About Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2010-09-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

The most critical form of mesothelioma is the malignant form. Known as malignant mesothelioma, the primary causal factor is asbestos infection. According to the US National Cancer Institute, "Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium)."

Mesothelioma can be classified into three types - pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura), peritoneal mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) lining, and pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining that surrounds the heart (pericardium). The subtypes of mesothelioma are of three basic types, one very aggressive, one least aggressive, and one lying between the two extremes.

Malignant mesothelioma can be diagnosed through several imaging techniques. These imaging techniques enable physicians to assess mesothelioma. Once mesothelioma is suspected, patients are advised to undergo several tests, like X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. The physician may also like to undertake special mesothelioma tests like thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy and biopsy.

Learning about the stage of mesothelioma is a critical factor that helps physicians to decide the treatment plan. If the cancer is confined to the pleura, mesothelioma is considered localized. If the cancer spreads beyond the pleura and to other parts of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity, lymph nodes and the chest wall, mesothelioma is considered to be in an advanced stage.

The oft used and the oldest system for determining the stages of mesothelioma is the Butchart System. The Butchart System is based on the extent of the primary tumor mass available in a patient. This system divides mesothelioma into four stages. The TNM system, a slightly advanced system over the Butchart System, determines staging through variables of tumor in mass and the spread, the lymph node involvement and metastasis. However, the latest system is known as the Brigham System, where staging is done as per the respectability and lymph node involvement. In spite of such modern techniques, a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma still remains possible through fluid diagnosis and tissue biopsy.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis provides detailed information on Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Diagnosis Support, Mesothelioma Doctors and more. Mesothelioma Diagnosis is affiliated with Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases.

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Asbestos & Mesothelioma Statistics

2010-09-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Asbestos is a term used to classify a group of mineral fibers that share properties of thermal and chemical resistance, flexibility, and hight tensile strength. The term "asbestos" comes from the Greek word for inextinguishable and was termed the "magic mineral" because of its' extraordinary ability to withstand heat. There are six minerals defined as asbestos including: chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite.

The history of this remarkable, but hazardous material dates back to at least 2500 B.C., when it was used as an ingredient in pottery making. Since then, asbestos has been used in a wide-range of products such as automotive brake pads and clutches, cement, ceiling and floor tiles, boilers, electrical wire insulation, gaskets, joint compound and adhesives, just to name a few.

Mesothelioma is type of lung cancer that is aggressive in nature and almost, always results from exposure to asbestos. At present there is no known cure for Mesothelioma and life expectancy is between 4 to 24 month from the initial onset of symptoms. Currently there is an ongoing epidemic of this disease in the US and it is not showing any signs of slowing down. The primary cause of the Mesothelioma problem is negligence on the part of asbestos manufactures since the1970's whom did not protect their employees from the dangers of asbestos. Due to this fact and because the latency period for Mesothelioma is between 20 to 40 years, the court system has being inundated with pending asbestos cases ever since. It is estimated that asbestos cases will not peak for another 20 years.

Below are some statistical facts about asbestos and mesothelioma lung cancer:

* Asbestos is considered a carcinogen, which means that it can cause cancer.
* Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally in the environment.

* About 70% to 80% of all reported cases of asbestos exposure occur in the work place.
* Over the past 50 years, occupational exposure to asbestos in the United States is estimated to have occurred in approximately 8 million people.
* Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of lung cancer that results from exposure to airborne asbestos fibers.
* There are two types of Mesothelioma, pleural and peritoneal.
* Initial symptoms of Mesothelioma do not appear until 30 to 40 years after first exposure to asbestos.
* Symptoms of Mesothelioma usually arise 2 to 3 months before the cancer is found and can resemble shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, pneumonia, chest and abdominal pain.
* Mesothelioma is a terminal disease with no known cure and victims die within 18 months of diagnosis due to the cancer being too advanced by the time it is detected.
* Treatments for Mesothelioma include surgery to remove the tumors, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of all three.
* Management of mesothelioma depends largely on the the staging of the tumor as well as the age and physical condition of the patient. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention may lengthen life expectancy.
* According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 3,000 new cases per year of malignant mesothelioma are being reported in the United States, and the incidence appears to be increasing.
* Asbestos cases will continue to increase and it is estimated to peak around the year 2025, according to experts.
* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued regulations to phase out the use of almost all asbestos products in 1989, and these rules were overturned in a court challenge in 1991.
* Asbestos is still not banned in the US and there are about 5,000 products that contain asbestos circulating in the US.
* Most asbestos products are used as an ingredient in the making of a final product, such as vinyl-asbestos flooring and friction products, which are purchased mostly by the construction and automobile industries.
* EPA has not banned any substance for any use since 1991 under the provision of the law used for the asbestos ban.
* It is estimated that about 8 million people in the U.S. have been exposed to asbestos in the work place, and, or their home.
* The Congressional Budget Office claims that there are 322,00 pending claims.
* Fair compensation for mesothelioma frequently means a settlement of over $1,000,000.
* About 2,500 victims of Mesothelioma die each year.
* The disease is three times more common in men than in women. In men, the occurrence of mesothelioma is ten times higher in men between the ages of 60-70 as compared to men between the ages of 30-40.
* Due to the monetary value of Mesothelioma as a keyword search term on the Internet, there are bids on Overture or Google Ad Words of over $160 per click, which primarily involved law firms.

For more information, please visit the Mesothelioma Information Resource Group.

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Determining Life Expectancy of Mesothelioma Patients

2010-09-22T14:22:00.000-07:00

Once a person has been diagnosed with a cancer of any sort, the doctors will put their heads together to determine how great of a chance of survival the person will have with successful treatment. They will also try to determine how long they think the person will live without treatment or if treatment is unsuccessful.

In determining how long a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma has to live, the doctors will examine a number of factors. While it is true that they examine a number of known factors, every patient is a unique case whose life expectancy cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Due to almost daily advances in the field of cancer treatment, the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma now is greater than that of a person who was diagnosed five years ago.

