Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

2011-05-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

The biggest and almost exclusively known risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Those who have inhaled or ingested the toxic mineral are prime candidates for developing the disease. Even indirect exposure (known as secondary exposure) has been linked to cause mesothelioma in many instances.

Risks from Direct Exposure

Anyone who has encountered asbestos is at risk for developing mesothelioma. Asbestos and asbestos-containing products were commonly used in a wide variety of industries throughout most of the twentieth century. Some workers in those industries encountered the dangerous mineral on a daily basis, unknowingly exposing themselves to a substance that would eventually wreak havoc on their lungs.
Workers who may have encountered asbestos on the job include:

Shipyard workers
Insulators
Construction workers
Electricians
Plumbers
Pipefitters
Steamfitters
Welders
Railroad employees
Power plant employees
Chemical plant employees
Boilermakers
Auto mechanics
9/11 first responders/emergency personnel

In addition to these professions, individuals who perform do-it-yourself projects at home where asbestos is present may be at risk for developing the disease. Such asbestos-containing building materials that were used in homes include attic and pipeline insulation, drywall and drywall glue, floor and ceiling tiles, "popcorn" ceilings, cements, shingles, and much more.

Risk from Secondary Exposure

In the past decade, more and more cases of secondary exposure to asbestos have come to light. Those subject to secondary exposure are often people who live in a household where someone else works with asbestos. These individuals usually inhale asbestos fibers brought home on the hair and clothes of other family members.
Many secondary exposure cases have been discovered in young people who sat on their father's or grandfather's lap when they came home from work. Other examples of secondary exposure have been found among those who lived near a factory that produced asbestos-containing products or near mines that harvested asbestos-laced vermiculite. While these individuals had no direct contact with the toxic mineral, the amount of asbestos dust in the air was enough to cause them to develop mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

Smoking

Studies have shown that smoking does not cause mesothelioma. However, those that smoke and are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer. As a matter of fact, some statistics show that smokers are as much as 90 percent more likely to develop lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos.
This is an important risk factor and one that is often overlooked by long-time smokers. In addition, those who have already developed asbestosis should avoid smoking at all costs, as the combination of the two significantly compromises lung health. http://www.asbestos.com

Mesothelioma Prognosis

2011-05-03T07:01:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma Prognosis-When a patient learns of a mesothelioma diagnosis, a doctor will typically discuss their prognosis, or the usual course the cancer will take, based upon several different factors. A mesothelioma prognosis is typically impacted by the following:

Early Detection: When mesothelioma is detected early, the prognosis is generally more favorable, as the cancer may not have spread to other parts of the body and may be more receptive to various treatments and surgery. The most common risk factor associated with mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Those who have been exposed to asbestos may wish to alert their doctor, as this may aid in the early detection of mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.

Stage of Mesothelioma: Doctors typically discuss the severity of a patient's cancer in terms of stages, ranging from Stage 1 to Stage 4. Patients with Stage 3 or Stage 4 mesothelioma will typically have a poorer prognosis than patients with Stage 1 or Stage 2 mesothelioma. For example, in a study published in the European Respiratory Journal involving 167 patients with pleural mesothelioma, participants with Stage 1 pleural mesothelioma survived for 359 days, while those with Stage 3 or Stage 4 (combined) mesothelioma survived approximately 112 days. In general, treatment options are typically more limited and surgery may not be an option once the cancer has progressed beyond Stage 2.

Type of Mesothelioma: A patient’s prognosis can be affected depending upon whether they are diagnosed with pleural, peritoneal, pericardial or testicular mesothelioma. Statistics show that approximately 10 percent of patients with pleural mesothelioma will survive for five years following diagnosis. Statistically speaking, pleural mesothelioma patients have the most optimistic prognosis.

Cell Type: Mesothelioma histology impacts a patient's prognosis, as those with epithelial mesothelioma have a greater life expectancy than those with sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.

Overall Health: Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma who are otherwise healthy may have an easier time undergoing intensive treatment, such as chemotherapy, than someone with pre-existing health issues. Additionally, non-smokers often have a better prognosis than patients who smoke.

