Knowledge about Mesothelioma

Five Occasions That Warrant A Personal Injury Claim

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 5 Oct 2010 02:12:00 -0700

In recent years there has been a greater level of coverage for personal injury claims, but it can be difficult being knowing whether you have a right to make a claim.

Here are five scenarios where you may be entitled to make a claim for a personal injury and get the compensation you deserve.

1. ASBESTOS-RELATED ILLNESSES
Many of the effects brought about by exposure to asbestos can take years to manifest, but they are often serious when they do. Illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma are all associated with considerable or repeated exposure, so if you suffer from them it may be time to place a claim.

2. ACCIDENTS AT WORK
The workplace carries many potential hazards, not least of all because of faulty equipment or a lack of warning signs. If you've suffered an injury as the direct result of an accident at work and it wasn't your fault, you may be entitled to claim.

3. ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
Accidents on the road are sadly very common and can have serious repercussions. Depending on of how serious your injury is, you may suffer loss of earnings or long-term health problems. No matter how severe your injury, speak to a solicitor to find out whether you are entitled to claim.

4. FAULTY PRODUCTS AND APPLIANCES
Manufacturing doesn't always go smoothly and faulty products have the potential to harm us. From children getting hurt by damaged toys to adults getting harmed by faulty hair straighteners, if you are the victim of this kind of problem, then make sure you seek legal advice.

5. INJURIES ON HOLIDAY
Holidays are supposed to be relaxing and fun occasions, but unfortunately things don't always go to plan. For instance, you could fall on poor flooring at the airport or suffer food poisoning at the hotel. Either way, if you've been injured and it wasn't your fault, consult a legal expert for advice on whether you should claim.

Have any of these happened to you? If so, you may be able to seek compensation for your personal injury through a 'No Win, No Fee' solicitor.

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Causes and Treatments of Asbestos Related Diseases

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 5 Oct 2010 02:05:00 -0700

Asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis are treatable. However, they are incurable. Asbestosis is progressive and irreversible. Mesothelioma, sometimes called "asbestos cancer" is usually considered to be fatal.

Between 1979 and 2001 more than 43,000 people in the United States died from illnesses that were related to coming in contact with asbestos.

The illnesses are the result of breathing in or swallowing asbestos fibers or particles. Once in the body the sharp-edged tiny particles can cause scarring in the abdomen or lungs. Symptoms may not be evident for ten to forty years from the time of exposure.

Often asbestos related diseases remain undiagnosed for decades. In the early stages the symptoms are quite similar to pneumonia. Symptoms include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, blood in the phlegm, difficulty while swallowing, feeling pain or tightness in the chest, fatigue, weight loss, and a loss of appetite.

Smokers who have been exposed to this material increase the probability of lung cancer developing from asbestos exposure by fifty to ninety times. Often lung cancer patients are led to believe that their smoking caused their illness when exposure to asbestos was the actual cause.

The most reliable way to determine if asbestos is at fault is to have a lung biopsy performed. If previous exposure to asbestos is at the root of the problem asbestos fibers will be detected by the biopsy.

There are a number of treatments that can be somewhat effective in controlling malignant mesothelioma, an asbestos related disease. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often prescribed.

Depending on the advancement of the disease a physician will probably recommend one, if not all, of these methods in an attempt to control the proliferation of cancerous cells.

Asbestos pleural disease and asbestosis, while still incurable, are non-malignant forms of diseases related to asbestos exposure. However, treatments that are designed to increase the patient's intake of oxygen and remove fluid from their lungs can prolong their lives and make them feel more comfortable. These treatments include bronchodilators, oxygen therapy, and chest percussion, amongst others.

Veterans, especially those who were in the Navy and served during World War II or the Korean War, are likely candidates for an asbestos related disease. That's because at that point in time asbestos was used extensively onboard Navy vessels.

Because of it is non-flammable, asbestos was used to insulate virtually every part of the interior of every ship that was built prior to the late 1970s. This included sleeping quarters, engine rooms, boiler rooms, mess halls, navigation rooms, and more.

Some veterans of that era may be able to collect benefits if they have asbestos related illnesses. However, because of the way the government structured the requirements it is often in a veterans best interest to hire a mesothelioma attorney on a contingency basis to help them get what is due them.

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The Life and Times of Warren Zevon

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 02:24:00 -0700

During sickness it is unlikely that the patient himself or anyone relating to him would find big, thick books of law, flounder through them and then seek appropriate legal advice. Because the whole idea itself looks absurd when it is contemplated or put into effect. So, especially when someone is affected with a disease like mesothelioma, then sooner or later mesothelioma lawsuits become inevitable to claim the compensation. In this earth very few people or organization probably would themselves provide rightful compensation to the victims of their unjust doings, unless compelled by a competent court of law.
If they would be so careful and merciful, probably this earth would be a different place to live. Anyway as we all know it just does not work that way, then we have no choice but file mesothelioma lawsuits, in a real situation. But, before proceeding further, it is good to know what exactly mesothelioma is, how it is caused, or from which it may result in.
The very word Mesothelioma is derived from the word mesothelium. It is a membrane like thing which 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 to move easily without getting corrosion wound. As example, heart beats against the wall of chest.
The mesothelium protects it from any corrosion or friction effect. Now in straight meaning mesothelioma is the cancer of mesothelium. In such case the cells, as in all other cancer, divide and expand abnormally and indiscriminately. Thus, it affects all other near by organs and cause severe internal injury. The consequence is also common as in case of other cancer, patient sooner or later dies. The compensation for mesothelioma can be claimed by the victim, any keen relative in case the victim dies, or any other person having legal interest in inheriting the property of the deceased.
Even if some one gets affected with mesothelioma from the victim, though it is not contagious, can seek compensation. Here arises the necessity to find an asbestos lawyer mesothelioma for mesothelioma lawsuits. Normally, mesothelioma is caused due to prolong exposure to asbestos and it is rampant among the workers working in asbestos industries, so to conduct a mesothelioma lawsuit, only an asbestos lawyer mesothelioma can bring in fruitful result. Now to have access to an asbestos lawyer mesothelioma many ways can be taken.
Like, the yellow pages can be tried, a phone directory often gives out such names in and around the locality of the victim. Yet, it is probably the best way to search internet to find a suitable and capable asbestos lawyer mesothelioma who would conduct the mesothelioma lawsuit only for winning. Winning mesothelioma lawsuit result in huge compensation, which sometimes reaches million dollars. Moreover, the asbestos lawyer mesothelioma usually work on a no compensation- no fees basis, so the litigant also does not need to worry so much about managing the fees.

For reliable assistance about mesothelioma legal issues, one can online visit mesothelioma law firm at mesotheliomalawyersfirm.com to avail professional advice from board of mesothelioma lawyers.

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How Can You Begin the Process of Filling a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:08:00 -0700

If you feel intimidated by the thought of filing a lawsuit you are definitely not alone. Most people are reluctant to file any kind of lawsuit, even if they know they were wronged. And even if they have decided to initiate the process many people don't know where to begin.

Frivolous lawsuits have become the bane of society. They cause prices to go up and bog down the legal system.

However, if someone or some company has wronged you intentionally and caused you harm, then there is no frivolity involved. It is totally within your rights, and some would say that it's your obligation, to file a lawsuit.

Asbestos companies have known for more than 100 years that the products they manufacture can and do kill people. Yet because of their selfish interests they have withheld that information from their workers and from the general public. They have even gone so far as to lie about their knowledge of the harm that this substance can cause.

As a result, tens of thousands, and perhaps even hundreds of thousands of people have contracted asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that, once diagnosed, spreads rapidly. It inevitably leads to what can be a painful death.

