On January 13, 2010 it was reported that “Dexter” star Michael C. Hall has been in treatment for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Many people have become fans of Hall through his work on the highly current Showtime series where he plays the role of a serial killer who is employed as a blood splatter expert. Michael C. Hall also played David Fisher on the HBO series “Six Feet Under” several years ago. The good news for Hall, his family, and his fans is that the disease is currently in remission but people may be wondering what is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, lymph vessels, spleen, tonsils, and the thymus. Lymphatic tissue is also found throughout various areas of the body, which means that the cancer can begin in a variety of areas in the body. An abnormal cell called The Reed-Sternberg cell begins to divide, and the current abnormal cells can prevent the body from being able to fight infections as well as form tumors.
Symptoms of the disease include swollen lymph nodes, unexplainable weight loss, persistent fever, fatigue, night sweats, swollen glands after alcohol consumption, and skin that is very itchy. The symptoms usually last for awhile or do not subside. Because most of these symptoms are often associated with other conditions, people should consult a physician for a proper diagnosis.
A vast deal of progress has been made in developing effective treatment for people diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and the recovery rate is relatively high for this type of cancer. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma can be treated through chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the two. People who have a relapse of the disease after it has been in remission will be treated again with radiation and/or chemotherapy or stem cell transplantation.
With early diagnosis and treatment, the average five-year survival rate for people with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was over 80%. For more statistics and facts for Hodgkin Lymphoma, click here.
Sources:
Dexter’s Michael C. Hall Has Cancer, People Magazine
National Cancer Institute, U.S. National Institutes of Health
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Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on Feb 4th, 2012. 
This disease is regarded as one of the most severe types as it has claimed thousands of lives in the United States alone every year. Although frightening, this should be enough of a cause to keep yourself alert when it comes to indications of stomach cancer symptoms. It’s the second most common type, trailing closely behind the lung variety.
Most symptoms actually bear strong resemblance to those of a hiatal hernia or peptic ulcer. This can start out with stomach wretchedness that are only aggravated by food, along with heartburn, indigestion, and nausea. Of course, at this point, most of these symptoms are easily dismissed and can sometimes be momentarily remedied by an antacid. The only bad thing about this is that this sort of reaction only leads to delaying a routine check up, and can leave the tumor to wreak havoc.
A loss of appetite or feeling pudgy even after a small meal can also be placed under stomach cancer symptoms. Along with this can come upper abdominal pains, weight loss, and the genuine bloating of the stomach after meals. In more extreme cases, vomiting blood or blood being found in the feces can also occur. This isn’t usually the rich red colored unusual blood, but dark blood. If left unattended over a certain period of time, this could lead to anemia.
Although some of these symptoms can also be symptoms of a stomach virus or gastric ulcer, if you have even the slightest feeling that it could be cancerous, then go to your doctor. This will require an examination both from a gastroenterologist and an oncologist.
The risk of acquiring these stomach cancer symptoms becomes significantly higher when things like age begin to factor in. This disease is more accepted amongst people close to the age of sixty. Gender can also come into play as men are more likely to form it than women. A diet that primarily consists of salty food prepared by smoking or curing is also something to take note off. Smoking can also trigger it since every time you inhale, you end up swallowing a small amount of tobacco smoke
There are ten times more cases in Japan and the United States. Unlike other countries, the number of cases in the United States during the period declined. The exact cause of stomach cancer has escaped from researchers. But they have found risk factors that increase your chances of developing this disease. Research has shown that diets rich in salt and nitrates, can increase the likelihood of developing stomach cancer. There are a limited number of cases among native Japanese who moved to the United States and adopted the American diet, compared with those who had stayed in Japan and to continue with the Japanese diet. There are a number of cases among people who work as miners or construction of wood, nickel and rubber. People exposed to H. pylori developed gastric lymphoma.
At the time, these different symptoms can occur in cancer metastasis to other organs such as the esophagus, lungs, lymph nodes, liver, exiguous intestine and colon. Unfortunately, it takes eight to ninety percent of patients with stomach cancer.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on Feb 3rd, 2012.