That being said, mesothelioma is still a serious disease that has not experience much luck in finding effective treatment options. Still, life expectancy is greater today than someone five years ago.

After analyzing all of the mesothelioma cases presented, doctors have determined that the middle portion of the bell curve is 4 and 18 months. This means that 25% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma live less than four months and 25% live for more than eighteen months. 50% of all diagnosed with mesothelioma live between four and eighteen months. While this information is scary, it does not break the cases down into stages of diagnosis or even whether treatment is even attempted.

Factors that influence the life expectancy of any cancer patient, including those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, vary. Some of the factors include:

- The stage of the disese when diagnosed

- The point at which it is diagnosed

- Whether the cancer is localized or has spread

- The patient's age and health condition

- Wha treatments are feasible based on the condition and health of the patient

Out of all of the factors influencing the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma, the stage of mesothelioma at diagnoses is the most important piece of the puzzle. It is the greatest indicator of how long or how short a patient's life expectancy is. Because the early symptoms of mesothelioma actually resemble those of other, much more common illnesses, many patients are misdiagnosed in the early stages. By the time the cancer has been discovered, the cancer has already reached an advanced stage.

Williams Kherkher is a full service law firm dedicated to providing representation who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma following the negligence of a former employer.

Joseph Devine

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Mesothelioma Cancer Cell Types - Epithelioid, Sarcomatoid & Biphasic

2010-09-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest cancers for a number of reasons. It has a prolonged latency period during which it destroys the mucous-producing membrane that lines the outer surface of a number of organs. This membrane allows the organs to move, which in turn allows them to function. Over a period of decades mesothelioma destroys healthy cells by assaulting them with three main avenues of attack: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, biphasic cells.

Epithelioid mesothelioma cells are the most common and relatively easiest to treat of all types of mesothelioma. This type of cell appears to be a papillary or tubular growth that usually affects the outer membranes and linings of the internal organs and other bodily surfaces. Somewhere between 50 and 70% of all mesothelioma cases belong to this category, and although this cancer is usually extremely difficult to treat, epithelioid mesothelioma is the most likely to respond to treatment.

The second type of mesothelioma is sarcomatoid mesothelioma. This type is the most serious form of the disease, as it is the least likely to respond to treatment. These spindle-shaped pattern of cells that appear to overlap each other are also fortunately the rarest type of the cancer, with approximately 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases falling into this type. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is so dangerous because it attacks and arises from the support tissues of the body, such as bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle, and cancers in these areas are notoriously difficult and painful to treat. Patients with this form of cancer rarely live longer than six months after diagnosis.

The final condition, biphasic mesothelioma, is not an independent type of mesothelioma, but a combination of sarcomatoid and epithelioid. It is also a mixed bag of conditions in that it can take the good and bad aspects of the other two types, and almost 20-35% of all mesothelioma cases fall into either mixed or biphasic areas.

Without a doubt, mesothelioma is one of the most devastating types of cancer. Most people rarely live beyond a year after their initial diagnosis, and few victims reach five years. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, and millions of people have had contact with this deadly substance.

To learn more about Epithelioid Mesothelioma, Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma or Biphasic Mesothelioma please visit our website at www.resource4mesothelioma.com This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

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Types and Stages of Pleural Mesothelioma

2010-09-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor involving the mesothelial cells that make up the pleura or lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. It can also involve the heart and abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, including chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite that occurred twenty or more years before the disease becomes evident. These fibers are ingested into to the body through breathing or swallowing. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases.

Types of Plural Mesothelioma

"Localized and benign" mesothelioma is non-life threatening and can be removed by surgery.

"Diffuse and malignant" mesothelioma is a cancer that generally results in death within one year of diagnosis.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Chest wall pain, pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung, shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue or anemia, wheezing, hoarseness, or cough and blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up. Patients may develop several tumor masses. Patients may experience pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.

Stages of Pleural Mesothelioma

There are four stages of this disease. Localized pleural mesothelioma cancer ranging from - Stage I; the cancer remains on the membrane surface where it originated to Stage IV; advanced. In this final stage, the cancer has (metastasized) spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Screening and Diagnosis

Doctors first review the patient's medical history including any exposure to asbestos. The doctor may perform a complete physical examination. Doctors are then likely to order x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. These tests include various imaging tests such as CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer. Doctors perform a thoracoscopy on patients showing symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma. This procedure involves making a small cut through the chest wall then inserting a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Doctors suction out any access fluid in the lungs through a procedure called thoracentesis. They can then obtain tissue samples for analysis. Other types of tube insertions include bronchoscopy or a mediastinoscopy

Treatment Options

Here are some of the most widely used treatments at this time.

Surgical removal of the entire lung and a part of the chest lining, the diaphragm and part of the sac surrounding the heart.

Radiotherapy is applied to the sites of chest drain insertion, in order to prevent growth of the tumor along the track in the chest wall. Though not particularly successful, radiation is preformed to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel.

Chemotherapy is used to stop the cancer cells from growing and dividing.

It is important to note that there are no successful treatments for pleural mesothelioma to date. Patients usually have a median survival time of 6 - 12 months after presentation of the symptoms.

About the Author:

Dave Casey is a medical writer for Mesothelioma-Adviser.com, a guide for mesothelioma cancer victims. Visit the site for mesothelioma cancer help, articles on asbestosis symptoms and legal advice.

Copyright 2007 Mesothelioma-Adviser.com

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3 Types of Asbestos-Related Lung Illnesses

2010-09-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

There are 3 main types of asbestos-related lung illness. First is Asbestosis, second is disease in the lung lining (pleura) and the third one is the lung cancer. We will differentiate these three types of lung diseases. Asbestosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissue of the lungs caused by inhalation and severe exposure of asbestos. In short, is a widespread scarring in the lungs.

The second type of lung disorder caused by asbestos is the disease on the lung lining or in medical terms, it is called pleura. This disease shows signs and symptoms resulting in the hardening or thickening of the tissue lining.

