For many years asbestos was used as an insulation material in homes and offices. Although there have been tremendous efforts to remove as much asbestos from the environment as possible, there is still distinguished remaining, especially in older buildings. Even today, asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related lung disease. Asbestos exposure is a famous cause of an otherwise rare form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma virtually never develops in people who have not been exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma have become a major issue in the medical-legal arena. Not a day goes by when a lawyer isn’t advertising on television for people to call if they have been exposed to asbestos. Presumably, these lawyers intend to sue everyone who was involved in creating the exposure, regardless of whether the risk was known at the time the asbestos was installed. As if money will make your lung cancer go away.
Chronic asbestos exposure can lead to a condition known as asbestosis. This is a lung condition typically seen in men. Most men and women with signs of asbestosis are over the age of 40, as it takes quite a long time for asbestos exposure to develop problems. In addition, men are more likely to have worked in buildings containing asbestos. Anyone who has been chronically exposed to asbestos is potentially at risk for developing asbestosis.
So how does asbestos exposure cause damage to your lungs? 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 collect in the outer edges of the lungs, gradually causing a chronic inflammation and irritation to the lovely lung tissues.
In many cases, it can take up to twenty years for symptoms of asbestosis to become apparent. The most common symptom experience by an exposed person will be a chronic cough and shortness of breath. The cough is typically be dry, producing very diminutive sputum.
As asbestosis worsens, a person can experience chest hurt, a coarse voice, a loss of appetite and weight, and changes in sleep patterns. Coughing up some blood is somewhat common as well. This is a ticket that the disease is becoming relatively advanced.
What can you do to protect yourself from asbestosis? If you suspect that you may be working in an area with asbestos, always be sure to wear proper protective masks. If you are a smoker, try to cease. Smoking can increase the damage done by asbestos exposure. The combination of pain done by the inhaled asbestos fibers and the cigarette smoke can be devastating to your lungs. Regular exercise can help limit the injure done by asbestos exposure.
If you suspect or know that you have exposure to asbestos, be sure to tell your doctor and plan regular chest x-rays to recognize for signs of damage to your lungs. 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.
Asbestos exposure can also lead to mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer. Mesothelioma has no association with cigarette smoking. The only cause of this type of cancer that has been found is exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma can taken decades to develop. It does not just appear overnight because you tore out some insulation in your attic last week. It takes chronic exposure over a period of twenty to fifty years for significant damage to appear in your lungs.
Mesothelioma will cause symptoms very similar to asbestosis. A person will begin coughing all of the time. They will appear weak, and be chronically short of breath. In the later stages, a person will experience chest and abdominal pain, as well as critical weight loss. There is currently no cure of mesothelioma. All a doctor can do for an effected person is to try and control the symptoms and extend their quality of life as remarkable as possible.
Asbestos exposure has principal health implications to those who are exposed. Even if a person never develops cancer, it is possible for the asbestos to cause chronic damage to the lungs. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos over a long period of time, you should talk with a doctor about the possible health consequences.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on Dec 5th, 2011. 
First, I will write some important information about the mesothelioma cancer to know what exactly that disease and how it can attack the body. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can be observed in some internal organs in the body like the pleura, the peritoneum and the pericardium in the human body.
Pleura “the lung lining”, the pleura is the most outer membranes that surround the external wall of the lung, these membranes are divided to two types, the first one is the external membrane that is attached to the inner wall of the chest and called “parietal pleura”, the second type is the membrane that is attached to the wall of the lungs and can be called the”visceral pleura”. The space between the two types is called the pleural cavity where you can observe the fluid effusion symptom when the doctors diagnose the mesothelioma case.
The mesothelioma diagnosis is very difficult due to some issues, the main issues that make the diagnosis process is so hard is the fact of the symptoms of mesothelioma cancer purchase about 35 years to be observed, it may bewitch longer that 35 years. In some cases the patient of mesothelioma cancer disease may reveal no symptoms at all which make almost of mesothelioma cases to be diagnosed only by accident during the ordinary check up.
The peritoneum can be defined as the outer membrane of some of the internal organs in the abdominal cavity, in this case and when the tumors of mesothelioma cancer is observed, the case will be diagnosed as peritoneal mesothelioma. This case of mesothelioma cancer is less well-liked than the pleural meothelioma but still more dangerous.
