Childhood Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, an extremely rare cancer in children, can involve the tissue coverings of the lung, the heart, or the abdominal organs.  These tumors can spread over the surface of organs, without invading far into the underlying tissue, and may spread to nearby or distant lymph nodes. Mesothelioma may develop after successful treatment of an earlier cancer, especially after treatment with radiation.  In adults, these tumors have been associated with exposure to asbestos, which was used as building insulation.  The amount of exposure required to develop cancer is unknown, and there is no information about the risk of children exposed to asbestos.

Health Professional Statement on Childhood Mesotheliomas

Mesothelioma is extremely rare in childhood with only 2% to 5% of patients presenting during the first two decades of life.[1]

This tumor can involve the membranous coverings of the lung, the heart, or the abdominal organs.[2]  These tumors can spread over the surface of organs, without invading far into the underlying tissue, and may spread to regional or distant lymph nodes.  Mesothelioma may develop after successful treatment of an earlier cancer, especially after treatment with radiation.[3,4]  In adults, these tumors have been associated with exposure to asbestos, which was used as building insulation.[5]  The amount of exposure required to develop cancer is unknown, and there is no information about the risk for children exposed to asbestos.

Benign and malignant mesotheliomas cannot be differentiated using histologic criteria.  A poor prognosis is associated with lesions that are diffuse and invasive or for those that recur.  In general, the course of the disease is slow, and long-term survival is common.  Diagnostic thoracoscopy should be considered in suspicious cases to confirm diagnosis.[1]  Radical surgical resection has been attempted with mixed results.[6]  Treatment with various chemotherapeutic agents used for carcinomas or sarcomas may result in partial responses.  Pain is an infrequent symptom; however, radiation therapy may be used for palliation of pain.

Papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum is sometimes mistaken for mesothelioma.[7]  This tumor generally involves all surfaces lining the abdominal organs, including the surfaces of the ovary.  Treatment includes surgical resection whenever possible and use of chemotherapy with agents such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and paclitaxel.

References

1. Nagata S, Nakanishi R:  Malignant pleural mesothelioma with cavity formation in a 16-year-old boy.  Chest 127 (2): 655-7, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]

2. Kelsey A:  Mesothelioma in childhood.  Pediatr Hematol Oncol 11 (5):  461-2, 1994 Sep-Oct. [PUBMED Abstract]

3. Hofmann J, Mintzer D, Warhol MJ:  Malignant mesothelioma following radiation therapy.  Am J Med 97 (4): 379-82, 1994. [PUBMED Abstract]

4. Pappo AS, Santana VM, Furman WL, et al.:  Post-irradiation malignant mesothelioma.  Cancer 79 (1): 192-3, 1997. [PUBMED Abstract]

5. Hyers TM, Ohar JM, Crim C:  Clinical controversies in asbestos-induced lung diseases.  Semin Diagn Pathol 9 (2): 97-101, 1992. [PUBMED Abstract]

6. Maziak DE, Gagliardi A, Haynes AE, et al.:  Surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma:  a systematic review and evidence summary.  Lung Cancer 48 (2):  157-69, 2005. [PUBMED Abstract]

7. Wall JE, Mandrell BN, Jenkins JJ 3rd, et al.:  Effectiveness of paclitaxel in treating papillary serous carcinoma of the peritoneum in an adolescent.  Am J Obstet Gynecol 172 (3):  1049-52, 1995. [PUBMED Abstract]

Paul & Hanley LLP has an outstanding track record of success, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or any asbestos related disease from asbestos exposure we can help you file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. We also handle car injury cases, wrongful death cases, product defect cases, premises liability cases, and work related injury cases. Our experienced legal team is here to help you get just financial compensation for your injuries.



    * More than 25 years of experience in Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation.

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