Early Info About Mesothelioma | Asbestosis | Lung Cancer

About Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma of The Pleura : Symptoms, Diagnosis

2009-09-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that make up the mesothelium, a membrane that lines many of the body’s organs and cavities. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the cancer develops in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura or pleural membrane.

The pleura is comprised of two layers which provide support and protection for the lungs and chest cavity. The outer layer, or the parietal layer, lines the entire chest cavity and the diaphragm. The inner layer, or visceral layer, covers the lungs. Fluid between these two membranes allows them to slip against one another as the lungs expand and contract. Pleural mesothelioma typically develops in one layer, but can metastasize, or spread, to the other layer.

Sometimes doctors refer to this disease as mesothelioma of the pleura. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the serous membranes. These membranes enclose a number of organs throughout the midsection of the body, including the lungs. The most common type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, affects the serous membranes of the lungs.

When mesothelioma spreads to the lungs from the serous linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart, it is considered secondary lung cancer. Also, pleural mesothelioma is sometimes referred to as an asbestos lung cancer. Technically, cancers that do not originate in the lungs are not considered lung cancer; thus, terms such as secondary lung cancer and asbestos lung cancer (pleural mesothelioma) are misleading. Asbestosis is a type of asbestos lung disease that does originate in the lungs and is often confused with mesothelioma.

Like all mesothelioma cancers, pleural mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and develops when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma patients display all three types of mesothelioma cancer cells: epithelioid mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic mesothelioma.

Once trapped in the body, asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally, resulting in the thickening of the pleural membrane layers and mesothelial cells, causing build-up of fluid (called pleural effusion). The fluid begins to put pressure on the lungs and the respiratory system in general, preventing normal breathing.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are largely caused by these developments and may include the following:

- Persistent dry or raspy cough

- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)

- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)

- Breathlessness (dyspnea)
Shortness of breath that occurs even when at rest. Along with shortness of breath, patients may suffer from a cough. Rarely, patients may develop hoarsness or cough up blood (hemoptysis).

- Chest pain
Chest pain is often nonspecific, and may sometimes be felt in upper abdomen, shoulder, or arm. Chest pain and breathlessness are the most common, and usually earliest presenting, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing.

- Pleural effusion
A pleural effusion is the result of too much fluid building up between the parietal and visceral pleura (linings of the chest and lungs, respectively); a pleural effusion may cause chest pain and difficulty breathing (dyspnea), however, many cause no symptoms and are first discovered during the physical examination or seen on a chest x-ray.

- Development of lumps under the skin on the chest

- Night sweats or fever
Less common, but still cited enough to be considerd a symptom of pleural mesothelioma are fever, chills, and night sweats.

- Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is cited as a symptom in about a third of pleural mesothelioma cases.

- Fatigue

Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

As with other types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose since symptoms do not typically arise for some time after initial asbestos exposure occurs. Additionally, since the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are typical of many illnesses, in the early stages of the cancer the symptoms are often mistaken for less threatening diseases such as influenza and pneumonia.

X-rays or CT-Scans are often used to diagnose pleural mesothelioma.
A pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is made partly on the basis of symptoms but additional diagnostic tests are needed to confirm the presence of cancer. Following a medical history review and physical examination, patients must typically undergo imaging tests, such as x-rays or CT scans, to confirm the location of cancer. A patient must also usually endure fluid and tissue tests, also known as biopsies, to confirm the type of cancer involved.

Pleural effusions and peritoneal effusions are experienced by two-thirds of patients. Hemothorax - the collection of blood in the pleural cavity - also is a symptom. To get a diagnosis, doctors use imaging technologies as well as histological analysis and molecular biologic analyses. A pleural smear examines a sample of pleural fluid under the microscope to detect for abnormal organisms. The test is performed when infection of the pleural space is suspected or when an abnormal collection of pleural fluid is noticed by chest X-ray. Sometimes the tumor grows through the diaphragm, making the site of origin difficult to assess.

Top left, A: posterior-anterior chest radiograph in a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma demonstrating significant right-sided pleural effusion and diffuse pleural thickening associated with marked volume loss of the right hemithorax. No definite pleural plaques are seen. Top right, B: CT image from a patient with a right-sided pleural mesothelioma, illustrating complete encasement of the ipsilateral lung with a thick rind of tumor, neoplastic invasion of the interlobar fissures, small residual pleural effusion, and marked unilateral volume loss. Center, C: MRI with transaxial, sagittal, and coronal views from a patient with a right-sided pleural mesothelioma. MRI may be most beneficial in the determination of chest wall, mediastinal, and diaphragmatic invasion. Bottom, D: PET scan with 18-FDG in the same patient as in center panel (C) with transaxial, sagittal, and coronal views. 18-FDG PET scanning in mesothelioma can aid in tumor staging, localization of biopsy sites, and distinguishing between pleural fibrosis and active malignant tissue. (resource : chest journal)

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatments

In general, pleural mesothelioma patients have three options: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Typically, patients will receive a combination of two or more of these types of treatment.

Read More about Pleural Mesothelioma Treatments

Asbestos: The Primary Cause

Inhaling asbestos fibers is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. Other factors such as genetics, smoking, and exposure to the simian virus (which contaminated some older polio vaccines) may predispose some people to develop mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos. Some individuals exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period do not develop mesothelioma or asbestosis.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in various industries and construction because of its fire-retarding and insulating properties. Since the 1980s, its use in industry and consumer products has been more regulated and some U.S. legislators would like to ban it entirely.

Serpentine and amphiboles are the two main forms of asbestos. Chrysotile asbestos, which is most commonly used in commercial products, is the only type of serpentine. Amphiboles are divided into five main types: actinolite, amosite, anthrophyllite, crocidolite, and tremolite.

Serpentine fibers are flexible and curly. Amphiboles have long, thin fibers and are thought to be a greater cancer risk than serpentine fibers, but exposure to either serpentine or amphibole asbestos is dangerous.

How Asbestos Exposure Occurs

People who worked for an extended period of time in an environment where asbestos dust was regularly released are at greatest risk for pleural mesothelioma. The body's natural defense mechanisms successfully clear many asbestos fibers, but when asbestos exposure is heavy, these defense systems are overwhelmed. Mucus within the airways traps asbestos fibers and other toxins that are inhaled. These trapped foreign particles are either swallowed or coughed up.

These fibers travel to the lungs and become imbedded in the lung lining, outside of the lungs and inside the ribs. These long, pointed fibers can reach the pleural lining of the chest wall and lung. Once the fibers have penetrated the pleura they injure the mesothelial cells. When these jagged particles settle in the pleura, they cause inflammation. The inflammation, in turn, can lead to dangerous cancerous tumors. In some cases, those who've inhaled asbestos fibers will first develop the less-severe asbestosis, followed by mesothelioma several years later.

Upon diagnosis, patients usually exhibit multiple tumor masses affecting both the visceral (further from the lung) and parietal surfaces (closer to the lung) of the pleura. The parietal surface is more often affected than the visceral surface, and the right lung, due to its larger size, often suffers more damage than the smaller left lung. In addition, more asbestos tends to settle in the lower lungs than the upper lungs.

These tumors often grow quickly in size and can cover the entire lung cavity, making it very difficult to breathe and causing excruciating pain. Also, in the advanced stages of pleural mesothelioma, the cancer may spread to other nearby organs, including the heart, abdomen, and lymph nodes.

The tissue changes leading to mesothelioma occur slowly. The symptoms of mesothelioma generally do not appear for 20 to 30 years after the initial asbestos exposure. A latency period of up to 50 years has been known.

resource :
- allaboutmalignantmesothelioma
- asbestos.com
- pleuralmesothelioma.com

Type of Asbestos | The Resource of Asbestos Exposure

2009-08-28T23:58:00.000-07:00

The term "asbestos" refers to six fibrous minerals that have been commercially exploited and occur naturally in the environment. The U.S. Bureau of Mines has named more than 100 mineral fibers as "asbestos-like" fibers, yet only six are recognized regulated by the U.S. government. This is largely due to influential lobbying by the asbestos and stone industries, which powerfully shaped how the public perceives asbestiform minerals.

The six asbestiform minerals recognized by the government include, tremolite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, anthophyllite asbestos, chrysotile asbestos, amosite asbestos, and crocidolite asbestos. Each of these minerals is categorized into two groups, serpentine and amphibole. Chrysotile asbestos is the only member of the serpentine group and the others belong to the amphibole group. The difference between these two groups is characterized by the physical components of the asbestos fibers. The serpentine group is made up of minerals that have a layered form and curly fibers and the latter group contains minerals that have straight fibers with a chain-like structure.

In order to fully understand the importance and function of these minerals, it is necessary to examine each mineral in more detail.

Chrysotile Asbestos

Chrysotile asbestos is better known as white asbestos and is made up of fine, silky, flexible white fibers. Chrysotile consists of minerals crystallized in a serpentine pattern, which means its crystals are formed in sheets. This is the most common type of asbestos comprising approximately 95 percent of all asbestos commercially used in the United States. Due to the widespread use of this fiber, chrysotile accounts for the majority of asbestos-related health problems throughout the world.

Chrysotile, as well as other forms of asbestos, is considered to be a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Asbestos exposure is associated with parenchymal asbestosis, asbestos-related pleural abnormalities, mesothelioma, and lung cancer, and it may be associated with cancer at some extra-thoracic sites.

Tremolite Asbestos

Tremolite is a relatively common mineral found in most metamorphic rocks. Its color ranges from a creamy white to dark green. Tremolite asbestos has been used for industrial purposes (though not as much as chrysotile) and has been identified as an ingredient in some household products, primarily talcum powder (which is also a known carcinogen). This form of asbestos is the major asbestiform contaminant of the infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.

The Mineral Tremolite:

* Chemistry: Ca2Mg5Si8O22(OH)2 , Calcium Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide.
* Class: Silicates
* Subclass: Inosilicates
* Group: Amphibole
* Uses: Asbestos and as a mineral specimen.

Tremolite is a relatively common mineral in some metamorphic rocks. It occurs from the conversion of dolomite, silica and water into tremolite, calcite and carbon dioxide

A fibrous variety of tremolite is used as asbestos. This material is toxic and inhaling the fibers can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Actinolite Asbestos

Actinolite asbestos is a relatively common mineral existing in metamorphic rocks. This type of asbestos is usually green, white, or gray and it is closely related to the aforementioned tremolite mineral (actinolite contains a greater presence of iron over magnesium than tremolite).

Actinolite is composed of the elements calcium, magnesium, iron, silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen.

Scientists and medical professionals have confirmed that actinolite and other forms of asbestos are human carcinogens. Exposure to these minerals can lead to the development of asbestos-related cancers, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer.

In addition to these sources of actinolite asbestos, evidence indicates that actinolite may be found in children's toys, drywall compounds, joint compounds, and a number of other products. Considering the evidence, thousands of people may have been unknowingly exposed to actinolite asbestos through products or environmental conditions. No matter the source, whether it's a pipe sealant in the home or an environmental contamination in a community, actinolite is extremely harmful to human health.

Anthophyllite Asbestos

Anthophyllite asbestos is commonly identified by its brittle white fibers that are made of crystals and have a chain-like appearance. This type of asbestos is formed by the breakdown of talc in ultramafic rock, and as such, anthophyllite is a common contaminant of talc. Anthophylite is the product of metamorphism of magnesium-rich rocks especially ultrabasic igneous rocks and impure dolomitic shales.

The Mineral ANTHOPHYLLITE:

* Chemistry: (Mg, Fe)7Si8O22(OH)2 , Magnesium Iron Silicate Hydroxide.
* Class: Silicates
* Subclass: Inosilicates
* Group: Amphibole
* Uses: Are limited to some asbestos uses and as mineral specimens.

Like other forms of asbestos, anthophyllite poses a serious health threat. Several decades ago, health authorities and scientists confirmed anthophyllite is a human carcinogen. When people come into contact with anthophyllite asbestos and inhale or ingest its fibers, the fibers have the potential to become lodged in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, or testicles. The fibers can eventually lead to the development of lung cancer, mesothelioma cancer, and other life-threatening cancers and illnesses.

In addition to being intentionally used in a number of popular consumer products, anthophyllite has also been a common contaminant in talc, the mineral from which this deadly material is derived. According to studies, anthophyllite is formed when high temperatures are sustained, which destabilizes the talc mineral and causes it to disintegrate. The geologic link between these two minerals serves as an explanation of the occasional (less common today than three decades ago) contamination of talc with anthophyllite asbestos, which has been observed in scientific studies of talc at a weight as low as 2 percent of the total mineral weight. Because talcum powders and other products made from talc may contain anthophyllite asbestos, thousands of consumers - including countless infants and children - may have been exposed to anthophyllite, which is known to cause serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Individuals living various lifestyles and working in a slew of occupations may have been exposed, from painters to construction workers to shipyard workers, just to name a few. Those who have worked with or otherwise used asbestos-containing products such as those described above may have been exposed to anthophyllite asbestos. Additionally, those who believe they may be at risk for developing an asbestos-related illness should contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. A mesothelioma lawyer can help answer any questions about anthophyllite and other forms of asbestos, as well as offer information on the legal options available to victims of asbestos exposure.

Amosite Asbestos

Amosite asbestos is an amphibole.
Amosite asbestos is identified by its straight, brittle fibers that are light gray to brown in color. Amosite is also referred to as brown asbestos and its name is derived from the asbestos mines located in South Africa.

The amosite variety of asbestos was used primarily as a fire retardant in thermal insulation products, like ceiling tiles, roof tiles, floor tiles, plumbing insulation, insulation board, chemical insulation, gaskets, lagging, cement sheet, electrical and telecommunication insulation.