The last is the lung cancer which is either located in the internal portion of the lungs or the outer lining (pleura).

Asbestos have been linked to cancerous and non-cancerous lung diseases. Asbestos-related diseases takes time to develop from the time you inhaled asbestos - decades of exposure to the mineral. Once it accumulates in your lungs, there is no treatment to eliminate it from your body. One has to resort to electron microscopy to positively identify the asbestos in your environment.

Areas where asbestos are highly present can be in mines, mills, old factories and old homes. Other high asbestos concentration can be in automotive repair, boiler-making, construction, and pipe-fitting.

The time delay from asbestos exposure and the development of cancer is around 20 years or so depending on the concentration one is exposed every year. Before, there had been so many deaths related to asbestos exposure because of unawareness, but now people are more aware of the dangers of asbestos.

For more assistance and information on asbestos removal, visit http://greenway.cc

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Types of Mesothelioma - Different Areas of the Body Affected

2010-09-08T14:22:00.000-07:00

Prolonged exposure to asbestos for long periods of time can result to mesothelioma. Studies show that inhalation/ingestion of asbestos fiber is the only known cause for the disease. This type of cancer is considered rare but about 2,000 people are diagnosed in the US each year. Diagnosis is quite difficult because symptoms typically appear after several decades (30 to 50 years) and often resemble those of other more common illnesses. Prognosis is usually poor, particularly when the disease reached the advanced stages before diagnosis.

Cancer is always separated in two forms: benign and malignant. Benign mesothelioma is very rare; so any mention of the condition often refers to a malignant tumor. Three main types of cancerous cells in mesothelioma include: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and mixed/biphasic (combined epithelioid and sarcomatoid).

Three Main Types of Mesothelioma that Affects Different Areas of the Body

1. Pleural Mesothelioma. This is the most common type, comprising about 75% of all diagnosed cases. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and spreads from there to other parts of the body. Common symptoms may include: shortness of breath, tightness/pain in the chest, dry cough, weight loss, and fatigue.

2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This is the type that affects the lining of abdominal cavities. Symptoms are: swelling/pain in the stomach, vomiting, weight loss, bowel obstruction, and fatigue.

3. Pericardial Mesothelioma. This type develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart. Symptoms include: chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.

How to Diagnose Mesothelioma

Patients must undergo a number of medical tests that include: x-rays, CT scan, biopsy, and MRI. A history about past employment is also required. When results are positive, the doctor will determine the size of the spread of cancer. A permanent cure is not possible but there are several treatment options that can help relieve the suffering of patients: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other alternative therapies. Early diagnosis can provide more opportunities to alleviate pain caused by the disease and prolong/improve patients' lives.

David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Types of Mesothelioma at his website. http://www.Burke-Eisner.com

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The 4 Main Types of Mesothelioma - A Closer Look at How They Are Different

2010-09-04T14:22:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is the general term used for any type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which is the tissue that surrounds one's vital organs. While all forms of mesothelioma are a result of exposure to asbestos, a toxic chemical found in many locations, there is more than one type of this form of cancer.

As the mesothelium tissue can be found in many parts of the body, the cancer that develops in this tissue can also be found in different areas. Accordingly, there are four types of mesothelioma currently recognized by medical professionals: testicular, pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural. These names refer to the area of the body in which the cancer is concentrated.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular refers to the testicles, so this form of mesothelioma affects the tissue found in this part of the male anatomy. This is the least common form of the disease, and as such, there is not a great deal of information available on prevalence statistics or common treatments. There have been less than one hundred cases of this type of mesothelioma reported at this point.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Also one of the more rare forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma affects the mesothelium found around the heart. The symptoms, which include a persistent cough, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, problems breathing, and chest pain, are difficult to differentiate from those of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The peritoneum refers to the lining of the abdominal cavity, which is why the cancer that occurs in this tissue is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. This cancer affects the tissues surrounding the organs found in the abdomen, including the stomach and intestines. Peritoneal mesothelioma is more common than either testicular or pericardial mesothelioma, accounting for somewhere between ten and twenty percent of the total number of mesothelioma cases reported. Some symptoms of this form of cancer include pain or swelling in the abdomen, bowel issues, anemia, problems breathing, nausea, blood clotting, loss of appetite, vomiting, and chest pains.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Approximately three quarters of all mesothelioma cases are pleural mesothelioma, making this the most common type of the disease. This type of cancer is concentrated in the tissues around the lungs and those that line the cavity in which the lungs are located. Patients with pleural mesothelioma notice symptoms because fluid builds up between the wall of the chest cavity and the lungs, which makes it harder for the lungs to function properly. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include finding it hard to breath, pains in the chest area, and a persistent cough.

Each of these four types of mesothelioma is a serious condition. If you or someone you care about may have any form of this cancer, it is important to seek qualified legal advice from mesothelioma attorneys who have experience in this complex area of the law.

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How Much Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma?

2010-09-01T14:22:00.000-07:00

The dangers of exposure to asbestos dust are well documented with tens of thousands of people stricken ill with Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and related diseases. For many years, unsuspecting homeowners and workers worked with and lived around free, friable asbestos without with no knowledge of the dangerous and often deadly harm that breathing in even relatively small amounts of asbestos dust could do. A frequently asked question then among many that believe that they had at least some exposure to asbestos dust is just how much asbestos exposure will cause you to get sick or even worse cause cancer?

The first thing to know about asbestos exposure is that ill effects from this exposure have a long latency period. It is not unusual for someone exposed to asbestos to not develop mesothelioma for 25-40 years after exposure. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the Mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's protective organs. Asbestos fibers that are breathed in become lodged in the linings of the lungs and eventually cause the cells to mutate and become cancerous. About 70-80% of Mesothelioma cases are estimated to be caused by various degrees of asbestos exposure.

