November 27, 2009

Dear ,

In accordance with requirements for the report, I submit herewith the research report on “Mesothelioma”

With best regards,

Yours sincerely,

Mesothelioma

Table of Contents

Abstract3

Introduction3

Background3

Problem3

Purpose statement3

Scope3

Mesothelioma3

Risk Factors For Mesothelioma3

Symptoms Of Mesothelioma3

Diagnosis3

Treatment3

Conclusion3

Recommendations3

Works Cited3

Appendix3

List of illustrations

Figure 111

Figure 212

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma continues to be a challenge. The diagnosis and treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma requires a multidisciplinary approach. The diagnosis is best made by thoracoscopic biopsy and the aid of immunohistochemistry. This research report takes a brief and concise view on mesothelioma and dwells on the various treatment option that are available to people who have mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma

Introduction

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the membrane that covers and protects various internal organs of the body (mesothelium). The mesothelium is composed of two layers of specialized cells known as mesothelial cells. One layer directly surrounds an organ; the other forms a protective sac around the organ. The most common form of mesothelioma affects the membrane or sac that lines the lungs (pleura). Other common sites include the membrane lining the stomach (peritoneum) and the membrane lining the heart (pericardium) (Robinson 1591-603).

Background

Unfortunately, the effects of asbestos on the human body were known to be deadly for years by the companies who employed the 'greatest generation' and made hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars off of their backs. But instead of taking simple steps to alleviate the problem and save the lives of thousands of their workers, they choose to do nothing and continue to make a “healthy” profit with a “deadly” product. Many even went so far as to hide the truth from their workers and their families. And because the normal latency period for Mesothelioma (The time from exposure until the patient falls ill) is 20 to 30 years, many got away with this for years. We are only now beginning to see the full effects of the disease, and feel the terrible outcry of the people against those who put profits before human lives to a degree that is simply unfathomable(MacLachlan 3495-9).

Problem

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma(Alastair Robert Wiggins 1750-1172 . Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases risk of other asbestos-induced cancer. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma.

Purpose statement

Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur.

Scope

Since mesothelioma takes a long time to develop inside a human body it is often difficult to identify the symptoms. In the early stages there may not even be any symptoms at all. When they do appear the most common early symptoms are ...