Brown asbestos is now banned in most countries and has been for a number of years, but it can still be found in older products and structures, therefore still posing potential dangers, especially because this form of asbestos is highly friable. That means it crumbles easily when damaged, therefore releasing airborne fibers which can then be inhaled by those in the vicinity of the material.

As a form of asbestos, amosite has caused many cases of cancer (including mesothelioma) in people of many countries, but especially near the amosite mines in South Africa, the world's main commercial source of amosite. The workers who mined and processed amosite have cancer rates far worse than those of the general population.

The fibers of amosite are long and thin, and they can be broken into smaller, needle-like pieces. Fragments of amosite fibers are sometimes identified in building materials. As with other types of asbestos (there are six types in all), amosite is less of a danger when it is "trapped" in place in a product. It is when the amosite is being installed, removed or manipulated — or when its fibers are released into the air because of deterioration or damage — that the human beings in the area are vulnerable to asbestos inhalation.

Crocidolite Asbestos

Crocidolite asbestos, better known as blue asbestos, because of its color that ranges from pale green to indigo to Prussian blue. Crocidolite is harder than the other varieties of amphibole asbestos. This form is believed to be the most lethal form of asbestos. Crocidolite asbestos occurs naturally in locations such as Australia, South Africa, Bolivia, the former Soviet Union, and Canada.

Crocidolite asbestos is a form of asbestos known to cause mesothelioma. The fibers of crocidolite — or any other type of asbestos — can become lodged in the lungs or at other internal sites of the body, where they may initiate a process that culminates in asbestos diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Some investigators have claimed that crocidolite is the cause of the great majority of mesotheliomas in the world, including most cases from the United States. Since crocidolite was rarely used in shipyards and in insulation products in this country (the source of a large proportion of mesotheliomas in the U.S.), we investigated our files for the proportion of the various asbestos fiber types found in the lungs of patients with mesothelioma. The data summarized below include analyses from more than 1500 fibers from 94 patients with mesothelioma.

MESOTHELIOMA AND FIBER TYPE

Studies of the mineral fiber content of lung in U.S. patients with mesothelioma have shown that amosite is the most common fiber type, accounting for nearly 60% of all fibers 5 or greater in length among more than 1500 fibers analyzed from 94 cases. Ten percent of the fibers analyzed were tremolite, and 3% were chrysotile. (Chrysotile tends to break down in the lungs over time so that there is a relative enrichment of the more stable tremolite contaminant). Crocidolite accounted for only 3% of fibers. Studies have shown that fibers in this size range are capable of reaching the visceral and parietal pleura.

The last five amphibole (which translates to "ambiguous" in Greek) types have a slightly more complex crystal structure than chrysotile and are not used as extensively in commercial products as chrysotile. Due to their structure, amphiboles tend to stay in the lungs longer than chrysotile and are more likely to cause illness because of this factor. Some hypothesize very small contaminations of amphibole fibers within chrysotile are most to blame for cancer deaths caused by asbestos exposure.

Asbestiform minerals are found in serpentine and ultramafic rock. These rocks are located throughout the United States, especially near mountainous regions. California is exceptionally bountiful in asbestos, where the mineral can be found in at least 44 of the state's 58 counties (some geologists report asbestos is found in 50 of the 58 counties). Asbestos fibers especially form near fault zones, where temperature, pressure, and time have transformed the molecules into the asbestiform crystals.

Why is Asbestos Used?

The mineral's innate resistance to heat and fire is what has made asbestos so valuable in both industrial and domestic products. Another valuable feature is its reluctance to conduct electricity. The fibers are fine, flexible and can be spun into thread and woven into cloth that is flameproof, difficult to tear, and carries excellent insulation properties. It is virtually indestructible by heat, salt water, corrosive chemicals (especially alkalies), and any chemical or biological process. The fibers mix well into other materials, such as asphalt or cement, and make such products stronger, more flexible, and fire-retardant. They do not dissolve or evaporate with water, which makes the light fibers easy to mix.

resource : Asbestos.com

Asbestos Exposure Increase The Risk of Cancer

2009-08-28T23:35:00.000-07:00

What are the Health Hazards of Exposure to Asbestos?

Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of several serious diseases:

• Asbestosis—a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage;
• Lung cancer;
• Mesothelioma—a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen; and
• Other cancers, such as those of the larynx, oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney.

While all types of asbestos fibers may increase the risk of developing these diseases, some scientists believe that crocidolite and amosite are more likely to produce mesotherlioma than is chrysotile. However, because most workers have been exposed to a variety of asbestos fiver types during their lifetime, it has not yet been possible to confirm this finding.

People may be exposed to asbestos in their workplace, their communities, or their homes. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibers are released into the air. When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they may get trapped in the lungs and remain there for a long time. Over time, these fibers can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation, which can affect breathing and lead to serious health problems .

Asbestos has been classified as a known human carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer) by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma (a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen). Although rare, mesothelioma is the most common form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure. In addition to lung cancer and mesothelioma, some studies have suggested an association between asbestos exposure and gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers, as well as an elevated risk for cancers of the throat, kidney, esophagus, and gallbladder (3, 4). However, the evidence is inconclusive.

Asbestos exposure may also increase the risk of asbestosis (an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage) and other nonmalignant lung and pleural disorders, including pleural plaques (changes in the membranes surrounding the lung), pleural thickening, and benign pleural effusions (abnormal collections of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity). Although pleural plaques are not precursors to lung cancer, evidence suggests that people with pleural disease caused by exposure to asbestos may be at increased risk for lung cancer .

How great is the risk?

Not all workers exposed to asbestos will develop diseases related to their exposure. The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases varies with the type of industry in which the exposure occurred and with the extent of the exposure. Asbestos that is bonded into finished products such as walls and tiles poses no risk to health as long as it is not damaged or disturbed (for example, by sawing or drilling) in such a way as to release fibers into the air. When asbestos fibers are set free and inhaled, however, exposed individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.
In addition, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma. Even so, no fiber type can be considered harmless, and people working with asbestos should always take proper safety precautions to limit exposure.

Who is at risk for an asbestos-related disease?

Everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. Low levels of asbestos are present in the air, water, and soil. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Health hazards from asbestos fibers have been recognized in workers exposed in the shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, asbestos removal workers, firefighters, and automobile workers also may be exposed to asbestos fibers. Studies evaluating the cancer risk experienced by automobile mechanics exposed to asbestos through brake repair are limited, but the overall evidence suggests there is no safe level of asbestos exposure (3, 8). As a result of Government regulations and improved work practices, today’s workers (those without previous exposure) are likely to face smaller risks than did those exposed in the past.

Individuals involved in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup at the site of the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) in New York City are another group at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. Because asbestos was used in the construction of the North Tower of the WTC, when the building was attacked, hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the atmosphere. Those at greatest risk include firefighters, police officers, paramedics, construction workers, and volunteers who worked in the rubble at Ground Zero. Others at risk include residents in close proximity to the WTC towers and those who attended schools nearby. These individuals will need to be followed to determine the long-term health consequences of their exposure (10).

One study found that nearly 70 percent of WTC rescue and recovery workers suffered new or worsened respiratory symptoms while performing work at the WTC site. The study describes the results of the WTC Worker and Volunteer Medical Screening Program, which was established to identify and characterize possible WTC-related health effects in responders. The study found that about 28 percent of those tested had abnormal lung function tests, and 61 percent of those without previous health problems developed respiratory symptoms (11). However, it is important to note that these symptoms may be related to exposure to debris components other than asbestos.

Although it is clear that the health risks from asbestos exposure increase with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear (2).

There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma (6). This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. To decrease these exposures, Federal law regulates workplace practices to limit the possibility of asbestos being brought home in this way. Some employees may be required to shower and change their clothes before they leave work, store their street clothes in a separate area of the workplace, or wash their work clothes at home separately from other clothes (2).

Cases of mesothelioma have also been seen in individuals without occupational asbestos exposure who live close to asbestos mines (6).
# What factors affect the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease?

Several factors can help to determine how asbestos exposure affects an individual, including (2, 6):

* Dose (how much asbestos an individual was exposed to).
* Duration (how long an individual was exposed).
* Size, shape, and chemical makeup of the asbestos fibers.
* Source of the exposure.
* Individual risk factors, such as smoking and pre-existing lung disease.

Although all forms of asbestos are considered hazardous, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, the results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma risk, because they tend to stay in the lungs for a longer period of time (1, 2).

# How are asbestos-related diseases detected?

Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job, through the environment, or at home via a family contact should inform their doctor about their exposure history and whether or not they experience any symptoms. The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after the exposure. It is particularly important to check with a doctor if any of the following symptoms develop (6):

* Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
* A persistent cough that gets worse over time.
* Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs.
* Pain or tightening in the chest.
* Difficulty swallowing.
* Swelling of the neck or face.
* Loss of appetite.
* Weight loss.
* Fatigue or anemia.

A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended. The chest x-ray is currently the most common tool used to detect asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any early signs of lung disease resulting from asbestos exposure (2).

Studies have shown that computed tomography (CT) (a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine) may be more effective than conventional chest x-rays at detecting asbestos-related lung abnormalities in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos (12).

A lung biopsy, which detects microscopic asbestos fibers in pieces of lung tissue removed by surgery, is the most reliable test to confirm the presence of asbestos-related abnormalities. A bronchoscopy is a less invasive test than a biopsy and detects asbestos fibers in material that is rinsed out of the lungs. It is important to note that these tests cannot determine how much asbestos an individual may have been exposed to or whether disease will develop (12). Asbestos fibers can also be detected in urine, mucus, or feces, but these tests are not reliable for determining how much asbestos may be in an individual’s lungs (2).
# How can workers protect themselves from asbestos exposure?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a component of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and is the Federal agency responsible for health and safety regulations in maritime, construction, manufacturing, and service workplaces. OSHA established regulations dealing with asbestos exposure on the job, specifically in construction work, shipyards, and general industry that employers are required to follow. In addition, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), another component of the DOL, enforces regulations related to mine safety. Workers should use all protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended workplace practices and safety procedures. For example, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved respirators that fit properly should be worn by workers when required.

Workers who are concerned about asbestos exposure in the workplace should discuss the situation with other employees, their employee health and safety representative, and their employers. If necessary, OSHA can provide more information or make an inspection. Regional offices of OSHA are listed in the “United States Government” section of a telephone directory’s blue pages (under “Department of Labor”). Regional offices can also be found at http://www.osha.gov/html/RAmap.html on the Internet.

More information about asbestos is available on the OSHA Asbestos Web page, which has links to information about asbestos in the workplace, including what OSHA standards apply, the hazards of asbestos, evaluating asbestos exposure, and controls used to protect workers. This page is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/asbestos/index.html on the Internet. OSHA’s national office can be contacted at:

What programs are available to help individuals with asbestos-related diseases?

Some people with asbestos-related illness may be eligible for Medicare coverage. Information about benefits is available from Medicare’s Regional Offices, located in 10 major cities across the United States and serving specific geographic areas. The Regional Offices serve as the agency’s initial point of contact for beneficiaries, health care providers, state and local governments, and the general public. Contact information for each Regional Office can be found at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/RegionalOffices on the Internet. General information about Medicare is available by calling toll-free 1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE) or visiting http://www.medicare.gov on the Internet.

People with occupational asbestos-related diseases also may qualify for financial help, including medical payments, under state workers’ compensation laws. Because eligibility requirements vary from state to state, workers employed by private companies or by state and local government agencies should contact their state workers’ compensation board. Contact information for state workers’ compensation officials may be found in the blue pages of a local telephone directory or at http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/wc.htm on the Internet.

If exposure occurred during employment with a Federal agency, medical expenses and other compensation may be covered by the Federal Employees’ Compensation Program, which is administered by the DOL, Employment Standards Administration’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs. This program provides workers’ compensation benefits to Federal (civilian) employees for employment-related injuries and diseases. Benefits include wage replacement, payment for medical care, and, where necessary, medical and vocational rehabilitation assistance in returning to work. Benefits may also be provided to dependents if the injury or disease causes the employee’s death. The program has 12 district offices nationwide.

In addition, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program provides benefits to longshoremen, harbor workers, other maritime workers, and other classes of private industry workers who are injured during the course of employment or suffer from diseases caused or worsened by conditions of employment. Information about eligibility and how to file a claim for benefits under either of these programs is available from:
Organization: Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs
Employment Standards Administration
U.S. Department of Labor
Address: Frances Perkins Building
200 Constitution Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone: 1–866–692–7487 (1–866–OWCPIVR)
202–693–0040
(Federal Employees’ Compensation Program)
202–693–0038
(Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Program)
E-mail: OWCP-Public@dol.gov
Internet Web site: http://www.dol.gov/esa/owcp/index.htm

Eligible veterans may receive health care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center for an asbestos-related disease. Veterans can receive treatment for service-connected and nonservice-connected medical conditions. Information about eligibility and benefits is available from the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1–877–222–8387 (1–877–222–VETS) or on the VA Web site at http://www1.va.gov/health/index.asp on the Internet.
# Is there Federal legislation to help victims of asbestos-related diseases?

No Federal legislation has been enacted to compensate victims of asbestos-related diseases or to protect people from asbestos exposure. However, a bill called the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act, or FAIR Act, has been introduced in Congress several times. This bill would create a national trust fund to compensate victims suffering from asbestos-related diseases. The proposed trust fund would be administered by the DOL, outside of the courts, through a claims process in which all individuals with certain medical symptoms and evidence of asbestos-related disease would be compensated. Funding for the trust would come from insurance companies and companies that mined, manufactured, and sold asbestos or asbestos products. Under the bill, individuals affected by asbestos exposure would no longer be able to pursue awards for damages in any Federal or state court.

What other organizations offer information related to asbestos exposure?

The organizations listed below can provide more information about asbestos exposure.

