Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a originate of cancer that affects the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen. It is a rare disease, and it presents in 100 to 500 people a year in the United States. It is also called abdominal mesothelioma, because the peritoneum is the membrane that supports and covers the abdominal cavity, as well as the organs located there. The peritoneal membranes are called visceral and parietal. The visceral refers to the covering of the organs and the parietal refers to the covering of the abdominal cavity.
To further understand mesothelioma we must know that it involves the cells that secrete a lubricating fluid so that the organs can move against each other without friction. These cells make up the mesothelium. When the mesothelium becomes cancerous the cells over-produce fluid. Mesothelioma is usually secondary to the primary source of the malignancy, which is pleural mesothelioma. It is thought that the asbestos fibers may be ingested when swallowed, where they enter digestive tract. It is also believed that the fibers are inhaled into the lungs and transported via the lymphatic system to the abdominal cavity. Cancer cells from the primary source can also become mobile and relocate via the lymphatic system to other areas, this process is called metastasis.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen-which may be caused by fluid retention (acites) or tumor growth-small or large bowel obstruction, anemia-red blood cells below normal level, which causes decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and makes the heart work harder, also causing shortness of breath-weight loss-but you may appear larger around the waist-and fever. If you have been exposed to asbestos in your lifetime and you are having any of these symptoms, you should be evaluated by your physician.
Mesothelioma can be passed on to other people in the family. Spouses who handled dirty clothes to launder them are at risk to having asbestos transferred to them via physical contact with the fibers. Now that more is known about asbestos, workers must change clothes before going home. Special care is taken to limit exposure to the asbestos fibers.
Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is similar to that of pleural mesothelioma. An x-ray will be taken. Mesothelioma cannot be seen on an x-ray, but a tumor may cause pleural effusion (fluid buildup) which can be seen. The doctor may also order a CT scan or an MRI to back up and add to the findings in the x-ray. Once the scans are done, a biopsy must be done to examine to tissue. The doctor will make a chop through the chest wall; this procedure is called a thoroscopy. This will be done in the hospital under local anesthesia. The doctor may also perform a peritoneoscopy, which is surgically inserting a scope into the abdomen. The device is similar for both thoracic and abdominal examinations. Samples of tissue will be obtained for the pathologist to demand under a microscope.
Mesothelioma is quite rare, so if you are diagnosed with it, you should have your doctor help you get a specialist. There is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, but there are treatment options that include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and others. The life expectancy of someone with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma varies from person to person. The prognosis depends on how vigorously the cancer is treated and how the patient responds. The patient may live for years, or only for a few months.
Source:
Mesothelioma information page
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Filed under Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma by on Aug 1st, 2011. 
List of cancers is growing steadily year by year, and you can’t encourage but be reminded of the many dangers in the world looking at the statistics. Cancer is often caused by being in proximity of substances for long time. This is also true for cancer known as mesothelioma. This disease spreads malignant tumors. These tumors grow in mesothelium. And they’re usually found in your legs, shoulders, and gluteals.
The diagnosis of this disease is very hard there isn’t a specific technique to check for mesothelioma. If you have worked in a high asbestos environment, you have a higher risk for this disease and you need to be checked as frequently as possible. There are some signs and symptoms that if you experience should definitely be called into quiz by a Doctor. Chronic Pain, swelling, and tenderness are some of the complaints that are taken very seriously.
A variety of tests can be performed to determine if the symptoms are coming from a malignant mesothelioma or benign. Taking tests depend on the person’s health, as well as a number of other variables. The most common are abdominal x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and fluid extraction by way of a needle. After the diagnosis, if there is a significant chance of mesothelioma, then the doctor will do a biopsy. The biopsy is really the only way to know for sure, if you are infected with mesothelioma
There are many treatments for mesothelioma. However, there is no known cure. What is known for sure is that the earlier action is taken against this disease, the better chance you will have of making a recovery.
There are many medical professionals that you were to approach to help you deal with this inflection.
