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.

Restoring Hope With Memories and The Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund

Restoring Hope With Memories And The Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund

Often times we see tragedy progress into hope, but the stories are always heartening and the story of Chris Knighton and the loss of her husband Mick Knighton does just that; brings tears to your eyes and empowers you at the same time.

Chris and Mick Knighton were a happily married, loving couple with children and grandchildren that they shared their joy for life with. In 2000, Mick had been experiencing difficulty breathing and the couple visited their doctor to investigate. Once they received the diagnosis, they were both shocked and saddened. Mick was diagnosed with mesothelioma and only 6 months to live.

Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer, caused by exposure to airborne asbestos, which can affect the lining of the stomach or, as in Mick’s case, the lining of the lungs (known as pleural mesothelioma). Due to the advanced nature of Mick’s condition upon diagnosis, there were no treatment options available, only means to help make him more comfortable.

Mick and his wife, Chris, were shocked to learn of the limited research and information available on mesothelioma and the family was even more surprised to learn that Mick had been exposed to asbestos during his time serving in the Navy, almost 50 years prior to his diagnosis. The Navy took no responsibility for Mick’s illness. This realization inspired Chris to launch a fundraising campaign, both to honor her husband, who died 7 months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, and to fund more research into this aggressive disease and new treatment options.

Out of the Knighton family’s tragedy was born the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, which raises awareness of mesothelioma and money for mesothelioma research. In 2002, Chris Knighton swore that her husband’s death would not be in vain and the thousands of other people exposed to asbestos would be recognized as she launched the fund.

In addition to the Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund, Chris launched the Snowdrop Fund that makes it easy for others to conduct fundraising efforts, as tributes to loved ones lost to or suffering with mesothelioma. The Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund helps to organize and promote Snowdrop Fund programs. It is this families hope that the combined efforts of both foundations can bring greater hope for the thousands of families who will be faced with mesothelioma diagnosis in the future.

Prominent Lawyer from Sunshine State Gives Final Deposition While Dying Of Pleural Mesothelioma

Last week one of Florida’s most prominent attorneys, Milton Ferrell Jr., gave a 3-½ hour video deposition only one day before dying from mesothelioma at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. In terrible anguish and refusing painkillers, Ferrell wanted to be lucid during his deposition against two brake companies and the Big Three automakers. He wanted the companies responsible for his asbestos cancer to be held accountable for his illness and death, as well as the death of so many others exposed to airborne asbestos through their products.

As former president of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and chairman of Ferrell Worldwide, Ferrell filed suit with the Miami-Dade Circuit Court one week before his death from mesothelioma. The suit charges the two brake companies and the Big Three automakers with marketing an “unreasonable dangerous” product and failure to warn the public of its hazards.

Pleural mesothelioma is a terminal cancer caused by exposure to airborne asbestos, which attacks the lining of internal organs. Ferrell’s exposure to such materials was when he was in college working on brakes and cars for extra income; it is likely he was exposed to airborne asbestos while cleaning and removing brakes as the material was widely used in car brakes and insulation materials for years prior to 1970. Ferrell had already lost one lung to the illness and the mesothelioma that had spread to his brain, hip, stomach, and remaining lung, was taking his life.

Ferrell’s attorney notes that Ferrell had not intended to file suit until he realized how bleak the outcome of the mesothelioma diagnosis was. In his final three days, Ferrell’s mesothelioma lawyer rushed to get a court order to allow Ferrell to give his video deposition before he passed away.

Ferrell was considered a charitable and gracious man. Noted for his work with the Jackson Memorial Hospital and his help to found The Miami Project To Cure Paralysis, the Miami Aids Ministries and making many other charitable donations and offering legal services at no charge, Ferrell was well respected in all regards.

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.

Honoring Our Veterans

Today we are proud to honor the United States veterans throughout the world. We are forever proud of the men and women who have served America. It is important to honor them this Veterans Day and everyday, as they have continuously risked their lives to protect ours. At SimmonsCooper we also remember the many military veterans that have lost their lives to lung cancer and mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. We have been honored to represent veterans throughout the U.S., and today we honor them and the families they left behind.

Finding Inspiration Through Lung Cancer Tragedy

Lung cancer affects the lives of millions of people everyday. As one of the world’s leading cancers, over prostate and breast cancer, lung cancer has removed many a loved one from family after family. Each family's plight for recovery is different.

A recently published article in the Times Union of Albany, NY, told of one family’s passion to carry on the hope for others dealing with the loss of a loved one. The story speaks of a family that rallied together after the death of their father, Maurice Forth. Maurice was diagnosed with cancer and died only two months later at the age of 70.