If you have contracted this disease, or if one of your loved ones (living or dead) has, then you have every right in the world to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. Many mesothelioma attorneys make it as easy as they can to help you.

Most people start the process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit by going online in order to find a law firm that specializes in these types of cases. If you begin your search it would probably be best to focus on a law firm that has won a substantial amount of claims for their clients. There are law firms that have literally helped their clients receive billions of dollars in settlements.

When you find a firm that you would like to consider you will often see both a phone number and a request for an evaluation form on their website. Just choose the method that you are most comfortable with.

If you decide to call them, a representative usually will take your contact information and then ask you a few quick questions. They do that to ensure that they can properly direct your inquiry.

Within a short amount of time, whether you filled out a form or made a call, a representative of the firm will call you at the number you provided and a case manager will send you a follow-up email. That email will start the process and give you a number that you can use to contact him or her directly.

About the Author

Next, to find out more about how to file a

mesothelioma lawsuit

go to =>

http://www.mesorc.com/legal/file-lawsuit/

Wendy Moyer on behalf of Sokolove Law.

(ArticlesBase SC #3061135)

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Why You Should Consult an Asbestos Lawyer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 6 Aug 2010 02:46:00 -0700

If you've been diagnosed with a condition related to asbestos exposure, a lawyer familiar with the laws surrounding asbestos and compensation could be one of your most valuable allies. An asbestos lawyer can help you recover medical costs and compensation for the pain, loss and suffering you and your family are going through. An experienced asbestos lawyer can work with you to establish that your condition was caused by asbestos, and identify those that are to blame for your illness so that they can be held accountable for your illness and losses.

Why Asbestos Is a Matter for the Courts

From the early 1900s through the mid-1970s, many industries in the United States hid the facts about asbestos from the public, the government and even their own employees. Even though they knew that working around asbestos can scar your lungs and cause several types of cancer, they told no one. Instead, the executives of those companies actively conspired to hide the danger rather than provide their workers with safety equipment that would have reduced their exposure and their risk of developing deadly cancers and other diseases.

The companies that used asbestos in their products or manufactured asbestos products knew as early as the 1920s that asbestos was a killer. They were told by their own doctors and researchers that asbestos caused lung disease. Many were also told that they could lessen the risks by providing their workers with face masks and using air filters.

They chose to ignore the warnings rather than spend a few cents of their profits to protect their employees. The internal memos and communications from these companies that have been brought out in court are horrifying in their cavalier attitude of putting a few pennies profit above the lives of their workers and their customers.

It is the fact that they knowingly exposed their workers to danger that forms the basis for most court cases against the asbestos companies. In the court systems, this is known as negligence and callous disregard, and can entitle the victims to recover both actual and punitive damages.

Why You Need an Asbestos Lawyer

Because of the long latency period, it can be difficult to identify when and where you were exposed to asbestos. The companies that you worked for may have changed their names or gone out of business. You may have been exposed to asbestos from many different sources. More often than not, there is more than one company or entity that could be held legally responsible for your illness.

In addition, the laws on bringing suit for injuries resulting from your job vary from state to state. There are statutes of limitation that must be observed, and matters of jurisdiction that will affect where you can file your lawsuit. The whole field of asbestos law is constantly changing as the courts and governments attempt to deal with the enormous number of people who were injured by the actions of the asbestos industries. Making sense of the maze of regulations requires a skilled asbestos lawyer who understands the most current rulings.

What An Asbestos Lawyer Can Do For You

An experienced asbestos lawyer will do far more than go to court for you. Because of their experience in the field, asbestos lawyers have access to records and materials that can help identify the source of your asbestos exposure. They understand the stresses that you are living with and can help you find ways to deal with them. An asbestos lawyer may have access to information about your illness and resources that will help you financially and emotionally while your case is pending.

As a worker, you may not even have known that you were working with asbestos, but given the names of the companies for which you worked, an experienced asbestos lawyer can often discover the names and suppliers of the products that you used in your job and link them to specific companies that can be held responsible.

If it turns out that there has been a settlement against one of those companies, your asbestos lawyer may be able to help you file for compensation under that settlement. If there is not, he or she can advise you of your options for filing suit against the companies and negotiate with them to get you a settlement that is in your best interest.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, call a local asbestos lawyer to find out how they can help you get the help that you need.

Tim Dillard is a marketing executive who has worked with some of the largest law firms in America. Dillard is currently the president of Dillard Local Branding ( http://www.dlbllc.com ), a Houston-based web design, Internet marketing and search engine marketing firm.

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Most Cancers Are Caused by What's in Your Food and Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 4 Aug 2010 19:46:00 -0700

"Cancer can be defeated" This phrase has served as a rallying cry for sick cancer patients for decades, but a growing number of scientific research henceforth come to the conclusion that the most effective weapon against this disease remains prevention.
"We know that the epidemic of cancer today is due to many carcinogenic substances in the air, water and food," said Liz Armstrong who co-authored the book Cancer: 101 Solutions to Preventable Epidemic.
Most products we use daily, whether at home, at school or at work, contain many carcinogenic substances. Some pesticides, for example, have mostly been associated with lymphoma, leukemia as well as cancers of the prostate, lung, breast and ovaries cancers. When polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, found in both the exhaust from trucks and cars and second hand smoke from cigarettes, they are associated with lung cancers, skin cancers, bladder cancers and kidney cancers. In addition, a causal link was established between formaldehyde (a substance commonly used in furniture manufacturing chipboard) and cancer of the lymphatic system and brain tumors. In identifying and eliminating carcinogenic agents present in the environment, we contribute to the prevention of this devastating disease.

Half of the cancers can be prevented
In its annual report titled General Statistics for cancer in 2010 and made public last month, the Canadian Association of Cancer says that "at least 50 percent of cancers can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle and policies to promote a healthy environment. Same stories from our southern neighbors, who wrote in their annual report of the National Cancer Institute's President's Cancer Panel, published last May. " According to our researches, at least one half of all new cancer cases and all deaths caused by this disease at a global scale could be avoided. In addition to our right of access to information and our duty of inquiry, we also have an obligation to act," said the cancer survivor and research scientist and author of Living Downstream,Sandra Steingraber. After her, the key to cancer prevention is based on the abolition of all known carcinogenic agents. "Actually, the public history of cancer is very encouraging. It tells us that the environment plays a role much greater than we thought. Each person represents a given point and our goal is to succeed in finding a solution to the problem. "
Rare genetic causes
Carcinogenic agents cause mutations in certain genes, which ultimately lead to cancer, it is estimated that approximately two thirds of all cancers are caused by the presence of these substances in the environment and they could be completely eradicated. I would have become very depressed if science had proved that our genes were to blame, "says Steingraber, but in reality, only 5 percent of all cancers are caused by our genetic factors. We can not change the past, but we can ensure that our systems and agricultural industries no longer depend on all sorts of toxic products. We can prevent cancer by protecting people against the causes of the disease.
Products associated with various types of cancer
1,3-Butadiene
May cause cancer of the lymphatic system.
Source: Production of synthetic materials and rubber.
Trichloroethylene
May cause leukemia and cancer of the kidney or liver.
Sources: Dry Cleaning, Production of textiles, steam cleaning of metals.
Pesticides
Can cause soft tissue sarcoma, malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, also leukemia, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
chromium
May cause cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast.
Source: electroplating, leather tanning, textiles protection.
Cadmium
Causes cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast.
Sources: Coal, power plants, incineration, production of plastic materials.
Asbestos
May cause mesothelioma
Source: Isolation coverage, cement, jacket fireproof linings.
Trichlorethylene
May cause cancer of the cervix uterus, kidney and liver, Hodgkin's disease and multiple myeloma.
Sources: Degreasers, adhesive products, paints, coatings.
Benzene
Can cause a severe form of myeloid leukemia.
Sources: Emission of carbon dioxide, water purifying plants, smoking.
Polycyclic aromatic compounds
Can cause cancer of the lung, skin, of the bladder, kidney and larynx.
Source: Heating, carbon dioxide, second hand smoke.
Formaldehyde
Can cause leukemia, lymphatic cancer, and brain tumors.
Sources: Construction material (wood agglomerate), second hand smoke, combustion appliances.
Dioxins and furans
Can cause lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Sources: waste incinerators, steel mills, diesel, wood fireplace, power plants.
Prevention measures
1. Filter your tap.
2. Store your water in steel containers. (this will reduce exposure to contaminants and the production of plastic materials)
3. If you use a microwave oven, heat your food in a ceramic container rather than a plastic container.
4. Avoid using pesticides.
5. Eat organic food. (No pesticides, fertilizers or growth hormones)
6. Reduce your consumption of red meat and avoid processed meats.
7. Throw away expired medicines, store your paints and Household products in a suitable location.
8. Buy No toxic products.
9. Watch out for high emissions of radon inside your home.
10. Avoid second hand smoke.