If you want to take an avenue of chemotherapy to treat your mesothelioma then you should consider consulting a medical oncologist. This doctor has studied cancer treatment and is this especially knowledgeable when it comes to chemotherapy.
If radiation is thought to be more helpful for you, then a radiation oncologist is who you should study out for attend. This position has trained and studied on how exactly to administer radiation to their to treat mesothelioma.
A pathologist is a doctor, who analyzes cells. This doctor is trained specifically to monitor the small changes in your cell’s behavior and structure. They will analyze all of your biopsies, and the solution that came from your abdomen, lungs or from your blood. They choose changes and will be able to tell you if you’re getting better.
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Filed under Malignant Mesothelioma by on Aug 8th, 2011.
Mesothelioma is a very deadly cancer that has caused by exposure to a mineral called asbestos. The disease affects the famous lining of your internal organs. The lining of these organs turn cancerous and choke the organs it once protected. This disease is extremely fatal and has disastrous effects on a person’s lifespan. While it might not seem important, the other major aspect of mesothelioma, to understand is your right to file a legal claim against the company that led to the asbestos exposure. The disease affects areas of your body differently depending on where the mesothelioma takes root.
If the disease attaches itself to the abdomen, you’ll experience discomfort, pain, swelling, bowel blockage, in your abdomen. If it’s your lungs and breathing system affected. Expect to feel chest pains, coughing, shortness of breath, and weight loss. Of course, the symptoms can differ depending on your body type. If you have these symptoms, it’s best not to steal that you have mesothelioma (Especially if you do not have a history of asbestos exposure). Instead tell your doctor of your symptoms and if you have a previous exposure to asbestos. It is only through extensive tests that doctors can determine the presence of this disease. The earlier you find the malignant mesothelioma, the better chance you will have of being cured.
If it takes too long to diagnose and treat the condition, and the disease starts spreading then nothing can be done but contain the symptoms. The average lifespan of someone diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma is around two or three years. However there are many different treatments to try to maintain your quality of life. Chemotherapy retards the growth of cancer cells. Radiation therapy is used to kill cancels cancer cells around the body. Have an intensive talk with your doctor considering all options for treatment and what the cost benefit ratio is for each.
Sometimes people who are suffering from a malignant mesothelioma can gain relief in clinical trials. These are studies conducted to develop new experimental drugs. Sometimes they can have fantastic positive effects, and even the give scientists working on a cure more data to establish a treatment to benefit future mesothelioma victims. Establishing ties with local support groups for this disease will help tremendously in not only emotional aspects, but also give you the information needed to make informed decisions that will affect your health.
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Filed under Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma by on Aug 9th, 2011.
Cancer is one of the most robbing and devastating diseases in existence.
Essentially, cancer is caused by the growth of abnormal cells in one’s body; if malignant cells are present, that means they are cancerous. A tumor is formed when old cells do not die as they should and new cells multiply when the body does not need them. The type of cancer and how dangerous it is depends on the type and location of the tumor itself.
In this article, I’m going to examine two of the rarest forms of cancer in existence, along with some statistical information regarding each, symptoms of each and what type of treatments are available.
1. Terminal Ovarian Cancer
Terminal Ovarian Cancer is essentially a cancer of the female ovaries.
Doctors cannot specify where exactly ovarian cancer comes from, but there are certain risk factors which can increase one’s risk of getting this type of cancer. If you have a family member who has a history of ovarian, breast, colon, rectum or uterus cancer, or have a personal history of some of these other cancers, your risk for getting ovarian cancer is increased. If you are over 55, never have gotten pregnant and have taken estrogen for more than ten years, you also have an increased risk of getting this disease.