In order to have their father’s positive attitude live on, family members and friends of Maurice Forth gathered in Washington, D.C. and participated in the Marine Corps Marathon to help raise awareness and money for the fight against lung cancer. As a group, the Forth family hopes to raise $10,000 for the Lungevity Foundation and to provide hope and support to other families dealing with cancer.

Although Maurice was not a cigarette smoker and lived and worked an active lifestyle, the article notes that his lung cancer may have been a result of asbestos cancer, as he worked regularly with asbestos materials. Asbestos cancer has been an ongoing threat in the United States and deaths from asbestos cancer have reached new highs in recent years. Maurice had the benefit of regular chest x-rays from his place of work, where he was exposed to asbestos, but chest x-rays do not reveal all forms of asbestos cancer.

Hopefully more families will take to the streets as Maurice Forth’s family has and raise awareness for not only lung cancer, but for asbestos cancer as well. As Maurice’s son Peter stated, “we know we can’t do anything to bring our father back, but we can help out other people” and raising awareness and showing support is the best way to help loving memories live on.

When a Parent Has Mesothelioma

In every persons life there comes a time when we have to deal with the death of a loved one. For many, the most heart wrenching experience comes with the pending death of a terminally ill parent. The possible death of a parent can create feelings of both caring and confusion. The idea of taking care of our parents as grown children is difficult for both the child and the parent.

Cancer has been taking the lives of beloved parents for many years and receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is no different. Denial is a normal reaction for patients and families of mesothelioma, especially for children of parents dealing with this terminal illness. It is best to educate yourself about a mesothelioma diagnosis and understand the different forms this cancer can take and never forget that pursuing a second opinion is completely normal and any respected oncologist will not question your right to do so.

There are many mesothelioma treatments available for individuals, but each depends on the age and current health of the patient and the location and stage of the disease. This is where the facts get hard to accept. Not all mesothelioma treatments work for all people and not all patients are able to undergo treatment. Although it may be a hard fact to accept, the terminally ill, do understand they are dying. This can be an especially hard concept for children of terminally ill parents to understand.

Often times, families of the terminally ill need more help than the terminally ill themselves. Whether it is a mesothelioma diagnosis, lung cancer or any illness, having to discuss things like burial arrangements, living wills, and powers of attorney can be enough to overwhelm a child or spouse of the terminally ill, as life doesn’t always provide prior discussions for such unexpected events.

For patients and their families undergoing mesothelioma treatments, counseling is a wise choice, both as a family and for individuals. There are many resources provided by cancer treatment agencies and from outreach programs like the Mesothelioma Hope Center, which offers support from other families that have dealt with similar experiences. It is completely normal when dealing with the death of a terminally ill parent to experience anxiety, agitation and depression, but the important thing to remember is that the love of our parents is what makes the situation so hard and that it is this same love that will help the whole family through.

Mesothelioma Support Groups: Going Virtual

The Internet has changed much of how we, as a society, interact with one another. It shouldn't be surprising that support groups have spread to the World Wide Web as well. Once upon a time, a patient's support group consisted primarily of family and close friends, and perhaps the patient's clergy. In tight-knit communities, this network might extend to a few community members as well. In the past three decades, understanding that patients can't always get the emotional support they need from family and friends, more formalized local support groups have emerged. With the now ubiquitous nature of the Internet, these local support groups have gone virtual, and this virtual evolution has included mesothelioma support groups.

Mesothelioma, caused solely by a history of exposure to asbestos fibers, affects approximately 3,000 new people each year. The fairly rare nature of the disease has meant that mesothelioma patients often only had the opportunity to join more general cancer support groups. Although this allowed them to have open discussions and share the challenges they were experiencing with other cancer patients, they often weren't able to connect with people who were going through the same experience they were. Now, thanks to the Internet, patients can find mesothelioma support groups, specifically for them.

Today, a variety of mesothelioma discussion groups can be found online, both moderated and unmoderated. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, in conjunction with The Wellness Community, has established a virtual online support group, led by trained professionals, the first professionally facilitated online group for patients as well as families and caregivers. Other groups, such as The Association of Cancer-Online Research and PatientsLikeMe.org, are also helping establish online mesothelioma support groups, giving mesothelioma patients a new way to connect with others who are going through similar challenges, and who can relate to them in ways that others can't. With these virtual support groups, every mesothelioma patient can get the support, the love, the information, and the caring they need, no matter where they're located.

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 true, no x-rays were taken. After 48 hours, the sharp agonizing pain faded to a dull nagging presence.