The pericardium can be known as the sac that contain the heart organ and its great vessels for protection issues. When the tumors of mesothelioma cancer is revealed is the pericardium part the case can be diagnosed as pericardial mesothelioma. The type of pericardial mesothelioma is the least common type of mesothelioma cancer but still also very dangerous.
The second teach that makes the process of mesothelioma diagnosis is very difficult the fact of being the mesothelioma symptoms are very similar to the signs of other diseases. The most people that have diagnosed as mesothelioma victims was working in the manufacturing companies that was used the Asbestos materials in their products.
To get mesothelioma diagnosed doctors can use some options like x-rays radiations and CT scans to see the how are the tumors in the affected area.
Husseiny Shahin operates Mesothelioma Activists, where you can pick up more information about mesothelioma
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Prognosis by on Aug 25th, 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.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Aug 13th, 2011.
What is asbestos you ask? Well asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into fibers. The fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat and fire. They are also long, thin, and flexible, so that they can even be woven into cloth. Because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands if consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building products. During the twentieth century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were mature in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States.
There are several types of asbestos fibers, of which three have been used for commercial applications: (1) Chrysotile, or white asbestos, comes mainly from Canada, and has been very widely archaic in the US. It is white-gray in color and found in serpentine rock. (2) Amosite, or brown asbestos, comes from southern Africa. (3) Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, comes from southern Africa or Australia. Amosite and crocidolite are called amphiboles. This term refers to the nature of their geologic formation. Other asbestos fibers that have not been traditional commercially are tremolite, actinolite and anthophyllite, although they are sometimes contaminants in asbestos-containing products.
What are asbestos containing products? What is common to many asbestos-containing products is that they were customary to contain heat (i.e. thermal insulation). It is impossible to list all of the products that have, at one time or another, contained asbestos. Some of the more common asbestos-containing products are pipe-covering, insulating cement, insulating block, asbestos cloth, gaskets, patching materials, thermal seals, refractory and boiler insulation material, transit board. Some more materials are asbestos cement pipe, fireproofing spray, joint compound, vinyl floor tile, ceiling tile, mastics, adhesives, coatings, acoustical textures, duct installation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, roofing products, insulated electrical wire and panels, and brake and cloth assemblies. Some of these products contained a very high proportion of asbestos, while others contained small amounts.
Some people may ask why is asbestos still a problem. Well asbestos is aloof a problem. It’s because a great deal of it has been used In the United States and elsewhere. Also because many asbestos containing products remain in buildings, ship, industrial facilities and other environment where the fibers can become airborne, and because of the serious human health hazards of inhaling asbestos fibers.
Asbestos in the home can be very dangerous. It is very common for homes built or remodeled before the 1970’s to have asbestos-containing materials in them. During the twentieth century, about 30 million tons of asbestos fibers were used in the United States, and some of this asbestos ended up in residential buildings. If you have purchased a home or are considering the recall of one, the presence of asbestos is nor necessarily a problem. The majority of individuals with asbestos related diseases have been in the business of manufacturing, installing and/or removing asbestos products. Fortunately, most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not develop asbestos related health problems. However, there is no known “safe” level of exposure, therefore, all exposure to asbestos should be avoided.
The worst possible place asbestos can be is in your school. Asbestos containing products were used extensively in the construction of schools and other public buildings in the 1970’s. In 1986, Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) to protect public and private school children and school employees from asbestos exposure. AHERA acknowledges that asbestos materials in schools that are intact generally do not pose a health risk, and includes provisions to monitor the condition of asbestos containing materials, to manage the materials, and to keep open the lines of communications between all interested parties. The provisions of AHERA are relevant for schools in the United States and its possessions. Provisions of AHERA: each school must designate and whisper a person to oversee asbestos related activities in the school. This person can be a consultant or a school employee.
All buildings must be inspected for the presence of asbestos containing material. A management plan for controlling asbestos exposure must be developed, using accredited inspection personnel to implement the opinion. All records should be available for public review. All teachers, parents and employees should be informed annually about the asbestos related activities in the school. In the past, school districts have been fined for failing to meet provisions of AHERA. This is not, however, an site of litigation that this law office handles.
If you do not dispose asbestos the proper way, you can be in serious danger. All asbestos waste and the disposable clothing, filters, equipment, and building materials, which are not to be cleaned and reused, must be disposed of as asbestos waste. The material must be in double plastic bags, labeled as asbestos, hauled to an approved asbestos landfill in a covered vehicle, and disposed of according to EPA, space and local regulations. The contractor or homeowner should contact the health department or air pollution control agency in the set where the asbestos removal is to take place to determine local notification, removal, and disposal requirement sites.