What is unfortunate about ovarian cancer is it often isn’t discovered until the cancer has already spread, and typically symptoms of ovarian cancer are not visible until the cancer has already grown. Symptoms include harm in the abdomen, pelvis, back or legs, constipation, indigestion, gas, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, vaginal bleeding and the need to urinate often. Of course, if you have these symptoms it does not mean you have cancer, but certainly seek your doctor. Most likely he will give you a physical exam, pelvic exam, ultrasound by biopsy, depending on your symptoms.
If it is determined that you indeed do have ovarian cancer, it will be diagnosed at a particular stage. Stage I means that cancerous cells are found on the ovaries’ surface or in fluid found in the abdomen. Stage II means the cells have spread to one or more ovaries or other tissues and organs, such as the uterus or fallopian tubes. Stage III equates to the cancer cells spreading to regional lymph nodes or tissues outside the pelvic region. Stage IV equates to the cells spreading even further outside the ovaries, to areas like the liver or lungs.
Being informed of having ovarian cancer is a life-changing ordeal, and certainly you will be shocked and devastated after finding out. First, if you feel it’s necessary, seek out a second opinion from someone other than your primary doctor. Also seek out encourage groups and the aid of friends, family, and even spiritual counseling. Certainly ask your doctor any and every demand applicable to your condition, including side affects of treatment and how it will affect your normal activities.
Treatments for the actual cancer depend on what stage your cancer is in. Surgery and radiation are local therapies which rob the cancer from the pelvis and control the disease if it has spread to other areas. Chemotherapy attempts to destroy the cancer in the pelvis or abdomen, and is entered directly into the position through or thin tube, taken by mouth or injected into a vein.
If left untreated, ovarian cancer can spread to other organs, such as the uterus and fallopian tubes, as well as the pelvis, abdomen and chest. If this happens, the cancer in this particular organ is considered “distant,” yet the cancer is tranquil considered ovarian.
One particularly rare form of ovarian cancer is one where a bilateral Krukenberg tumor is formed. This type of tumor affects one in ten billion people and has only been documented 30 times in the last 50 years internationally. For more information on this particular type of cancer, click here.
2. Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma is another rare form of cancer that forms in the mesothelium, which is the protective lining that covers the body’s organs.
The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, while smoking can also increase one’s risk of getting this type of cancer. Specifically, when one is exposed to asbestos fibers, inflammation of internal tissue occurs, which disrupts organ function and eventually leads to the disease. Many people are exposed to asbestos through their jobs, unknowingly getting the disease, and then not showing symptoms till years, even decades later. For this reason, those who have mesothelioma typically are not diagnosed until they are in the late stages of the disease.
Malignant mesothelioma is typically divided into four different types. Pleural is the most common form, consisting of about 2/3 of all cases of this kind. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include lumps under the skin or chest, painful breathing, fatigue, weight loss in large amounts, shortness of breath, night sweats, coughing up blood, raspy cough and/or fever. Peritoneal mesothelioma consists of about 25-30 % of diagnoses. Symptoms include night sweats, appearance of lumps under the skin, constipation, fatigue, rude weight loss, nausea, diarrhea, fever, vomiting and/or anemia. Pericardial mesothelioma consists of about 5 % of cases. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, difficult breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, night sweats and/or irregular heartbeat. Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of this cancer, and because of this, the only symptoms known are lumps in the testicles that may or may not be painful.
Treatment for mesothelioma is similar to other cancers, and consists of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. New treatments have also surfaced, including therapies like Cisplatin and Alimta. Additional alternative treatments which can assist in helping patients combating one or more types of cancers, include meditation, yoga, massage therapy, reflexology, acupuncture, herbal supplements, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, reiki, naturopathy, chiropractic care or TENS therapy.
http://www.mesothelioma.com/www.medicinenet.com
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Filed under Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma by on Aug 10th, 2011.
I want to give you a good description to the mesothelioma cancer, how exactly this cancer and how doctors can diagnose and treat it. First, you need to know what exactly this disease, this disease is a very rare type of cancer that can make a malignant tumor with the mesothelial cells in the pleura, pericardium and the peritoneum areas. I will also talk a bit about the mesothelioma treatment options available today.