I was born and raised in a rural area in Grand Falls NB. It was a great life on the farm, even though I became a design draftsman, many times I would stop drafting for a while and worked for a summer on the farm. You are invited to visit my my health products website.

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Asbestos and Pleural Effusion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 4 Aug 2010 19:43:00 -0700

Imagine having to paddle as hard as you can to stay above water to keep you from drowning. Now think of something even worse-drowning from within as fluid fills up in your pleural cavity, preventing your lungs from expanding with oxygen. This condition is known as pleural effusion.
Our torso is basically divided into two halves. The bottom portion is the abdomen, and it contains things like the stomach and intestines. The top half is the part that holds your lungs. The torso is divided by the diaphragm, which is the large muscle that helps lungs to expand and contract. The cavity that holds the lungs is called the thoracic cavity, and the area surrounding the lungs is called the pleural space.

The lining that covers the lungs is part of the mesothelium, and the specialized lung lining is called the pleura. The pleura is in charge of secreting a slippery liquid that keeps the lungs from rubbing up against the rib cage and inside of the chest cavity. This liquid acts as a lubricant to keep friction from damaging the lungs. The lubrication is both produced and absorbed by lymphatic system, which is capable of draining up to 300 milliliters of the fluid at any one time. However, the average amount of fluid between the pleural lining of the lungs and the rest of the body is about 15 ml.
While pleural effusion in itself is not a disease, it can be caused by several different afflictions. Some causes of pleural effusion include:
Congestive heart failure
Bacterial infection such as pyrothorax or empyema
Pneumonia
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Lung cancer
Lymphatic cancer
Mesothelioma
With heart failure, the buildup can be caused by poor circulation. With lymphatic and other cancers, the lymphatic system can be so weakened that it cannot drain away the pleural fluid. Mesothelioma is a particular type of cancer that affects the pleural lining, causing tumors to spread throughout the mesothelium. This can disrupt the pleural lining's ability to regulate its output of the lubricating fluid.
When the pleural fluid accumulates, it can fill up the space surrounding the lungs. The lungs are then restricted in the amount that they can expand. Additionally, the fluid can build up to the point that the lubrication itself is pressing on the lungs, which basically amounts to your lungs constantly being forced into an exhalation state. Pleural effusion can cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain. It can eventually lead to suffocation of the person with the problem.
Pleural effusion is an uncomfortable and dangerous condition that can be caused by asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos. If you or someone you know has developed pleural effusion due to mesothelioma, you should speak to a lawyer about your rights to possible financial compensation. For more information, contact a mesothelioma attorney at the firm of Williams Kherkher today.

Joseph Devine

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The Concept of Hope and Mesothelioma Survivors

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 1 Aug 2010 20:03:00 -0700

I am a kidney cancer patient and my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer seven months before I learned about my disease. That doesn't make me a doctor or an expert, but I think it gives me some credibility and will put things into perspective as you read this article, especially when I talk about things like 'hope' and 'positive attitude'.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that comes with a very poor outlook on survival, if we solely look at the data and statistics. A cure is yet to be found. New promising treatment protocols have been introduced over the past few years; however, the associated costs are astronomical and therefore those options are out of reach to most mesothelioma victims.
I was actually beating all odds, because given my age and overall health, chances where less than 2% that the blood I had encountered in my urine, would only a few weeks later lead to a kidney cancer diagnosis. By that time, I was able to deal with it fairly reasonable, because my family and I just went through the whole nightmare of coping with cancer news when my wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer. So I know how it feels to a newly diagnosed mesothelioma patient and their families. And I also know how hard it is to absorb all the well intended advice that comes pouring in from all over the place, along with statements like: "Do not give up hope." And in retrospect I must admit that all those people were right, because eventually, it was hope and the belief that living a healthy lifestyle will help us surviving the cancer.
But let's go back to mesothelioma. Celebrex is COX2 inhibitor which has shown remarkable results in a study that was recently conducted. I will purposely not go into numbers here, but they are available on the Internet.
However, the in general the picture is still the same. Malignant mesothelioma remains one of the most difficult to treat forms of cancer and therefore comes with a rather poor prognosis. That leaves the majority of mesothelioma cancer patients often with only one weapon: their hope.
And yes, there are examples where mesothelioma survivors lived significantly longer than anyone could have ever predicted. Interestingly enough, all those individuals, who were able to do that, have one thing in common: they all kept emphasizing the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, that not only consists of pristine nutrition, usually a whole food and plant based diet, but also mental health. I actually prefer the term mental health over hope, because hope is commonly slightly connotated with desperation.
I'm no Pollyanna and I have good and bad days like everybody else. But I do know that our physical and emotional health helped my wife in going through all the turmoil with our cancers. And I am convinced that this principle is equally applicable to mesothelioma patients, or anybody else who suffers from a severe health condition and wants to play in active role in getting healthy again.

The author Tony Ulrich was diagnosed with kidney cancer in October of 2009. In his research on what his cancer could have been caused by, he came across with data that suggests a strong link to environmental toxins, such as asbestos. Please visit his Kidney Cancer and Asbestos Mesothelioma website for more details.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Ulrich

Asbestos Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 1 Aug 2010 20:01:00 -0700

When it comes to protecting your family, it is sure that you are taking all precautions. Some homeowners may not even realize the danger their own house can cause if it is not maintained. Things like the quality of the air you breathe in can play a huge role in someone's health. For example, if you find disturbed asbestos in your home, removal or repair options should be taken immediately. Repair or removal is important for the safety of your family.

For those that are unfamiliar with the term, asbestos is a natural mineral that has been used for a number of construction purposes. Manufacturers were apt to use asbestos because its ability to absorb sound, resist fire, absorb heat, resist chemicals, and resist electrical damage. However, asbestos was found to be dangerous if inhaled. If someone inhales this substance they stand risk for serious illness, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and more. The more that is inhaled, the greater the risk for illness.
To make sure your home is safe there are a few precautions you should take. You can start by having your home checked for exposure. It is important that you do not try and take removal or repair situation into your own hands if you are not trained to handle asbestos. A professional will be able to identify the problem easily and overcome it thoroughly without threat. Even minor repairs should be handled by professionals. This substance was banned for serious reason, and exposure should be taken with high caution.
If you come by asbestos in your home, do not worry; you are safe if you handle the situation correctly. Generally if the substance is in good condition, has not been disturbed, and is out of reach from activity, then you are not in harm's way. Remember, it can only affect someone if inhaled. It must be damaged for the fibers to pollute your breathing air. Do not sweep, tamper, wipe, clean, touch, vacuum, or breath in any substance containing asbestos. If the substance affects large areas, call a professional immediately.
It can be a scary thing having asbestos in your home, especially when it is unrecognizable in materials by the naked eye. The only way to know for sure if it is in any material is for that material to be tested. It can actually be more dangerous to do sampling for asbestos than if you just left the substance alone to begin with. That is why it is important for your safety that you do not let asbestos exposure lightly. Leave handling this home issue to the professionals and keep your air quality safe.

