This book offers an updated review of malignant mesothelioma, including the latest advances in our understanding of its genetic control and molecular biology, as well as pre-clinical and clinical research. It also presents state-of-the-art diagnostic approaches and therapeutic options, and an open discussion on the future prospects for patient management. Malignant mesothelioma is an enormous global health problem related to asbestos exposure. Despite the best efforts of scientists and oncologists, the prognosis for those affected remains poor. Due to anatomical characteristics and non-specific symptoms, the diagnosis of mesothelioma at an early stage is often difficult, while surgery and radiotherapy are only of limited use, even if some multimodality approaches seem promising. In turn, medical treatments are sometimes successful in tumor control, but have little impact on overall survival. However, advances in our understanding of the disease’s biology, together with the availability of new drugs and combinations, make mesothelioma an essential and highly topical field for pre-clinical and clinical studies. This book is subdivided into four parts: epidemiology and preclinical data, diagnosis, therapy, and extrathoracic mesothelioma. It highlights the progress made in a variety of areas – e.g. in vitro and in vivo experimental models, genetics, environment, biomarkers, targeting agents, immunotherapy, metabolic imaging and ongoing clinical trials – and describes the standard clinical management of mesothelioma patients, including those with extra-thoracic localizations. Given its scope, the book offers an invaluable tool for researchers, oncologists and clinicians alike.

• Only up-to-date title in the market • Current topic with significant media coverage • Internationally relevant, the use of asbestos and its consequences is a global problem • This title aids in pathological diagnosis which is very difficult • Contributors are experts from France, UK, USA, Australia and Canada • Plentiful, colored illustrations complete the text • Target group exceeds pathologists: The diagnosis is evidence for medico-legal purposes, which makes the book invaluable to members of legal profession specializing in this disease

In June 1997, Paul Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a very aggressive cancer, and given only a few months to live. More than eight years later, Mr. Kraus is alive with a good quality of life having rejected surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Here, the author offers solid practical advice on: how to cope with the initial diagnosis; nutrition and diet; conventional and complementary therapies; the role of the mind in health and the principles of healing.--From publisher description.

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare but serious illness, and it's natural to feel overwhelmed when it strikes close to home. But you don't have to face this life-changing diagnosis - or its consequences - alone. Use this book to get the information you need to make informed choices about your medical care and legal rights. And visit us online at www.mesotheliomahelp.net for additional assistance. Written in plain English, with easy-to-understand definitions of technical terms right in the text, this book is designed to serve two purposes: It's a reference for you to turn to with your medical and legal questions, as well as a personal journal for you to track your treatments and other important information in one convenient place. The book is divided into three sections. Chapters 1 through 5 cover the medical side of mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease. Chapters 6 through 8 help you navigate and understand your legal options if you (or a loved one) suffer from the effects of asbestos exposure. In the back of the book, you'll find a glossary, a list of doctors and treatment centers that specialize in mesothelioma and related diseases, and useful charts and checklists for keeping track of your symptoms, treatments, and important documents and records.

The first edition of Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects received critical acclaim due to the interdisciplinary nature of its content. Editors Ronald Dodson and Samuel Hammar have carefully kept this popular focus while updating and expanding the topics covered in the first edition with the help of internationally known experts. While there are hundreds of books available on many different aspects of asbestos, none contain the encyclopedic, comprehensive coverage you will find here. See What’s New in the Second Edition: Definitions of asbestos by different methodologies and the potential impact that those forms have on health Internationally accepted sampling/analytical schemes Findings of major asbestos-related diseases that continue to increase in most industrialized countries where asbestos is widely used Information on asbestos-induced diseases in biological systems Expanded regulations chapter Copiously illustrated with diagrams, tables, and photographs, including some in color, the book remains an interdisciplinary resource on the major issues in asbestos exposure and human health, with coverage that spans history, pathology, and epidemiology as well as sampling, analysis, and regulatory issues. The editors’ expertise and careful updating set this book apart, making it a comprehensive resource that interlinks diverse specialties. They provide an updated and expanded state-of-the-art discussion of important interdisciplinary factors associated with asbestos-related issues in an easy-to-use reference.

This book provides health professionals and scientists with a comprehensive overview of the mesothelioma - an asbestos induced malignancy. It includes chapters on epidemology, diagnosis, histopathology, radiology, surgery, chemotherapy, immune therapy, and radiotherapy as well as the molecular biology and future therapies.

Malignant Mesothelioma brings together the most current diagnostic criteria and treatment plans from the world’s leading experts on this rare but devastating cancer. The first edition was a critical and commercial success and this revision builds on that reputation. The editors have brought together the world’s leading experts to fully explore the latest scientific breakthroughs in carcinogenesis, immunotherapy, potential vaccination strategies, and gene therapy. The clinical aspects of the book are equally strong, with thorough discussion of epidemiology, etiology, different clinical presentations, imaging (including interventional pulmonology), treatment of benign disease, strategies for multimodality treatment of malignant disease. Editors: Harvey I. Pass, M.D, Chief, Thoracic Surgery, New York University, New York, NY; Nicholas Vogelzang, M.D, Director, Nevada Cancer Institute, Las Vegas, NV; University of Chicago, Michele Carbone, M.D., Ph.D, Researcher and Director, Thoracic Oncology Program, Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI; and Anne S. Tsao, M.D, Department of Thoracic/Head & Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.