The pleura is the most outer line that surrounds the two lungs, this membrane has a protective function and allows the lungs to recede flexibility during the breath process. When the tumor is developed in the pleura after the asbestos exposure, the disease can be diagnosed as pleural mesothelioma. The Asbestos materials can enter the body by inhalation when the person is dealing with Asbestos materials or its products.
The pericardium is the sac that contain the heart’s vessels and arteries. It contains the heart for the protection issues. When the asbestos transfer from the lungs to the heart throughout the blood, the tumors will be developed and after some time, it will be malignant. When the tumor is observed in the pericardium location, the disease should be diagnosed as pericardial mesothelioma cancer. This type will be very unsafe for the heart and the whole circulatory system.
The peritoneum is the outer membrane that protect the internal systems in the abdomen, this membrane also has a protective function for the internal organs in the abdominal cavity. When the tumors are observed in the peritoneum, the disease here should be diagnosed as peritoneal mesothelioma cancer. It is more dangerous than the pleural mesothelioma but it is less favorite type.
The treatment options for the pleural mesothelioma can one of three option, the surgery can be effective to remove the tumor from the pleura. The doctor should make an examination for the affected area to be sure if there any tumors in the pleura, and to make sure if this tumor is a mesothelioma tumor. Then, doctor should remove the tumor parts and the tissue that surrounds the tumor. In some cases of pleural mesothelioma, the doctor may remove the whole lung if the tumor significantly spreads through the lung.
The chemotherapy is also a very good surgery alternative treatment for mesothelioma cancer, there are many effective chemicals that can kill the cancer cell of the mesothelioma tumor. The chemotherapy option can be used with the surgery, it will be used after the surgery operation. The reason to exercise chemicals after the surgery is to clean all cancer cells that may remain after the surgery.
By Husseiny Ahmed, find more at Mesothelioma Treatment
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Filed under Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma by on Aug 11th, 2011.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely broken-down in construction, manufacturing and industry. Though its use has largely been limited since the 1980’s, many products and buildings utilizing the insulating properties of asbestos are still in use today and may be aerosolized through use, removal or demolition. In addition, those enthusiastic in manufacturing, construction and industries which employed large scale use of asbestos are only now seeing the results of acute or chronic asbestos exposure including the development of asbestosis or the much more serious malignant condition of mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the pleural (lung) cavity lining, the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity lining or the pericardial (heart) cavity lining. All are difficult to treat, requiring possible surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and even with treatment; all have a poor prognosis, often resulting in death. Because of the seriousness of these disorders, recognizing risks factors of exposure and symptoms is vital and seeking diagnosis, advice and treatment immediately is absolutely essential.
Risk Factors
Occupational risk factors for the development of asbestos related mesothelioma include being or having been employed in any of the following occupations which utilized asbestos in production of materials or insulation:
Construction – including both residential and commercial widely stale asbestos in materials
Metal Works – including steel, aluminum, iron workers along with power plant and railroad workers
Mining – including asbestos mining but also talc, vermiculite and dolomite
Pipe Fitting – including power plants and oil refineries along with pipe fitting for other high heat processes
Ship Building – particularly during WWII and Korean War but also including ship crew members who may have been exposed to asbestos in confined conditions
Factory Work – manufacture of construction materials of all types
Auto Work – auto manufacturing and repair, particularly brake parts and engine gaskets containing asbestos
Demolition – including those eager in or reach intentional or unintentional demolition of buildings constructed with asbestos, along with asbestos removal projects
Symptoms
Unfortunately for many, mesothelioma may take years to develop and not be recognized as related to work hazards. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include: Pleural Mesothelioma – dry raspy cough, coughing up blood, worry swallowing, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, painful chest, difficulty breathing, lumps under the skin of the chest, Peritoneal Mesothelioma - swollen or painful abdomen, changes in bowel habits, nausea or vomiting, anemia, fatigue, fever or night sweats, weight loss, lumps under abdominal skin, and
Pericardial Mesothelioma - heart palpitations, chest damage, worry breathing, fever or night sweats, fatigue
Anyone who is suffering from symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease should seek medical help immediately. The sooner diagnosis is obtained and treatment is started, the better chance for a hopeful outcome. Unfortunately, some may feel the cost of medical treatment is too high and avoid seeking help. In any case of asbestos-related disease, particularly one as serious as mesothelioma, legal advice should be obtained along with medical advice. A consultation with a lawyer will provide the best possibility of getting appropriate treatment as soon as possible and may even save a life.