Size and Location of the Tumor: The size and location of a patient's tumor can impact their prognosis. Patients with tumors that have progressed or spread to other parts of the body generally have a poorer prognosis. Patients with tumors that may be surgically removed often have a better prognosis.

Progression of Symptoms: Patients who are experiencing serious symptoms of mesothelioma, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, may have a weakened prognosis, because the prevalence of mesothelioma symptoms often indicates the cancer has progressed to a later stage of development.

Additional factors, such as age and a patient's response to surgery may also affect a patient's prognosis.
http://www.asbestos.com

Prevention mesothelioma

2011-05-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

To prevent the disease mesothelioma Beware if you work in an environment with asbestosMany people who experienced mesothelioma exposed to asbestos fibers while working at places such as:
• Mine
• Factory worker
• Factory of electronic components
• Making tracks
• Making ship
• Construction workers
• Mechanics
For it can be avoided by
:• Follow standard safety regulations
• Do not use objects that contain asbestos in your environment

Causes and Risk Factors Mesothelioma

2011-05-03T06:26:00.000-07:00

Cause Mesothelioma
In general, cancer occurs when cells mutate DNA. These mutations make the cells continued to grow and thrive while others have normal cell cycles of life and death. Accumulation of cancer cells can form a malignant tumor.
It is unclear what causes the genetic mutation that triggers the beginning of mesothelioma even though scientists have identified the factors that can increase the risk. Cancer may occur due to a combination of several factors, such as heredity, environment, health condition and lifestyle.
Benign pleural mesothelioma Benign tumors that form in the chest sometimes called benign (benign) mesothelioma. But the term is misleading. Benign mesothelioma is not started on the same cell where the cancer is formed. And in some cases kacil, benign mesothelioma can be very aggressive. For this reason, some doctors now prefer to call this tumor as a solitary fibrous tumor.
Solitary fibrous tumors usually do not cause signs and symptoms. It is unclear what caused the solitary fibrous tumor, but these tumors associated with asbestos contamination pollutants. Treatment for solitary fibrous tumors usually includes surgery procedures.

Risk factors Mesothelioma
- Exposure to asbestos pollutants (primary risk factor) Asbestos is a mineral found in the environment. Asbestos fibers strong and resistant to heat makes it very useful to be applied to various needs. People who work in an environment contaminated with asbestos fibers has a much greater risk of mesothelioma.
When asbestos split - such as when the process of making - asbestos dust is formed. If dust is inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers will then settle in the lungs or in the stomach and can cause irritation that causes mesothelioma.
Some people who over many years exposed to asbestos pollution can not have mesothelioma, while others vice versa. This indicates another factor that may be related, that hereditary factors do you have a family history of cancer in some people is a condition that increases risk.
Risk factors that may Risk factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include: • Exposure to asbestos fiber dust pollution • Living with someone who works in an environment with asbestos (asbestos fibers stuck in their clothes or skin) • Smoking • SV40 virus is found in many primates • X-ray radiation • Family history with mesothelioma

Symptoms Mesothelioma

2011-05-03T06:23:00.000-07:00

SYMPTOMS Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on where the cancer occurred.
Pleural mesothelioma, signs and symptoms include: • Short Breath • Pain when breathing • Pain when coughing • Pain in the lower rib • an unusual lump in the chest under the skin layer • Lost weight suddenly • dry cough
Peritoneal mesothelioma, signs and symptoms include: • Pain in the abdominal region • Swelling in abdominal area • Change in bowel movements, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation • Bumps on the tissue in the abdominal region • Lost weight suddenly
Other forms of mesothelioma Signs and symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma and tunica vaginalis are unclear. There is no complete information about this. Pericardial mesothelioma have signs and symptoms may include trouble breathing or chest pain. While mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis was first detectable by the enlargement of the testicles.

Mesothelioma Definitions

2011-05-03T06:20:00.000-07:00

DEFINITIONSMesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the thin tissue that covers most internal organs (mesothelium). Mesothelioma Doctors divide into several types based on which part of this cancer occurs. Among others:
• malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurs in tissues that line around the lungs and is the most common type.• Peritoneal mesothelioma, occurring in tissues that line the stomach.• pericardial mesothelioma, occurring in the tissue lining around the heart.• Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, occurs in the lining around the testicles.