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is the principal Federal agency responsible for evaluating the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances. This agency works in close collaboration with local, state, and other Federal agencies, with tribal governments, and with communities and local health care providers to help prevent or reduce harmful human health effects from exposure to hazardous substances. The ATSDR provides information about asbestos and where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. The ATSDR can be contacted at:
Organization: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Address: 4770 Buford Highway, NE.
Atlanta, GA 30341
Telephone: 1–800–232–4636 (1–800–CDC–INFO)
TTY: 1–888–232–6348
E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov
Internet Web site: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the general public’s exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and the environment. The EPA offers a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Hotline and an Asbestos Ombudsman. The TSCA Hotline provides technical assistance and information about asbestos programs implemented under the TSCA, which include the Asbestos School Hazard Abatement Act and the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The Asbestos Ombudsman focuses on asbestos in schools and handles questions and complaints. Both the TSCA Hotline and the Asbestos Ombudsman can provide publications on a number of topics, particularly on controlling asbestos exposure in schools and other buildings. The Ombudsman operates a toll-free hotline for small businesses, trade associations, and others seeking free, confidential help.

The EPA Web site includes a list of EPA regional and state asbestos contacts at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/regioncontact.html on the Internet. In addition, EPA’s Asbestos and Vermiculite home page provides information about asbestos and its health effects and links to asbestos resources, including suggestions for homeowners who suspect asbestos in their homes, and laws and regulations applicable to asbestos. This page can be found at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos on the Internet. Questions may be directed to:
Organization: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA West Building
National Program Chemicals Division
Address: Mail Code 7404T
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW.
Washington, DC 20460
TSCA Hotline: 202–554–1404
TTY: 202–554–0551
Asbestos Ombudsman: 1–800–368–5888
E-mail: tsca-hotline@epa.gov
Internet Web site: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos

Another EPA resource that may be of interest is the brochure titled Current Best Practices for Preventing Asbestos Exposure Among Brake and Clutch Repair Workers. Released in April 2007, this brochure includes work practices for both automotive professionals and home mechanics that may be used to avoid asbestos exposure. It also summarizes existing OSHA regulatory requirements for professional auto mechanics. The brochure can be found at http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/pubs/brakesbrochure.html on the Internet.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products, including asbestos, under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC maintains a toll-free 24-hour hotline where callers can obtain product safety and other agency information and report unsafe products. In addition, CPSC publications provide guidelines for repairing and removing asbestos, and general information about asbestos in the home. CPSC can be contacted at:
Organization: Office of Information and Public Affairs
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Address: 4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
Telephone: 1–800–638–2772
TTY: 1–800–638–8270
E-mail: info@cpsc.gov
Internet Web site: http://www.cpsc.gov

Individuals can also contact their local or state health department with questions or concerns about asbestos.

resource: Geneese County

Asbestos Lawyer | Information and Advice from the Leading UK Asbestos Claim Solicitors.

2009-08-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

DO YOU WANT SOLUTION FOR YOUR MESOTHELIOMA PROBLEM????

Welcome to Asbestos Victim Advice

It is very important that you know which disease you have. Usually your doctor will have already discussed your diagnosis, and the implications with you. The type of disease determines what benefits and compensaton you might be entitled to.

We have helped many people just like you, we understand how worrying a time it can be. Call us on freephone 0800 294 3065 and speak directly to a solicitor, not a call centre.

About We Solicitors

Years of experience in asbestos claims have shown us the human side to the suffering not only of our client, but the family as well. We have specialised training in dealing with asbestos related compensation claims and are experts in industrial disease, unlike your average high street firm who may deal with one of these cases once in the career, we have acted for many sufferers and their families successfully.

What we provide:

* We will come to your home (no fee) and give you expert advice
* The person who sees you will continue to act on your behalf and become your trusted advisor
* We will provide you with expert support from a local support group, we also have expert grief counsellors to help both you and your family at this difficult time
* We offer a free will service to all victims of asbestos related illnesses
* We will assist you with your claim for state benefits
* We will assist you with your claim for state benefits

Testimonials

Mr A v Charles Hill & Sons Limited

In November 2007 David was diagnosed as having an Asbestos Related Cancer (Mesothelioma).

In June 2008 David was awarded compensation from Insurers of £140,000.

Little did I realise when I browsed the web that I would be getting help and guidance that would support me for a considerable time

Why did I choose WE Solicitors that day? The first thing was that there were lots of different websites, some easy to understand and others very complicated. WE website was easy to look at and more importantly it had a free phone number right at the top. I phoned and left details on the answering machine. Within 10 minutes the telephone rang and I spoke to John Green. It was like a breath of fresh air. He UNDERSTOOD. The next day he visited us in Wales and helped with all the forms that I did not understand, and within a week the benefit people were sending us information and David was awarded Industrial Injuries Allowance. John did not treat me like a child or someone who did not know much but he showed consideration and dignity.

John Green kept us informed and he was nearly always there to ask any questions I wanted (however silly they were). If he was away a message was got to him and he got back to me as soon as he could.

We are the lucky ones, in that John Green was able to help and support me from what is a very stressful time. Our compensation was finished in a very short time and did not take years!

I would urge anyone who has this condition or similar cancers to get in touch with a solicitor ASAP. Do not delay, pick a Solicitor who knows what they are doing and you will not go far wrong if you pick WE Solicitors.

John Green has always supported me and the consideration, guidance and help I have received has been nothing but excellent. I trust John Green and WE Solicitors and know that they always look at everyone with respect and dignity.

Thank you John Green

From Mary a very satisfied customer.

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Members David Wingate & Steven Evans
© WE Solicitors LLP.

Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma

2009-03-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

What is Papillary Mesothelioma?

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM) of the peritoneum is a rare subtype of peritoneal epithelioid mesothelioma which typically has low malignant potential. This form of mesothelioma, in contrast with the conventional diffuse malignant mesothelioma (DMM), is considered to be of low malignant potential, or not likely to spread or invade other parts of the body.

It most commonly occurs in young women lacking a history of asbestos exposure. Only 38 female patients with peritoneal WPDM have been reported in the literature, and no uniform treatment recommendation has been established.

Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma.

Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. butno001@mc.duke.edu

Well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma is an unusual variant of epithelial mesothelioma considered to be of low malignant potential.

The majority of previously reported cases developed in the peritoneum of young women without a history of asbestos exposure. The authors report 14 cases of well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma, seven of which originated in the pleura, six in the peritoneum, and one in the tunica vaginalis. Eleven of the patients were male and three were female, with an average age at presentation of 58 years (range 32-82 years). Six of the patients had a quantifiable history of asbestos exposure. Of the nine cases with complete follow-up, six had clinically indolent disease, one showed resolution after adjuvant chemotherapy, one pursued an aggressive course, and one died of other causes. These findings indicate that well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma is a rare variant of mesothelioma with a variable clinical prognosis that is etiologically related to asbestos exposure in some cases.

PMID: 11688466 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE

Macroscopic features: Multiple grey white nodules usually less than 20mm in diameter.

Microscopic features:

Well defined stout papillary structures with myxoid cores, lined by bland, flattened, single layer of cuboidal or columnar mesothelial cells. Subnuclear vacuolation may be noted. Mitotic figures are rarely present. In some cases there may be limited invasion of the submesothelial layer. Deep invasion is usually not seen.

Differential diagnosis:

Reactive mesothelial hyperplasia (assocciated with inflammation) ;
Serous neoplasia of peritoneum ( cellular stratification, atypia and mitotic figures) ;
Primary and seconday adenocarcinoma (mucin histochemistry and immunohistochemistry are useful ) ;
Diffuse mesothelioma with a prominent tubulopapillary epithelial component (diffuse growth pattern & cytological atypia).

Papillary Mesothelioma Treatments

Due to the rare occurrence of this disease, a recommendation of uniform treatment has yet to be established. The typical forms of treatment that have been documented in various studies are similar to traditional mesothelioma treatments and have included surgery and multiple forms of chemotherapy. Patients and their families often have numerous questions about the best way to combat mesothelioma and we offer a comprehensive packet with information about treatment options and top doctors, catered to each patient’s specific diagnosis. Please click here to receive this complimentary packet overnight.

Mesothelioma Nutrition

2009-01-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

Did You Know?

It is important to drink as much as possible in order to maintain your body’s system. The more you drink, the more your digestive system will be able to function properly, which will then help the rest of your body to be supported and stabilized.

For most mesothelioma patients, diet is often an overlooked subject, but eating the right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as important as taking the proper medication.

Mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment should follow a special cancer diet devised by their nutritionists. Cancer diets involve eating the correct amounts of protein and calories as well as drinking the right amount of water to keep the ailing body replenished and energized. The body needs plenty of nourishment when it is going through chemotherapy or even when the patient is taking certain medications.

As with most cancers, along side traditional treatment changing your diet can help. Increase soy beans products in your diet, the alpha carotene and lycopene in soy help to revert and reduce tumor growth and metastasis. Other anti-cancer foods that should be plentiful in your diet are cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, pears, citrus fruits, turmeric, tomatoes, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, green tea, walnuts, spinach, wheat bran, rice bran, rosemary, garlic, thyme, oregano and onions. These foods should be organic. Cut down on meat (especially grilled or barbecued) and dairy food consumption, pickled food, smoked food, alcohol, saturated fats, salt, sun exposure and smoking.

Mesothelioma Nutrition

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Mesothelioma.
Multivitamins and Multiminerals

* B group vitamins
* Vitamin E
* Vitamin A
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin D
* Vitamin K
* Co-enzyme Q10
* Echinacea
* Shark cartilage
* Fish Oil
* Selenium
* Zinc
* Manganese
* Copper
* Calcium
* Pro-biotics
* Evening primrose oil

Source: Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Below are some of the important nutrients patients are encouraged to include in their mesothelioma diet:

Protein is important for any cancer patient because it helps repair tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Protein also helps maintain a strong and healthy immune system, lowering a mesothelioma patient’s risk of infection after aggressive cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing protein in a cancer diet with cheese, milk, ice cream, yoghurt, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, meats and fish.
Fats are an essential part of the cancer diet because they supply the body with the necessary energy it needs while undergoing treatment. The amount of fats (meaning the number of calories) a cancer diet should consist of is dependent on a mesothelioma patient’s age and body size. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing caloric intake with such foods as butter, milk, cheese, honey, sugar, granola and dried fruits.
Water is another essential element of the cancer diet. Without a substantial amount of water, the body will dehydrate. It is important that anyone undergoing cancer treatment receive enough water to keep their bodies hydrated and replenished.
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals help ensure growth and development, in addition to allowing the body to use the calories supplied by the foods eaten. While it is not always necessary to supplement vitamins and minerals during times when one is maintaining good eating habits, it may become more important when the challenges of being ill or undergoing treatment make eating difficult.

The details of every patient’s mesothelioma diet will vary. Some patients will need to incorporate more fat into their diets, while others may need more protein. It is important that patients devise a cancer diet under the guidance of their doctor and nutritionist to ensure that they receive the proper amount of nutrients to improve their quality of life.

Source: MesotheliomaAttorneyAdviceCenter (www.maacenter.org).

Diet and Nutrition for Mesothelioma Patients

Eating a healthy diet that contains all the essential nutrients can be a challenge for anyone. But for people with mesothelioma and other cancers, this challenge is even more difficult. Although loss of appetite and nausea are common in people with mesothelioma, eating a healthy, balanced diet becomes more important than ever. Proper nutrition helps to boost the immune system, maintain energy levels and fight the free radicals that can cause cancer. In addition, diet and nutrition can play an important role in reducing the toxic side effects of some mesothelioma treatments.

If you or someone you know has mesothelioma, here are some diet and nutrition tips for fighting the disease and living well while undergoing treatment.

A consultation with a dietician can help you create a nutritious meal plan that is tailored to your needs.
Most sources recommend a lower-carbohydrate diet for people with cancer. At the same time, higher amounts of protein can help repair tissue damaged by surgery or treatments. It can also help to maintain a healthy immune system.
Include fats in your diet to help supply your body with the energy it needs.
Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and flush out the toxins produced by mesothelioma treatments.
If loss of appetite prevents you from eating more than a few bites at each meal, you can boost your caloric intake and avoid excessive weight loss by consuming high-calorie foods. These include butter, milk, cheese, honey and sugars.
Focus on liquids and soft foods if you are nauseated or have difficulty swallowing. Blended drinks such as fruit smoothies may be more tolerable than solid foods. Commercially prepared liquid diet supplements are also useful.
To be sure you are getting enough of the nutrients you need, you may want to ask your doctor if nutritional supplements are right for you.

resource : All About Mesothelioma

Organic Foods For Mesothelioma Cancer

2009-01-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

For most mesothelioma patients, diet is often an overlooked subject, but eating the right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as important as taking the proper medication.

As with most cancers, along side traditional treatment changing your diet can help. Increase soy beans products in your diet, the alpha carotene and lycopene in soy help to revert and reduce tumor growth and metastasis. Other anti-cancer foods that should be plentiful in your diet are cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, pears, citrus fruits, turmeric, tomatoes, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, green tea, walnuts, spinach, wheat bran, rice bran, rosemary, garlic, thyme, oregano and onions. These foods should be organic. Cut down on meat (especially grilled or barbecued) and dairy food consumption, pickled food, smoked food, alcohol, saturated fats, salt, sun exposure and smoking.

Organic food is natural food as against genetically modified (GM) food. Most food that we consume today are coated with chemicals and fertilizers. They are also genetically altered to yield more, which results in more quantity but not in quality. Organic food produce is healthier because they contain 50% more vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other micro-nutrients than intensively farm produced.