How to dispose of asbestos the proper way:
1. Place all dampened filters, cloths, mop heads and other asbestos wastes into a transparent (6 mil) plastic bag. Seal the bag with heavy-duty tape. Place the first bag into a second bag.
2. If the bags are not already preprinted, label the bags with a sign: “DANGER; CONTAINS ASBESTOS FIBERS, AVOID CREATING DUST, CANCER AND LUNG DISEASE HAZARD”. The sign should be placed between the two transparent plastic bags. Seal the second bag with heavy-duty tape.
3. Place the sealed and labeled bags with other solid waste material for pick-up and delivery to an approved demolish disposal site. Asbestos waster materials should be disposed of according to federal and local regulations.
Health concerns are very important when you are talking about asbestos. Asbestos tends to crash down into a dust of microscopic size fibers. Because of their size and shape, these tiny fibers remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can easily penetrate body tissues after being inhaled or ingested. Because of their durability, these fibers can remain in the body for many years and thereby become the cause of asbestos related diseases.
Symptoms of these diseases generally do not appear for 10 to 30 years after the exposure. Therefore, long before its effects are detectable, asbestos related injury to the body might have already occurred. There is no safe leave of exposure known that therefore exposure to friable asbestos should be avoided. Remember that the asbestos fibers that would cause health problems are much too small to be seen without a powerful microscope. In fact, an average hair is approximately 1200 times thicker than an asbestos fiber. It is considerable that you not release fibers into the air or onto yourself when taking samples. Only you should be in the room when sampling is accomplished.
Repairing asbestos. Where and how to repair asbestos is different is all places. Pipe, furnace, and boiler insulation: when the insulation material will move at the touch of the hand or cover no longer feels firm and tight, the insulation is probably too deteriorated for repair. For material in this condition, call a professional. Repair by the homeowner should only be attempted, if at all, where the insulation is firm and cover tight, and there should be a minimum of holes or tears in the insulation (for example, no more than a one hobble diameter opening in four lineal feet of pipe covering). For minor damaged areas such as this, you can bag commercial products designed to fill holes and seal damaged areas in asbestos pipe insulation. These products area available from safety store suppliers.
In conclusion, asbestos is not something you want to mess with. It is very dangerous to your health and life. If you have asbestos, do not mess with it; always contact a professional who knows what they are dealing with.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on May 29th, 2011.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused from breathing or swallowing asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium—the lining around the heart, chest and lungs, and abdomen. The disease usually develops 30-40 years after a person is exposed to asbestos. Sometimes, there are no early symptoms of mesothelioma, and it is discovered in a patient while they are being examined or tested for something else. The early symptoms of mesothelioma are often ignored, because they may be caused by a variety of ailments. More often, however, a person experiences discomfort, visits their doctor, and learns they are suffering the symptoms of mesothelioma.
It is important to note that mesothelioma symptoms often are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, so if you are experiencing any undiagnosed pain or discomfort, see your doctor as soon as impossible.
The below given information can be useful for you.
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the area of the mesothelium that is affected. It is important to remember that some people can have early mesothelioma and experience no symptoms at all, so if you’ve been exposed to asbestos, or lived with someone that worked around asbestos, be sure to tell your physician honest away
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma: shortness of breath; weight loss; hoarse voice; hard time swallowing; coughing up blood; chest pain or pain in the upper abdomen, shoulder or arm; fever; and pleural effusion, which is a build up of fluid in the lungs or chest.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma: a feeling of discomfort or a mass or swelling in the abdomen; weight loss; fever; bowel obstruction and blood clots.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma: chest pain or a “tight” feeling approach the heart; persistent cough; weight loss; fever; and/or an irregular breathing pattern or heartbeat, especially during exercise or exertion.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Symptoms by on Apr 21st, 2011.
Previously published in Storytime Tapestry and gather.com
Mesothelioma is specialized form of cancer affecting the upper share of the body namely the heart, pleura sac. and abdomen. The disease manifests in the form of cancer cells and cancerous growths as a exclaim result of inhaling asbestos dust particles.
There are three types of mesothelioma cancers cells.
