) that are released into the blood stream by the diseased cells. Studies revealed that mesothelioma patients had a significantly higher level of SMRP than patients with other cancers or documented asbestos exposure. The study also found that SMRP levels rose as the disease progressed to more advanced stages.

MESOMARK® was approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in 2007 under the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) as an effective tool for patients who have been diagnosed with epithelial or biphasic mesothelioma (only) to monitor the progression of their disease.

MESOMARK® is a simple blood test that utilizes an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) format to measure the Soluble Mesothelin-Related Proteins (SMRP) in the blood of a epithelial or biphasic mesothelioma patient. Elevated SMRP levels above 1.0 may suggest progression of the disease. The MESOMARK® test has been used by doctors in conjunction with PET/CT scan to monitor disease progression and management of treatment options for their patients.

The MESOMARK® test can only be performed in designated laboratories and your physician must be registered with Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. To learn more about MESOMARK® visit their website at www.fdi.com.

Reference: Pass, H. I., Lott D., Lonardo, F., et al. Asbestos Exposure, Pleural Mesothelioma, and Serum Osteopontin Levels. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005; 353: 1564-1573

Lynn Collins has been helping mesothelioma patients and families for over 10 years. In this exclusive series she examines the book 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma" by Harvey I. Pass, MD, Laura Roy, RN, and Susan Vento.

How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

I have scrutinized hundreds of medical records over the last decade and the one major point I want to make clear is that I rarely find a mention of asbestos exposure in the medical records until after a mesothelioma diagnosis has been made.

I have never seen any questions or reference to asbestos exposure on any medical questionnaire that I have completed for myself or my husband. I have seen the question on medical and exposure history questionnaires of those surgeons and specialists that treat mesothelioma patients and for those who are monitored through their employment.

Now I know that I can’t remember every little thing in my life but if you, as you are reading this can recall your own exposure to asbestos – take the time to write it down. Try to remember the years, type of exposure and product. In fact it might be a good idea to keep a journal that would include your past medical history, surgeries, illnesses, hospitalizations, medications and exposures to all toxic substances. And remember to include your parents and siblings medical history, if you know it, because it is always on the medical questionnaire. If anything, having a medical journal would make it easier for you or a loved one to fill out the medical questionnaire. And it is important to keep it current and in a convenient, easy to locate place should you need it in an emergency situation. And for you Snowbirds, take it with you when you head south for the winter.

Not all of us are going to be diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease but we have to make sure that our doctor is aware of our history of exposure. It may help when he listens to your chest and hears the rattling or rub in the chest. Tell him all your symptoms including night sweats, nagging cough and difficulty sleeping on one side or flat on your back. Let him know if you wake up gasping for air or have heaviness in your chest. Don’t be shy, embarrassed or too proud to tell him all your ailments.

If after you have seen your doctor and been prescribed medication for any illness and your health does not improve or the symptoms linger, then go back to your physician and tell him. Help him help you.

Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed by way of tissue biopsy or analysis of cells from fluid removed from the chest or abdomen. If your doctor decides it is necessary for you to undergo one or more of these diagnostic tests follow his advice and do it!

Lynn Collins has been helping mesothelioma patients and families for over 10 years. In this exclusive series she examines the book 100 Questions and Answers About Mesothelioma" by Harvey I. Pass, MD, Laura Roy, RN, and Susan Vento.

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

As Dr. Pass states, most patients have mesothelioma symptoms anywhere from two weeks to six months prior to seeking medical treatment. The symptoms can and do include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, pain on the side or back and a cough.

After interviewing hundreds of individuals I have learned that it is often a life–changing occurrence or other significant incident that triggers the initial trip to the doctor.

In my experience women seem to have a greater threshold for pain so they tend to ignore it and push on. I’ve heard all types of self-diagnoses and excuses from the female pleural mesothelioma patient. Yet when I ask them the reason they first sought medical attention the majority of them complain of pain under the shoulder blade or mid side to back. Most of the women I have spoken tell me that they did not experience shortness of breath or cough until after they have been diagnosed. All have stories to tell and I listen. I listen to every word they tell me.

One woman, recently divorced set out to change her life for the better. I will call her Iola. She told me that after she had shed her dead beat husband, she determined it was time to shed the weight. Her goal was to lose 50 lbs and she began a moderate exercise program that included aerobics and swimming. Iola was faithful to the regimen and dropped 20 lbs in six to seven weeks. She decided it was time to add the weights to her work out schedule. Iola experienced the normal soreness accompanied with weight training but continued to press forward. The “soreness” lingered for almost two months. Then one Saturday morning she took it upon herself to rearrange her living room furniture and the pain knocked her to the floor.

Iola told me that the excruciating pain kept her pinned to the floor for nearly 20 minutes. She told me that she had to crawl and scoot on her belly to reach the telephone to call her son for help. When Iola’s son and his family arrived, they panicked. Afraid to move her, they called the paramedics and Iola was transported to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.

After describing the events that lead up to her fall, Iola was diagnosed as having a pulled or strained muscle, prescribed a muscle relaxer with bed rest and was told to follow-up with her primary care physician if the pain persisted. Odd but t