Diagnosing mesothelioma in its early stages offers a number of benefits. Early detection offers better treatment options, better quality of life, and better survival rates. Because mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its later stages, the average survival time for mesothelioma victims (post-diagnosis) is 4 to 30 months. Although the medical landscape offers few incontrovertible studies  Continue Reading »

In 2008 Mr. Charles Akins, a retired boilermaker and ship surveyor, received a dreadful diagnosis that would force him to take a trip down memory lane—all the way back to the 1960s. Mr. Akins was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a type of asbestos-related cancer that affects the peritoneum (lining of the internal organs). Around 30%  Continue Reading »

Malignant mesothelioma(s) are cancerous tumors of the lining of the pleura (lung and chest cavity), caused exclusively by asbestos exposure. Many believed that only long-term exposure to asbestos caused malignant mesothelioma, but it is now known that even short-term and second-hand exposure to asbestos dust can cause this aggressive and debilitating disease. The latency period  Continue Reading »

One of the most interesting definitions of nanotechnology is offered by Encyclopedia Britannica’s Merriam-Webster Dictionary. It is also one of the easiest to understand. It defines nanotechnology as “the science of manipulating materials on an atomic or molecular scale especially to build microscopic devices (as robots).” Not to be confused with the controversial “nanomaterials” that  Continue Reading »

A radiation oncologist in Victoria, Australia says a tested radiation technique may improve the life expectancy for mesothelioma patients. The technique involves administering high doses of radiotherapy to decrease the activity of tumor masses. These high doses are considered much higher than conventional doses which, in many cases, offer poor results. Radiotherapy (another term for  Continue Reading »