Epithelioid cells are the most common cancer cells found in mesothelioma patients. About 70 percent of all mesothelioma cells are of this type. These cells take on a tubular or papillary shape and are found the organs of the upper body and in the lining of these famous organs as well. People exhibiting these cancer cells have the highest survival rate (up to 5 years).
Sarcomatoid are overlapping spindle like cancer cells, which are the most deadly cells. They attach themselves to bones, fleshy, and other secondary tissue such as cartilage. These cells are not treatable. Patients have the shortest survival rate but fortunately it affects less than 20 percent of the mesothelioma cancer patients.
Mixed/biphasic cancer cells are a mixture of both types of cells affecting about 30 to 40 percent of mesothelioma patients.
Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer. The cancer attacks the lining of the lungs known as the pleural sac. The mesothelium (hence the name mesothelioma) is a membrane that is responsible for creating a certain amount of liquid that will help the lungs to move around in order to inhale and exhale. The production of this fluid, is a normal function of the body.
In the case of mesothelioma, the inhaled asbestos fibers that reside in the lungs protrude through the lungs and puncture through the mesothelium to the inner and outer most layer of the pleural sac causing damage to the mesothelium. Cancers forming in this fluid will thicken the fluid making it difficult to breath. Tumors resulting from the cancer involved can rest against the ribcage and other vital organs, causing excessive pressure and extreme pain.
Furthermore, mesothelioma can spread to other parts of the body from the re-oxygenated blood from lungs. It usually takes between 30 and 40 years for pleural mesothelioma to be correctly diagnosed. In the early days it is often mistaken for the symptoms of flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, and broken ribs extreme pain or worst. Still the pleural mesothelioma sufferer may be asymptomatic.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
About one third of all mesothelioma cases are of the peritoneal type. This type of mesothelioma is diagnosed a bit faster, which is between 20 to 30 years after the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Usually patients are between 60 and 69 when the peritoneal mesothelioma is discovered.
The peritoneum is a thin membrane that covers the gastro intestinal tract. Like the mesothelium, this membrane also produces a liquid to facilitate movement of the stomach, intestines and other vital organs. The fluid helps the body to digest, absorb and process foods. When cancer invades this distinguished organs and functions, it can cause severe abdominal pain, preventing the stomach and intestines from functioning properly and causing cancerous tumors obstructing vital organs. Again peritoneum mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed in the early stages hindering the treatment and resulting in death.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Only about 5 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis result in pericardial mesothelioma. The pericardium is the sac surrounding the heart. This sac or mucous membrane is responsible for producing fluid to maintain a heart beat. If the pericardium is damaged because of the asbestos fibers, it will in turn cause massive heart problems.
Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms include: shortness of breath, coughing, chess pain, irregular heartbeat, and heart palpitations. Treatment is giving to relief the symptoms but there is no cure. Pericardial mesothelioma is fatal.
Benign Mesothelioma is a non-cancerous form of the disease. It is extremely rare and though the tumors are benign and therefore non-threatening, if diagnosed with this disease, it means the patient has been exposed to asbestos fibers. The doctors will be concerned about the exposure and peer for other cancers in the body that may be malignant at this time.
To be continued
Sources:
http://www.mesothelioma.org/understandingmeso/whatismeso.asp
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Apr 1st, 2011.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum).
It is extremely easy to make a spelling mistake for mesothelioma. Examples: mezothelioma, mesothelomia, esothelioma, nesothelioma, mesithelioma, mesotheliona
Mesothelioma Information at mesothelomiaasbestoscancer.info is an educational resource for those who suffer from the lung cancer mesothelioma, also known as asbestoscancer, or who know someone who does. Please fee free to contact us for any suggestions or general inquires you may have.
Most people who perform mesothelioma, have worked on jobs where they have inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways. Other ways involve washing clothes of a family members who have worked with asbestos. Unlike lung cancer, there has yet to been determination of a link between mesothelioma and smoking.
MESOTHELIOMA ASBESTOS CANCER
What Is Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is mainly caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining which covers most internal organs.
Causes: Most people who make mesothelioma have worked in and around jobs containing asbestos. Unlike most other lung cancers, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking.