The amount of exposure that causes disease in people is up for debate. While there are many cases of factory or other workers that have had heavy exposure to free, friable exposure for many years developing disease, there are also cases where exposure has been as short as several months or just a few weeks. Intensity of exposure is most likely as relevant as length of time. If you think you were exposed to asbestos dust it is a good idea to write down as much as can be remembered as to length of time, intensity, where and how you were exposed. Frequently asbestos litigation can be pursued if you can prove you worked in an industry or work setting or lived in an environment where there was exposed friable asbestos that affected you.

One of the reasons it is so important to document as much as possible how much asbestos exposure you might have had is because the disease of Mesothelioma is notoriously hard to detect and quite often is mistaken for other cancers. It is important to detect the initial signs of asbestos disease both to receive early treatment as well as to clearly identify the cause for possible litigation later. The two primary types of Mesothelioma are Pleural (chest) and Peritoneal (abdominal). In Pleural a lung's membrane will thicken a fluid will collect. Both of these cause difficulty in the contractions of the lungs and make breathing difficult. In Peritoneal similar symptoms appear but around the abdominal region leading to fluid accumulation and pain in the area.

It is unknown how many people have died from Mesothelioma that might have been mis-diagnosed with another type of cancer. Therefore it is important to educate youself on the differences and causes of each. One place to get great information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure is www.AsbestosLA.com. There you can read lots of articles and get great links for further information.

For even more great information please visit our sister site http://www.LAAsbestos.com

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Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Epithelioid Mesothelioma

2010-08-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a serious cancerous disease with low survival rates in spite of various new treatment options which have helped in increasing the longevity. Statistics indicate that the average survival period after diagnosis is about one year. The period might increase up to two years if the treatment is done aggressively. It has been found that more than 95% cases, mesothelioma occurs due to asbestos exposure.

Most people were earlier unaware of the danger caused by asbestos exposure as the mesothelioma occurs after about 20 to 40 years after being exposed to asbestos. Owing to this reason, this disease was also called as an `old person's disease' as people in 60's or 70's usually contract this disease. Higher prognosis help patients undergo better treatment and in turn better life expectancy.

Epithelium is a tissue separating different regions of the body. Like in the case of epithelial cells found in the skin detaches the outside of the body from the inside of the body. This serves varied responsibilities like protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion or sensory reception.

Causes and symptoms:

The most common cause of epithelioid mesothelioma is asbestos exposure where the fine particles and which are found thrown in the air either through sawing or cutting. In epithelioid mesothelioma the membrane lining of chest cavity, lungs, heart or abdominal cavity gets affected. In the case of epithelioid mesothelioma the survival period of the patient is about eight and a half months.

The rate at which people suffering is as much as 50% to 70% of all cancer cells making it the most common type. It is identified based on the unique and organized cell structure which has tubular pattern with a specific cell nucleus. Usually there is a misdiagnoses of the disease as the cells in other forms of cancer look quite similar to epithelioid cells as adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer which is often confused with epithelioid mesothelioma.

Distinguished by a papillary or tubular growth, is the most common subtype of mestothelioma, there are many abnormal histological variants which have also been found which include adenomatoid and deciduoid patterns or tumors composed of small cells or mucin-positive cells, apart from mesothelioma with lepidic intrapulmonary growth.

Symptoms

Symptoms can occur after more than 40 to 50 years of being exposed to asbestos. It is most of the time mistaken for a common bout of asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis due to symptoms of chest pain and breathlessness. Patients can have a cough, weakness, tiredness along with inability to absorb nutrition causing weight loss. Also the most common is the collection of fluid inside the pleural space called pleural effusion.The breathlessness is caused when the tumor does not allow the lungs to expand and when it spreads further it results in severe chest pain.

Diagnosis

A thorough diagnosis is needed prior to any kind of treatment for mesothelioma. As the latency period of this disease's appearance of the symptoms early diagnosis becomes a difficult proposition. It is usually done only at the advanced stage leading to a survival rate of about 8 to 9 months.

To find out whether an individual has to undergo various diagnostic tests like X-ray, MRI, CAT Scan, Transbronchial biopsy where a scope is passed through the trachea to the bronchi area of the lungs, thoracotomy where the chest is opened and checked between the ribs for any tumor, thoracoscopy where a video camera is used to check between the ribs or Centesis where pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial fluid is removed.

http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com/symptoms.html

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Relation Between Asbestos And Mesothelioma

2010-08-24T02:14:00.000-07:00

How Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?

An understanding of asbestos is necessary before we try to understand mesothelioma lung cancer. Asbestos, a natural fibrous mineral, used commonly in construction process and manufacturing industries is detrimental to human health. Continuous inhalation of its fibers enhances the susceptibility to respiratory disorders and can lead to many dangerous diseases. A leading example of such dangerous disease is Mesothelioma lung cancer. Actually, mesothelioma lung cancer is misnomer because mesothelioma cancers affect the lining of lungs (pleura) and abdomen and not the lungs. Since mesothelioma cancers mostly affect the lining of the lungs, it is generally called mesothelioma lung cancer. The workers who had worked in industries such as shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and asbestos production are vulnerable to mesothelioma cancers.

Mesothelioma and the Role of Carcinogens:

What is mesothelioma cancer and how does the lining of the lung become cancerous? Cancer is a tumor that is malignant in nature. Tumor is formed when there is abnormal cell division and cell multiplication in the cancerous cells. Exposure to carcinogens or cancer-causing material like cigarette smoke, asbestos and silica dust is instrumental in this abnormal cell division and formation of tumor.

Mesothelioma cancer is directly linked to asbestos exposure. However, those already exposed to asbestos have a greater chance of developing lung cancer if they are exposed to other carcinogens such as cigarette smoke. A study reports that the workers with a history of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoke are more prone to lung cancer than the non-smokers and those with no history of asbestos exposure.

