First, I will try to inform you what the definition of Mesothelioma cancer. to understand the mesothelioma cancer, you should know that there are a type of cells that can be in the human body and called Mesothelial cells, this type of cells that build the outer membranes of some of the most important organs in the human body like lungs, heart, abdominal organs.
The types of mesothelioam may be divided to main three types, the first on that attacks the outer membrane of lungs, the second that attacks the outer membrane of heart and the third one that attacks the outer membrane of abdominal organs.
The main types of mesothelioma treatment can be divided to three options, the first option is the surgery, the second option is the radiotherapy and the third option is the chemotherapy. There are many other alternative medicine options and have a very good result when they be combined with the main option of treatments.
The surgery option can be very effective to treat mesothelioma cancer, doctors must mac an examination to discover if there are tumors in the body or not. After the examination process, doctors can remove a part of the affected organs that carries the tumors. In some cases when the tumors spread all over the organ, doctors must remove the whole organ as an very effective treatment for mesothelioma tumors.
The chemotherapy option should be occur by using some specific types of drugs that have the ability to destroy the tumors cells. The patient can take the drug directly to let them spreads throughout the blood stream and destroy the affected cells all over the body. This option of treatment can be used after the surgery to destroy any remain cancer cells. In this case, the chemotherapy treatment called "A secondary treatment".
The radiotherapy option can be also effective by using some types of radiation that have the ability to kill the cancer cells. The radiotherapy can be used as an assistant treatment after the surgery, it can be used to kill any remain cancer cells.
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Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Treat Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Number One Mesothelioma Cancer Source: Your Workplace
If you ask whether mesothelioma cancer could infect you easily in your workplace I could answer yes right now. Maybe you should already knew what mesothelioma is by reading this article. But if you didn't I will give you quick brief now.
Mesothelioma is uncommon form of cancer, usually attack the pleura (the lining of the lung and chest cavity) or the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). Mesothelioma cancer caused by prolonged or persistent exposure to asbestos.
Unbelievably but true, recent studies showed that It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even patient's homes can result in mesothelioma cancer.
Now you know that the main reason for mesothelioma cancer is asbestos. Asbestos is the single biggest work place killer today. People who have worked with the material are at serious risk from developing lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma, fatal respiratory illnesses that debilitate their victims.
Most people who suffer mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. You should be extra careful if you are: miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers, railroad workers, ship builders, gas mask manufacturers, and construction workers, particularly those involved with installing insulation.
Not only you could be infected but your family too. Several studies have shown that family members of people exposed to asbestos at work have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, because asbestos fibers are carried home on your clothes.
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Mesothelioma Settlements
Mesothelioma claims often multimillion dollars settlements, as it is deadly forms of cancer, resulting in the death of the victim. Considering also the pain and suffering of family members, mesothelioma cases, it can devastate entire families, and directly affect their lives.
Firming solid work mesothelioma settlement requires specialized services of lawyers or law firms. Mesothelioma lawyers and law firms are adequately prepared to deal with all the challenges that arise in a mesothelioma lawsuit - directly to help the victims to identify the source of asbestos exposure and the development of a good argument in court. Successful mesothelioma settlement also requires that the legal support under state statutes of the restrictions, which currently claims before. The various states of the USA various laws for filing claims mesothelioma.
Increasing competence mesothelioma lawyers and law firms, due to rising cases of mesothelioma cases has led to huge compensation to victims. This is a huge settlement is not without reason. The settlement covers large medical bills that victims receive treatment prospects for their illness, as well as compensation for mental pain and anguish suffered by the victims and their families. The settlement also considers the fact that the victim's family has the right to financial security.
In providing assistance to victims receive appropriate compensation, mesothelioma lawyers do not charge upfront payments. They tend to work on the contingency fee basis, meaning that they take money only if the lawsuits are successful. Offering their services, lawyers foot the bill, even if they have to hire an investigator. The money lawyers receive after a successful claim is cut from the compensation, which typically numbers about 35%.
Mesothelioma settlements, not only for the victims of the disease. The settlements also for the families of those killed on the grounds that they have lost their loved ones and suffered tremendous financial and emotional on the front. While mesothelioma is a painful experience for the victims and their families, a good solution can go a long way in securing the future of the families of the victims.
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4 Steps To Choose A Great Mesothelioma Cancer Attorney
Choosing the best asbestos cancer attorney can make the difference between a long drawn out case with limited compensation and a quick recovery and great compensation.