In the production of organic foods:

* Toxic pesticides are not used
* Soil fertility is maintained and replenished using natural methods such as crop rotation, fertilizer crops, composting etc.
* Regular soil and nutrition analysis are done to test soil fertility and food quality
* Natural methods of topsoil management are used to ensure minimal soil erosion
* Organic farmers aim to preserve and protect natural wildlife, vegetation and water systems
* Organic farmers are concerned about the loss of a variety of species
* No genetically modified seeds are used
* Organic growers collect seeds from the plants in order to preserve biodiversity

Why Organic food is better for you?

It is said that an apple you buy in the market today has on an average of 20-30 artificial poisons on its skin, even after rinsing. Organically produced food and flowers also taste and smell so much better. Fruits, flowers and vegetables are full of juice and flavor, and they come in many different varieties. Compare an organically produced rose fragrance with those that are sold en masse in the floral markets. The ones that are farm produced only look good but they don't even smell like roses, what's a rose without its fragrance?

For meats "organic" means that the animals have been raised without the use of growth factors and antibiotics. They are also fed on natural grass. This type of meat is also called "free range". You can see the same wording on organic eggs as well.

Organic and Natural mean different things. Don't be fooled by nutrition labels and packaging, stating that the food is Natural. It might be natural, but it's not organic.

"Natural" simply means that the food is unprocessed, it is fresh. "Organic" food on the other hand means food that has not been sprayed with pesticides, fertilizers, or no waste materials have been used while the food is being grown. Also, such food has not been genetically modified (GMO).

So, why is it better to buy organic food? I recently read an interesting fact. According to the Environmental Working Group (Washington D.C.) an apple grown on chemicals can have as many as 36 different pesticides sprayed on it. What does this tell you? Is it safer to shell out a little more especially for produce or it's not?

The same with meat. Antibiotic use can cause resistant bacterial strains. That's the reason why many antibiotics don't work and can't effectively cope with a lot of diseases nowadays. Growth hormones don't allow for the animal to grow naturally.

Eat healthy, live healthy: Awareness about the products you consume is the key and many non profit organizations are campaigning against non organic and health hazardous products. It is not very far fetched to say that what you eat today has a direct impact on the health of the future generation. Go organic!

ARE ORGANIC FOODS REALLY HEALTHIER FOR YOU?

Walter J. Crinnion N.D.

Published in Organic Gardening Almanac, 1995; Llewelyn Pub.

The more I work with chronically ill people, the bigger my organic garden gets. As a naturopathic physician I deal with a lot of chronically ill people. Many of them have been through the conventional medical system with no success, so they show up at my doorstep. One day Steve showed up. Over six feet tall and 200 pounds, he dwarfed me, and was quick to mention that my hair was thinning. He was always trying to be helpful. He came to me after numerous doctors were unable to help. By the time he arrived he was sure that he was dying. His long list of symptoms, coupled with his natural tendency to do his best to get your goat had no doubt caused any practitioners to give up on him.

Routine blood tests failed to show the cause of his problems, although they did show some irregularities. The really interesting finding came when we checked his blood for pesticides.

We tested for eighteen of the more common pesticides and found that he had nine of them running around in his blood. Knowing that there are many more than eighteen chemicals in our environment did not make me feel any better. If he had 50% of the chemicals that we tested for, how many did he have that we didn't test for? Unfortunately, out of the 70,000 chemicals in daily use in this country, only about 250 can be tested for in humans. This obviously makes it very difficult to find out what is causing a health problem if the culprit is one of the remaining 69,750.

After finding what I thought to be the source of Steve's problems I had to ask: Where did he get such a high level of toxins? One of the toxins he had in his serum was DDT. This chemical pesticide was banned in 1972 as a direct result of Rachel Carson's book Silent Spring. After being in the body for 6 months, DDT breaks down to DDE. Since we found both DDE and DDT in him, this meant that Steve had gotten DDT with the past year. But how?

While DDT is banned for use in this country it is still manufactured here, and then it is shipped to other countries for use in agriculture and mosquito control. DDT makes its way back into this country on the food raised in those countries, or in the livestock that was raised on contaminated feed.

Steve was a traveling salesman in the Pacific Northwest. His territory included Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. He ate out at restaurants a lot while he was traveling. Presumably, that is where he was slowly poisoned. After seeing Steve, my backyard organic garden got a little bit bigger.

There are numerous benefits to both eating organic foods, and to organic gardening. I personally believe that a huge benefit comes from a renewed relationship with nature. It starts with an "I won't poison you, you won't poison me" attitude, and ends with "I'll nurture and respect you, you nurture and respect me." Doing your own organic gardening makes this a personal commitment. Gardening is just plain good for the soul. One of my patients told me that they refer to their time spent in the garden a "going to see my therapist." There is nothing quite like getting your hands in the soil for really good "grounding".

In addition to the mental and emotional benefits of growing and eating organic food, there are also the physical benefits. These physical benefits can be boiled down to nutrients present in organic foods that are not in commercial foods and toxins not in organic foods that are present in commercial foods. A recent article in the Journal of Applied Nutrition gave credence to the notion that organic foods have higher nutrient levels that non-organic food. In this study the mineral content of organic apples, pear, potatoes, wheat, and sweet corn were compared to commercial varieties. Overall the organic foods showed much higher levels of nutrient minerals and much lower levels of heavy metals.

Here are a few of the nutrients that were found in higher levels in the organic foods:

* Chromium is a micronutrient that is low in Western diets. Its deficiency is associated with the onset of adult diabetes and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Chromium was found to be higher in organic foods by an average of 78%.

* Selenium is one of the antioxidant nutrients that protects us from damage by environmental chemicals. It is protective against cancers and heart disease. It was found to be an average of 390% higher in organic foods.

* Calcium, needed for strong bones, averaged 63% higher in organics.

* Boron, which has been shown to help prevent osteoporosis (along with calcium), averaged 70% more.

* Lithium, which is used to treat certain types of depression, was 188% higher.

* Magnesium, which reduces mortality from heart attacks, keeps muscles from spasming, and eases the symptoms of PMS, averaged 138% more.

In short, many of the minerals that I most often prescribe to my patients are found in much higher levels in organic foods.

Other studies have looked at vitamin levels of food plants treated with certain pesticides. They showed that application of some pesticides would significantly lower the vitamin levels in the plants they were applied to. This is different than the notion that plants raised with chemicals are low in nutrients because the soil is depleted. This shows that chemicals actually reduce the amount of nutrients in plants after application. The nutrients most often affected are vitamin C, beta carotene, and the B vitamins. These nutrients are vitally necessary for the body to withstand the onslaught of chemical toxins. Vitamin C has been well documented by two-time Nobel laureate Linus Pauling to prevent and treat cancers. Beta carotene has been shown to be a stimulant of the immune system, and is sometimes able to prevent lung cancer.

When they studied organic food for mineral levels, the researchers also looked for the amount of the heavy metals aluminum, cadmium, lead and mercury. Aluminum has been implicated for years in the development of Alzheimer's disease. It's content in organic food averaged 40% less that in commercial foods. Lead toxicity, which has been in the new a lot lately, can adversely affect our children's' IQ. It averaged 29% lower in organic foods. Mercury, which can cause neurologic damage, averaged 25% lower in organic foods.

Besides the lower levels of heavy metals, there are the chemical residues themselves. The big question is whether or not the accumulation of pesticide residues in non-organic foods is a real health concern or not. Studies have never been able to conclusively show a direct correlation between residues in food and a decline of human health, but there are numerous problems in doing any such study. The first is that you would need a population of people who are free of chemical residues to compare to, and no one has been able to find such a group. According to an ongoing EPA study of fat samples taken from surgeries and autopsies across the country, we are all loaded with chemical residues. Similar studies done on other countries all show the same results.

The clearest studies that we have about pesticide residues and disease are those looking at breast cancer. In the last few years there have been a series of studies, each building upon the other, looking at the level of DDT, DDE, and PCB in women, They have very clearly shown that chemical residues in the serum and fat cells of women greatly increase the risk of breast cancer. Since breast cancer is a major killer of women in this country it is reasonable to say that avoidance of pesticide residues in food (the only known route of exposure to DDT in this country, since we no longer use it to spray for mosquitoes) could save numerous lives and reduce our health care cost dramatically.

After 50 years of "Better Living Through Chemistry" scientists have finally shown that breast cancer is associated with pesticide residue, They have yet to prove that it causes numerous other maladies. I am not waiting for them to prove it before I change my eating habits. As a clinician who sees numerous environmentally poisoned people with health problems, I am convinced of an association between chemicals and disease. The biggest source of exposure for many people is their workplace, then their homes, followed by air, food and water. Of these the easiest to control are our home environment and our diet.

Eating organic food, drinking pure water, and watching our airborne chemical exposure can have profound effects on our health. My friend Steve, who has now gone through an extensive protocol to remove the pesticide residue from his body and had regained his health, will back me up on that. When he added up the costs of his illness in time off work and medical expenses, he found that eating organic food was much less expensive than eating non-organic foods. He is eating better foods now, and my organic garden continues to grow, along with my children.

Walter J. Crinnion N.D., is a Naturopathic Physician in Bellevue, Washington. He is a faculty member at Bastyr University in Seattle, where he teaches Environmental Toxicity, and Clinical Ecology. He is also adjunct faculty at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, where he teaches an intensive class on Environmental Medicine. Since 1987, Dr. Crinnion has operated the most comprehensive cleansing protocol in the nation.

Article Source: http://lookwayup.com

Top Ten Foods to Eat Organically

Excerpted from Your Organic Kitchen by Jesse Ziff Cool

You can sidestep harm and still eat vitamin-rich foods. If you cannot find these foods organically, here are some great alternatives that contain the same valuable vitamins and minerals.

High-Pesticide Food: Strawberries
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Blueberries, raspberries, oranges, grapefruit, kiwifruit, watermelon

High-Pesticide`Food: Bell peppers
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Green peas, broccoli, romaine, lettuce

High-Pesticide Food: Spinach
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A and C
Healthy Alternatives: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus

High-Pesticide Food: Cherries
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Oranges, blueberries, raspberries, kiwifruit, blackberries, grapefruit

High-Pesticide Food: Peaches
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A and C
Healthy Alternatives: Nectarines, watermelon, tangerines, oranges, grapefruit

High-Pesticide Food: Mexican cantaloupe
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A and C
and potassium Healthy Alternatives: U.S. cantaloupe grown from May to December, watermelon

High-Pesticide Food: Celery
Main Nutrient: Carotenoids
Healthy Alternatives: Carrots, broccoli, radishes, romaine lettuce

High-Pesticide Food: Apples
Main Nutrient: Vitamin C
Healthy Alternatives: Watermelon, nectarines, bananas, tangerines

High-Pesticide Food: Apricots
Main Nutrient: Vitamins A an C and potassium
Healthy Alternatives: Nectarines, watermelon, oranges, tangerines

High-Pesticide Food: Green beans
Main Nutrient: Potassium

By : Alternative Medicine Direct

Lung Cancer Disease

2008-09-24T05:17:00.000-07:00

What is Lung Cancer?

Also called: Bronchogenic carcinoma

Lung cancer is a malignant (cancerous) tumor that starts from cells of the lung.

The lungs are a pair of sponge-like organs found in the chest that take in oxygen when we breathe in and get rid of carbon dioxide when we breathe out. The right lung is a bit larger than the left lung, which is smaller to accommodate for the size of the heart on the left side of the body. The right lung has three sections, called lobes, and the left lung has two.

Lung cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lung. It can start anywhere in the lungs and affect any part of the respiratory system.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women. Fewer than half of the people who develop lung cancer live 1 more year. And only 15% of people who develop lung cancer live for 5 more years.

Type of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is commonly divided into two types:

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC). Small cell lung cancer spreads early in the course of the disease and occurs almost exclusively in smokers. Surgical removal usually isn't an option for this type of cancer; instead, it's best treated with chemotherapy and radiation. Even so, the five-year survival rate for small cell lung cancer is very low.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer, which is more common, accounts for more than 75 percent of lung cancers. If caught early when it's confined to a small area, it often can be removed surgically. There are four major categories of non-small cell lung cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma: is a cancer that begins in squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells found in the passages of the respiratory and digestive tracts as well as in the surface of the skin and the lining of the hollow organs of the body. This type of NSCLC is linked to a history of smoking and usually found centrally, near a bronchus. It is also called epidermoid carcinoma. This cancer forms in cells lining the airways. It's the most common type in men.
Adenocarcinoma: This type of cancer usually begins in the mucous-producing cells of the lung. It's the most common type in women and in people who have never smoked or were exposed to secondhand smoke.
Large cell carcinoma: is a type of lung cancer in which the cells are large and look abnormal when viewed under a microscope. It can be found in any part of the lung and tends to grow and spread rapidly. This type of cancer originates in the peripheral part of the lungs.
Bronchoaveolar carcinoma: This uncommon type of non-small cell lung cancer tends to grow more slowly than other forms of the disease. It occurs more often in smokers than in nonsmokers and tends to arise in more than one location at the same time.

What causes lung cancer?

Although smoking is by far the leading risk factor for lung cancer, it is known that there are several other risk factors linked to the disease. Some of the risk factors for lung cancer are discussed below:

1. Smoking

Tobacco smoking is believed to be responsible for 80 percent of all cases of lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer increases with the length of time a person has been smoking, the number of packs per day smoked, and how deeply the smoke is inhaled. However, if a person quits smoking before lung cancer develops, the lung tissue slowly returns to normal, which lowers the risk of lung cancer.

Some people think that smoking cigars and pipes is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. However, research has shown that cigar and pipe smoking are almost as likely to cause lung cancer as cigarette smoking. Even cigar and pipe smokers who do not inhale are at increased risk for lung, mouth and other types of cancers.

Secondhand smoke, also called environmental tobacco smoke, describes the smoke in the air when someone else smokes. Exposure to secondhand smoke is called involuntary or passive smoking and increases lung cancer risk. For example, nonsmoking spouses of smokers and people exposed to tobacco smoke in the workplace are more likely to get lung cancer.