Getting a diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a shocking experience for both the patient and family members alike. Support organizations such as the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation can be a good source of information regarding diagnosis, medical issues and treatment options. Additionally, they may provide comfort and abet through the use of chat rooms, message boards and forums which may be of relieve to family members and patients.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Aug 12th, 2011.
Is mesothelioma curable? The straight answer to this examine is ‘No’. Well, there are medications and treatments that help in easing the pain and may help to prolong life, but these treatments are not enough to attach life. Mesothelium refers to the wrapping structure of most of the bodily organs in our body and mesothelioma is the cancer that occurs in mesothelium.
Like any other cancerous conditions, abnormal cell growth is observed in the area of mesothelium when someone suffers from mesothelioma. When these abnormal cells start growing rapidly, they cause harm to the nearby cells, leading to the metastatic condition, which means that the cancer spreads to the nearby tissues and organs.
Mesothelioma is mostly noticed in the lung area, precisely in the pleura – the thin lining wrapping the chest cavity and lung. Apart from that, mesothelioma also affects areas pericardium, the wrapping structure of heart and peritoneum, the wrapping structure of abdominal cavity.
The Major Causes of Mesothelioma
The major causes of mesothelioma are not very common. However, the cure of mesothelioma is nearly impossible and thus the recovery is much tougher, once diagnosed. As we know, prevention is always better than cure, so being aware of the causes of mesothelioma may offer some advance benefits in prevention of mesothelioma. Let us discuss it here now.
Not a surprise now, but the people from western countries are higher risk for developing mesothelioma cancer than people from developing countries. Do you know why? The simple reason is industrialization. It’s true that modern science has offered us a wide variety of luxuries and hi-tech facilities, but it hasn’t offered it for free, but it has taken its toll.
The leading cause of developing mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. Quite naturally, the exposure to asbestos is quite higher in the industrial zone than any other areas. Although no concrete reason has found in encourage of this fact, it has been seen that men are at higher risk for developing mesothelioma cancer than women. Also, mesothelioma cancer can produce at any age, but elderly people are more prone due to reduced immune level.
Although asbestos has been identified as the primary trigger for the development of mesothelioma cancer, few cases have been also reported as the instances of not getting exposed to asbestos. In some cases, radiation has also been found to cause mesothelioma cancer. In rarest cases, thorium dioxide may also trigger mesothelioma cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
It is very important to understand the symptoms of mesothelioma at an earlier stage, so that the recovery could be possibly easier. Unfortunately, it is really difficult to understand the mesothelioma symptoms at an earlier stage, because doctors, health practitioners and even patients frequently become confused to understand as they resemble so much with any other non-fatal and approved health conditions.
However, if the patient suspects that he or she might have been developed mesothelioma cancer, it is important not to neglect the condition and peep help from the doctors. A regular medical check up of thoracic zone and abdominal area can attend in diagnosing mesothelioma cancer in earlier stages. If someone is working in asbestos factory or industries involved in asbestos manufacturing or molding job should frequently check them up in the mesothelioma clinic.
The most specific symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are breathing troubles, swallowing quandary, sudden weight loss, back pain, cough, excessive and abnormal sweating, and chest hurt. Admitted, these symptoms are very common and in most of the cases may not lead to any serious problems, the concerned individual should not be left unattended, once diagnosed with such signs and symptoms.