Complications Associated with Mesothelioma Cancer:

Normally, the latency stage for asbestos-related diseases in general and mesothelioma cancers of the lining of lung in particular, 20-50 years, which makes detection of Mesothelioma a complicated issue. This situation is further aggravated particularly where the worker is also addicted to cigarette smoking. By the time, the disease shows its symptoms, a considerable exposure to additional carcinogens linked to cigarette smoking has already taken place. This makes a worker more vulnerable to lung cancer besides the vulnerability to mesothelioma cancers.

Mesothelioma Cancers and Legal Redress:

The Government is conscious of the ill effects of asbestos exposure and the seriousness of mesothelioma cancer. The employees working in factories with significant risk of asbestos exposure are eligible for Mesothelioma compensation, if the exposure is the cause of Mesothelioma. There has been a spate of lawsuits for seeking compensation for mesothelioma and lung cancers. In many cases, the courts have awarded heavy sums as compensation against the asbestos manufacturing companies.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Treatment Options

2010-08-24T02:06:00.000-07:00

Pericardial Mesothelioma:
is an extremely difficult cancer to treat and presently, all treatment methods used have a poor success rate. The chances of a patient’s survival depend largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated.

Why pericardial mesothelioma is so dangerous?
If pericardial mesothelioma is treated when it has fully matured and developed then the chances of survival are very slim and the prognosis for a patient could be only a couple of months. The latency period of pericardial mesothelioma (30 – 50 years), and its symptoms which are ordinary of other more common diseases such as pneumonia, make it extremely difficult to diagnose and therefore difficult to treat in its early stages. In this way, a lot of pericardial mesothelioma treatments do not aim to cure patients but instead focus on reducing the symptoms.

Factors Affecting On The Suitable Treatment Method:
Before a patient is treated, a doctor will evaluate him or her, and afterwards decide which treatment method is most suitable for the patient’s situation. The patient’s age, medical history, general well being and even weight are taken into account before the doctor will decide which of the three treatments are most appropriate. These treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Treatment Options:

1-Surgery:

Types of surgery treatment:
a-.Aggressive surgery:
This is the most dangerous of all the treatment methods available and only the fittest of people are deemed strong enough to undergo this. Aggressive surgery consists of removing large chunks of cancerous cells from inside the patient. This is extremely dangerous in the case of pericardial mesothelioma seeing as the cancerous cells are in extremely close proximity to vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Extremely skilled surgeons are needed to perform this operation.

b-Palliative surgery:
This type of surgery is used only for the purpose of reducing the symptoms of the cancer. Palliative procedures are performed when pericardial mesothelioma is in its latest stages and is practically impossible to cure.

2-Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy is the most well known cure of cancers and involves using drugs to kill of cancerous cells. However, many of the drugs used do not have a high success rate although researchers are discovering new combinations of drugs that work more effectively. Many pharmaceutical companies are also endeavouring to find new drugs. Researchers predict that they will soon discover a drug with a significantly improved success rate.

3-Radiation Therapy:

This form of treatment uses doses of radiation to kill cancerous cells. However, in the case of pericardial mesothelioma this is extremely difficult because as well as damaging cancerous cells, the radiation also damages vital organs such as the heart and lungs. This makes using radiation therapy most effectively extremely difficult. The dose of radiation is usually too weak to make a significant impact on curing pericardial mesothelioma.

4-Dual Therapy:

Dual therapy is just a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This consists of using surgery to remove the majority of the cancer cells and then using chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill off any remaining cells. This has proved to be an effective treatment method however also very dangerous. Only the fittest young people are able to undergo this treatment.

Causes Of Mesotheliom [ Who Is At Risk With Mesothelioma ]

2010-08-24T01:49:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma, the deadly disease which has topped news headlines for the last decade, is contracted through exposure to airborne fibers of asbestos. Sadly, the under-regulation of asbestos usage in years past, and arguably still today, exposed millions to airborne fibers and as a result thousands contracted the disease.

Who Is At Risk With Mesothelioma?

1-Exposed To ASbestos:
It can be safely said that almost everyone in the world has been exposed to asbestos in varying degrees. Because of the unique nature of the disease, even those who have suffered only minimal exposure are at risk of contracting the disease. In effect, virtually everyone has some risk of contracting Mesothelioma.

But this sort of statement perhaps oversteps the bounds of rationality. While it is certainly true that individuals who have been exposed to small amounts of asbestos for relatively short periods of time have contracted the disease, this is a rarity rather than a regularity. In fact, the vast majority of Mesothelioma cases involve individuals who were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers for intense and extended periods of time.

The industries most in danger of prolonged exposure and thus of contraction are shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, textile manufacturing, insulation work in construction, and brake repair personnel.

2- Exposed To Radiation:
There are, however, some other minor factors which can affect the likelihood of contracting the disease. Among these is radiation exposure. There have been causes in which individuals who were exposed to radiation have subsequently displayed signs of and ultimately contracted mesothelioma. However, empirical studies to attempt to verify this correlation have not proven out this claim very strongly.

3- Exposed To Virus:
Another more certain cause of the disease was the taking of the Polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963. Some batches of this vaccine were contaminated with Simian Virus 40 which has been detected in a host of rare cancers including Mesothelioma.

Those involved in construction or who lived in homes in the Cappadocian region of Turkey are also particularly at risk. In this region, homebuilders used Erionite, which is a type of zeolite silica stone. Exposure to the fibrous strands of this building material have led to an annual death rate of roughly 1% of the population which dies of mesothelioma each year in Turkey.

4- genetic:
One of the most influential factors affecting Mesothelioma contraction is genetics. Some individuals who have been exposed to long periods and high quantities of asbestos have not contracted the disease. As a result, doctors have concluded that genetics play a major role in determining whether or not patients contract the disease. Unfortunately, the gene variability which offers some resistance to the disease also means that some are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

Pleural Mesothelioma Vs Peritoneal Mesothelioma

2010-08-24T01:34:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is being discovered more and more frequently in elderly men. The most common cause of mesothelioma is from asbestos exposure and affects the membrane of many of the most vital internal organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma is particularly hard to diagnose because it shows similar symptoms to many other more common diseases.