2. Asbestos

Asbestos is any of several minerals that occur naturally as fibers. These fibers tend to break easily into particles, which can float in the air and become inhaled, where they can lodge in the lungs, damaging cells and increasing the risk for lung cancer. Formerly used as fireproof insulating materials, asbestos is rarely used today in the workplace or in home products, as it has since been implicated as a cause of certain cancers.

Workers who have been exposed to large amounts of asbestos — such as those in industries like shipbuilding, insulation work, and asbestos mining and manufacturing — have a higher risk of getting lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer is even higher among asbestos workers who also smoke.

3. Radon

Radon is an invisible, odorless and tasteless radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock. It can cause damage to the lungs that may lead to lung cancer. People who work in mines may be exposed to radon; occasionally, radon can also accumulate indoors. Radon levels in homes may be measured by a kit found in most hardware stores.

4. Marijuana

Many of the carcinogens found in tobacco are also found in marijuana, which actually has more tar than regular cigarettes. Research suggests that marijuana may also cause cancers of the mouth and throat.

5. Lung diseases

Certain lung diseases, such as tuberculosis and some types of pneumonia, often leave scars on the lung that can increase the risk of developing lung cancer.

6. Personal and family history

A person who has had lung cancer once is at increased risk for developing a second lung cancer. Siblings and children of people who have had lung cancer may also have a slightly higher risk.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

Because most lung cancers do not cause any symptoms until they have spread, only about 15 percent of lung cancers are found in the early stages. When lung cancer is found early, it is often as a result of a chest X-ray, CT scan or other test that was being done for another reason. Symptoms of lung cancer may include:

A cough that does not go away and gets worse over time.
Constant chest pain, often made worse by deep breathing.
Hoarseness.
Weight loss and loss of appetite.
Coughing up blood.
Shortness of breath.
Recurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
New onset of wheezing.
Swelling of the neck and face.

Remember that these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than lung cancer. It is important to check with a doctor.

Diagnostic Tests for Lung Cancer:

If there is any reason to suspect lung cancer, the doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical exam. The doctor may also order a chest X-ray and other tests. If lung cancer is suspected, sputum cytology (the microscopic examination of cells obtained from a deep-cough sample of mucus in the lungs) is a simple test that may be useful in detecting lung cancer.

To confirm the presence of lung cancer, the doctor must examine tissue from the lung. A biopsy — the removal of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist — can show whether a person has cancer. A number of procedures may be used to obtain this tissue:

* Bronchoscopy: The doctor puts a bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) into the mouth or nose and down through the windpipe and into the bronchi. This test can help find tumors or it can be used to take samples of tissue or fluids to see if cancer cells are present.

* Needle aspiration: A needle is inserted through the chest into the tumor to remove a sample of tissue.

* Thoracentesis: Using a needle, the doctor removes a sample of the fluid that surrounds the lungs. This test is done to check whether fluid around the lungs is caused by cancer or by a benign condition such as heart failure or an infection.

* Thoracotomy: Surgery to open the chest is sometimes needed to diagnose lung cancer. This procedure is a major operation performed in a hospital.

If the diagnosis is cancer, the doctor will conduct additional tests to determine the stage (or extent) of the disease (stages of lung cancer are discussed later). Some tests used to determine the cancer stage include:

* Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan is an X-ray procedure in which the X-ray beam moves around the body, taking pictures from different angles. These images are combined by a computer to produce a detailed cross-sectional picture of the inside of the body.

* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI uses large magnets and radio waves to produce computer-generated cross-sectional pictures of internal organs.

* Radionuclide scanning: Scanning can show whether cancer has spread to other organs, such as the liver. The patient swallows or receives an injection of a mildly radioactive substance. A machine (scanner) measures and records the level of radioactivity in certain organs to reveal abnormal areas.

* Bone scan: A bone scan is a type of radionuclide scanning that can show whether cancer has spread to the bones.

* Mediastinoscopy: A mediastinoscopy can help show whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the chest. With the patient asleep, tissue samples are taken from the lymph nodes along the windpipe through a small hole cut into the neck. Examining the tissue under a microscope can show if cancer cells are present.

* Bone marrow biopsy: A needle is used to remove a small piece of bone, usually from the back of the hipbone, and the sample is checked for cancer cells.

* Blood tests: Certain blood tests are often done to help see if the lung cancer has spread to the liver or bones.

Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient.

Treatment may include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy, or medications (chemotherapy). Treatment for non–small and small cell cancer may be different.

Lung cancer treatment may include one or more of the following therapies:

1. Surgery

Surgery is taking out the cancer. Surgery is the most effective treatment for early-stage non–small cell lung cancers (stages I and II). In some cases, only the portion of the lung that contains the tumor is removed. In others, one lobe or even the entire lung may be taken. Surgery to remove all or part of a lung often involves opening one side of the chest, a procedure called a thoracotomy.

Operations to treat lung cancer include:

Wedge resection: In this operation, the doctor removes only the section of the lung that contains the tumor along with a margin of normal tissue.
Lobectomy: The most common type of surgery, lobectomy involves removing an entire lobe of one lung.
Pneumonectomy: In this operation, an entire lung is removed. Because pneumonectomy will decrease lung function considerably, as well as lead to other complications, it's performed only when absolutely necessary and then only if the patient breathing capacity is sufficient to allow breathing with a single lung.

Lung function studies and a lung scan are often done before surgery to predict whether the patient will have enough remaining lung function after surgery to live a fairly normal life.

2. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-dose X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy or both. Radiation following surgery for stages IIA, IIB, and IIIA (with lymph node involvement) may reduce the risk of cancer returning in the chest.

The way in which radiation is delivered depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. Radiation therapy may be given before, during or after chemotherapy. In all cases, however, the goal of treatment is to destroy cancer cells while harming as little normal tissue as possible.

Small cell lung cancer often spreads to the brain. For that reason, the doctor may sometimes recommend brain radiation therapy to prevent cancer from metastasizing to that part of the body or to eliminate micrometastases that aren't yet detectable with imaging studies. Brain radiation therapy can cause short-term memory problems, fatigue, nausea and other serious side effects.

3. Chemotherapy

Because most small cell lung cancers have spread beyond the lungs by the time they're discovered, an operation usually isn't a treatment option. Instead the most effective treatment is chemotherapy, either alone or in combination with radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy uses medications or drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is the most effective treatment for small cell lung cancer, but it is only a cure in a small number of people. Chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival in non-small lung cancer when it is given after surgery for stages IB, IIA, IIB, and IIIA. It may also be used to treat more advanced stages (stages III and IV) of non–small cell lung cancer.

In cases of small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy may be used to shrink the cancer, to slow the cancer's growth, to prevent it from spreading further, or to relieve symptoms and make the patient more comfortable (palliative care). A combination of drugs usually is given in a series of treatments over a period of weeks or months, with breaks in between so that the body can recover. Even so, because the drugs damage healthy cells along with malignant ones, they can cause serious side effects.

4. Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies use medications or antibodies to block growth factors that allow some cancers to grow. At this time, targeted therapies are used for advanced stages.

resource: Cancer Info Guide

Staging of Lung Cancer:

TNM staging is a process to measure how advanced the cancer is. The following three factors are considered:

* Tumor - size and location
* Node - lymph node involvement
* Metastasis - has the cancer spread

1. Small cell lung cancer staging:

Limited stage : The cancer is only in one lung and in lymph nodes on the same side of the chest.

Extensive stage : The cancer has spread to the other lung, to lymph nodes on the other side of the chest, or to distant organs. Many doctors consider cancer that has spread to the fluid around the lung to be extensive stage as well.

2. Non-small cell lung cancer staging:

Stage 0 : The cancer is limited to the lung and is found in a few layers of cells only. It has not grown through the top lining of the lung. Stage 0 is also called carcinoma in situ.

Stage : The cancer is in the lung only, with normal tissue around the tumor. Stage I is divided into stages IA and IB, based on the size of the tumor.

Stage II : The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or to the chest wall (the ribs and muscles that make up the area of the body between the neck and abdomen); the diaphragm (thin muscle below the lungs and heart that separates the chest from the abdomen); the mediastinal pleura (thin membrane that covers the outside of the lungs in the area near the heart); or the parietal pericardium (outer layer of tissue that surrounds the heart). Stage II is divided into stage IIA and stage IIB, based on the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage III : The cancer has either:
* Spread to the lymph nodes in the mediastinum (middle area between the lungs that contains the heart, major blood vessels and other structures);or
* Spread to the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the chest or in the lower neck.

Stage III is divided into stage IIIA (which is sometimes treated with surgery) and stage IIIB (which is rarely treated with surgery).

Stage IV : The cancer has spread to other parts of the body or to another lobe of the lungs.

Resource:
National Cancer Institute
MEDLINEplus Health Information
CancerGuide

Asbestosis - Pulmonary Asbestosis Disease

2008-09-24T04:19:00.000-07:00

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that occurs due to long- term exposure to asbestos fibres .

Asbestosis is a breathing disorder caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Prolonged accumulation of these fibers in your lungs can lead to scarring of lung tissue and diminished breathing capacity. Because many other diseases also lead to lung scarring, other causes must be excluded first when a patient is found to have lung scarring (pulmonary fibrosis).

Asbestosis particularly affects the parenchymatous tissues of the lungs and has gained increased significance due to its link to mesothelioma and to other forms of lung and laryngeal cancer. Asbestosis is also frequently associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Asbestosis, as a medical problem, was recognized early in the 20th century. A few decades later studies established asbestosis as a predisposing factor for bronchogenic carcinoma and malignant mesothelioma. The developed countries have started recognizing the harmful effects of asbestos and have replaced it with synthetic metal fibres. Legislations have been passed globally to curtail its use in industries.

Patients with particular x-ray findings or biopsy results must also have a remote history of asbestos exposure and a characteristically delayed development of the condition in considering asbestosis as a diagnosis. Smoking appears to increase the frequency and/or the rate of progression of asbestosis, possibly by preventing the efficient elimination of inhaled fibers from the airways.

What are symptoms and signs of asbestosis?

The clinical symptoms usually include slowly progressing shortness of breath and cough, often 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Breathlessness advances throughout the disease, even without further asbestos inhalation. In the absence of cigarette smoking, sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs) production and wheezing are uncommon. The exception is workers who have been exposed to very high concentrations of asbestos fibers. Those workers may also develop symptoms as soon as 10 years after exposure. Other indications of asbestosis include abnormal lung sounds on examination, changes in the ends of the fingers and toes ("clubbing"), a blue tinge to the fingers or lips ("cyanosis"), and failure of the right side of the heart ("cor pulmonale"). Asbestosis can be a progressive disease even after exposure to asbestos has stopped.

Signs and symptoms develop when damage and scarring caused by the asbestos fibers lead to stiffness in your lung tissue so that your lungs can't contract and expand normally (a form of pulmonary fibrosis). Once exposure to asbestos is stopped, however, the fibrosis does not progress.

Some asbestosis symptoms include:

* Shortness of breath, initially only with exertion, but eventually even while resting
* Decreased tolerance for physical activity
* Coughing
* Chest pain
* Finger clubbing in some cases

Although most of these signs and symptoms are similar to those of other breathing disorders, such as asthma, the way in which they develop is different. In asbestosis the effects of the disease are insidious, occurring over months and years.

Diagnosing Asbestosis

The diagnosis of asbestosis is made when there is a history of asbestos exposure and positive results from a clinical exam. There is a well-defined latency period of approximately 20 years or more between the initial exposure to asbestos and the development of asbestos related calcification and scarring.

Asbestosis can be diagnosed by the following tests:

Chest X-ray- irregular opacities in the lower lobes, heart border becomes shaggy. In the late stages of disease, there is a honey-comb likeness and volume loss. X rays can show shadows or spots on the lungs or an indistinct or shaggy outline of the heart that suggests the presence of asbestosis.
CT scan- scarring and thickening can be seen on the chest x-ray and CT, but the CT scan can detect calcifications around the lung (typical of asbestosis) more often. It is considered the most accurate means for detecting asbestos related abnormalities.
PFTs- pulmonary function testing is used to test for loss of lung volume, and for the impairment of movement of oxygen across the air sacs. Pulmonary function tests can be used to assess a patient's ability to inhale and exhale, and a computed tomography scan (CT) of the lungs can show flat, raised patches associated with advanced asbestosis.
Blood tests are used to measure concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Complications

The severity of asbestosis is generally related to the amount and duration of exposure to asbestos. Effects of the disease may be so mild as to cause almost no symptoms. Or the condition may create such a reduced flow of oxygen as to be disabling or even fatal. Asbestosis may lead to the following conditions:

High blood pressure in your lungs. Asbestosis-related scar tissue may eventually compress or obliterate your lungs' small blood vessels, causing high blood pressure in your lungs' arteries (pulmonary hypertension).
Heart problems. Pulmonary hypertension can lead to enlargement and failure of your heart's right ventricle (cor pulmonale). Your heart consists of four chambers — two upper chambers called atria and two lower chambers called ventricles. Your right ventricle assists in pumping oxygen-poor blood from your organs and tissues to your lungs, where your blood receives a new boost of oxygen. As your pulmonary arteries narrow, your heart's right ventricle must work harder to pump blood through the lungs. Initially, the heart tries to compensate by thickening its walls and dilating the right ventricle to increase the amount of blood it can hold. But this measure only works temporarily, and eventually — after a period of a few years — the right ventricle weakens and fails from the extra strain.
Lung cancer. If you smoke and have asbestosis, your chances of developing lung cancer increase greatly, especially if you smoke more than a pack a day. Tobacco smoke and asbestos both contribute to each other's cancer-causing (carcinogenic) effects, so that the combination of both risk factors together is more dangerous than the effects of either risk factor alone.
Other lung damage. Exposure to asbestos can lead to other health complications including changes in the thin membranes covering your lungs and lining your chest cavity (pleural membranes). Pleural changes may be the first signs of asbestos exposure and may include pleural thickening, the formation of calcium deposits in the pleura (plaques), and an abnormal accumulation of fluid between the membranes (pleural effusion). Pleural effusion itself is benign and doesn't increase your risk of asbestosis or malignant mesothelioma.
Other cancer. Prolonged exposure — 20 years or more — to asbestos can also lead to malignant mesothelioma. Diagnosis and treatment of this cancer is often difficult. Malignant mesothelioma may occur even many years after exposure has stopped.