Air Quality Testing
Asbestos Testing Montreal

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Mesothelioma Mesomark Blood Test

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:44:00 -0700

MESOSELIOMA MESOMARK BLOOD TEST

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the MESOMARK assay to help monitor response to treatment in malignant mesothelioma patients. The MESOMARK test signifies the beginning of a new era in monitoring mesothelioma malignancies," said Dr. W. Jeffrey Allard, vice president and chief scientific officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics. "As the first in-vitro test for patients with this aggressive disease, it will enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor treatment of patients."

The MESOMARK Assay test kit was developed to measure levels of a biomarker, mesothelin, in serum. Biomarkers are substances found in higher-than-normal concentrations in the blood, urine or body tissues of patients with certain types of cancers. The test may be used to monitor patients confirmed as having mesothelioma, for recurrence in patients following surgery, or for measuring response to therapies.

"Current diagnostic tests are less than ideal for quantification of changes in tumor volume, which is key to managing the disease," continued Allard. "As the MESOMARK results correlate with tumor volume*, it provides a much needed tool for monitoring patient status. It is our plan to collect additional data in the future to support the use of the test to detect mesothelioma."

Those wishing to take part in MESOMARK testing will be asked to provide one or more samples of blood. The blood samples will then be sent to a national reference laboratory for testing. In conjunction with other clinical and laboratory data obtained by your doctor, decisions regarding your treatment and care may be simplified. You may discontinue testing at any time.

LINKS:

Diagnisis Mesothelioma

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Living Well With Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:37:00 -0700

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is shocking, but it does not mean that you have to give up on taking care of yourself. Most people do not experience symptoms for several decades, so starting or continuing an exercise program is a beneficial practice.

Healthy enjoyable exercise as well as good nutrition is essential to anyone’s health. They are both a way to take charge of your health and improve your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Getting Started

If you know or suspect that you have been exposed to mesothelioma, inform your doctor immediately. At the same time, talk to your doctor about your fitness and exercise goals, especially if you are starting a new program.

One of the reasons people do not stick with new exercise programs is that they do not find them enjoyable. There are so many different fitness programs that there are bound to be several that fit with your lifestyle. As you choose an exercise plan, consider the following:

· Is the exercise comfortable and gentle on your body?

· Is the activity easily accessible?

· Do you enjoy it?

· Is there variety?

· Do you feel more energy and vitality afterwards?

If you feel pain in any way or if the exercise causes you any discomfort, discontinue the activity until you talk to your doctor. In order to have a well balanced fitness program, remember to mix it up. Diversity is key for success with exercise.

When developing your plan, try a variety of exercises that provide cardiovascular, strength-building, and flexibility. Yoga and walking are two ways to gently start a new routine. Begin slowly and gradually increase in strength and duration.

Boost Your Immune System

Cardiovascular exercise can boost your immune system, increase your energy, and improve your emotional outlook. Some studies show a decrease in the need for oxygen for patient’s suffering with lung disease. This is good to know when dealing with mesothelioma. Try aerobic fitness classes, dance classes, or bicycling, or check with your local health clubs for specialized cancer programs in your community.

Additional Support for Your Body

As a mesothelioma survivor, you are bound to have good days and bad. If you are not feeling well, that is a good time to honor your body’s need to rest. Stretching may be beneficial, or you could choose to have a massage. Acupuncture may also help you relax, regroup, and refocus your energy.

Good nutrition that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat gives your body the fuel it needs to function optimally. This holds true for everyone, especially the cancer patient. In addition, two often overlooked resources are relaxation and meditation. A healthy fitness program can help you take your mind off your illness and focus it on living well.

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Types of Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:33:00 -0700

A lot of mesothelioma related diseases exist. Mesothelioma can be classified by their location. Below shows the common types of mesotheliomAa.

Pleural — 75% of all mesothelioma cases

Peritoneal — 10%–20%

Pericardial — 5%

Lung Cancer Mesothelioma

Lung cancer is the leading cause of death in mesothelioma illnesses. When these asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they may become trapped in the lungs or the digestive tract permanently, causing serious illness or disease such as lung cancer mesothelioma.

Lung cancer is difficult to diagnose early and it also spreads at a rapid rate, and is rarely cured. Lung cancer mesothelioma typically occurs at a younger age than other lung cancers. It equally has a smaller latency time than other mesothelioam related cases.

If you’ve worked in places that exposes you to asbestos, and you start developing Change in breathing patterns, Shortness of breath Persistent chest pains, Coughing, Hoarseness, Anemia, then you need to do two smart things:

Visit your doctor

See a mesothelioma lawyer or mesothelioma attorney.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity. One of the main problems in diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma is that the disease has a very slow onset. Additionally, many individuals with malignant pleural mesothelioma do not immediately seek treatment because of the generalized nature of their symptoms. Early signs of malignant pleural mesothelioma include persistent pain in the chest, shortness of breath, weight loss and fever. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have cancerous growths in the tissues and lining surrounding their lungs. Men between the ages of 50 and 70 are more commonly diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a deadly and devastating disease with no known cure. Initial symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are often vague:

shortness of breath

chest pains

coughing

Peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of malignant mesothelioma, making up slightly less than 30% of diagnosed mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma affects the cells of the abdominal lining, also known as the peritoneum, which supports and protects organs in the abdomen. It is widely believed that asbestos fibers that are inhaled are transported to the peritoneum via the lymphatic system.

Once in the peritoneum, asbestos fibers cause changes in peritoneal cells that cause them to divide without restraint, causing the peritoneal layers to thicken. The growth of cancer cells puts pressure on internal organs, and this pressure is increased by fluid that builds up in the area as a result of cancer growth.

Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common form of a mesothelioma. Only around 5% of mesothelioma cases are pericardial. This type of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, which is a membranous lining that surrounds the heart, providing both support and protection to the organ. Once asbestos fibers are lodged in the membranes surrounding the heart, they cannot be eliminated by the body. These fibers then begin to cause changes in the pericardial membrane. While the exact nature of these changes is not completely understood, it is known that these changes eventually lead to uncontrolled growth of cells in the pericardial layers, causing malignant mesothelioma tumors to form.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

The rarity of pericardial mesothelioma has made it difficult for specialists to determine a specific set of common symptoms. The following symptoms often indicate a cardiac condition, but further tests are required to confirm a diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma.s

Chest pain

Irregular heartbeat

Heart palpitations

Mesothelioam Lawyers

Mesothelioma

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Types of Mesothelioma

Most Cancers Are Caused by What's in Your Food and Environment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:07:00 -0700