Did Iola follow up with her doctor? No. As the holidays were fast approaching Iola was swamped with preparations for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas baking, charity work with her church, and shopping for Christmas gifts. Iola pumped herself with ibuprofen and told her family, she was fine.

Then in late January Iola realized that her pain was only a symptom of a greater problem. She was constantly tired and no longer interested in working out. It was all she could do to walk upstairs to her bedroom. Iola finally decided enough was enough and contacted her physician. Approximately four weeks later, after a battery of test, Iola was diagnosed with right-sided pleural mesothelioma. Iola’s first symptom appeared almost seven months before she was diagnosed.

I have found that a number of men I have spoken with have been on vacation or traveling when their symptoms first appear. They normally put off seeking medical attention until they return home or their wives force them to go to the doctor. Just like Congressman Vento, they experienced severe shortness of breath and pain in the mid-back or just under the shoulder blade.

I have been told by wives that those with a cough have had an early morning cough for months, sometimes even years. The cough progresses to the point where the patient cannot finish a sentence without coughing or clearing his throat. They assume its allergies and will take OTC medications to relieve the symptoms.

The problem is that mesothelioma hides so well for so long. Even those that have a known history of asbestos exposure, have already been diagnosed as having pleural scarring or asbestosis and have their health monitored with regular chest films can fall victim to mesothelioma even after receiving a clean bill of health just a few months earlier.

These men are very active, in their mid 60’s and have recently retired. They have spent their time pursuing their hobbies such as woodworking, sailing, hunting or fishing. They are men who have worked hard all their lives, saved for their retirement and had plans to enjoy another 20 or 30 years doing what they loved.

These men and women were the builders of America.

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.

Letterman Discusses Mesothelioma Victim and Music Great Warren Zevon

In Rolling Stone's upcoming September cover story about David Letterman, the famous late night talk show host retells his heart warming last encounter with musician Warren Zevon, who died in 2003. Zevon was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2002 and performed on Letterman's show on CBS in September of 2002. The entire show was dedicated to Zevon and he and Letterman spoke at length about his mesothelioma diagnosis.

The Rolling Stone has described Zevon as a "literate, satiric, violence-obsessed, funny as hell, piano-pounding, equally capable of deranged rock-outs and beautifully sustained melodies." He was a favorite of Letterman's, often filling in as a substitute band leader. Here is a small part of the interview and Letterman's comments on his last encounter with him:

The show you did with Warren Zevon, when he'd been diagnosed with terminal cancer and only had months to live: He'd been on many times. Was it a difficult show to do?

Oh, it was awful. Warren was so good about it. After the show, it was heartbreaking —he was in his dressing room, and we were talking and this and that. Here's a guy who had months to live and we're making small talk. And as we're talking, he's taking his guitar strap and hooking it, wrapping it around, then he puts the guitar into the case and he flips the snaps on the case and says, "Here, I want you to have this, take good care of it." And I just started sobbing. He was giving me the guitar that he always used on the show. I felt like, "I can't be in this movie, I didn't get my lines." That was very tough.

Like Zevon, nearly 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos cancer, each year. Unfortunately, there is no known cure.

Watch part of Warren Zevon's last interview with Dave Letterman and his comments about his mesothelioma diagnosis.

Youngest Peritoneal Mesothelioma Patient Passes Away

Last week a young woman from Britian, age 28, passed away due to peritoneal mesothelioma, an asbestos cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen. She was believed to be the UK's youngest mesothelioma patient.

According to a story in the Daily Mail, Leigh Carlisle grew up in Manchester and was diagnosed 2 short years ago. Unfortunately, her symptoms were originally mistaken for more common illnesses like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Doctors were, of course, shocked to learn that she was sick with peritoneal mesothelioma due to asbestos.

Yes, as you've read here before, mesothelioma typically is found in older people due to its long latency period (20-50 years in most cases). Carlisle's asbestos exposure is believed to have come from her school or a factory nearby the home where she group up.

This story is a reminder that mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases do not discriminate. The asbestos cancer knows no borders. No age limits.

Carlisle's family is requesting that donations in her memory be made to the Oldham Cancer Support Centre:

Oldham Cancer Support Centre
Failsworth Primary Care Centre
Ashton Road West
Failsworth
M35 0AD
Tel: 0161 906 2940

10 Must-Know Tips for Mesothelioma Caregivers

Caregivers of mesothelioma patients are remarkable people. They are truly unsung heroes. Navigating the medical world of a mesothelioma diagnosis is a complex, overwhelming task, yet it is a job too many unsuspecting individuals are forced to do when a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Hopefully you've never heard of mesothelioma and no one you know is ever diagnosed . It is a horrific cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that attacks the lungs, abdomen and heart. There is no known cure.