Symptoms: Symptoms of mesotheliomamay not appear untill many many years of working with asbestos. Anywhere from 20-50 years is a common cycle. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain the chest spot are due to an accumulation of fluids in the pleuralspace which are often symptoms of pleuralmesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms: Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, which is abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites(Build up of fluids in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, anemia, blood clotting abnormalities and fever. If the mesothelioma cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, new symptoms such as wound, effort swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face may occur.
more on mesothelioma symptoms…
Diagnosis Of Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often a difficult process, this is due to the symptoms being similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis of mesothelioma usually begins with a review of the patient’s medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase the clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. The next usual step is a physical examination to be performed, this followed by chest X-ray and, usually a lung function test. The X-ray may hiss pleural thickening, commonly seen after asbestos exposure, a main factor in mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. When either procedure is performed, if a titanic amount of fluid is reveal, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardialeffusion with pericardiocentesis. While the absence of malignant cells does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it considerable more unlikely, especially if alternative diagnosis can be found (e.g. tuberculosis, heart failure).
If cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as being that of suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. At this point, a doctor will bewitch samples of the tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. At this time a biopsy may be performed in different ways,, usually depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the (cancer) is in the chest, the doctor may gain a thoracoscopy. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.
If the cancer is found within the abdomen, the doctor may compose a laparoscopy. If any procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be vital.
Upon writing my term paper, I have designed a full mesothelioma research site based on the disease. To learn more of this yet to be an outbreak disease.
Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Cancer Forum & Cancer Community
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Mar 20th, 2011.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused from breathing or swallowing asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium—the lining around the heart, chest and lungs, and abdomen. The disease usually develops 30-40 years after a person is exposed to asbestos. Sometimes, there are no early symptoms of mesothelioma, and it is discovered in a patient while they are being examined or tested for something else. The early symptoms of mesothelioma are often ignored, because they may be caused by a variety of ailments. More often, however, a person experiences discomfort, visits their doctor, and learns they are suffering the symptoms of mesothelioma.
It is important to note that mesothelioma symptoms often are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, so if you are experiencing any undiagnosed injure or discomfort, see your doctor as soon as impossible.
The below given information can be useful for you.
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the dwelling of the mesothelium that is affected. It is important to remember that some people can have early mesothelioma and experience no symptoms at all, so if you’ve been exposed to asbestos, or lived with someone that worked around asbestos, be clear to tell your physician right away
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma: shortness of breath; weight loss; hoarse voice; hard time swallowing; coughing up blood; chest afflict or wound in the upper abdomen, shoulder or arm; fever; and pleural effusion, which is a build up of fluid in the lungs or chest.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma: a feeling of discomfort or a mass or swelling in the abdomen; weight loss; fever; bowel obstruction and blood clots.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma: chest pain or a “tight” feeling near the heart; persistent cough; weight loss; fever; and/or an irregular breathing pattern or heartbeat, especially during exercise or exertion.
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Feb 11th, 2011.
Previously published in Storytime Tapestry and gather.com
Mesothelioma is specialized form of cancer affecting the upper portion of the body namely the heart, pleura sac. and abdomen. The disease manifests in the form of cancer cells and cancerous growths as a direct result of inhaling asbestos dust particles.
There are three types of mesothelioma cancers cells.
Epithelioid cells are the most common cancer cells found in mesothelioma patients. About 70 percent of all mesothelioma cells are of this type. These cells take on a tubular or papillary shape and are found the organs of the upper body and in the lining of these important organs as well. People exhibiting these cancer cells have the highest survival rate (up to 5 years).
Sarcomatoid are overlapping spindle like cancer cells, which are the most deadly cells. They attach themselves to bones, pudgy, and other secondary tissue such as cartilage. These cells are not treatable. Patients have the shortest survival rate but fortunately it affects less than 20 percent of the mesothelioma cancer patients.
Mixed/biphasic cancer cells are a mixture of both types of cells affecting about 30 to 40 percent of mesothelioma patients.
Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer. The cancer attacks the lining of the lungs known as the pleural sac. The mesothelium (hence the name mesothelioma) is a membrane that is responsible for creating a sure amount of liquid that will help the lungs to move around in order to inhale and exhale. The production of this fluid, is a normal function of the body.
In the case of mesothelioma, the inhaled asbestos fibers that reside in the lungs protrude through the lungs and puncture through the mesothelium to the inner and outer most layer of the pleural sac causing damage to the mesothelium. Cancers forming in this fluid will thicken the fluid making it difficult to breath. Tumors resulting from the cancer involved can rest against the ribcage and other valuable organs, causing excessive pressure and extreme pain.