Esophageal adenocarcinoma, or cancer of the lower esophagus, has risen by 450% in the U.S. since the 1970s. The risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma increases with obesity, smoking, and awful nutrition. Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD), a condition that causes stomach acid to be regurgitated back into the esophagus, can also be a factor in the development of some cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma. GERD can lead to Barrett’s Esophagus (BE), a condition where cells of the tissue lining the lower esophagus transform from normal squamous cell tissue into columnar epithelial cells, similar to cells typically found in the lower intestine, in a process called metaplasia. BE is considered to be a precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although having BE means an increased risk of lower esophageal cancer, only about one percent of BE patients actually execute esophageal adenocarcinoma, and only a diminutive percentage of people with GERD develop BE. Still, getting GERD under control early on is an significant step in cancer prevention.
The esophagus is the muscular tube where food passes from the mouth to the stomach. At the lower end, the esophageal sphincter opens to allow food to pass into the stomach, and then closes again. If the esophageal sphincter malfunctions, due to a weakness in nerve or muscle, the esophagus will not close completely. In the case of GERD, stomach acid backs up through the malfunctioning esophageal sphincter, into the esophagus, a condition known as acid reflux. Chronic GERD can lead to BE, because the esophageal lining is not designed to tolerate stomach acid. BE develops over time, in response to damage from stomach acid.
Being overweight and smoking are two of the most significant risk factors for both GERD and BE. Alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and diet, are also important factors. Risk of GERD and BE increases with age, although BE can affect people of all ages. Medications, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can cause peptic ulcers, and long term users are twice as likely to develop GERD. Other drugs may play a role as well. Whites and Hispanics are at greater risk than blacks and Asians, and men are at greater risk for BE than women.
Heartburn and acid reflux are symptoms of GERD. More serious symptoms requiring immediate evaluation by a doctor include difficulty swallowing, vomiting blood, bloody stools, and unintentional weight loss. BE has no noticeable symptoms. A doctor can diagnose BE by examining throat tissue for changes in color.
Having GERD does not indicate a predisposal to cancer, but managing GERD can prevent BE, a pre-malignant condition. Incidence of adenocarcinoma in BE patients is higher than in the general population, and once cells have undergone metaplasia, they cannot be transformed befriend into normal squamous cells. Specific lifestyle changes can benefit to chop occurrences of acid reflux, and therefore sever the risk of developing BE. A physician may recommend weight loss, quitting smoking, avoiding foods that trigger heartburn, and taking antacids or other medications to block heartburn. Some GERD patients sleep with the upper body in an elevated position, in order to prevent reflux during sleep. A diagnosis of severe GERD or BE usually calls for aggressive treatment, including medications, non-surgical procedures, or in some cases surgery.
According to the Mayo Clinic, gastroesophageal reflux can be traced to about one third of esophageal cancers. Therefore, it is important to control GERD before it becomes BE. Common sense measures that promote good health in general are effective in controlling GERD, and preventing BE. We hear it over and over, but once again won’t pain. Following a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, controlling weight, not smoking, and taking an active role in your occupy health maintenance will go a long way in preventing serious complications like BE, and a whole lot of others too.
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/barretts/index.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/esophageal-cancer/DS00500
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Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Feb 1st, 2012.
It is true that being informed gets you ahead of any game, be it your business, life goals, or even your health. The good thing is that women are more conscious when it comes to having their regular medical exams, than men do. Women are more proactive in learning what’s infamous with their bodies and what can be avoided in the future. But this is not the case, specially with younger women. They just tend to ignore some signs and symptoms that can lead to something as serious as cancer.
Many will argue that to think of something negative is a destructive habit. Some will even point out that if you think you might get cancer, you are attracting this possibility to materialize into reality. There are even those who think that cancer is incurable.. so why accumulate yourself checked anyway? It can just drain you of too much time, pains, and not to mention – money. There is simply a sense of denial.
This article is a summarized version of what you can read on WebMd. It is our aim to spread the word and rep many women informed on the controversial issue of cancer. When statistics note that women suffer more deaths from cancer than men, it is then time to draft out what are the possible symptoms of having one. This is not to cause fear and panic, but to design sure you gain early detection to get early prevention. When left untreated for a long period of time, cancer can be fatal.