If you or your advance ones are working in asbestos factories and these symptoms become apparent, consulting doctors should be an emergency. Always remember that mesothelioma symptoms do not occur at an earlier stage, but in majority of the cases the symptoms occur at advanced stages due to the pressure created by the cancerous cells over the nerve cells and other tissues and organs.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
When someone is suspected developing mesothelioma cancer, doctors take an account of the degree of the asbestos exposure of the concerned person. The exposure to asbestos is considered as the precursor of the mesothelioma. Predominantly, diagnostic tests are done by lung function test and chest x-ray or abdominal x-ray. Apart from these diagnostic tests, imaging tests like CT (Computer Tomography) scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan are also conducted.
Treatment of Mesothelioma
Unfortunately, worn treatments do not bring enough success in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer. Once diagnosed, the expected remaining life span lies from 6 months to 1 year. The severity of mesothelioma cancer depends on a wide variety of reasons. One of these factors is the elongated latency period between the development of the disease and asbestos exposure.
Surgical Intervention
Surgical intervention is one of the commonest modes of treatment of mesothelioma cancer. When the surgery is performed, depending on the condition of the disease and the person concerned, doctors conduct either the surgery alone or in combination with adjuvant therapy. However, none of these modes are enough promising, since the survival rate is really too less, say, lesser than 10%. Pleurectomy is the most common form of surgery. In this surgical procedure, the chest lining is fully confiscated.
Radiation Therapy
Although mesothelioma cancer is extremely resistant to radiation therapy, this treatment method is quiet employed in order to trim down the pain that develops as a result of mesothelioma cancerous growth. The radiation therapy is most commonly used to prevent cancerous growth along the chest wall.
Chemotherapy
In the year 2004, FDA approved Pemetrexed drug for the chemotherapy treatment of pleural malignant mesothelioma cancer. This drug is administered in combination with cisplatin. Folic acid is applied in order to minimize the adverse side effects of Pemetrexed drug.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is another mode of treatment for mesothelioma cancer. The results of immunotherapy significantly vary from person to person. While Bacillus calmette-Guerin offers benefit to the immunotherapy treatment urinary bladder cancer, it does not provide any positive result in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer.
On the other hand, vitrolysis by LAK is found to be effective in obliterating mesothelioma cancerous cells. However, the biggest drawback of this treatment is the low adverse side effects. In fact, this treatment is terminated due to the serious adverse side effects of interleukin-2 toxicity. When it is developed, patients start suffering from fever and cachexia. Interferon alpha produces positive benefit, however, lately. Nearly 50% reduction in the tumor size is observed during this phase.
Legal Help for Mesothelioma Cancer
Many patients suffering from mesothelioma cancer seek legal help from mesothelioma attorneys. People need to seek for mesothelioma attorney when they are about to file a case for compensation against the company responsible for their exposure to asbestos. It is due to the fact that asbestos causes mesothelioma cancer. A prolonged exposure to asbestos or products manufactured from asbestos may cause cancer, so patients with such exposure can claim for compensation.
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Quite obviously, attorneys specializing on mesothelioma cancer and the causes can offer someone more help if he is suffering from mesothelioma cancer due to the result of asbestos exposure in the professional sector than any other general attorneys. So, it is valuable to seek help from mesothelioma attorneys to file a compensation case against any company. It can be filed for a group of individuals and this type of group filing is referred to as class action lawsuits. Needless to say, this type of lawsuit draws more public attention since there are a titanic number of people interested.
Typically, the fees of mesothelioma attorneys are quite higher. However, one does not need to cover the fees if the attorneys lose the case. So the patients do not need to hesitate to file for a mesothelioma lawsuit, since it does not involve any financial burden. For individual cases, it completes faster, however, for the group, it needs some time to finish the case.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Aug 13th, 2011.
Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling particles of asbestos over a long period of time. For many years asbestos was used as an insulation material in homes and offices. Although there have been tremendous or remove as much asbestos from the environment as possible, there is still much remaining, especially in older buildings. Even today, asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related lung disease.
Asbestos is a major cause of the otherwise rare do of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is virtually never seen in people who have not been exposed to asbestos.
Asbestosis is most commonly seen in men, typically who are over age 40. This is because none of the stage were more likely to have worked in buildings containing asbestos. All people who were exposed to asbestos over a long period of time are potentially at risk.
As a person inhales small particles of asbestos, the particles travel to the deepest and smallest airways in the lungs. The asbestos fibers will then derive in the outer edges of the lungs, gradually causing a chronic inflammation and irritation to the delicate lung tissues.
Symptoms
In many cases, it can take up to twenty years for symptoms of asbestosis to become apparent. The most favorite symptom will be a chronic cough and shortness of breath. The cough will be dry and constant, producing very little sputum.
As the disease progresses, a person can experience chest pain, a coarse voice, a loss of appetite and weight, and changes in sleep patterns. On occasion, a person will cough up some blood. This is a sign that the disease is becoming relatively advanced.
Risk and prevention
Obviously the greatest risk of getting asbestosis is asbestos exposure. If you suspect that you may be working in an site with asbestos, always be clear to wear proper protective masks.
If you are a smoker, try to conclude. Smoking can increase the damage done by asbestos exposure. The combination of damage done by the inhaled asbestos fibers and the cigarette smoke can be devastating to your lungs.
Regular exercise can help limit the damage done by asbestos exposure. This helps for a number of reasons, including maintaining good circulation and airflow through the lungs.
If you suspect or know that you have exposure to asbestos, be sure to tell your doctor and understanding regular chest x-rays to look for signs of damage to your lungs. Asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer.
Treatments
Treatment for asbestos exposure is largely aimed at controlling the symptoms. There is no known way to reverse damage which is already done, but symptoms can be treated and further damage can be prevented.
People with asbestosis must recall good care of their lungs. Be sure to get proper treatment for any other condition which can affect your lungs, such as pneumonia, colds, bronchitis, and influenza. These conditions can be made much worse in people who suffer from asbestos exposure.
Respiratory therapists and work with people who have been exposed to teach them suited care of their lungs. Bronchial drainage and the use of misting humidifiers can help tremendously with the symptoms.
If you activity you may have been exposed to asbestos, or maybe experiencing symptoms of asbestosis, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Asbestosis is not a medical emergency, however the sooner you are able to identify your risk and begin proper care and treatment, the more you can minimize the damage done to your lungs.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Aug 14th, 2011.
In this article, we will see the treatment procedures for a person when he or she has been diagnosed as suffering from lung mesothelioma.
The doctor usually looks inside the lung cavity using a special thoracoscope. A cleave is made in the chest well and the instrument is inserted into the chest between the two ribs. This procedure is called as thoracoscopy. A local anesthetic is administered to these patients. There is usually no pain experienced, but some pressure can be felt by the patient.
If the doctor finds abnormal tissue growths, then the doctor cuts out some tissue pieces. These are then looked under a microscope to peep the growth of possible cancer cells. This procedure is known as biopsy. Biopsy is current procedure in all forms of cancer, and not restricted to lung mesothelioma.
The treatment for lung mesothelioma can take three forms.
The first treatment mode is surgery. This is the most well-liked treatment procedure. The doctor removes part of the lung linings and the surrounding tissues. A lung itself may also be removed – this process is known as pneumonectomy. Sometimes a part of the diaphragm, which is a muscle below the lungs, can also be removed.
The second treatment mode is through radiation. This therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill the cancer cells. The source of radiation can be external or internal. When the radiation comes from a machine it is known as external radiation therapy. If radio-isotopes generating radiation are put through thin plastic tubes in the lungs, then it is called as internal radiation therapy.