Furthermore, mesothelioma can spread to other parts of the body from the re-oxygenated blood from lungs. It usually takes between 30 and 40 years for pleural mesothelioma to be correctly diagnosed. In the early days it is often wrong for the symptoms of flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, and broken ribs extreme pain or worst. Still the pleural mesothelioma sufferer may be asymptomatic.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
About one third of all mesothelioma cases are of the peritoneal type. This type of mesothelioma is diagnosed a bit faster, which is between 20 to 30 years after the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Usually patients are between 60 and 69 when the peritoneal mesothelioma is discovered.
The peritoneum is a thin membrane that covers the gastro intestinal tract. Like the mesothelium, this membrane also produces a liquid to facilitate movement of the stomach, intestines and other vital organs. The fluid helps the body to digest, enjoy and process foods. When cancer invades this vital organs and functions, it can cause severe abdominal pain, preventing the stomach and intestines from functioning properly and causing cancerous tumors obstructing vital organs. Again peritoneum mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed in the early stages hindering the treatment and resulting in death.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Only about 5 percent of all mesothelioma diagnosis result in pericardial mesothelioma. The pericardium is the sac surrounding the heart. This sac or mucous membrane is responsible for producing fluid to maintain a heart beat. If the pericardium is damaged because of the asbestos fibers, it will in turn cause massive heart problems.
Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms include: shortness of breath, coughing, chess pain, irregular heartbeat, and heart palpitations. Treatment is giving to relief the symptoms but there is no cure. Pericardial mesothelioma is fatal.
Benign Mesothelioma is a non-cancerous form of the disease. It is extremely rare and though the tumors are benign and therefore non-threatening, if diagnosed with this disease, it means the patient has been exposed to asbestos fibers. The doctors will be concerned about the exposure and explore for other cancers in the body that may be malignant at this time.
To be continued
Sources:
http://www.mesothelioma.org/understandingmeso/whatismeso.asp
Related posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Jan 5th, 2011.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of malignant cancer. Mesothelioma most often develops in the lining of the chest or the lining of the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma that develops in the lining of the chest is known as pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that develops in the abdominal cavity is known as peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure is most often the cause of mesothelioma development. Radiation, tobacco, and zeolite exposure may also cause mesothelioma development. People who have worked in jobs in which they were exposed to asbestos are at an increased risk for developing mesothelioma. Some people may have been unknowingly exposed to asbestos pollution. Building codes and health standards have changed greatly within the last few decades. There is now a conscious danger to prevent asbestos exposure in the public and private sector.
An estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed yearly in the United States. Mesothelioma diagnosis is on the rise. This may be due to increased awareness if the condition. The average age that a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made is 60. Mesothelioma affects men 3 to 5 times more often than women. Mesothelioma is less approved in African Americans than in white Americans. The average survival time following mesothelioma diagnosis is one year. This is because the mesothelioma is often in advanced dwelling when the diagnosis is made. When mesothelioma is found early, aggressive treatment can prolong the life expectancy as much as 3 to 5 years.
Mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure can develop as much as 50to 70 years after initial contact. Asbestos exposure lasting for only a few weeks or months are also linked to mesothelioma development. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. Many will not experience noticeable symptoms during the initial stages of mesothelioma.
As pleural mesothelioma progresses, many people may present with afflict in the lower back or at the side of the chest. Shortness of breath, concern swallowing, cough, and fever are other symptoms associated with pleural mesothelioma. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include hoarseness, coughing up blood, swelling of the face and arms, muscle weakness, and sensory loss. The symptoms may vary in intensity and duration in each individual sufferer.
As peritoneal mesothelioma develops, weight loss, abdominal pain, and vomiting may be demonstrate. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include hernia, fluid in the abdominal cavity or an abdominal mass.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma is based on several physical examinations and diagnostic procedures. A complete medical history and physical examination will be taken to settle risk factors and possible triggers of mesothelioma. Chest x-rays and CT scans will be used to assess pleural and peritoneal cavities. Tissue samples may also be taken to further exam and diagnose mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma treatment is based on the type and stage of the mesothelioma. Cancer medication, immune therapy, and photodynamic therapies may be passe in the treatment of mesothelioma.
Tags: abestos diagnosis, asbestos definition, asbestos diagnosis, Asbestos Symptoms, Asbestos Treatment, diagnosis asbestos cancerRelated posts
Filed under Mesothelioma Diagnosis by on Oct 30th, 2010.