Here are the 15 Possible Warning Signs of Cancer in Women:
1. Unexplained weight loss without decrease in food intake or increase in exercise routines ( Overactive Thyroid )
2. Feeling full quickly even if you had barely eaten ( Bloating is one of the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer )
3. Lumps and rashes on breasts that persist for weeks ( Signs of Breast Cancer )
4. Original bleeding in between periods ( Signs of Endometrial Cancer)
5. Changes in skin moles and skin pigmentation ( Warnings of Skin Cancer )
6. Difficulty swallowing, even of liquid foods. ( Signs of GI tract Cancer )
7. Blood in urine or stool ( Warnings of Colon Cancer )
8. Abdominal pain and depression ( Signs of Pancreatic Cancer )
9. Indigestion for no apparent reason ( Risk of Cancer of Throat, Esophagus, or Stomach )
10. White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue ( Signs of Leukoplakia leading to Oral Cancer )
11. Persisting, unexplainable pain
12. Swelling of the lymph nodes ( usually seen under the armpit or on the neck )
13. Fever that is not caused by the flu virus or bodily infections ( Early Signs of Blood Cancer such as Leukemia or Lymphoma )
14. Unexplainable fatigue, even after being rested
15. Persistent cough lasting more than four weeks ( Early Signs of Lung Cancer )
Based on your symptoms, your doctor will recommend for you to get medical exams and laboratory tests – from CT scans, blood tests, mammograms, halo breast pap test, biopsy, colonoscopy, ultrasounds, to MRIs. Diagnostic tests will vary from case to case. In the end, having a healthy lifestyle and diet by choosing those natural, suitable, and effective ways for you to get maximum health – really helps! Having a cancer, or knowing someone who did, is not a joke. It’s not only financially crippling, but it is also emotionally devastating. If you know someone who does, beget certain you give all the moral support that person can net. Even a dose of laughter can help.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on Jan 31st, 2012.
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was widely used 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 involved in manufacturing, construction and industries which employed stout 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 well-known 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 used 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 involved in or near intentional or unintentional demolition of buildings constructed with asbestos, along with asbestos removal projects
Symptoms
Unfortunately for many, mesothelioma may take years to earn and not be recognized as related to work hazards. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include: Pleural Mesothelioma – dry raspy cough, coughing up blood, grief 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 wound, trouble 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 abet. 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 support through the use of chat rooms, message boards and forums which may be of benefit to family members and patients.
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Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on Jan 30th, 2012.
13 Years To Diagnosis63
By JerseyNana
Ha Ha The Hypochondriac Is Here
For years I was bothered by symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness and palpitations. I had pneumonia several times and each time was treated with meds until my throat would conclude up and I was forced to stop taking the medicine. A few weeks later, I would be sick again and return to the doctor to start the routine over again. Seems that I could never really get better. The fact that I was burning the candle at both ends never seemed to bother me. I worked two and sometimes three jobs to ensure that my hubby could keep his business going and my children could attend college. It was around February of 1989 and my daughter was getting married in April and I had yet to even think about getting a dress for her wedding. One of the main things that everyone busted my chops about was that I was having lapses of memory. Dependable or imagined, I became the butt of a lot of family jokes. Anytime an illness was mentioned; everyone would point to me……one thing held true to today, I never really looked sick so how could you take me seriously?
Sarcoid Lungs What Do All Those Words Mean?
Getting back to my daughter’s wedding and my need for a dress, I was out with my sister one Saturday afternoon because we both worked at the same part-time job at a weight loss meeting. She cornered me to stop at this exclusive dress shop and I reluctantly went in. The shop owner was a doll and she helped me find just the right dress. So I tried it on and staring back at me in the mirror were these disgusting purple blotches on my milky white legs. I told her that this was the reason I hesitated to try on a dress. I made an appointment with my dermatologist as soon as Monday arrived and got an appointment for the next day. He gave me some ointment and in about three days, it was completely gone. Luckily my dermatologist knew me because I had some “benign” lumps removed from my legs about a year before that were “nothing to worry about”. I went to the dress shop the following Saturday and purchased the dress I had tried on the week before.
After my daughter’s wedding I was tweezing my eyebrows one afternoon when I discovered a bump right over my left contemplate from the middle of my eyebrow to the end of the browline. In about a month it was the size of an egg and making it difficult to completely open my eye. I went to my primary physician who sent me to a surgeon who had operated on me for a hernia and had also removed my gallbladder. I was no stranger to the operating room because a few years before I had a broken bone in my foot that required being in a cast for almost a year. The bone was supposed to heal in six weeks but did not and so I went for an operation which included my own bone obtained from my heel being grafted and held with screws. Fast forward six weeks, I am healed, now back to work. Oh no, did you say the screws have to come out now? Oh yes, and six more weeks on crutches and no putting any weight on that foot. Oh joy!