"Cancer can be defeated" This phrase has served as a rallying cry for sick cancer patients for decades, but a growing number of scientific research henceforth come to the conclusion that the most effective weapon against this disease remains prevention.
"We know that the epidemic of cancer today is due to many carcinogenic substances in the air, water and food," said Liz Armstrong who co-authored the book Cancer: 101 Solutions to Preventable Epidemic.
Most products we use daily, whether at home, at school or at work, contain many carcinogenic substances.
Some pesticides, for example, have mostly been associated with lymphoma, leukemia as well as cancers of the prostate, lung, breast and ovaries cancers. When polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, found in both the exhaust from trucks and cars and second hand smoke from cigarettes, they are associated with lung cancers, skin cancers, bladder cancers and kidney cancers. In addition, a causal link was established between formaldehyde (a substance commonly used in furniture manufacturing chipboard) and cancer of the lymphatic system and brain tumors. In identifying and eliminating carcinogenic agents present in the environment, we contribute to the prevention of this devastating disease.
Half of the cancers can be prevented
In its annual report titled General Statistics for cancer in 2010 and made public last month, the Canadian Association of Cancer says that "at least 50 percent of cancers can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle and policies to promote a healthy environment. Same stories from our southern neighbors, who wrote in their annual report of the National Cancer Institute's President's Cancer Panel, published last May. " According to our researches, at least one half of all new cancer cases and all deaths caused by this disease at a global scale could be avoided. In addition to our right of access to information and our duty of inquiry, we also have an obligation to act," said the cancer survivor and research scientist and author of Living Downstream,Sandra Steingraber. After her, the key to cancer prevention is based on the abolition of all known carcinogenic agents. "Actually, the public history of cancer is very encouraging. It tells us that the environment plays a role much greater than we thought. Each person represents a given point and our goal is to succeed in finding a solution to the problem. "
Rare genetic causes
Carcinogenic agents cause mutations in certain genes, which ultimately lead to cancer, it is estimated that approximately two thirds of all cancers are caused by the presence of these substances in the environment and they could be completely eradicated. I would have become very depressed if science had proved that our genes were to blame, "says Steingraber, but in reality, only 5 percent of all cancers are caused by our genetic factors. We can not change the past, but we can ensure that our systems and agricultural industries no longer depend on all sorts of toxic products. We can prevent cancer by protecting people against the causes of the disease.
Products associated with various types of cancer
1,3-Butadiene
May cause cancer of the lymphatic system.
Source: Production of synthetic materials and rubber.
Trichloroethylene
May cause leukemia and cancer of the kidney or liver.
Sources: Dry Cleaning, Production of textiles, steam cleaning of metals.
Pesticides
Can cause soft tissue sarcoma, malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, also leukemia, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
chromium
May cause cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast.
Source: electroplating, leather tanning, textiles protection.
Cadmium
Causes cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast.
Sources: Coal, power plants, incineration, production of plastic materials.
Asbestos
May cause mesothelioma
Source: Isolation coverage, cement, jacket fireproof linings.
Trichlorethylene
May cause cancer of the cervix uterus, kidney and liver, Hodgkin's disease and multiple myeloma.
Sources: Degreasers, adhesive products, paints, coatings.
Benzene
Can cause a severe form of myeloid leukemia.
Sources: Emission of carbon dioxide, water purifying plants, smoking.
Polycyclic aromatic compounds
Can cause cancer of the lung, skin, of the bladder, kidney and larynx.
Source: Heating, carbon dioxide, second hand smoke.
Formaldehyde
Can cause leukemia, lymphatic cancer, and brain tumors.
Sources: Construction material (wood agglomerate), second hand smoke, combustion appliances.
Dioxins and furans
Can cause lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Sources: waste incinerators, steel mills, diesel, wood fireplace, power plants.
Prevention measures
1. Filter your tap.
2. Store your water in steel containers. (this will reduce exposure to contaminants and the production of plastic materials)
3. If you use a microwave oven, heat your food in a ceramic container rather than a plastic container.
4. Avoid using pesticides.
5. Eat organic food. (No pesticides, fertilizers or growth hormones)
6. Reduce your consumption of red meat and avoid processed meats.
7. Throw away expired medicines, store your paints and Household products in a suitable location.
8. Buy No toxic products.
9. Watch out for high emissions of radon inside your home.
10. Avoid second hand smoke.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rodolphe_Cote

Surviving Mesothelioma & Other Cancers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 10:03:00 -0700

Paul Kraus is a mesothelioma survivor and the author of Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers.

Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Characterized by a shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, this is often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. Be aware, however, that these symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. Obtaining a diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other, less serious conditions.

In June 1997, Mr. Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma (a "terminal" cancer) and given only a few months to live. More than eight years later, he is alive with a good quality of life having rejected surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He took an alternative approach to healing his cancer that encompassed mind, body, and spirit.

In his book about mesothelioma, Kraus sets out how he beat the odds. The introduction reflects Paul's inspiration and committment to life:

"In my eighth year after diagnosis I remain well. I have outlived my prognosis by at least seven years and the medical specialist I visited not long ago told me that 'you will be around for a lot longer yet.' My survival has been hard work. The underlying assumption with all that I have done, and continue to do, is a strong belief that our bodies are designed with amazing self-healing capacities."

Mr. Kraus has made himself available to other patients who would like to speak with him. The Surviving Mesothelioma website provides details about the book, how to speak directly with Mr. Kraus, facts and statistics about mesothelioma, conventional, alternative, biological and immuno-therapies, the latest medical news, directories of clinics that take a holistic approach to healing, and a patient forum where patients can share information and discuss issues of importance.

About the Author

Allyson Brandy is a writer, cancer survivor and science fiction fan with a slightly skewed, amused perspective of the world. Read her news blog on this rare and deadly disease at: http://www.findalawyernowonline.com/mesoblog/news.html/

(ArticlesBase SC #11112)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Surviving Mesothelioma & Other Cancers

Most cancers are caused by what's in your food and environment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:59:00 -0700

Most cancers are caused by what's in your food and environment

Cancer can be defeated" This phrase has served as a rallying cry for sick cancer patients for decades, but a growing number of scientific research henceforth come to the conclusion that the most effective weapon against this disease remains prevention.

"We know that the epidemic of cancer today is due to many carcinogenic substances in the air, water and food," said Liz Armstrong who co-authored the book Cancer: 101 Solutions to Preventable Epidemic.

Most products we use daily, whether at home, at school or at work, contain many carcinogenic substances. Some pesticides, for example, have mostly been associated with lymphoma, leukemia as well as cancers of the prostate, lung, breast and ovaries cancers. When polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, found in both the exhaust from trucks and cars and second hand smoke from cigarettes, they are associated with lung cancers, skin cancers, bladder cancers and kidney cancers. In addition, a causal link was established between formaldehyde (a substance commonly used in furniture manufacturing chipboard) and cancer of the lymphatic system and brain tumors. In identifying and eliminating carcinogenic agents present in the environment, we contribute to the prevention of this devastating disease.

Half of the cancers can be prevented

In its annual report titled General Statistics for cancer in 2010 and made public last month, the Canadian Association of Cancer says that "at least 50 percent of cancers can be prevented through a healthy lifestyle and policies to promote a healthy environment. Same stories from our southern neighbors, who wrote in their annual report of the National Cancer Institute's President's Cancer Panel, published last May. " According to our researches, at least one half of all new cancer cases and all deaths caused by this disease at a global scale could be avoided. In addition to our right of access to information and our duty of inquiry, we also have an obligation to act," said the cancer survivor and research scientist and author of Living Downstream,Sandra Steingraber. After her, the key to cancer prevention is based on the abolition of all known carcinogenic agents. "Actually, the public history of cancer is very encouraging. It tells us that the environment plays a role much greater than we thought. Each person represents a given point and our goal is to succeed in finding a solution to the problem. "

Rare genetic causes

Carcinogenic agents cause mutations in certain genes, which ultimately lead to cancer, it is estimated that approximately two thirds of all cancers are caused by the presence of these substances in the environment and they could be completely eradicated. I would have become very depressed if science had proved that our genes were to blame, "says Steingraber, but in reality, only 5 percent of all cancers are caused by our genetic factors. We can not change the past, but we can ensure that our systems and agricultural industries no longer depend on all sorts of toxic products. We can prevent cancer by protecting people against the causes of the disease.

Products associated with various types of cancer

1,3-Butadiene

May cause cancer of the lymphatic system.

Source: Production of synthetic materials and rubber.