If some fluid has collected in the lungs, affecting the breathing process, the doctor can resolve to drain out the fluid by using a needle to poke into the chest. Then suction can be employed to remove the fluid. The process of removal of fluid from the chest is known as thoracentesis. The doctor may put some drugs through a tube into the lungs to prevent accumulation of further fluids.
The third mode of treatment for lung mesothelioma is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy involves taking pills that tend to kill cancer cells (oral chemotherapy). In intravenous chemotherapy, drugs are injected into the body. Drugs may be put directly into the lungs (intrapleural chemotherapy).
A new type of treatment known as intraoperative photodynamic therapy is also available. It uses special drugs and special light to kill cancerous cells during surgery. A chemical that causes the cancer cells to become more sensitive to light is injected several days before the surgery. During the surgery itself, special light is shown on the pleura and the lungs. This unique treatment is being studied for treating several types of mesothelioma, including the lung mesothelioma.
Malignant lung mesothelioma may be recurrent in many cicumstances. The mesothelioma may come back even after repeated treatments of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In such cases, the treatments need to be gone through again. There is no other option until the newer forms of treatments being tested begin to produce at least some results.
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Filed under Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma by on Aug 15th, 2011.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is a type of cancer involving the lymphatic system and the white blood cells. We all know that our immune system fights against contagious diseases, but our lymphatic system is a large part of the immune system.
Lymphatic vessels transmit a colorless watery lymph fluid, which transmits infection fighting white blood cells (WBC) called lymphocytes. The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels and lymph nodes; the lymphatic system a transport system that functions with the circulatory system. The lymph system is sort of like a metabolic trash collector for the vascular system.
The lymph vessels carry the lymph fluid to the lymph nodes, where the fluid is filtered and the infectious agents are destroyed by the WBCs. Lymph node clusters are found in the abdomen, groin, neck, underarms and other locations. Other immune system components include the thymus, tonsils, spleen and bone marrow. In the condition of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, lymphocytes (B cells) rise abnormally inside lymph nodes and will spread the cancer throughout the lymphatic system into many organs of the body.
What causes Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is an unusual type of cancer. This type of cancer is one of the most prevalent types in people under the age of 35. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is rarely found in people over the age of 55. The cause of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not known; however, a theory is that the disease may be linked with obvious types of viruses.
What are the symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma differ from one person to another. Some of the common symptoms are:
Swelling of the lymph nodes of the armpit, neck and groin
Fatigue
Persistent fever
Unexplained weight loss
Sweating
Itching of the skin
These symptoms may be present in other conditions, so it is important to see your physician if your symptoms don’t go away in a week or two. If swelling of the lymph nodes and the other symptoms continue for more than 6 weeks the doctor may suspect Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
How is Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosed?
In the beginning, when you first notice symptoms, those symptoms may be similar to a flu virus; therefore, it is important to go back to your doctor if you don’t bag better in a few days after being treated. If you don’t return to your doctor to report that you aren’t feeling better, your doctor won’t know to peruse deeper.
Hodgkin’s disease can be best treated if diagnosed early. You should visit your doctor immediately if you are having one or more of the above symptoms. Your doctor will check your lymph nodes on your neck and other areas for swelling and tenderness. A biopsy should be taken from a lymph node as well as bone marrow if Hodgkin’s lymphoma is suspected. In order to stage Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a number of scans will be done including Gallium scans, PET scans and CT scans.
Stage 1 involves only one lymph node.
Stage 2 involves two lymph nodes, and possibly parts of nearby organs.
Stage 3 involves lymph nodes located above and below the diaphragm.
Stage 4 involves the lymph nodes and the organ systems of the body. Stage 4 is the most advanced type of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
What are the treatment options for Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
With early diagnosis, Hodgkin’s disease is definitely curable with radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of both treatments. The cure depends on different factors such as the individual’s age and sex, and the stage of the lymphoma.
Sources:
http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/192/main.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hodgkins-disease/DS00186/DSECTION=tests-and-diagnosis
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