Getting back to the lump on my head, the surgeon did a nice job removing most of the lump. He told me it was a very hard and tough mass but he cut me along my browline and even though there is no hair there anymore, the scar does not look bad at all. When I went back to the doctor for a follow-up, he told me the pathology came back and the lump was “nothing to difficulty about”. As I was leaving his office I was talking to his secretary and we chatted about my lump and I told her the good news. Then I remembered seeing a doctor on television say that we should keep all copies of blood tests and other records for our own good. So she gave me a copy of the pathology report. I left his office and headed to my foot doctor. He was young and reminded me so powerful of my own son. He inquired as to how I made out with the lump removal. I told him it was another “nothing to worry about” lump but I had a copy of the pathology narrate if he wanted to see it. He read the report and folded it and gave it back to me and continued to work on my foot. He then asked me if they were doing further testing. I said no because it was “nothing to worry about” just like all the other lumps I had removed from my body over the years. Stunned, I asked him if he would do further testing, and he pointed out a few words to me like; numerous isolated and coalescent non-caseating granulomata and clinical suggestions of sarcoidosis or any other granulomatus inflammatory disease should be entertained. What the heck does that mean?
Thank God For The Internet
I rushed home from the podiatrist’s office and went correct on the computer. Individually checked the words and the word sarcoidosis seemed to be linked to many of them. When I looked it up, my eyes were wide initiate as was my mouth when I kept saying, ‘I had that’, or ‘I have that’. Those purple marks on my legs, would have gone away regardless of whether I went to the dermatologist or not. They are known as erythema nodosum; another manifestation of this illness. So I took all my info along with the pathology report to my necessary physician and he immediately took blood to check my T-cells, ordered a chest x-ray and a CAT scan of my chest with an without difference. After he received the results, he referred me to another doctor in the same building. This doctor specializes in pulmonology as well as internal medicine. I brought all my recent records and a copy of the pathology report. He suggested that I have a lung biopsy that he would perform in the hospital. I agreed and the following week I found myself in the hospital having a bronchoscopy and about a week later it was confirmed that I did have sarcoidosis. Well at least it wasn’t cancer. This doctor continued to take care of me, in spite of only having one other patient with this irregular illness and suggested that I see him as often as possible. I opted for a weekly visit until my illness was under control. Limited did I know that it was tougher than we both expected.
The Road Back To Health
My new doctor was wonderful and his secretary and I became good friends. It is a medical practice that has been around for many years and so many patients are up in years, and all have God and this great doctor to thank. He is so caring that I already saw him argue with a lady who was very sick but refused to go to the hospital. He came out of his office with her, put her coat on, and drove her to the hospital while everyone just waited in the office for him to return. Besides the doctor, his wonderful secretary has been with him over twenty years and when anyone calls, she immediately recognizes their voices. Actually it’s like they are her patients too, and they really are, she is as kind and caring impartial like the doctor.
One of the things I feared was the treatment. All websites I checked recommended prednisone as the drug of choice. I also read about the side effects, one being a round moon face and plenty of added weight. I have been fighting my weight all my life, now I’m gonna take a drug to make me fatter! My doctor understood my fear and promised me that he would do whatever he could so that I would not have to take prednisone. He has kept his word. He would check my breathing with a machine once a month and recommended inhalers and several different drugs given for a period of time and evaluated. I kept my weekly appointments and he took good care of me. He knows that I know my body better than anyone and sometimes I will gaze him more often than once a week. I have learned that this disease has affected me in many different ways. It runs in cycles like a roller coaster. There are great ups and bad lows. Sometimes I have gone as long as three months unprejudiced feeling wonderful and then it is a horrible ride. One thing I know for sure is you are the only one who knows exactly how you feel. Persistance is the key, and NEVER engage NO for an answer.