Trichloroethylene

May cause leukemia and cancer of the kidney or liver.

Sources: Dry Cleaning, Production of textiles, steam cleaning of metals.

Pesticides

Can cause soft tissue sarcoma, malignant lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, also leukemia, prostate cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

chromium

May cause cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast.

Source: electroplating, leather tanning, textiles protection.

Cadmium

Causes cancer of the lung, pancreas, kidney, prostate and breast.

Sources: Coal, power plants, incineration, production of plastic materials.

Asbestos

May cause mesothelioma

Source: Isolation coverage, cement, jacket fireproof linings.

Trichlorethylene

May cause cancer of the cervix uterus, kidney and liver, Hodgkin's disease and multiple myeloma.

Sources: Degreasers, adhesive products, paints, coatings.

Benzene

Can cause a severe form of myeloid leukemia.

Sources: Emission of carbon dioxide, water purifying plants, smoking.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds

Can cause cancer of the lung, skin, of the bladder, kidney and larynx.

Source: Heating, carbon dioxide, second hand smoke.

Formaldehyde

Can cause leukemia, lymphatic cancer, and brain tumors.

Sources: Construction material (wood agglomerate), second hand smoke, combustion appliances.

Dioxins and furans

Can cause lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Sources: waste incinerators, steel mills, diesel, wood fireplace, power plants.

Prevention measures

1. Filter your tap.

2. Store your water in steel containers. (this will reduce exposure to contaminants and the production of plastic materials)

3. If you use a microwave oven, heat your food in a ceramic container rather than a plastic container.

4. Avoid using pesticides.

5. Eat organic food. (No pesticides, fertilizers or growth hormones)

6. Reduce your consumption of red meat and avoid processed meats.

7. Throw away expired medicines, store your paints and Household products in a suitable location.

8. Buy No toxic products.

9. Watch out for high emissions of radon inside your home.

10 Avoid second hand smoke.

About the Author

(ArticlesBase SC #2695472)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Most cancers are caused by what's in your food and environment

Asbestos Safety

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:07:00 -0700

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_A_Buchanan

Drinking Water Purification

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 05:04:00 -0700

How to Navigate This Minefield

Have you read about this recently? At any point of time, more than 2,100 carcinogenic chemicals can be found in tap water. Drinking water purification has become the need of the hour in order to protect our families from the huge health risks contaminated water carries.
To be able to do effective drinking water purification, we first need to know what we are up against -
Chemicals There are all kinds of new chemicals being manufactured by industries every day for different purposes. And sooner or later, these chemicals are bound to make their way into our water supplies through the lakes and rivers the industrial waste is dumped into.

Some chemicals like chlorine and chloramines are deliberately added into the water supply by the municipals to sanitize it of germs like bacteria. While this does help in preventing the outbreak of water borne diseases, chlorine itself is a deadly carcinogen and shouldn't be allowed to make its way into your body.
Organic matter Dead insects, leaves, bark from the trees, animal feces - all of this can and does get added into our water supply. Not only are they detrimental for health by themselves, they also react with the chemicals present in water like chlorine and form new dangerous chemicals like THMs (Trihalomethanes), which are even more harmful.
Heavy Metals As the water passes through the rusty old pipes of the water distribution network, it leeches some of the asbestos and lead from the joints of the pipes. Drinking such metal laced water can cause health problems like hearing loss, brain damage, ADD, and even Mesothelioma.
Now, let's talk about the techniques of drinking water purification.
The common techniques like Distillation are not very effective here. A distiller boils the water and collects the vapors in a separate chamber. So the contaminants are left behind, and you get purified water as the output.
The problem is - some chemicals like chlorine also boil easily and get collected along with the water vapor. So the purified water is still not really clean and safe to use.
Reverse Osmosis filters are also not capable of removing chemicals with small molecular size, as they easily pass through the semi permeable membrane these filters use for separating the water molecules from contaminants.
What you really need for effective drinking water purification is a purifier that combines the power of multiple purification techniques like Carbon filtration, Ion Exchange and Sub Micron filtration. This ensures all possible impurities from the water are removed and it is made absolutely safe for drinking.
Your next step? To find out a quality purifier that can give you 100% clean and safe drinking water.
Daniel Woods is a dedicated advocate and researcher of the benefits of safe, clean, healthy filtered water. If you want to know how to choose a water purifier, visit - http://www.waterpurifierhome.com/ and learn about the products our editors personally use and recommend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Woods

Knowing More About Epithelial Malignant Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:59:00 -0700

Through the years, the disease called mesothelioma, or epithelial malignant mesothelioma, has been gaining popularity. That is because the number of patients diagnosed with the disease has been constantly on the rise. Plus, aside from the rising number, there are also controversies liked to the disease.
Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that involves the connective tissues around the human body's internal organs. There is a presence and development of tumor when a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma. It has been established that the disease is caused only by exposure to asbestos, a construction material widely used in the past for insulation.
Epithelial malignant mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. It is estimated that globally, about 50% to 70% of all diagnosed mesothelioma are categorized as epithelial malignant mesothelioma.
It is because epithelial malignant mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of very tiny asbestos particles. The other form of mesothelioma, sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma, occurs in the lining of the abdomen and is caused by ingestion, which is not very likely to occur.
What is epithelial malignant mesothelioma?

Epithelial malignant mesothelioma occurs when there is significant accumulation of asbestos fibers in the mesothelia tissue surrounding the chest and the lungs. That is why most common symptoms of this cancer include pain in either side of the chest, cough, fever, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Because it is a form of cancer, epithelial malignant mesothelioma also causes significant body weight loss and sometimes blood discharges. The disease could also affect other organs of the body, not just the lungs. That is why diagnosis of epithelial malignant mesothelioma usually takes time.
Asbestos is disintegrative in nature. That means, when exposed to air in the surroundings, the substance can break down into very small and invisible fibers, which come and go with the air. Problem is, people can inhale air with asbestos fibers.
If you have been exposed to asbestos for about a month or two, chances are much greater that you would be diagnosed with mesothelioma. But that would not take place until after about 30 t0 50 years. That is because mesothelioma has a very long latency or development period.
It could be a form of consolation that epithelial malignant mesothelioma has a greater prognosis, or rate of survival among patients, than the other type of mesothelioma. However, if the patient is not able to successfully recover from this specific cancer, he would be able to live only up to a year in maximum.
Legal cases
You may have probably heard or read over the news that most of the epithelial malignant mesothelioma patients worldwide are filing cases against the companies that exposed them to asbestos. From Africa, where asbestos mining has been widespread, to the United States, up until down under to Australia, asbestos and construction companies have been aggressively defending themselves against mesothelioma claims.
People who have been put at risk to developing epithelial malignant mesothelioma are very diverse and include miners and construction workers. Even office employees and ordinary people who are working or are usually inside premises that have asbestos as insulators are also at much risk to developing the disease.
Lawyers and complainants to existing cases argue that the asbestos firms should compensate people affected with the cancer because if not for the asbestos exposure, those people would not have contracted the disease in the first place.
Every one has the right to seek for compensation for any distraction or health hazard health hazard caused by anyone. There is no reason why epithelial malignant mesothelioma patients would not do the same.
After all, asbestos companies have profited heavily on asbestos production and use through the years. It is time they pay for their own doings.
How to avoid epithelial malignant mesothelioma
Of course, prevention against epithelial malignant mesothelioma would basically involve not exposing yourself to asbestos. It would not be a problem nowadays because almost all construction firms have already ceased to use asbestos as insulators since the 1980s.
However, you should determine if your place or building has asbestos in it. Usually, the material is present inside walls. If there are asbestos in your place, do not fret. The asbestos would not disintegrate unless exposed to air so, immediately report to the building administrator if there are breakage in your walls and if there are possible asbestos insulators in it.
For more information on mesothelioma and lung cancer, please go Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Types of Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:52:00 -0700

Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. There is a long time gap, sometimes even up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease. It is also very difficult to diagnose this disease because the symptoms are very similar to other benign diseases like pneumonia.
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.
There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.
The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.
Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:
A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.Pericardial mesothelioma:
The most rare form of mesothelioma is the pericardial mesothelioma; it affects the mesothelium linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death.
The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.
In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like
Shipyard workers
Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
Construction site workers.
Fire poof materials manufacturers
Cement mixers
Painters
Not only the above groups of people are having a high chance of contracting the disease but also their families run a risk of contracting this disease. The workers when they return home carry the asbestos dust and asbestos fibers in their clothing and their families may be exposed to the disease. The workers should take the following precautionary measures:
They should wear protective clothing to work.
They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.
The writer is a research expert at a medical research firm. http://mesothelioma-guidance.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Archana_Sarat

Understanding and Recognizing the Symptoms of Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:33:00 -0700

Mesothelioma Cancer

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a serious malignant tumor that affects the torso of the human body. There is a strong link between mesothelioma and contact with asbestos particles via breathing or swallowing.

There are three common forms of mesothelioma:

1. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the chest cavity (after breathing the particles) before spreading to other areas.

2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma starts in the abdomen (after swallowing the particles) and accounts for about 10-20% of Mesothelioma patients.

3. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the cavity that surrounds the heart.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early on because the symptoms are often mistaken for those of other, less serious ailments. To make matters worse, it often takes many years for the symptoms to show up after the contact with asbestos takes place. Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Even a small exposure to this cancer-causing material can result in malignant mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has a latency of up to thirty-forty years, and many individuals previously exposed to asbestos are now displaying symptoms. This means the average age of mesothelioma patients is between 50 and 70 years. Men are typically affected more, because of the common presence of asbestos in industrial settings. There are three major types of malignant mesothelioma. Epithelial, sarcomatoid, and mixed. Epithelial mesothelioma is most common. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to respiratory distress, a lasting cough, and pneumonia. In addition, symptoms are often mistaken for less serious ailments, and many patients do not show any signs at all.

Individuals with pleural mesothelioma may amass some fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity. This can be detected through a chest x-ray, as well as CT scans.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is based on a biopsy. This exam will test a tissue sample for the presence of malignant and/or pleural mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos is the principal cause of Mesothelioma. Asbestos is a type of insulation material, which was commonly utilized in the past in the following industries:

Steel Workers

Brake Mechanics

Insulators

Boilermakers

Ship fitters

Maintenance Workers

Pipe Fitters

Construction industry

Shipbuilding industry

Automotive industry

Other manufacturing industries

Mesothelioma appears most often in people who worked in the above industries and were exposed to asbestos in their workplace. The utilization of asbestos was very prevalent after 1940's. However it would take 10-40 years after the first exposure for the first symptoms of mesothelioma to become noticeable, which made it very difficult to diagnose. The peak in mesothelioma cases is projected to be reached near year 2010 according to studies. There are three frequently used types of asbestos: white, brown, and blue. Brown and blue asbestos are more frequently associated with mesothelioma. These types of asbestos have been restricted by most countries in the 1990s. A record of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases.

Asbestos is a very dangerous material and can cause serious damage to your health. It is made up of very minute fibers, which can find their way to pleura (outside lining of the lung) and damage the cells pleura are made of. These fibers can also be passed on to clothing, which makes them dangerous not only to the person exposed to asbestos, but to their family members as well.

Smoking

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure drastically increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not materialize until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling because of a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. Once Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the likelihood of recovery varies according to several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, how much it has spread, and the age of the patient.

In general, the earlier that Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of survival. If you feel that you have experienced any of the typical Mesothelioma symptoms, pay a visit to your doctor for professional advice.

Mesothelioma diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often complicated, because the symptoms are similar to those of several other conditions. Diagnosis begins with an assessment of the patient's medical history, as well as any history of asbestos exposure. A physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is found. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lit tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage and extent of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a precise effort to find out whether the cancer has proliferated and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment. Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has extended beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Mesothelioma treatment

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general well being. Typical treatment options consist of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is a frequent treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from moving materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of applying chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To ease symptoms and control discomfort, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has accumulated in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be administered through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms.

Note of Urgency

Mesothelioma is a life-threatening disease and cannot be left untreated. The sooner it is diagnosed the better a patient's chances are of fighting this deadly cancer. Please contact a qualified doctor immediately if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Read more Facts about Mesothelioma. Alan Hood is a contributing writer at Houston Medical Center

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Hood

Mesothelioma Mesomark Blood Test

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:09:00 -0700

MESOSELIOMA MESOMARK BLOOD TEST
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the MESOMARK assay to help monitor response to treatment in malignant mesothelioma patients. The MESOMARK test signifies the beginning of a new era in monitoring mesothelioma malignancies," said Dr. W. Jeffrey Allard, vice president and chief scientific officer of Fujirebio Diagnostics. "As the first in-vitro test for patients with this aggressive disease, it will enable doctors to more accurately detect recurrence and monitor treatment of patients."
The MESOMARK Assay test kit was developed to measure levels of a biomarker, mesothelin, in serum. Biomarkers are substances found in higher-than-normal concentrations in the blood, urine or body tissues of patients with certain types of cancers. The test may be used to monitor patients confirmed as having mesothelioma, for recurrence in patients following surgery, or for measuring response to therapies.
"Current diagnostic tests are less than ideal for quantification of changes in tumor volume, which is key to managing the disease," continued Allard. "As the MESOMARK results correlate with tumor volume*, it provides a much needed tool for monitoring patient status. It is our plan to collect additional data in the future to support the use of the test to detect mesothelioma."

MESOMARK test are now making it possible - with a simple blood test -to monitor response to treatment and to detect recurrence following treatment. This provides an important head start to patients racing against this aggressive cancer. "The Meso Foundation is the national research funding, patient support and advocacy organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-threatening disease.
Those wishing to take part in MESOMARK testing will be asked to provide one or more samples of blood. The blood samples will then be sent to a national reference laboratory for testing. In conjunction with other clinical and laboratory data obtained by your doctor, decisions regarding your treatment and care may be simplified. You may discontinue testing at any time.

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In Nations Worldwide, Mesothelioma Cases Increase

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:51:00 -0700

Recent reports in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada have indicated that the annual number of mesothelioma deaths is increasing. Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of lung cancer related to asbestos exposure. Exposure is often result of working in an industry, such as the insulation or automotive, which uses asbestos in manufacture or production. Because mesothelioma usually manifests 20 to 40 years after the first exposure, many reported cases derive from asbestos exposure that occurred in the 1960s and 1970s.

According to calculations by the Center for Disease Control, mesothelioma deaths are expected to peak around 2010 in the United States whereas in the United Kingdom, the Health and Safety Executive predicted mesothelioma cases would continue to rise until 2016. The Canadian government reported mesothelioma cases shot up 67 percent in the last 15 years. The number of mesothelioma cases amoung women is reported to rise as well, despite that men are more likely to develop the cancer.

The increase in mesothelioma cases is due to asbestos exposure that occurred 20 to 40 years ago. Once diagnosed, cancer patients have a grim prognosis, many only living for a few months. Additionally, asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, which points to an occupational or environmental hazard present in the patients' lives prior to diagnosis.

Although optimism remains that the number of the cases is expected to decline as the residual impact of asbestos use subsides, asbestos-related diseases are debilitating and often the result of inadvertent exposure via an occupational hazard. Plumbers, electricians and electrical fitters, carpenters, and heating and ventilating engineers are the professions who run the risk of developing a disease related to asbestos according to reports in UK. However many death certificates do not record occupations of the patients dying from mesothelioma.