Types Of Mesothelioma:

1-Pleural mesothelioma:

The most common form of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma accounts for 75% of all mesothelioma cases.

-Pleural mesothelioma symptoms:
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and has symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, breathing and swallowing difficulties, shortness of breath, wheezing and weight loss. These symptoms apply to many less serious diseases but anyone with signs of these symptoms are strongly advised to consult their doctor as soon as possible.

2-peritoneal mesothelioma:

A less common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma and this form of the cancer affects the abdomen. The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum and this is what is affected. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 20% of all mesothelioma cases.

-peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms:
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, and abdominal swelling. These symptoms become more and more severe as the cancer develops.

Those who are exposed to asbestos or have been exposed have a risk of obtaining mesothelioma. It is important that mesothelioma is diagnosed in its early stages so that it can be treated quickly and aggressively. The earlier it is discovered, the more likely the treatment will be successful.

10 Methelioma Treatment Options

2010-08-19T07:21:00.000-07:00

As with any cancer, treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the progression of the disease, the age as well as state of health of the patient.

It is the oncologist who specializes in the disease who will decide on the line of treatment. The disease is difficult to treat and in most cases the prognosis is poor.

Methelioma Treatment Options:

1- Surgery:
If the diagnosis is done in the early stages surgery may be recommended to remove all cancerous tissues. This means thoracoscopy, VATS or video assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy (used for staging), or laproscopy. Often, doctors will advise palliative procedures like chest tube drainage and pleurodesis, thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, pleuroperitonial shunt, or pleurectomy, which treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than the disease.

2- Radiation:
Radiation is prescribed aggressively for mesothelioma patients and is often given in combination with surgery or in order to control symptoms, palliatively. Research on using radiation therapy using implants or UV light therapy is in progress as traditional radiation therapy damages surrounding healthy tissue.

3- Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is an option and around 12-20% of patients respond to the drugs. Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy is not considered to be curative. The aim is to prevent spread of the disease; shrink the tumor prior to surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy; to annihilate any remains of the tumor in the body post surgery; and to relieve pain and other discomfort, palliative chemotherapy. Experts recommend prescribing premetrexed along with cisplastin. These drugs have shown positive results and this is now standard care for Mesothelioma not treatable by surgery.

4- Biological therapy using interleukin 2:

5- Immunotherapy:
where the body’s own immune system is stimulated to fight the disease. Biological response modifiers, BRMs, are used in treatment. These enhance the functions of the immune system; regulate metabolic reactions that promote growth of cancers; alter cancer cell division; block or reverse processes that lead to formation of cancers; and prevent spread of cancer.

6- Gene therapy:
where attempts are made to correct the gene sequence that causes the cancer. This is of two kinds, replacement gene therapy and knockout gene therapy.

7- Administration of lovastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug:

8- Photodynamic treatment:
where a photosensitive medication is activated using a laser. This is done during the surgical removal of cancerous tissues.

9- Draining of fluid:
Draining of fluids in the chest or abdominal cavity followed by introduction of medications into the cavity to prevent fluid accumulation is done for patients who have uncontrolled fluid accumulation and intense discomfort stemming from it.

10- Combination therapy:
combination therapy or Trimodal therapy which means surgery accompanied by radiation and chemotherapy.

Often, complementary medicines are also used. Termed to be holistic this kind of treatment focuses on a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being.

In the case of Mesothelioma which is untreatable one can opt for clinical trials of new treatments that are in progress in several research laboratories and centers. The best advice on the line of treatment would be that recommended by the oncologist or physician.

Asbestos Is The Main Cause Of Mesothelioma

2010-08-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

A View of Asbestos:

Asbestos is the commercial name given to certain types of fibrous materials. They are silicates of varying compositions; the silica combined with such bases as Magnesium, Iron, Calcium, sodium and Aluminum. Asbestos fibers are usually from 20 to 500  in length and 0.5 to 50 in diameter. Asbestos bodies appear as golden brown or beaded rods with a translucent center. The fibers are insoluble. The exposure of asbestos causes fibers to be inhaled and fine dust deposited in the alveoli inside the lungs consequently causing a type of cancer called Mesothelioma (a deadly tumor) involving Mesothelial tissues or usually cells of lungs or stomach and abdominal organs.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer of the Pleura (lung cancer) and Peritoneum (abdomen cancer). Mesothelioma has been shown to have a strong association with the crocidolite variety of asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common manifestation of asbestos exposure, is well-circumscribed plaques of dense collagen, often containing calcium. Peritoneum Mesothelioma may or may not contain asbestos bodies and rarely do they occur in persons who have no history or evidence of asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma not only occurs in people who are exposed the asbestos, but also to them who had been living in vicinity to asbestos manufacturing process or those staying in asbestos contaminated buildings. In Great Britain, an association was reported between Mesothelioma and people living within 1 kilometer of an asbestos factory.

The risk of Mesothelioma is reported to be high in those cases where occupational exposure to asbestos is combined with cigarette smoking. Mesothelioma usually does not appear until after 5 to 10 years of exposure. Mesothelioma causes mechanical irritation and in the advanced cases, there may be symptoms of clubbing of fingers, and cardiac distress. The survival time of Mesothelioma patients is generally ranges from 12 months to 2 years of diagnosis and very few survive longer than 2 years.

How to avoid mesothelioma?

The following measures can be useful in preventing occurrences of Mesothelioma:

• Use of safer types of asbestos (chrysolite and amosite)
• Substitution of other insulators such as glass fiber, mineral wool, calcium silicate plastic foams
• Rigorous dust control
• Periodic examination of workers such as biological monitoring (clinical, X-ray, lung function)

The government should take adequate steps and make appropriate legislation to stop or minimize the case of asbestos exposure Mesothelioma. If you or any one of your families or friends is suffering from Mesothelioma, you have the legal right to file lawsuits for getting compensation for the medical facilities, loss of income and pain. You can consult a qualified attorney for filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit for comensation.