My Suggestions To Anyone In My Shoes
I suffered from many symptoms of all different varieties. When I went to the doctor for a “cold” or bronchitis, I never mentioned that I had purple bumps on my legs. Why should I? My shortness of breath was considered by me as the result of burning the candle at both ends. As for my memory loss…………I was so frightened that I was either losing my mind or had the early signs of Alzheimer’s Disease, but it was my brain’s lack of oxygen because of my compromised lung capacity. My glands in my neck and armpits get inflammed and really hurt during some episodes, and I also was worried that I had lymphoma. And my skin, although the bumps are gone from my legs, my skin erupts with hive-like bumps that itch or hurt, depending on the mood they are in. I have almost always had arthritis and during some cycles, my joints swell and hurt like nobody’s business. I also found out tht the bone in my foot did not heal because of my body’s rejection to calcium and vitamin D. One thing I have managed to do is keep a cheerful attitude. I love people and while I was working, I made many friends that I called “my kids”. Two of them came to visit me yesterday and I have been retired over a year. They all know they are always welcome and can visit at any time. Over this first year several of them have come by and I get the ultimate compliment when they say the place will never be the same without me.
Please remember that you are your body’s boss. You, and only you know how you feel. If you have been experiencing mysterious illnesses, please keep a log of how you are feeling, the treatment and or drug you received at the time, how long it lasted, and list any other weird symptoms or changes in your body; no matter how stupid or inconsequencial you believe them to be. Keep your doctor informed of these changes, and bring your log with you so you don’t forget or get sidetracked at the doctor’s office. Another thing to remember…..if he or she does not take you seriously, find another doctor who will listen. Believe me, you will not be sorry! I wish you all the happiness and good health!
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Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Jan 28th, 2012.
There are several different mesothelioma treatment options. The treatment program prescribed will depend on many things such as the patient’s age, the patient’s wants, the look of the cancer cells (microscope), how much the cancer has spread, where the cancer is located and the stage of the cancer. Getting a mesothelioma treatment plan as soon as possible is extremely important if you expect success.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options: Will Treatments Work?
For some, yes. The average survival rate is said to be eight to twelve months, but many patients have exceeded this. Time is the most important factor when it comes to effective treatment. One treatment program (Dr. Sugarbaker’s treatment program at the Brigham and Woman’s Center in Boston) boasts a 40% five year survival rate when treated within a specific time frame. Patients must meet a certain criteria to qualify for this program.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options: Traditional Cancer Treatments
Some patients will undergo surgery in order to try and remove the cancer. Some patients will go through chemotherapy to try to fight the cancer. Some patients will go through radiation therapy to try to kill the cancer cells. Often times a combination on two or all of these methods is used when trying to treat mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options: Mesomark Blood Test
This mesothelioma treatment option was approved by the FDA in January of 2007. This treatment was introduced as a way to help monitor how a patient is responding to treatment. This test measures the amount to SMRP (soluble mesothelin-related peptide) in the blood to determine a patients progress. Since this treatment option is still very new, its effectiveness has yet to be determined.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options: Palliative Procedures
Pleurodesis and chest tube drainage is used as a mesothelioma treatment. This helps to prevent the fluid buildup in the lungs that often occurs with this disease. Doctors will often use some type of sclerosing agent in order to produce adhesion so prevent future fluid buildup.
Pleurectomy may be performed when an extensive surgery cannot be. Many doctors consider this the most effective way of controlling fluid buildup in the lungs. It can help to wait on restricted lung expansion that can be brought on by this disease.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options: Potentially Curative Procedures
Pleurectomy and/or decortication is typically performed on patients who are in the early stages of mesothelioma (i.e., stage 1 and distinct stage 2’s). This procedure is done to try to remove the tumor. If the tumor cannot be removed without the lung being removed as well, this may be done too.
There is a lot of medical research being done on mesothelioma treatment options, so a better prognosis could be just around the corner. It is important to have this disease diagnosed as quickly as possible to get the best results from treatment. If you have ever been exposed to anything that may cause mesothelioma, be determined to have your doctor check you factual away.
Sources
http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org/treat.htm
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Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Jan 26th, 2012.
This year a growing upright crisis may affect you more than you could imagine. With proposed bills that would limit asbestos company liability and significantly reduce payouts, some wretchedness that lawmakers who are in charge of advocating for everyday may be pandering to special interests.
Prolonged asbestos exposure can lead to dangerous health conditions including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Every year 2500 to 3000 new cases are diagnosed every year with thousands more outside the United States as other countries have been slow to adopt asbestos bans (though asbestos is not completely outlawed in the United States and exists in many products manufactured today).