But for those brave souls that are unexpectedly thrown off track when a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, here are 10 tried and true must-know tips for caregivers of a mesothelioma patient.

These tips come from the gathered knowledge of real people - wives, husband, children, parents - that have come face-to-face with the medical world of doctors, hospitals, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery and more. The common theme to each and every tip? Take control and be your own advocate! After all, both you and the person you love are the ones with the most at stake.

10 Must-Know Tips for Mesothelioma Caregivers

1. Bring a Notebook to Doctor and Hospital Visits
For each and every doctor or hospital visit, bring a notebook solely for the purpose of writing down all of your notes and questions. In fact, bring two. One for notes and one to gather the contact information of people you meet throughout the process (see Tip #10).

2. There Are No Stupid Questions
"Meso what?" Most people have never heard of the disease. Understanding how the cancer is attacking the body and the mesothelioma treatment options available is equivalent to learning a foreign language. Learn to be a good student of the disease and treatment process. Come to doctor appointments with a prepared list of questions. And remember, there's no such thing as asking too many questions.

3. Arm Yourself With Knowledge
Whoever said knowledge is power was right. When your loved one is starting treatment, get into the habit of making sure you understand exactly what is going to happen. What drugs are being used to combat the mesothelioma cancer? Why? What are the side effects? How should we cope with them? How long is the recovery to surgery? Don't be left in the dark.

4. Beware the Internet
That said, choose your sources carefully. Don't believe everything you read on the Internet about mesothelioma. "But I'm reading this on the Internet," you say. That's true, but there's a lot of mesothelioma information out there that is outdated or misleading. The Internet can provide you with lots of valuable information, but when it comes to medical information, get your answers from the experts.

5. Get to Know the Medical Staff
Once you begin the treatment process, get to know the people caring for your loved one. Watch and learn from the nurses. Talk regularly with the doctors. From the very beginning you need to set a tone of open, direct communication.

6. Be the Squeaky Wheel
Maybe it's not in your nature, but when your loved one is in the hospital, learn to be the squeaky wheel. If pain shots are coming late, tell the nurse. If the mesothelioma patient should have on compression boots after surgery and they don't, then don't leave until they do (this helps prevent blood clots). Remember, you ultimately have to take control and be your own advocate!

7. Roll Up Your Sleeves
Your job is hard, and there's so much work you're already doing. But if you feel comfortable, try to get involved in some of the hands-on tasks you've watched the nurses and doctors perform. Obviously you can't insert IVs and draw blood, but you can learn to clean wounds and plug and unplug the IV so your loved one can get up and walk around. Doing this will get you more involved and, hopefully, get you both home quicker.

8. When In Doubt, Call the Doctor
When you're away from the hospital or mesothelioma treatment center, you're going to be the full-time caretaker. No nurses. No safety net. Be confident. You can do it. No one loves this person more than you. Watch for fevers, infection, and change in appetite. But remember, when in doubt, call the doctor.

9. Take Care of Yourself
This may be the greatest challenge you face: taking care of yourself. It's hard to do but essential to making sure that you stay strong throughout this long and trying journey. So find time to rest. If you're at the hospital, ask for a reclining chair in your room so you can rest while your loved one sleeps. And don't forget to eat healthy.

10. Build a Support Network
Managing your life - let alone the mesothelioma diagnosis of a loved one - is hard enough. Don't try to do it alone. Reach out to family and friends. Throughout your journey you will meet other amazing people that are facing the same challenges that you face. Build a network of support and use it on a regular basis.

If you are a mesothelioma caregiver or patient and have questions, concerns, or just need to talk, help is out there. Get in touch with the Meso Foundation or contact the Mesothelioma Hope Center.

Minnesota Mother and Mesothelioma Victim Shares Story of Hope

A Minnesota mesothelioma patient is claiming she is cured according to an article in the Minnesota Star Tribune. Heather Von St. James, of Roseville, MN, was diagnosed with mesothelioma two and a half years ago, but after undergoing a rare surgery that removed her left lung, her cancer has not returned. The surgery was performed by Dr. Sugarbaker who heads the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that most commonly attacks the lining of the lungs (known as pleural mesothelioma). Von St. James says her cancer was caused by second-hand exposure to asbestos from her father's asbestos-covered work clothes, a construction worker. Sugarbaker notes that doctors are seeing more and more mesothelioma patients with second-hand exposure to asbestos.

Von St. James is married with a 3-year-old daughter, Lily, who was only 3 months old when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. She has been disease free since she ended treatments for mesothelioma 2 years ago. She told the Minnesota Star Tribune that she's going to be the "first patient to live 50-plus years."