Cancer Mesothelioma – It Is a Born Killer?

2010-08-19T06:52:00.000-07:00

What is mesothelioma?

The pericardium is the mesothelial tissue that surrounds and acts as a safeguard to the heart. The pleural mesothelium membrane covers the lungs and chest cavity and peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that enfolds the organs in the abdominal cavity.

What is actually cancer mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a dual layered membrane with which our chest, lungs, abdomen and the heart is wrapped safely.

Cancer Mesothelioma can damage any of these cells, although pleural mesothelioma is more common; it metastasizes and at an advanced stage the disease reach to the other parts of the body like the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

How is cancer mesothelioma caused?

Though asbestos exposure is the primary reason in 70% to 80% of the cases, mesothelioma can be caused by other means, like exposure to the chemical zeolite that is also present in asbestos.

Asbestos has become part of our daily life being in cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. The asbestos fibers take their toll by going into our windpipe and settling in the internal organs causing the formation of carcinogenic tumors.

The overall scenario regarding cancer mesothelioma.

Though there is a ban on certain asbestos products, around 1000 people in France and above 2000 people in the U.S are faced with this nightmare each year.

Mostly, workers from shipyards, asbestos mines and mills are prone to this mishap, due to a constant exposure to asbestos. However, it takes 30 to 50 years for the disease to surface and show symptoms though they are not always accurate.

Cancer mesothelioma is proving more than a menace and the average person live for 12-24 months; the earlier it is detected, the better is the cure process.

The recent picture:

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have put restrictions towards maintaining acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos are geared up with individual protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. Even the family members of the workers are prone to the disease, so they are advised to take a shower before leaving for home.

Symptoms of cancer mesothelioma:

-    Feeling out of breath and pain in the chest due to an accretion of fluid in the pleura
-    Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises weight loss and abdominal pain and a bulging abdomen due to accumulation of fluid
-    Bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever
-    Pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face

However, a registered medical practitioner can diagnose you correctly.

Diagnosis of cancer mesothelioma:

Diagnosis commences with an assessment of the patient's medical history, as well as any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including:
-    X-rays of the chest or abdomen
-    A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a sequence of comprehensive pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an X-ray machine
-    In an MRI, a strong magnet connected to a computer is used to draw meticulous pictures of areas affected by cancer mesothelioma inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed
-    A biopsy regarding the taking out of a sample tissue for examination is needed to verify a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Types of biopsy depending on the location of the tumor are thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy

Lastly, the stage of the disease is important to the doctor for the correct diagnosis.

Cancer mesothelioma treatment :

Treatment of cancer mesothelioma yields results depending on the site of the cancer, the phase of the disease, and the patient's physical condition. The usual treatments for cancer mesothelioma are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Occasionally, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is an effective way to remove tumor but the age of the person matters. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are good ways to ward off the symptoms.

Often, high-end drugs are given to the patient to reduce the fluid formation in body.

Thus, it is better for the workers to get a medical check up at equal intervals and be aware of its symptoms. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer mesothelioma at the earliest stage, the treatments might do wonders for him.

How To Choose a Mesothelioma Doctor?

2010-08-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma Cancer is considered, within the medical profession, to be a serious illness. Mesothelioma Doctors are now available to those who are sufferers of Mesothelioma Cancer.
Mesothelioma Doctors are well educated in the cause of Mesothelioma Cancer, diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, the affects of Mesothelioma Cancer and the available treatment for Mesothelioma Cancer.

How To Choose a mesothelioma Doctor?

1- Ensure that they have expertise, or quality experience in the area of Mesothelioma Cancer. This can be achieved through your general GPs general enquiries on your behalf, or through conducting your own research.

2- You might even consider making enquiries with the American Cancer Society, who hold a variety of information about different types of Cancer and where to seek help. When seeking help it is best to research all your available options and then choose the best one for you.

What types of questions mesothelioma doctor ask?

Some of the important information that you might need to tell your Mesothelioma Doctor include, what types of symptoms you are experiencing, how long ago since you were exposure to an Asbestos related substance and for how long where you exposed to the Asbestos related substance.

What Next?

After you receive and initial consultation from your Mesothelioma Doctor, you may be required to undergo either a Chest CT scan, or a biopsy, depending on which type of Mesothelioma Cancer your Mesothelioma Doctor considers that you have.

Essentially, there are three possible types of Mesothelioma Cancer that you could have. These include, Pleural (Lungs) Mesothelioma Cancer, Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (heart).

Once your Mesothelioma Cancer doctor has made a definitive diagnosis, he/she will then be able to tell you which type of Mesothelioma Cancer you have, at what stage the Mesothelioma Cancer is, whether it has spread to surrounding organs, or whether it is contained within the original area of the diseases initiation.

Your Mesothelioma doctor will then discuss your treatment options in relation to the type of Mesothelioma Cancer that you have and what stage the Cancer is at. Your Mesothelioma Doctor should explain these options in detail, including any side affects and the recovery period.

Your Mesothelioma Doctor should also explain to you what the results of not undergoing these recommended treatment options could be. Essentially, your Mesothelioma Doctor should give you a detailed explanation of your entire prognosis.

Your prognosis should include details regarding any risks that you may be subjected to, the chances of the Cancer reoccurring following treatment and how long you are expected to survive once treatment has been implemented.

Keep in mind that through ongoing research into Mesothelioma Cancer, treatments are becoming more effective and patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, who undergo treatment, are surviving for longer periods of time.

Mesothelioma Patients Treatment Using Skin cancer Cream !

2010-08-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a growing condition in not only America, but around the world. As signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are being revealed following initial exposure to asbestos, which may have occurred up to 40 years earlier, it can be difficult and often daunting to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis not only for a victim, but friends and families as well.

It is important for an individual to attempt to take control of their condition by learning as to when initial asbestos exposure may have occurred. By determining this, an individual increases their chances of receiving monetary compensation for their disease through the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Such compensation can assist a victim with paying for costly medical treatments including chemotherapy treatments, which can range in the thousands.

treatment of mesothelioma patients using skin cancer cream ...HOW?