For the most part treatment only prolongs a person’s life by a short span because the disease is often discovered in advanced stages.
The problem that lawmakers are trying to address is the abundance of cases currently sitting dormant in our legal system. The case backlog is gargantuan and cases (if unsettled) take years before they go before the courts and often the victim is not alive by the time a judgment is reached.
Furthermore numerous companies have gone out of business because they could no longer operate under the financial strains of numerous multi-million dollar judgments. This in turn hurts victims trying to receive compensation.
If this system continues, the expected case filings over the next decade will earn a standstill for legal action.
One of the major problems with asbestos cases is the fact that a number of these lawsuits are speculative. A person who was exposed but has yet to score a conclusive diagnosis of any asbestos related illness may file in court.
The Proposed Solution
The Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005 came to existence shortly after March of 2004 after Pres. Bush. proposed limits on asbestos related “junk” lawsuits at a speech in
Originally introduced by Sen. Orrin Hatch, the FAIR Act would establish a $140 billion trust fund to supplant litigation as a means to compensate victims of asbestos and limit liability.
The maximum award would be $750,000 but with an estimated 500,000 possible claims. The fund would quick deteriorate and could not pay victims. ($375,000,000,000,000 would be needed according to estimates if each received the maximum)
The bill was initially defeated last year but has stuck around the Senate Judiciary Committee which last week approved new amendments to the bill including support for those exposed during 9/11 and hurricane Katrina.
However the bill includes an exposure length minimum of 5 years which effectively eliminates both groups.
On April 26, 2005 supporters and detractors testified before Congress.
Dr. Philip Landrigan, Professor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Community and Preventive Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, testified before the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary against this proposed legislation.
He testified that many of the bill’s provisions are unsupported by medicine and would unfairly exclude a large number of people who have become ill or died from asbestos: “The arrive to the diagnosis of disease caused by asbestos that is set forth in this bill is not consistent with the diagnostic criteria established by the American Thoracic Society. If the bill is to utter on its promise of fairness, these criteria will need to be revised.”
Also opposing the bill are the American Public Health Association and the Asbestos Workers Union.
The supporters included members of the United States Navy who originate around 1/3 of the deaths each year as well as various unions.
Trial lawyers have been split over their support. Corporate attorneys would lose hundreds of billable hours but would retain job security for financially strapped clients. Victim’s lawyers would lose even more as filing would not require legal counsel.
No matter what, a solution needs to be reached soon but that solution needs to be equitable to all sides involved. The bill is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee but the new version could be voted on when the new session begins.
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Asbestos and It’s Conditions
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Filed under Mesothelioma Treatment by on Jan 25th, 2012.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of asbestosis that presents in the cells that makes up the lining of your lungs. This lining is called the pleura. In the United States this disease is caused only by exposure to asbestos. If you worked with asbestos, or asbestos products such as chysotile, crocidolit, or amosite you are at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. If you now have been diagnosed with the disease, you were probably exposed to asbestos about twenty years prior to diagnosis.
Fortunately, some people are diagnosed early with pleural mesothelioma before having any symptoms because tumors were visible on a routine chest X-ray. There is a cancerous and a non-cancerous form of pleural mesothelioma. Of course, the best kind to have, if you have to have it is the non-cancerous kind. This is called benign mesothelioma and it is not usually life-threatening and is not usually caused by exposure to asbestos. This obtain of mesothelioma can be removed surgically. However, the cancerous kind is called malignant mesothelioma, which involves the entire pleural lining, and it is found in approximately 2.000 people in the United States each year.
The signs and symptoms of this disorder do not show up for years after exposure, but when they do, your symptoms might be complaints of lower back pain, shortness of breath, weakness, loss of appetite, weight loss, a persistent cough, chest pain, and difficulty in swallowing. You could have one, or any of these symptoms or even all of them.
If your doctor suspects mesothelioma he/she will set about to confirm the diagnosis. Chest X-rays may have already been done, so there may also be a CT scan done just to verify the X-ray. Then the doctor will do a brochoscopy, which is the insertion of a tube that is equipped with a camera and surgical equipment. The doctor can then visualize the tumors from the inside of the lungs and snip off pieces of the tumors and lesions so they may be studied by the pathologist.