Read the full article here.

Mesothelioma Tests and Early Detection

Mesothelioma has symptoms which can also be found in a variety of other ailments. While you may need the services of a mesothelioma doctor once diagnosis is confirmed, your family doctor may need to order tests to get that confirmation. Early detection can make the difference between mesothelioma treatments for a localized condition or one that has metastasized and spread to other areas in the body.

Mesothelioma symptoms such as chest pain and irregular heartbeat are found in other equally serious problems. Even if your medical issues are caused by a condition other than mesothelioma, quick action when experiencing chest pain, bowel obstructions, or abdominal pain can prevent your case from becoming aggravated from lack of treatment.

Once you seek medical help, be sure to tell your doctor of any potential exposure to asbestos or related materials. Sometimes people don't fully appreciate the hazards of a current or former occupation and don't think to include details in a medical questionnaire or when the doctor asks for information on your background. If you were ever employed as a plumber, auto mechanic, builder, or even as a sailor in the U.S. Navy, you could be at risk for mesothelioma. If you were potentially exposed to asbestos, even in a small way, your doctor should know.

Before you are referred to a mesothelioma doctor, your doctor will consider your history along your symptoms. How do shortness of breath, fever, and chronic cough compare with your potential risk for the disease? Those symptoms by themselves could indicate any number of less serious problems; when accompanied by abnormal blood clotting, irregular heartbeat or a lowered red blood cell count your doctor will most likely order medical tests to discover what is causing the problems.

Such tests may include an arterial blood gas analysis, measurements of lung capacity, a full-body CAT scan, or a biopsy of a possibly cancerous growth. Test such as the blood gas analysis and lung capacity measurements are designed to show whether the body is functioning normally; a biopsy is more specific. Suspicious growths (or a portion of them) are removed and studied to determine whether they are malignant or benign.

If the results of these tests indicate mesothelioma, you have several choices to make. You may wish to seek a second opinion to insure your diagnosis is correct. In these cases you may require additional examination and testing. A second doctor will study the results of the first round of tests along with your history, and then determine what kind of medical detective work is needed to confirm the original diagnosis or identify a possible alternative answer.

If the original diagnosis is confirmed, or you decide against getting a second opinion, your next decision is what to do about your mesothelioma treatment options. It's important to make an informed choice-talk to your doctor about the benefits of a mesothelioma doctor and using a team of specialists to treat you. If your local hospital is not equipped to handle the extensive care you may require, ask for a referral to a mesothelioma expert and how to arrange treatment.

Finding a Mesothelioma Specialist

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, finding the right doctor and being actively involved in your treatment are two of the best steps you can take. Mesothelioma doctors are the best physicians for treatment of mesothelioma; a general practitioner may be highly qualified but lack experience with your specific symptoms.

There are many questions to ask a doctor about his or her qualifications and experience. Do you know how many times the doctor has diagnosed and prescribed treatment for mesothelioma? What are the doctor's related skills? A cancer specialist may have the benefit of a variety of experience, especially when it comes to locating clinical trials and other options you may wish to consider if FDA-approved medicine or treatment isn't giving the results you need.

Another important question for your mesothelioma doctor—how does he or she feel about alternative medicine and experimental drugs? Do you want your mesothelioma treatment options to include clinical trials? A doctor who isn't open to experimental medicine or alternative therapies may discourage you from trying them. If you agree, there is no conflict, but those who wish to keep all options open should look for mesothelioma doctors who feel the same way.

There are many alternative treatments. One is known as photodynamic therapy—an experimental treatment which uses energy from light to destroy cancerous cells. This may be used in combination with surgery. Other options include gene therapy and immunotherapy. Ask your doctor about these mesothelioma treatment options and how they may apply in your case. It's important to remember some doctors may disagree about the effectiveness of one type of treatment while remaining optimistic about your chances with other alternatives.

Much depends on the nature of your specific symptoms, what stage the disease is in, and the state of your overall health. Don't assume your mesothelioma doctor is against any alternative treatments just because one type is ruled out in your case. You may not be considered a good candidate for certain options if you aren't healthy enough to withstand the treatment.

Mesothelioma help is available in many forms. The first stop on the road to treatment of mesothelioma is verification of your condition, and you may wish to get a second opinion on your diagnosis from a mesothelioma specialist. A great number of mesothelioma's symptoms are non-specific, meaning they are common among a variety of diseases. If you have any doubts as to the actual nature of your condition, a second opinion is from an expert is always a good idea. Once you fully understand the nature and extent of your condition you can make a fully informed choice on the right doctor or specialist for you.