How is asbestosis treated?

Patients with asbestosis, like others with chronic lung disease, are at a higher risk of serious infection, low oxygen levels in the blood, and heart failure. These patients also may not recover as quickly from viral and bacterial infections. In addition, they may be at increased risk for certain fungal and unusual infections that take advantage of diseased or scarred lung tissue. The medical management of these patients should focus special attention on preventing and rapidly treating these infections. Flu and pneumococcal vaccinations are a part of routine care for these patients. There is, however, no treatment or cure for asbestosis. In particular, steroid and immune-based therapies have not been shown to benefit these patients.

There's no treatment to reverse the effects of asbestos on the alveoli. Treatment focuses on preventing progression of the disease and relieving symptoms. The most important factor in keeping the condition from worsening is to eliminate exposure to asbestos. For most people, scarring of lung tissue doesn't begin or progress once exposure has ended.

The following may be components of asbestosis treatment:

Smoking cessation. If you smoke, it's important to stop, particularly because of the extremely heightened risk of lung cancer. In addition, smoking may cause emphysema, which further reduces your lung reserves.
Vaccinations. Because of your impaired lung condition, treat a cold or a bout of the flu promptly to avoid complications. Your doctor may advise you to receive flu and pneumonia vaccines.
Medications. The complication of pulmonary hypertension is often treated with medications to expand or relax blood vessels, and blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots from forming and obstructing narrowed vessels.

To ease difficulty breathing, your doctor may prescribe supplemental oxygen or drain fluid from around your lungs, if necessary. Occasionally, severe cases of asbestosis may be treated with lung transplantation.

© 1998-2008 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Terms of Use.

Asbestos Disease | Types of Asbestos Disease

2008-09-24T03:54:00.000-07:00

Asbestosis	scaring of the lung tissue
Mesothelioma	nodular cancer of the plural lining of the lung
Lung Cancer	Note: smoking greatly increases risk - 50 to 90 times

The most common forms of asbestos disease are pleural plaques, asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a disease which is characterized by pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive scarring of the lungs caused by the accumulation of asbestos fibers. Asbestosis is associated exclusively with chronic, occupational exposure. The build up of scar tissue interferes with oxygen uptake through the lungs and can lead to respiratory and heart failure. Often, asbestosis is a progressive disease, even in the absence of continued exposure. Symptoms include shortness of breath, cough, fatigue, and vague feelings of sickness. When the fibrosis worsens, shortness of breath occurs even at rest.

Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques and pleural calcification are markers of exposure and may develop 10 to 20 years after initial exposure. Plaques are opaque patches visible on chest x-rays that consist of dense strands of connective tissue surrounded by cells. All commercial types of asbestos induce plaques. Plaques can occur even when fibrosis is absent and do not seem to reflect the severity of pulmonary disease.

Lung Cancer

Of all the diseases related to asbestos exposure, lung cancer has been responsible for over half of the excess deaths resulting from occupational exposure. Although tissues and cells react to the presence of asbestos immediately, detectable symptoms take years, or more often decades, to manifest themselves. Asbestos-induced lung cancer may not show up on x-rays for twenty years or more after the exposure began. This delay between exposure and onset is referred to as the "latency period". Even in cases of prolonged heavy exposure, abnormalities commonly appear on x-rays only after ten or more years following exposure.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is rare or nonexistent in non-asbestos exposed populations but is becoming more common among asbestos-exposed individuals.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs and not a cancer that occurs inside the lung. Mesothelioma causes the cells of the mesothelium to become abnormal and infinitely reproduce.

A normal mesothelium cell (or any cell for that matter) can only reproduce a certain amount of times. This keeps certain cells from invading other cells. Cancer occurs when those cells become mutated and their limits are removed, allowing them to reproduce uncontrollably. These abnormal cells then form a lump that is known as a tumor. In a benign tumor the abnormal cells do not spread into surrounding areas, but malignant tumors do have the ability to spread. If the tumor is left untreated then it may spread and destroy the neighboring tissue. Sometimes cells can even break off the original tumor and spread to other organs and tissue through the bloodstream or the lympathic system. The lympathic system is part of the immune system. It is a complex system that includes the bone marrow, the thymus and the spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body that are connected by a network of lympathic vessels. When the cancer cells reach a new site they may continue to divide and form a new tumor, which is referred to as a secondary tumor or a metastasis.

Mesothelial cells line the chest cavity, the abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart. They also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue that is formed by these mesothelial cells is called mesothelium. Mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a lubricating fluid that lets organs move around. This fluid makes it easier for the lungs to expand and move around inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium in the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium around the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. The mesothelium around the heart (or the pericardial cavity, a sac like space around the heart) is called the pericardium.

The asbestos disease mesothelioma has a long latency period, where it is present but not evident or active. The disease can lie dormant for ten to sixty years after being exposed to asbestos. Because of this, it is often hard to determine the cause of mesothelioma.

Asbestos Exposure - How is Expose and Affect for Health?

2008-09-22T23:05:00.000-07:00

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is the common name for any variety of silicate materials that are fibrous in structure and are more resistant to acid and fire than other materials. It has two forms, serpentine and amphibole, and is made of impure magnesium silicate. Asbestos is used for thermal insulation, fire proofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings and has been used in numerous industries.

There are six different minerals commercially available that can make up "asbestos exposure", including:

1. chrysotile,or white asbestos;
2. amosite,which usually has brown fibers;
3. crocidolite,or blue asbestos;
4. tremolite,
5. anthophyllite, which usually has gray fibers
6. actinolite.

Of these differerence minerals, chrysotile and amosite are most often used.

Asbestos is a potent carcinogen, that is, a cancer-causing substance, and is a serious health hazard. It is the known cause of pleural plaques, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and causes cancers of the lung, esophagus, and colon. Diseases caused by asbestos have a long latency period, usually taking ten to forty years before showing any symptoms of the disease. This is especially apparent today, when people who worked with installing asbestos as insulation and other materials in the 1970s are just now coming to realize that they are developing cancer at alarming rates.

Asbestos Exposure in My Home

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information in its website about possible locations in the home where asbestos hazards may be found9:

1. Some roofing and siding shingles are made of asbestos cement.
2. Houses built between 1930 and 1950 may have asbestos as insulation.
3. Asbestos may be present in textured paint and patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints. Their use was banned in 1977.
4. Artificial ashes and embers sold for use in gas-fired fireplaces may contain asbestos.
5. Older products such as stove-top pads may have some asbestos compounds.
6. Walls and floors around wood burning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets.
7. Asbestos is found in some vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives.
8. Hot water and steam pipes in older houses may be coated with an asbestos material or covered with an asbestos blanket or tape.
9. Oil and coal furnaces and door gaskets may have asbestos insulation.

How might I be exposed to asbestos?

We are all exposed to low levels of asbestos in the air we breathe. These levels range from 0.00001 to 0.0001 fibers per milliliter of air and generally are highest in cities and industrial areas.

People working in industries that make or use asbestos products or who are involved in asbestos mining may be exposed to high levels of asbestos. People living near these industries may also be exposed to high levels of asbestos in air.

Asbestos fibers may be released into the air by the disturbance of asbestos-containing material during product use, demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodeling. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed in some way to release particles and fibers into the air.

Drinking water may contain asbestos from natural sources or from asbestos-containing cement pipes.
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How can asbestos affect my health?

Asbestos mainly affects the lungs and the membrane that surrounds the lungs. Breathing high levels of asbestos fibers for a long time may result in scar-like tissue in the lungs and in the pleural membrane (lining) that surrounds the lung. This disease is called asbestosis and is usually found in workers exposed to asbestos, but not in the general public. People with asbestosis have difficulty breathing, often a cough, and in severe cases heart enlargement. Asbestosis is a serious disease and can eventually lead to disability and death.

Breathing lower levels of asbestos may result in changes called plaques in the pleural membranes. Pleural plaques can occur in workers and sometimes in people living in areas with high environmental levels of asbestos. Effects on breathing from pleural plaques alone are not usually serious, but higher exposure can lead to a thickening of the pleural membrane that may restrict breathing.
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How likely is asbestos exposure to cause cancer?

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the EPA have determined that asbestos is a human carcinogen.

It is known that breathing asbestos can increase the risk of cancer in people. There are two types of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos: lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin lining surrounding the lung (pleural membrane) or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). Cancer from asbestos does not develop immediately, but shows up after a number of years. Studies of workers also suggest that breathing asbestos can increase chances of getting cancer in other parts of the body (stomach, intestines, esophagus, pancreas, and kidneys), but this is less certain. Early identification and treatment of any cancer can increase an individual's quality of life and survival.

Cigarette smoke and asbestos together significantly increase your chances of getting lung cancer. Therefore, if you have been exposed to asbestos you should stop smoking. This may be the most important action that you can take to improve your health and decrease your risk of cancer.

Is there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to asbestos?

Low levels of asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or lung washings of the general public. Higher than average levels of asbestos fibers in tissue can confirm exposure but not determine whether you will experience any health effects.

A thorough history, physical exam, and diagnostic tests are needed to evaluate asbestos-related disease. Chest x-rays are the best screening tool to identify lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Lung function tests and CAT scans also assist in the diagnosis of asbestos-related disease.

References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). 2001. Toxicological Profile for Asbestos. Update. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service.

Early Detection of Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer

2008-09-22T20:09:00.000-07:00

Early detection and diagnosis of mesothelioma offers you the best chance of effectively fighting the disease. More often than not, patients suffering from mesothelioma will be treated with chemotherapy. Chemotherapy works to attack cancer cells and prevents them from multiplying, however, the science has not bee perfected so healthy cells are often destroyed alongside the cancer cells. This problem is the cause of many of the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy treatments.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers.

Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer is the leading cause of death for both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), in 2007 there will be about 213,000 new cases of lung cancer, and approximately 160,000 deaths. Average five-year survival rates for patients diagnosed with lung cancer are less than 15%. Five year survival rates for patients with advanced stage IV lung cancer are only about 5%. The population at highest risk for lung cancer includes approximately 5 million men and women between the ages of 50 and 69 who are current or former smokers.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Study’s Objective in Evaluating LDCT Screening

December 24, 2007 — According to a recent and promising study in The Oncologist, researchers found that LDCT may be helpful in detecting pleural abnormalities including the early diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Researchers evaluated low dose computed tomography (LDCT), i.e., spiral or helical computed tomography, screening of those exposed to asbestos. LDCT proved more effective at early detection of lung cancer than a chest radiograph (x–ray).

The objective of the study was to create a nonrandomized trial to evaluate the feasibility of baseline and annual repeat screening using LDCT for the early diagnosis of lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma in a population that had been exposed to asbestos. 1,045 volunteers, already enrolled in a surveillance program for asbestos–exposed workers and former workers, were recruited for the study. The volunteers, between the age of 40–75, had no history of prior cancer, or other severe, preexisting conditions and no chest CT scan in the last two years. Participants underwent a structured interview regarding their medical and occupational history, including their involvement with asbestos. Researchers determined that the median age was 58 years, with an average amount of time exposed to asbestos of 30 years. Most participants, sixty–six percent, had smoked for almost 20 years.

After participants were screened, blood samples were taken and they were given respiratory tests, a chest x–ray and an initial LDCT screening. All LDCT images were reviewed by two radiologists and their findings were individually recorded, discussed and documented. In many participants, LDCT revealed nodules on their lungs, round or oval–shaped lesions, both benign and malignant. The nodules were identified and classified into categories. Positive baseline results were defined as noncalcified nodules (enlarged nodules that may be malignant) and pleural thickening (a hardening of the lungs). Participants with positive findings received a high–resolution CT–scan and additional diagnostic tests. If the nodule was not benign, it was treated by a CT–guided biopsy and video–assisted thoracoscopic surgery, or by a bronchoscopy—a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope.

LDCT Screening Results—Will LDCT Be Helpful in Early Diagnosis of Mesothelioma?

Results of LDCT screening were:

834 noncalcified (benign) nodules were detected in 44% of the participants on an initial LDCT compared to 43 noncalcified nodules in 4% of participants by chest x–ray.
There were nine cases of lung cancer detected by LDCT and none by chest x–ray. Of the nine lung cancers detected, eight lung cancers were Stage I and one was Stage IIA. All were treated with potentially curative surgery.
In addition, one person had a thymic carcinoid detected by LDCT. There were 11 false positive results.” (The Oncologist, August 21, 2007).

It was determined that annual repeat LDCT screening could provide useful information on the natural history and significance of asbestos–related pleural abnormalities.”" Researchers concluded that LDCT significantly increases the likelihood of detecting small nodules, and thus lung cancer, at an earlier, more curable stage.”" (The Oncologist, August 21, 2007) LDCT was 19 times more likely to detect nodules than the x–ray, and none of the malignant nodules were detected by x–ray.