If you have a history of working with asbestos and asbestos products and you come to your doctor with symptoms, your doctor can suspect you have mesothelioma during the routine examination-It is approved to have pleural effusion, which is a build up of fluid within the lungs. The lungs become edematous (swell) and this movement of fluid can be heard by the doctor who is listening to you breathe under the stethoscope. Some patients can have such serious effusion that they can be heard without a stethoscope and they almost sound like they are bubbling on the inside-however a final diagnosis cannot be made until a biopsy is obtained. The pathologist has to prepare the samples with a special stain to be visualized under a microscope. The pathologist will be able to tell which kind of mesothelioma it is (cancerous or not) and he will be able to stage it if it is cancerous.
When symptoms develop much of the pleura may be alive to with tumors. As the tumors grow they crowd against the lung tissue. The tumors cause thickening of the pleura so there is diminutive elasticity in the pleural cavity. The lungs become pressured and they cannot expand. The person with this disease becomes very short of breath. The tumors can also grow outward and invade the chest wall and ribs. This is a very painful disease at this point. The patient’s lung function drops drastically over time and the patient slowly suffocates.
Not considerable is known about how the asbestos changes the cells in the pleural cavity. It isn’t known if just one fiber of asbestos causes a tumor or if long time exposure to asbestos causes the cells to change into tumors. There are now laws in place to protect people who have contact with asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that is part of our environment. People who tear down old houses may come into contact with asbestos fibers because asbestos was once used in roofing and flooring materials. If you have a job that puts you in contact with asbestos it is imperative that you wear protective clothing and a mask.
Asbestos fibers are shaped similarly to a fish hook. The fibers are barbed and once the fibers pierce a part of your anatomy the fiber is there and will not come out. Mesothelioma can present in most any part of your body. Wherever asbestos causes irritation can be an position that the disease presents. If you swallow asbestos it can get into your stomach, you breathe it and it gets into your lungs. If you are not wearing protective clothing, asbestos can get into your skin folds. Males can come by asbestos in their testicles. It is important to heed safety regulations when working with asbestos.
The non-malignant type of mesothelioma of the pleural tissue can be removed with surgery, but the malignant type may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. There is no cure for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Some people have a 5 or a 10 year survival rate, but sadly, some die after a few months of diagnosis. The average survival time for a person after diagnosis with no surgical intervention is one year. Some patients serve from a surgical procedure called debulking, which is a removal much of the bulkiness of the tumors. This makes more room within the pleural cavity, which in turn gives the lungs more space, and it relieves a great deal of damage the patient may have been experiencing due to the pressure exerted onto the lungs and the rib cage.
Source:
Mayo Clinic information page
Advanced Cancer Help information page
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Filed under Malignant Mesothelioma by on Jan 24th, 2012.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths of older males, usually occurring between the ages of 65 and 75 years. Unfortunately, the complexity of prostate cancer is difficult to understand without accurately determining where the tumor cells are and the extent to which they have spread outside the prostate gland. Doctors use a classification known as staging to understand the stages of prostate cancer and to gauge the degree of its growth and spread (National Cancer Institute) [1].
PROSTATE CANCER PROGNOSIS
Every type of prostate cancer is different. Therefore, notion the current stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis is crucial in determining further prognosis (the progression of the disease and whether there is a chance of recovery).
THE WAYS PROSTATE CANCER SPREADS IN THE BODY
There are three ways the cancer may spread. The cancer can invade normal surrounding tissue, travel through the lymph vessels, and it can also go through the blood via the veins and capillaries to affect other parts of the body.
Cancer cells within the primary tumor (in the prostate gland) can wreck away from the initial status and cause a secondary tumor to form. This is known as metastasis and it is what makes prostate cancer and other cancers so difficult to treat. It is important to know that the secondary tumor, despite not being in the prostate gland, is composed entirely of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, it will be called metastatic prostate cancer.
THE TNM SYSTEM OF PROSTATE CANCER STAGING
Pathologists primarily use the TNM System (Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis) for diagnosing the unusual stage of prostate cancer and predicting future prognosis (Robbins Basic Pathology, 7th Edition) [2].