1. Interview at least 3 attorneys
Some attorneys will not charge you up front but will take a percentage of the proceeds.
There will be a variance in the percentage each attorney takes from the proceeds.
This can vary from 20-50 percent of the compensation.
2. Experience of the attorney
Just because an asbestos lawyer receives a higher percentage of proceeds does not mean they are the most experienced.
Find out the number of years they have been practicing and ask for referrals.
3. Accomplishments of the attorney
Have them show you examples of suits they have won, because this will help you decide if they have the experience.
4. Will the attorney you interview be the one to represent you
Some asbestos law firms will have their lead attorney interview and then turn you over to a less experienced associate.
In conclusion, use these guidelines and you will save yourself and your family a lot of frustration, time and money. Interview, check experience, check accomplishments and be sure who is representing you.
About the author Darrell Cochran.
Not only have I studied litigation but have been through a number of cases and depositions in my own life, with my family and friends.
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Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer. It caused by previous exposure to asbestos. An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. Simian virus 40 (SV40) may act as a cofactor in the development of mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. The two major types of malignant mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma, which concerns the mesothelium membrane that surrounds the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma which concerns the mesothelium layer that covers the organs in the abdominal cavity. The people most at risk from being carriers of this cancer are those have worked with asbestos over the past thirty to fifty years. Because of this, the disease is most common in men between the ages of sixty and seventy as this is the group that commonly worked with asbestos during those years. Because of the lack of protection and regulations in those days, these workers were constantly exposed to the dust and fibres from the asbestos, which caused the cells of the mesothelium to become abnormal. Many building materials used in both public and domestic premises prior to the banning of asbestos may contain asbestos. Those performing renovation works or diy activities may expose themselves to asbestos dust.
Mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around. Mesothelioma is an extremely malignant and incurable cancer that infects the membrane that surrounds most of the internal organs. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Affecting the mesothelial cells that make up the mesothelium – the outer lining that protects the body’s major organs such as the heart, stomach and lungs. Pleural mesothelioma represents 75% of mesothelioma cases - but it is far from the only type of this deadly cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and intestines, and is just as dangerous and deadly. Treatment of MM using conventional therapies has not proved successful and patients have a median survival time of 6 - 12 months after presentation. The clinical behaviour of the malignancy is affected by several factors including the continuous mesothelial surface of the pleural cavity
Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Health-care workers who specialize in part control are employing state-of-the art techniques to successfully fight pain.
2. During the initial stages of mesothelioma, pain can be relieved with over-the-counter analgesics, such as aspirin, Tylenol or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
3. Drug therapy is the primary method for treating mesothelioma pain.
4. Non-Opoids are pain-relieving medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs, such as ibuprofin, which can be purchases over-the-counter and taken orally.
5. Opoids are the strongest medicines available to treat pain. Opoids, such as codeine, morphine, oxcodone, fentany, and hydromorphone, are very effective in relieving mesothelioma pain.
6. Adjuvant analgesics are medicines intended for purposes other than pain relief. A number of these are used to alleviate pain associated with mesothelioma, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and steroids.
7. Emotional Support to Help Relieve Pain.As with all aspects of mesothelioma, emotional support from family or professional counseling can play a key role in pain management
8. For patients with localized disease, and who can tolerate a radical surgery, radiation is often given post-operatively as a consolidative treatment.
9. Chrysotile has been used more frequently, hence many mesotheliomas are caused by chrysotile.
10. Removal is taking place in schools and other public buildings throughout the U.S. The hope is that these measures will greatly reduce the occurrence of this cancer.
Author: Juliet Cohen
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Juliet Cohen writes articles for http://www.healthatoz.info/ and http://www.health-disease.org/
Dealing With Mesothelioma Pain
Causes of Mesthelioma pain:
• The main cause of pain is due to the formation of malignant cells on the lining of the lung and abdomen.
• As the tumor presses against the nerves and other structures and organs around the area, it results in severe pain.
• It can arise due to effects of radiation and chemotherapy along with psychological stress.
Treating mesothelioma pain:
Mesothelioma pain can be acute and chronic. With the advancement in cancer research, various new techniques for controlling and treating are developing, which do not have side effects on mesothelioma patients.
• Some common treatments such as neurosurgery are performed by blocking or changing the nerve pathways through which pain transmits.
• Epidural or nerve blockage help mesothelioma patients manage pain.
• Counseling, meditation or body therapy reduce psychological trauma of suffering.