LDCT’s sensitivity for detecting lung cancer is four times greater than the sensitivity of an x–ray. (American Family Physician, March 15, 2005) The assumption is that a 5– to 10–mm nodule found by LDCT is more curable than a 2– to 3–cm lesion seen on chest radiographs. (American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, March, 2001) . It is reasonable to expect that novel insights into the significance of pleural abnormalities may emerge from novel imaging techniques with higher resolution capabilities than 5–mm collimation CT. (The Oncologist, August 21, 2007)"

Although no cases of mesothelioma were detected in this study using LDCT, a very high number of pleural abnormalities were detected. Imaging is crucial in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. X–rays of the pleura (lining of the lungs) are used to show lung abnormalities such as pleural effusions (excess fluid between the two membranes that envelops the lungs) and pleural thickening which are symptoms of mesothelioma. Further clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the possibilities of using LDCT to detect and diagnose mesothelioma."
resource : Brayton Purcell LLP

Study of the Protein Osteopontin Produced Encouraging Results.

According to a recent article published in the December 2005 New England Journal of Medicine, a recent study of the protein osteopontin produced encouraging results. Comparing patients diagnosed with mesothelioma, patients exposed to asbestos but disease free and healthy control subjects, revealed clear differences in the patients with malignant disease. Although more research is needed to confirm the accuracy of this investigation, a strong correlation between osteopontin levels and mesothelioma was found.

A significantly higher concentration of osteopontin was detected in patients with diagnosed cases of mesothelioma compared to subjects with asbestos exposure. When compared, the levels of osteopontin were not significantly different in unexposed control subjects versus those subjects exposed to asbestos. Nearly 78% of mesothelioma patients showed elevated osteopontin levels. Levels were elevated in both patients with early stage disease (Stage I) and advanced disease. In over 85% of cases, osteopontin levels differentiated patients with mesothelioma versus benign lung conditions.

Definitive detection of mesothelioma in the earlier stages makes surgical removal of tumors possible before the disease has had a chance to spread. Once spread occurs, the effectiveness of surgical treatment drops dramatically. In end?stage disease, surgery is simply a palliative measure to improve breathing capability with little of no curative value.

While it is not clear that this information will lead to longer survival, we do know that the earlier treatment can begin, the better chance for a prolonged life expectancy and with time, hopefully a cure. ( Mesothelioma Web).

Osteopontin is a type of protein that is involved in communication between cells, including signaling involved in the development of cancer. Osteopontin has also been linked to processes involved in cancer progression and spread. Furthermore, it can be found in circulating blood and would therefore be easily measured in individuals at a high risk of developing specific types of cancer.

In order to evaluate osteopontin as a potential marker for mesothelioma, researchers from several institutions conducted a clinical study to compare osteopontin levels in patients diagnosed with mesothelioma and patients with benign (non-cancerous) lung conditions. This study included 76 patients who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma, 69 individuals who had asbestos-related benign lung conditions and 45 healthy individuals who had not been exposed to asbestos. All individuals had their blood drawn and tested for osteopontin levels.

Overall, osteopontin levels were strongly associated with mesothelioma:

* Osteopontin levels were significantly higher in the group of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those individuals with asbestos-related lung complications (133 ng/ml versus 30 ng/ml, respectively).

* Osteopontin levels were not significantly different between individuals with asbestos-related lung conditions and those who were never exposed to asbestos.

* Osteopontin levels correctly identified nearly 78% of patients with mesothelioma, and accurately distinguished between mesothelioma and benign lung conditions at a rate of 85.5%.

* Osteopontin could accurately identify individuals with stage I mesothelioma (earliest stage - prior to spread), as well as those with advanced disease.

The researchers concluded that osteopontin may be a promising marker for the detection of mesothelioma. Furthermore, osteopontin identified patients with early-stage mesothelioma, a stage at which surgical removal is possible. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings, as well as determine whether early detection through osteopontin can improve survival.

Patients who have been exposed to asbestos may wish to speak with their physician regarding the risks and benefits of osteopontin testing or the participation in a clinical trial further evaluating screening measures for this disease. Two sources of information regarding clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute (cancer.gov) and www.cancerconsultants.com

Reference: Pass HI, Lott D, Lonardo F, et al. Asbestos exposure, pleural mesothelioma, and serum osteopontin levels. New England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353:1564-1573.

New Research and Treatment of Maglinant Mesothelioma

2008-09-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

There is always research going on in the area of mesothelioma. Scientists are looking for causes and ways to prevent mesothelioma. Doctors are working to improve accuracy of diagnosis and effectiveness of treatment. Despite recent progress, much remains to be learned about the best way to treat these cancers.

Causes and Prevention

Much of the research on mesothelioma has focused on learning exactly how asbestos changes mesothelial cells and their DNA to cause these cancers. Understanding how these fibers produce cancer might help us develop ways to prevent those changes.

The risk of asbestos in developing mesothelioma is a definite public health concern. We are continuously learning more about which fibers can produce cancer, how they cause these cancers, and what levels of exposure can be considered safe. Now that we know about the dangers of asbestos, we can limit or stop exposure in homes, public buildings, and the workplace. Unfortunately, regulations protecting workers from asbestos exposure are much less stringent in some countries and nonexistent in others.

Research is also underway to clarify the role (if any) of SV40, a virus that has been linked to mesothelioma in some studies.

New Drugs

Because chemotherapy drugs have not been very effective against advanced mesothelioma, several new approaches to cancer treatment are now being studied. These include anti-angiogenesis drugs (which kill cancers by stopping their blood supply) such as Bevacizumab (Avastin) and anti-growth factor drugs (which interfere with substances some cancer cells produce to stimulate their own growth) such as Erlotinib (Tarceva).

Multimodality Therapy

Doctors are always learning more about the best way to treat patients with mesotheliomas. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma are highly debated. Treatments that use some combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, called multimodality therapy, are now being studied and may provide the most promising option for some patients. New chemotherapy drugs are currently being tested in clinical trials, together with other types of treatment.

Ranpirnase (Onconase) is an enzyme that breaks down RNA and in preliminary studies has helped some patients with mesothelioma to love longer. Larger clinical trials are currently in progress. Another new drug being tested in mesothelioma clinical trials is suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (vorinostat, [SAHA]), which may reduce growth of mesothelioma cells by inhibiting an enzyme that controls certain proteins called histones, which regulate DNA.

Gene Therapy

A new approach to cancer therapy being tested on mesothelioma is gene therapy. One of these approaches to treating mesothelioma uses special viruses that have been modified in the laboratory. The modified virus is injected into the pleural space and infects the mesothelioma cells. When this infection occurs, the virus injects a gene into the mesothelioma for interferon-beta, an immune system hormone (cytokine) that may help activate immune system cells to attack the cancer.

Copyright 2008 © American Cancer Society, Inc.
All content and works posted on this website are owned and
copyrighted by the American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved.

New Studies Show Danger of Indoor Pollution

2008-02-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Researchers are growing increasingly concerned about the indoor pollution that is affecting us on a daily basis without our knowledge.

Many people are unaware that the substances and chemicals that we’re exposed to in our daily routines within our homes, schools and offices are just as damaging, if not more, than the pollution that inhabits the outdoors.

Studies on Exposure to Pollutants.

Recent studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that indoor air levels contain more than a 100 times the amount of asbestos and other harmful substances then outdoor levels.

Although homes that are tightly sealed, which were constructed within the past few decades, prevent fossil fuels from entering, they are also unable to “breathe” and as a result can’t properly dilute the pollutants within the building.

Effects of Indoor Pollutants

The EPA is concerned of the temporary effects, such as headaches, dizziness and irritation to the eyes of indoor pollutants, as well as long term effects.

Depending upon the pollutant, long term effects can include heart disease, respiratory disease, and even leads to certain cancers such as mesothelioma.

Sources of Pollution.

Some common sources of indoor air pollution include:

Central heating
Household cleaning products
Insulation
Wood Products
Dry Cleaned Clothing (Source: Daily Herald)

From : ASBESTOS NEWS

Privacy Policy for mesothelioma-earlyinfo.blogspot.com

2008-01-14T19:13:00.000-08:00

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Good Nutrition for Mesothelioma Patients

2007-12-09T21:40:00.000-08:00

Good nutrition can play a big part in making you feel better and in keeping up your energy, although there is no definitive proof that eating well improves survival rates for mesothelioma cancer patients. Some limited studies suggest that eating fruit and vegetables lowers the risk of developing mesothelioma. Researchers theorize that anitoxidents such as beta–carotene and carotenorids and other vitamins contained in these foods may have a protective effect.
Experiments with antioxidant supplements rather than whole foods have produced mixed results.

American Cancer Society recommends that cancer patients eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day, whole grains rather than processed grains and sugars, and limit the consumption of fatty red meats. It stresses that cancer patients need enough protein and suggests a diet that includes lean meat, fish, and low–fat dairy products, which are all good protein sources. It also suggests avoiding salt–cured, pickled, and smoked food. Unfortunately, a mesothelioma cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and even the disease itself may affect your appetite and ability to tolerate certain foods. Temporary nausea or loss of appetite is not uncommon. You may have to eat smaller meals, include liquid supplements, or adjust your diet in other ways in order to cope and get the best nutrition.

We recommend consulting with both your doctor and dietitian to find the best food plan for you. Your doctor may also suggest vitamin supplements and minerals depending upon your particular mesothelioma treatment. For example, patients who were given the enzyme inhibitor pemetrexed or Alimta were able to reduce their nausea from this treatment by taking B vitamins.
Resource : Complementary Therapies

Mesothelioma Treatment and Nutrition

Most mesothelioma treatment plans are designed to destroy cancer cells, but may also destroy healthy cells in the process. A major side effect of this is malnutrition due to fatigue, appetite loss, and pain. Mouth sores, vomiting, and improper bowl function are other factors that may affect ones food intake and nutrition. Along with developing a treatment program, it is often necessary to enlist a nutritionist to develop a nutritional plan as well, especially when undergoing more aggressive treatments. It is important to be prepared for both the good days, when one can consume more food, and the bad days when one may not feel like eating as much. Supplements or foods that may be tolerable should be on hand for days one may have issues with their appetite. Staying informed and being prepared can help one maintain a more positive attitude and decrease anxiety.

Healthy Food Groups

Nutritious diet is important in the prevention and cure of various diseases.
Since no single food group can nourish the body with all the vital ingredients it requires, it is important that we consume a variety of healthy foods to derive the nutrition our body needs. There are five main food groups, they are:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Cereals and Pulses
• Dairy
• Poultry, Fish and Meat products

A healthy balanced diet of these five food groups ensures essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. The food group serving size will depend upon various factors like age, activity level, body size and gender. It is also important that one eat a variety of foods from within and across the food groups. As some foods from within a food group provide more nutrients than others.

Bok choy – Commonly known as Chinese celery is a rich source of iron, calcium and manganese. It helps to improve the bone health and makes them stronger. Bok choy is also a good source of vitamin C which helps in wound healing, boosts the immune system and fight against infections. Potassium in bok choy also helps to maintain a normal blood pressure and prevent heart diseases.

Broccoli – Broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and fiber. It has a protective effect against bladder, prostate and colon cancer, heart diseases, cataracts and hip fractures. All these antioxidants work synergistically in the body to reduce the oxidative stress and oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Blueberries - Blueberry has a rich flavor and is the powerhouse for antioxidants packed with phytonutrients called anthocyanidins that scavenges the free radicals that can cause damage to cells and tissues causing cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, varicose veins, peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, cancer and heart diseases.

Blackberries – Epicatechin and catechins the natural compounds in blackberries help to scavenge the free radicals which can cause cancerous cells.

Brown rice – To maintain a healthy body weight it is very important to focus on whole grains like brown rice and decrease the consumption of refined grains like white rice as far as possible.
( Diet Health Club)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment

2007-12-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

Your choice of treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma will depend on a number of factors. These include:

The stage of your cancer
Any other medical conditions you may have
Your general fitness

Treatment of Peritoneal Cancer:

Surgery. Surgery is not possible for everyone with peritoneal mesothelioma. If surgery is possible, the operation is called a peritonectomy. This means removing the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen) where the mesothelioma has started growing. In recent years some doctors have been developing a technique known as cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma. Cytoreductive surgery involves the surgeon carrying out up to 6 different peritonectomy procedures, to remove as much of the cancer as possible. At the same time, or shortly after, chemotherapy may be given straight into the peritoneal cavity.
Medical Management. In addition to the symptoms of abdominal pain, distension and ascites peritoneal mesothelioma can be associated with hypoalbuminemia, night sweats, inguinal and umbilical hernia, and hypercoagulability. A new drug combination such as cisplatin plus pemetrexed that have shown promise in pleural mesothelioma may also be effective in peritoneal mesothelioma. Immunotherapeutic agents such as interferon and various cytokines may have a role in treating this disease especially when the amount of disease is minimal.
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs, which are usually injected into a vein. For mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be given directly into the abdomen. Depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs used, this treatment can be given weekly or every two to three weeks. It can be given at the same time as cytoreductive surgery, or soon after. The doctor has to make a small cut in the wall of your abdomen. Then the doctor puts a tube called a catheter through the opening and into your tummy (abdomen). The chemotherapy is given into your abdominal cavity through the catheter. Some studies have suggested that this can work better if it is heated to a few degrees above body temperature first. This is called hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIIC).
Radiation Therapy. Radiation may be targeted directly at cancer cells or can be used for palliative reasons such as to reduce pain or shortness of breath or to control the spread of the tumor. This internal radiation therapy has a number of advantages, including the ability for doctors to treat a small area with a higher dose of radiation in a shorter amount of time. Brachytherapy may be either temporary or permanent.
Supportive care (Palliative care)
Unfortunately peritoneal mesothelioma is often diagnosed when it is quite advanced. Some people may be too ill to cope with intensive chemotherapy. But you can still have treatment to try to relieve symptoms such as pain, weight loss and other symptoms such as fluid in the abdomen.
With more advanced peritoneal mesothelioma, fluid may collect inside your abdomen. If too much fluid collects, it makes your abdomen swell. This can be uncomfortable and heavy.