The slightest asbestos exposure can result in several potentially fatal medical conditions, including lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma, despite the decrease in the commercial use of asbestos. Many who have been exposed to mesothelioma can seek compensation for costly medical bills with a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Mesothelioma litigation has risen in recent years as the population that was exposed to asbestos earlier in the twentieth century continues to age and the negative effects of asbestos become more prevalent. Mesothelioma treatment can be intense and expensive, which is why many mesothelioma patients seek mesothelioma legal counsel from experienced mesothelioma law firms. Although asbestos exposure has dropped in recent years, those exposed prior to the twenty-first century continue to suffer from the side effects.

About the Author

To learn more about whether you might be able to develop mesothelioma lawsuit visit http://mesothelioma.legalview.com/, or to learn the latest on other legal topics including Vytorin litigation visit http://www.LegalView.info/ .

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - In Nations Worldwide, Mesothelioma Cases Increase

Malignant pleural mesothelioma frequently FQA

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:20:00 -0700

Malignant pleural mesothelioma frequently asked questions

From:BeautyAngleShop.com

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a particularly lethal form of cancer, the incidence is rising all over the world. Although malignant pleural mesothelioma with common tumors such as prostate or breast cancer compared to very little attention, but so that patients and their families have paid a heavy price. Although the disease has traditionally been the general opinion that there is no save, but the current trend is changing.

What is malignant pleural mesothelioma?

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is lung or pleural cancer capsule. Because of its anatomical location in vivo, the tumor growth could squeeze the lung and the chest is located between the anatomical structure of translocation, including the heart and airway. It is noteworthy that tumor growth can be oppressive to expand the diaphragm, making breathing dynamics restricted.

What led to the malignant pleural mesothelioma?

Malignant pleural mesothelioma main pathogenic factors for exposure to asbestos many years ago when the did not realize the dangers of asbestos, many engaged in transport, mining and insulation industry through the work of exposure to asbestos fibers, but not only in direct contact with asbestos The Man with the woman, reports indicate that by touching overalls relatives indirectly exposed to asbestos have also taken place in the family of malignant pleural mesothelioma.

How common the disease?

The United States each year there are about 3000 new cases, on the whole, the global annual incidence of approximately 10,000 to 15,000 patients. Disease incidence in the United States may have reached its peak, mainly because the United States in the early 70s issued a ban on asbestos, but in Europe, to reduce asbestos exposure to lag behind the efforts of 10 years, began the destruction of all the cleaning and asbestos materials while working late a lot, so incidence rates in 2010 reached a peak in Europe.

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New Mesothelioma Treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:11:00 -0700

When you read a medical science article, you might see technical terminology that can baffle the brightest minds. But when you understand what those terms mean, you can see that your inner space is just as exciting and strange as science fiction's outer space. The story of how the body's immune system works is like reading a science fiction novel full of strange creatures, weapons and a plot to overthrow civilizations. This is one such story that tells of a breakthrough in treating mesothelioma cancer and provides hope for those afflicted with the disease.

On February 18, 2010, an academic paper was published in the relatively obscure American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care by a group of 9 scientists from the Netherlands. They reported a unique immunotherapy approach, called dendritic cell vaccination, for treating mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma cancer is a form of cancer that has been linked to asbestos exposure and can affect the lungs, abdomen and the heart. Immunotherapy is a therapy that beneficially manipulates the body's immune system to fight disease. To understand the importance of this discovery and what a dendritic cell approach is, we must first understand how both a cancer occurs and how the immune system works.

Think of your body as a futuristic city, and your skin as a force field that protects the city. Then imagine that one day, an alien life force slips past the outer defenses and into the city and begins to inhabit the bodies of the citizens living in this city. This is how cancer works. The DNA inside a healthy cell is mutated as if an alien life force has inhabited the cells. Scientists only have a theory as to why mutations occur (somatic mutation theory) but it is not proven.

Once these normal cells have mutated, they become zombie like cancer cells and begin to replicate their DNA to create new cancerous cells. These zombies walk amongst the living throughout the city. But there is one very peculiar aspect to them. These cancer cells are not recognized by the body's immune system as foreign invaders. The reason is that they have developed multiple anti-detection weapons that prevent the immune system from recognizing them.

To comprehend the nature of the cancerous anti-detection weapons, we have to first examine the weapons that the immune system possesses. Imagine that the immune system is an internal security force that patrols the body. The security force consists of different battle units.

At the front line are the scouts, called dendritic cells. When confronted by invading organisms, the dendritic cells collect molecular information called an antigen. Think of an antigen molecule as an organism's scent and the dendritic cells as sniffer dogs. When the dendritic cell detects an invader it immediately retrieves the antigen and moves to the battle garrisons called the lymph nodes. This is where all the battle units reside.

Once at the lymph node the dendritic cell communicates its scouting report to the commander called a T helper cell. The T helper cell puts the base on battle alert and passes the antigen information on to the destroyer cells. Each destroyer cell now has a copy of the invader's antigen to allow it to recognize and destroy the cancerous cells.

There are three main destroyer cells (white blood cells). There are the killer T cells (or cytotoxic T cell) which act as the infantry in the battalion. Once the killer T cells identify an invader (using the antigen they were given) they launch a chemical weapon (cytotoxin) that penetrates the invader and literally forces them to self destruct (apoptosis). Macrophages are the tanks in the army. They engulf and digest every invader in their path (phagocytosis). Then there are the combat engineers called B cells. When B cells are given their target antigen, they produce and launch millions of antigen seeking missiles called antibodies. The antibody is programmed to seek out any organism with the specific target antigen and attach itself to it. Once it is attached it destroys the organism by infection.

This seems like an impressive array of weapons that our bodies possess to destroy invaders but cancer cells have counter measure weapons to evade detection. One of these weapons is like a cloak of invisibility. Some cancer cells have the ability to alter their own DNA and in turn give themselves the ability to morph their outer appearance to resemble a healthy cell. It accomplishes this by submerging its own antigens from the surface of its cellular membrane when a dendritic cell is nearby and then resurfacing the antigen when the dendritic cell is gone (antigenic modulation).

And here is where the exciting development in cancer fighting begins. The Dutch scientists reached into this miniature battle ground and removed some of the cancer cells from the mesothelioma patients. They then extracted the antigens. It was a sort of kidnap and interrogate mission to find the cancer cell's secret antigen. A massive scouting group of 50 million dendritic cells were then given that specific antigen and were injected back into the patient's body. The scientists now hoped that the dendritic cells, armed with the correct scouting information on the invaders, would quickly travel to the lymph nodes to alert the battalion troops. If the destroyer cells could receive that specific antigen they could launch their forces and identify and destroy their targets.

The test results were very encouraging. They found an increase in antibodies and T cells, which meant that the dendritic cells had done their job in sounding the battle alert. The troops were on the move. Most importantly, they also found an increased level of cytotoxins (those chemical weapons used by the killer T cells) in the vicinity of the tumor. This was evidence that the fight had begun. Three out of ten patients in the study group showed signs of tumor regression.

When I think about the logic in this approach, it sounds so much more promising and ingenious than bombarding the entire body with chemotherapy and radiation which also kills healthy cells and produces long term side effects. It's like dropping a bomb in your own city to try to kill the invaders. I think that cancer researchers are providing much hope for a cancer cure with this unique form of immunotherapy.

About the Author

Paul J. Folkmann is a mesothelioma freelance writer. To receive a free book entitled,"Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide"(written by survivor Paul Kraus), visit http://mesotheliomaoracle.blogspot.com/. There you will also find information on mesothelioma treatments, stories of hope, and the latest news.

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