A group of scientists in Australia have discovered a new potential treatment for mesothelioma cancer victims with the application of two treatments normally reserved for skin cancer patients.

During several tests conducted on laboratory mice with advanced mesothelioma tumors, a skin cancer cream known as Imiquimod was combined with an anti-cancer drug, antiCD40. The two were applied to the mesothelioma mice and, according to researchers, 50 percent of the mice receiving the treatment therapy went into remission following treatment.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Australia, is considered "breakthrough" according to a PerthNow news article. Additionally, scientists feel that this potentially new mesothelioma treatment may be more readily available than other treatments being researched and tested, as one of the drugs is "already commercially available and the other is currently being tested in clinical trials," according to lead researchers of the study.

How To Identify And Treat The Symptoms Of Mesothelioma?

2010-08-18T06:40:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that the thin membrane and the mesothelium, a protective cover that affects the lungs and other internal organs of the body, known forms. This disease is usually caused by frequent exposure to longer term. Several studies have shown that the main cause of malignant mesothelioma asbestos, asbestos is mainly blue and brown.
These materials contain hazardous substances that are harmful to health. However, when the particles are taken in the process of respiration, remain in the lungs and gradually turn into cancer cells that may eventually lead to pleural mesothelioma. In such cases, the disease begins in the chest and spreads to other parts of the body.

What are the symptoms?

symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear immediately. It produces up to 20 years and start after the initial contact with asbestos. However, the first being diagnosed, the better the chance of survival. Some of the signs and symptoms include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, prolonged cough, weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue and sometimes fever or anemia, and so on.
If you look closely, the symptoms are very similar to those of other conditions. The consequences are:
Before And 'possible to misconstrue the presence of these symptoms in the initial phase, similar to other diseases. As a result, most of the victims tend to focus on the wrong disease, so the actual disease untreated.
Second Life expectancy of patients with mesothelioma is usually very low due to lack of early diagnosis and effective treatment for cancer. The challenges ...
For medical experts, it is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma cancer and thus takes time. This makes it very dangerous and puts the victim's life in danger.
Again, it is unfair to make the diagnosis of a forms-based test, because the risk of misdiagnosis is high. It is therefore recommended that the tests are performed in patients diagnosed with efficient and accurate handling.
For the victims is the biggest challenge is usually as costs can afford medical care because it is very expensive.
However, the situation is not for despair. I know at this point, you might ask, if these symptoms occur, as I know he's not, or mesothelioma, as similar to other diseases? Do not worry about why I wanted to write on this subject. At least to help you and explain the situation then as how to detect symptoms and the necessary measures if they seem to be treated.
Now, back to the symptoms I mentioned earlier and go for his opinion on them again. Every time a combination of three or more of these symptoms, you can review your past and trace the history of jobs, if you have not done before, to see if you have ever had in all times been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in any way. Attention! It was suggested that washing the clothes of someone who can work with asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
If results are positive, then directly into your medical visit and explain his condition to him / her in detail, so that necessary measures can be taken to help the early diagnosis and prevention of delayed treatment in dangerous, usually leads to serious complications are in most cases.
was on the other hand, if the diagnosis, you have the right to a lawyer to help present a case for mesothelioma injury claims are rented. Note however again that not all lawyers can handle such cases. There are those who are specially trained for this purpose.

What is Mesothelioma?

2010-08-18T06:25:00.000-07:00

What is Mesothelioma:

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant 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 internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneoum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart, the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases risk of other asbestos-induced cancer. Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma.

Signs and Symptoms:

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to fluid between the lung and the chest wall or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-Ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample). A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal swelling, and pain due a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Other symptoms 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.
These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

Chest wall pain
Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or anemia
Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up.

In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize or spread to other parts of the body.
Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

Abdominal pain
Buildup of fluid in the abdomen
A mass in the abdomen
Problems with bowel function
Weight loss

In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:

Blood clots in the veins
Severe bleeding in many body organs
Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin
Low blood sugar level. Pleural effusion (water on the lungs)
Pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
Severe ascites (build-up of fluid in the abdomen)

Mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lung. An examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CAT scan or an MRI is usually performed.

Screening:

There is no universally agreed protocol for screening people who have been exposed to asbestos. Screening tests might diagnose mesothelioma earlier than conventional methods thus improving the survival prospects for patients. The serum osteopontin level might be useful in screening asbestos-exposed people for mesothelioma. The level of soluble mesothelin-related protein is elevated in the serum of about 75% of patients at diagnosis and it has been suggested that it may be useful for screening. Doctors have begun testing the Mesomark assay, a type of test for detecting mesothelioma early. This test measures levels of soluble mesothelium-related proteins released by diseased mesothelioma cells.

Risk Factors:

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure exists in almost all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. In rare cases, mesothelioma has also been associated with irradiation, intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), and inhalation of other fibrous silicates, such as erionite.
Erionite: Asbestos-like material may also cause deadly mesothelioma.
Erionite is a naturally occurring, microscopic, fibrous mineral that is most often found in volcanic ash that has been hardened and weathered. Erionite fibers, just like asbestos, when inhaled can become lodged in the linings of the lungs, heart, and abdomen and cause cancer.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, gaskets, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not publicly known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health administration(OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace, and created guidelines for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labeling, recordkeeping, and medical exams.
The documented presence of asbestos fibers in water supplies and food products has fostered concerns about the possible impact of long-term and, as yet, unknown exposure of the general population to these fibers. Although many authorities consider brief or transient exposure to asbestos fibers as inconsequential and an unlikely risk factor, some epidemiologists claim that there is no risk threshold. Cases of mesothelioma have been found in people whose only exposure was breathing the air through ventilation systems. Other cases had very minimal (3 months or less) of direct exposure.
Mesothelioma in the USA increased from 2,000 per year to 3,000 with men four times more likely to acquire it than women.