You can have the fluid drained off. This is called abdominal paracentesis. It is sometimes called an ascitic tap.

Your care will be managed by a palliative care team. This is a team of doctors and nurses who are expert in controlling the symptoms of advanced cancer. The team may also include a physiotherapist and a dietician. By: Cancer Help
Clinical Trial.

Promoting new drug.
Perfused Heated Cisplatin. This study will test the effectiveness of an experimental treatment for peritoneal cancer involving surgical removal of the tumor, perfusion of the abdomen during surgery with a heated solution of the drug cisplatin, and post-surgery combination chemotherapy in the abdomen with fluorouracil (5-FU) and paclitaxel.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Treatment

2007-12-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

Pericardial mesothelioma is usually related to long term asbestos exposure. It generally appears fifteen to forty years after the exposure occurred and its early symptoms are subtle.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is almost always detected at a late stage, treatment options are palliative rather than curative. Any procedures or treatments suggested by doctors are usually to help reduce pain or relieve the symptoms of the disease.

Palliative treatment options may include:

Radiation Therapy. Used to draining fluid from the pericardium, as a means of relieving pressure on proximal structures, can be used to alleviate symptoms and as a way to obtain a tissue sample for biopsy. This procedure can be used to help prolong life while other treatment modalities are administered.
Chemotherapy. Used to attempt to reduce cancer cells. This aggressive form of therapy should be carefully considered as it will most likely detract from the patient’s quality of life but offer no cure.
Radiation Therapy. Used to kill the cancer cells and shrink tumors, but this approach carries with it the risk of damaging the heart and lungs. As well as the more familiar practice of external exposure to radioactive materials, treatment might involve delivering radioactive materials directly to the cancer site through plastic tubing (internal therapy).
Surgery. Used to attempt to reduce cancer cells. This aggressive form of therapy should be carefully considered as it will most likely detract from the patient’s quality of life but offer no cure.
Clinical Trial.

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment

2007-12-04T23:34:00.000-08:00

We recommend consulting both your family physician and a pulmonary (lung) specialist who has deal with pleural mesothelioma patients and is familiar with the problems of asbestos exposure.
Your choice of treatment for pleural mesothelioma will depend on a number of factors. These include:

The stage of your cancer
Any other medical conditions you may have
Your general fitness

The Pleural Mesothelioma treatment options :

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs, which are usually injected into a vein. Depending on the type of chemotherapy drugs used, you may have treatment weekly, or every 2 to 3 weeks. Chemotherapy for mesothelioma is given to slow down the cancer and to control symptoms. If you have had surgery, you may be given chemotherapy afterwards. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy. It is given to delay the return of the cancer as much as possible.
Radiotherapy (Radiation). Radiation Therapy (or “radiotherapy”) involves the localized use of high–dose radiation on pleural mesothelioma cancer cells. It works by destroying the mesothelioma cancer cells in the treated area. Radiotherapy given after surgery is sometimes called adjuvant radiotherapy. The length of your treatment will depend on the type and size of your cancer and on why you are being treated. Radiotherapy is sometimes given after fluid has been drained from around your lung. This is to try to stop new growths of mesothelioma developing on your chest wall.
Surgery. Surgery can be used to remove localised mesothelioma, or to take out as much as possible so that other treatments have a better chance of working. This is sometimes called de-bulking. There are 2 major operations that can be done:

Pleurectomy. This means removing the pleura. The lung is left behind. The pleural space around it is sealed so that no further fluid can collect there. If you have stage 1 mesothelioma, it may be done to remove the cancer. If you have a more advanced stage, it will not cure you but can delay the progress of the disease, and help to relieve symptoms such as pain and fluid collection around the lung (pleural effusion).
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP). This operation has the best record for removing the maximum number of pleural mesothelioma tumor cells. It removes portions of the lung, the “parietal pleura” (the lining of the lung), the pericardium (the lining of the heart) and the diaphragm.
Supportive care (Palliative surgery)
Palliative surgery is typically done in cases where the tumor has already spread beyond the mesothelium and is difficult to remove completely, or in cases where the patient is too ill to tolerate a more extensive mesothelioma treatment. Your care will be managed by a palliative care team. This is a team of doctors and nurses who are expert in controlling symptoms of advanced cancer. The team may also include a physiotherapist and a dietician.

If you are having trouble with fluid collecting around your lungs, you may be offered treatment to try to stop this from happening. Pleurectomy is one option. Another is thoracocentesis. This is often called a pleural tap.
The fluid that has collected in the pleural space is drained off. Often sterile talc or an antibiotic is put in to seal the space and stop the fluid collecting again. This is called pleurodesis.

The new experimental stages of mesothelioma therapy:

Photodynamic Therapy. Photodynamic therapy or PDT uses laser light to kill cancer cells. the patient receives a photosensitizing agent that collects in the cancerous cells but not in healthy cells. A photosensitizer is a drug that makes the cancer cells vulnerable and sensitive to light of specific wavelength. After the cancer cells have been sensitized, fiber–optic cables are placed in the body (usually through open–chest surgery) in order to focus light of just the right frequency on the tumor. This causes the photosensitizer to react with oxygen to produce a toxic molecule that kills the cancer cell.
Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy (or biological therapy) attempts to build up your immune system to fight cancer cells. It includes :

Gene Therapy. Gene therapy means inserting specific genes into cells to change or restore their functions. The procedure may be used to block abnormal genes in cancer cells, or to repair or replace the abnormal genes. Monoclonal antibodies are made in the laboratory; they derive from a single, cloned antibody–producing cell.
Monoclonal Antibody Teraphy (Passive Immunotherapy). Antibodies are proteins made by B cells, which are types of lymphocytes or white blood cells that fight disease.
Cytokine Proteins such as interferons (IFN) and interleukins (IL). Cytokines are proteins that occur naturally in the human body, and that are similar to hormones. They may act as messengers in the immune system, triggering the bone marrow to make more blood cells. Interleukin is capable of stimulating the growth of immune system cells called “T–cells. Interferons are other cytokine proteins that inhibit the growth of cancer cells, as well as enhance the immune system.

Mesothelioma Sign and Symptoms

2007-11-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

A. Pleural Mesothelioma Sign and Symptoms.

Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

chest wall pain
shortness of breath, known as "dyspnea".
fatigue or anemia
wheezing, hoarseness, or dry cough
blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up
night sweats and fever
wheight loss
Difficulty swallowing
A hoarse or husky voice
Pleural Effusion-fluid in the Lungs. One of the most common and specific symptoms of pleural mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest cavity. This generally causes shortness of breath, and requires a doctor to drain the fluid, called fine-needle aspiration, to make breathing easier and relieve chest pain.

B. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Sign and Symptoms.

Clinical symptoms at the time of presentation may include:

abdominal pain
abdominal mass
increased abdominal girth
distention of the abdomen
ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia
nausea and vomiting
Diarrhoea or constipation
digestive disturbances. Some patients complain of more non-specific symptoms for a number of months prior to a confirmed diagnosis. In a percentage of cases, peritoneal mesothelioma is found incidentally when the patient has sought help for another health problem such as gallbladder, hernia or pelvic mass.

C. Pericardial Mesothelioma Sign and Symptoms.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can include:

Chest pain.
shortness of breath.
Heart palpitations. The tumor and/or fluid that accumulates between the heart and the sac can compress the heart.
Persistent coughing.
Extreme fatigue after minimal activity or exertion.

Pericardial mesothelioma resembles the other types of asbestos-caused mesothelioma in that the symptoms are often mistaken for something more common.

What Causes of Mesothelioma?

2007-11-24T04:25:00.000-08:00

A. Asbestos

Mesothelioma is most predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma.

Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. Flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Mesothelioma is most predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma.

Inhaled asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in cancer rather than the cancer being caused by a reaction that is more chemical in nature. As fibers are inhaled through the mouth and nose they are cleared from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways and then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. The Amphibole fibers (long and thin) do not clear as easily and it is therefore thought that they can embed into the lining of the lungs and chest and result in mesothelioma.

Workers who sustain high levels of asbestos exposure are more likely to die from asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma than any other disease.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos is a very dangerous substance and can cause a lot of damage to your health. It is made up of very small fibers, which can find their way to pleura (outside lining of the lung) and damage the cells pleura is made of. These fibers can also be carried on clothing, which makes them dangerous not only to the person exposed to asbestos, but to their family members as well.

Asbestos exposure is known to be responsible for a variety of health issues, including:

Malignant mesothelioma
Asbestos lung cancer
Asbestosis
Diffuse pleural thickening
Fibrosis

Broad Classification of Asbestos

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

There are two broad categories into which all types of asbestos can be classified. They are as follows:

1. Serpentine group. This type of asbestos has a layered form and the fibers are curly. This is why it is called as 'serpentine'. This group has just one member, called chrysolite. Basically, This is the most common type of asbestos.

2. Amphibole group .This is considered to be the most hazardous type of asbestos. It has straight fibers. Unlike the serpentine group, it has a chain like structure. Five kinds of asbestos are found in the amphibole group.

Types of Asbestos:

1. Chrysotile asbestos. Also called white asbestos, chrysolite is the most common type of asbestos. It belongs to the serpentine group. The construction industry makes vast use of this type of asbestos. Since this type of asbestos is widely used, the majority of the asbestos-related health problems globally are caused due to chrysolite. It is used in the following materials: fire proofing materials, insulation, woven to form asbestos clothes,
cement pipes, cement Sheets, automobile brake shoes, clutches, disk pads, textiles, plastics, paper,rubber and even in nuclear industry.

2. Tremolite asbestos. Tremolite asbestos is not often used industrially, though it was sometimes found in certain commercial products such as talcum powder.

3. Actinolite asbestos. Like tremolite, actinolite asbestos is not often used industrially. Airborne actinolite asbestos fibers are easily inhaled and severely damaging to the lungs.

4. Amosite asbestos. Also called brown asbestos. This belongs to the amphibole category of asbestos. It has very stiff and Strong fibers. These fibers get easily air borne and are Very dangerous when inhaled through the nose or mouth. It is known as brown asbestos. It is mostly used for insulating purposes. Most of the countries have banned this amosite several decades ago itself. After chrysolite, this was the most popularly used type of asbestos. Amosite asbestos is used for a variety of commercial purposes such as pipe and cement sheet insulation.

5. Crocidolite asbestos. Also called blue asbestos, crocidolite asbestos viewed as the most dangerous of the six. This is a very rare type of asbestos belonging to the amphibole category. It is mostly used to reinforce plastics as it is highly strong. It is slightly blue in color. It is also used in thermal insulation.

6. Anthophyllite asbestos. Like tremolite and actinolite, anthophylite asbestos is not often used industrially, though it can occasionally be found in certain types of vermiculite (natural minerals that expand with the application of heat).

Asbestos Exposure and Your Work
resource : ATSDR

Many people have come into contact with asbestos fibers through their jobs (occupational exposure). Some of the work environments or occupations in which workers are now or were exposed in the past include:

Work Environments.

- Asbestos product manufacturing (insulation, roofing, building, materials)
- Automotive repair (brakes & clutches)
- Construction sites
- Maritime operations
- Mining operations
- Offshore rust removals
- Oil refineries
- Power plants
- Railroads
- Sand or abrasive manufacturers
- Shipyards / ships / shipbuilders
- Steel mills

Occupations:

- Asbestos removal workers
- Workers at exfoliation facilities where vermiculite ore from Libby, Montana, was processed
- Demolition workers
- Workers at asbestos product manufacturing plants
- Auto mechanics
- Boilermakers
- Bricklayers
- Building inspectors
- Carpenters
- Drywallers
- Electricians
- Floor covering manufacturers or installers
- Furnace workers
- Glazers
- Grinders
- Hod carriers
- Insulators
- Iron workers
- Laborers
- Longshoremen
- Maintenance workers
- Merchant marines
- Millwrights
- Operating engineers
- Painters
- Plasterers
- Plumbers
- RoofersIndividuals

Who have worked in the above work environments and occupations should consult with a physician with expertise in the evaluation and management of asbestos-related lung disease.

B. Other Causes
resource: medcine health

1. Radiation : Mesothelioma has been reported to occur in few people following exposure to therapeutic radiation using thorium dioxide (Thorotrast).

2. Zeolite : Zeolite is a silicate mineral (chemically related to asbestos) commonly found in the soil of the Anatoli region of Turkey. A few cases of mesothelioma reported from this region may have been caused by zeolite.

3. Simian Virus 40 (SV40) : The role of SV40 in the development of mesothelioma has also been suggested. This virus has been identified in human mesothelioma cells. In studies conducted in animals, it has been shown to induce the development of mesothelioma. However, further research is needed to confirm the link.

4. Smoking : the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing pleural mesothelioma.

Type of Mesothelioma

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Types of Malignant Mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs, called the "pleura". Lung cancer, however, is different from pleural mesothelioma because lung cancer is a malignant tumor that originates in the lungs, whereas pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs.
Pericardial Mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer in the lining that surrounds the stomach or abdomin, called the peritoneum.

There are three cell types of mesothelioma:

Epithelioid accounts for 50% to 70% of all cases. It also has the best prognosis.
Sarcomatoid accounts for 10% to 15% of all cases. It is a more aggressive form of mesothelioma.
Biphasic or Mixed accounts for 10% to 15% of cases. This form has characteristics of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesotheliomas but is associated with worse survival than epithelioid mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma?

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Definition:

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, originating from the cells which form the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneal membrane or peritoneum) which houses the intestines, or the chest (pleural membrane or pleura) cavity housing the heart and lungs, in which the cells making up those tissues begin to grow out of control. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body.

Beginning first as a flat white plaque, mesothelioma is a tumor that continues to grow around the lungs (pleurae), but may also originate around the abdominal cavity. As mesothelioma progresses, it enters the lungs and invades nearby ribs.

Description:

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.