The Deadliest Form of Cancer Linked to Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that attacks the lining of organs, especially the lungs, heart, and abdomen. This type of cancer is rare, with only around 3,000 Americans diagnosed each year. However, it is also one of the deadliest forms of cancer, with a survival rate of only 10% to 20% within five years of diagnosis.
One of the primary causes of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a toxic mineral used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Asbestos fibers can enter the body when inhaled or ingested, causing inflammation and scarring that can lead to cancer.
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is one of the leading institutions in the fight against mesothelioma. Their team of experts focuses on cutting-edge research and clinical trials to improve patient outcomes and extend survival rates.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Difference
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, which means they are among the top 4% of cancer centers in the United States. They have a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together to provide personalized treatment plans for each patient.
At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, patients have access to the latest treatments and technologies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They also have access to clinical trials that test new therapies and treatments.
Their mesothelioma program is led by Dr. Eric Lambright, who is a recognized leader in the field of thoracic oncology. Dr. Lambright and his team use advanced imaging and diagnostic techniques to stage the cancer accurately and determine the best treatment option for each patient.
Diagnosis and Staging of Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be challenging because symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and fatigue. Patients may also experience weight loss and night sweats in later stages of the disease.
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is a physical exam and medical history. The doctor may also order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to look for signs of tumors. A biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
Staging mesothelioma is essential for determining the extent of the cancer and developing an appropriate treatment plan. The TNM system is commonly used for mesothelioma staging, with T representing the size and location of the tumor, N standing for spread to lymph nodes, and M indicating if the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body.
Treatment Options for Mesothelioma
Treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care are the main treatment options available.
Surgery aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible, and some patients may be candidates for curative surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, while radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy tumors. Palliative care focuses on improving the patient’s quality of life by managing symptoms such as pain and shortness of breath.
Clinical Trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is committed to advancing the field of thoracic oncology through clinical trials. Clinical trials test new treatments and therapies to improve patient outcomes and extend survival rates.
One clinical trial currently underway at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is testing the effectiveness of immunotherapy for mesothelioma. Immunotherapy trains the body’s immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. Other clinical trials focus on targeted therapies that aim to attack specific proteins and molecules involved in cancer growth and spread.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Survival rate | 10% to 20% within five years of diagnosis |
| Cause | Exposure to asbestos |
| Diagnosis | Physical exam, medical history, imaging tests, biopsy |
| Staging | TNM system |
| Treatment options | Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care |
| Clinical trials | Immunotherapy and targeted therapies |
Frequently Asked Questions About Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Mesothelioma
1. What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of organs, especially the lungs, heart, and abdomen. It is most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos.
2. What is Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center?
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center that is among the top 4% of cancer centers in the United States.
3. What is the survival rate for mesothelioma?
The survival rate for mesothelioma is only 10% to 20% within five years of diagnosis.
4. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos and include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats.
5. What treatments are available for mesothelioma?
Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.
6. What is the TNM system for staging mesothelioma?
The TNM system is commonly used for mesothelioma staging, with T representing the size and location of the tumor, N standing for spread to lymph nodes, and M indicating if the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body.
7. What clinical trials are currently underway at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center?
Clinical trials are currently underway at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center to test the effectiveness of immunotherapy and targeted therapies for mesothelioma.
8. Who is eligible for clinical trials at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center?
Each clinical trial has different eligibility criteria, but patients with mesothelioma and other types of cancer may be eligible to participate in clinical trials.
9. What is the mesothelioma program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center?
The mesothelioma program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is led by Dr. Eric Lambright, who is a recognized leader in the field of thoracic oncology.
10. How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a physical exam, medical history, imaging tests, and a biopsy.
11. Is mesothelioma curable?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer, and there is currently no cure. However, with early detection and personalized treatment plans, patients can improve their quality of life and extend survival rates.
12. What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy trains the body’s immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. It is a promising new treatment option for mesothelioma and other types of cancer.
13. How can I support mesothelioma research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center?
You can support mesothelioma research at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center by making a donation to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a devastating form of cancer that affects thousands of Americans each year. At Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, patients have access to the latest treatments and technologies, as well as clinical trials that test new therapies to improve patient outcomes and extend survival rates.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we urge you to contact Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center to learn more about their mesothelioma program and treatment options.
Together, we can fight this deadly disease and improve the lives of those affected by it.
Closing Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