T1 – This is the first stage. The tumor is runt and is present only in the prostate gland. It is medically defined to be a nonpalpable lesion, which means it cannot be felt by hand during a normal rectal examination. There are three further sub-stages in this stage (T1a, T1b, and T1c) that rate how much of the tissue consists of the tumor from TURP tissue (transurethral resection of the prostate); which is acquired from a common operation used for benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). It is important to note that the cancer at this stage is strictly local and has not spread.
T2 – In this stage, the tumor can be felt using a digital rectal exam and also through ultrasound. Professionally, there are three sub-stages (T2a, T2b, and T2c) that measure the involvement of the tumor in each lobe. If it is T2b, over 50% of only one lobe is keen. If it is classified as T2c, then both lobes are affected. These cancers are usually local and confined to the prostate gland.
T3 – This stage denotes a spreading tumor. The tumor cells will begin to move to nearby tissues and the seminal vesicles. This stage has three sub-stages (T3a, T3b, and T3c). T3c indicates seminal vesicle invasion. T3 cancers are also usually regional and have not yet spread to the lymph nodes of the body.
T4 – In this stage, the prostate cancer has spread to organs and tissues nearest to the prostate (contiguous organs and supporting structures). It has metastasized but only in the regional location. It is during this stage of prostate cancer that accurate diagnosis is extremely important. There are two sub-stages in the T4 stage – T4a and T4b. T4a signifies the invasion of the bladder neck, rectum, or external sphincter. The classification of T4b indicates the invasion of the levator ani mucle or pelvic floor. This cancer generally spreads to the lymph nodes, bones, liver, and lungs.
N Stage – It is in this stage when the prostate cancer is beginning to afflict the entire body. N staging is used to detect the tumor’s spread into pelvic lymph nodes more specifically. There are four sub-stages (N0, N1, N2, and N3).
M Stage – This is the stage that classifies metastasis of the prostate cancer to distant lymph nodes and bones. There are two sub-stages (M0 and M1), with the M1 sub-stage being further divided into M1a, M1b, and M1c. The purpose of these stages is to more accurately recount the spread of the cancer by pathologists. M1b denotes bone metastases and M1c means other distant sites are affected.
THE GLEASON Salvage STAGING SYSTEM
Another cancer staging system commonly used to classify the stages and prognosis of prostate cancer is the Gleason System. It is used to grade prostate cancer tissue based on how it looks under a microscope and the score ranges from 2-10. If the Gleason procure is low, it means the tissue is similar to normal prostate tissue and is less likely to spread. A high Gleason catch means the tissue is very different from normal tissue and is more likely to spread (metastasize). The TNM system is usually combined with the Gleason score to describe the current stage of prostate cancer (WebMD) [3].
Stage I – Cancer is only found in the prostate gland. It cannot be felt or seen by imaging. It is usually found accidentally during surgery for benign prostate hyperplasia. The Gleason derive is gross.
Stage II – The cancer is now more advanced but it has not spread outside the prostate. The Gleason score ranges from 2-10.
Stage III – The cancer has spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate and to local tissues. It generally invades the seminal vesicles. The Gleason score ranges from 2-10.
Stage IV – The cancer has metastasized to lymph nodes near or distant from the prostate to other parts of the body – such as the rectum, bones, bladder, liver, or lungs. It often spreads to the bones and the Gleason derive ranges from 2-10.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
Prostate cancer can be deadly, especially when it becomes metastatic. Therefore, it is highly critical to determine the correct stage to receive the best treatment and for doctors to predict the prognosis.
Still confused? Visit this link to the website of the National Cancer Institute to learn more about what you need to understand about prostate cancer, such as the extremely important types of tests and treatments that work to classify the stages and more. Do not wait until it is too late. The sooner you visit your doctor and receive reliable and frequent check-ups, the more preparation and time you will have to overcome prostate cancer in the event it shows up in the future. Build the healthy choice.
WORKS CITED
[1] National Cancer Institute: “Prostate Cancer Treatment”; 5-23-2008: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/prostate/Patient/page2
[2] Robbins Basic Pathology, written by Vinay Kumar, MD, Ramzi S. Cotran, MD, Stanley L. Robbins, MD; “Staging of Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Using the TNM System”, Chapter 18, pg. 669
[3] WebMD: “Prostate Cancer Stages I-IV”; reviewed by Louise Chang, MD, 10-14-2008:
http://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/guide/prostate-cancer-stages
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Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on Jan 23rd, 2012.