Mesthelioma treatment options:
With respect to traditional mesothelioma treatment options, locating the position of the cancer, the stage of the disease and age and general health of the patient is considered.
• Common treatments like radiation, chemotherapy as well as surgery are conducted on the patient.
• Radical treatment options and research has led to various available options. Based on the nature and severity of the disease, treatments such as gene therapy, immune augmentative therapy, photo dynamic therapy, interferon and interleukin therapy, radio frequency ablation, and angiogenesis therapies are used.
• At times, aggressive treatment is not possible due to age and health conditions. Under such circumstances, palliative treatment is recommended which treats the symptoms and not the disease.
Malignant Mesothelioma At a Glance
Malignant mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. It is a rare form of cancer that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is closely linked to exposure to asbestos - a natural fiber that was once used in manufacturing a wide variety of industrial and household products. Workers involved in asbestos mining, milling and manufacturing are at the greatest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Also at high risk are shipyard workers, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos related diseases as well. Cases of malignant mesothelioma have even included people whose only exposure was breathing the air through ventilation systems.
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, malignant mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Between 1973 and 1984, there has been a threefold increase in the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in Caucasian males. From 1980 to the late 1990s, the death rate from malignant mesothelioma in the USA increased from 2,000 per year to 3,000, with men four times more likely to acquire it than women. The actual rates may be even higher however, since it is possible that many cases of malignant mesothelioma are misdiagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the lung, which is difficult to differentiate from mesothelioma.
The average age of diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is 60. The average survival time varies from 4 to 18 months, and death is usually due to infection or respiratory failure from the progression of the mesothelioma.
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How To Protect Your Family Against Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma is uncommon form of cancer, usually attack the pleura (the lining of the lung and chest cavity) or the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). Mesothelioma cancer caused by prolonged or persistent exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is extremely dangerous.
First, until this article made there is no medical technique to cure this disease or even to significantly slow its effect. Usually 75% of patients die within 18 months of the first signs of the disease. A Lucky patient could survive for approximately 24 months.
Second, is the long latency period between exposure to asbestos, the cause of the disease. Latency runs 15 to 50 years, meaning that you may have been exposed to asbestos long before the first serious signs of the disease manifest themselves. Recent Studies showed the average reported latency is approximately 35-40 years.
Now the big question is how to protect your family? Considering asbestos used in many building in United States and according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as many as 733,000 schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
Until now we are able to point to a single root source, asbestos exposure, you should take necessary precautions to avoid contraction of the disease from affecting your family. For example you could contact your children local scholl district now to ensure your children did not exposed to asbestos.
In 1986 Congress passed the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, which required public and private nonprofit schools to inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing materials. However, recent inspection showed that numerous schools still have not taken the necessary steps to eliminate the potential for asbestos exposure.
You should ask your child's school district to have a copy of documentation that proper steps have been taken to remove asbestos from building. For more information about the school contractor research via the internet and Better Business Bureau to ensure that the contractor has a good track record. More information about mesothelioma can be found at http://mesothelioma-cancer-center.blogspot.com , one of top blogs about mesothelioma.
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About The Author:
One of Leon Reinhart's close friend died because of mesothelioma. Since then he has write several article about mesothelioma cancer, mesothelioma treatment, and mesothelioma lawyer which you could find on his blog at http://mesothelioma-cancer-center.blogspot.com. His blog are considered one of top blogs about Mesothelioma Cancer.
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_63423_17.html
What Are The Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?
One rare form of cancer is called Mesothelioma, a malignant tumor in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen, arising from the inhalation of asbestos. Its rarity is one of the reasons why a lot of people are not aware of this kind of fatal disease. In fact, many people die of Mesothelioma undiagnosed. Although there is now a growing awareness of the hazards of asbestos to health, still many have not heard of Mesothelioma and thus, have not understood its nature, cause, signs and treatment. Even some physicians find it hard to detect Mesothelioma because its symptoms are akin to other diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. Furthermore, it takes decades for a patient who was exposed to asbestos to develop Mesothelioma — fifty years, at most.
Being unaware of Mesothelioma poses higher risks since it deters diagnosis and treatment. A person undergoing treatment must know the different stages of the cancer or the extent of the disease. Chances of recovering from Mesothelioma and the kind of treatment depend on the stage of the illness. There are basically two staging systems used for Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs): TNM system and Brighan system. These staging systems are also used in other kinds of cancers; however, the first is commonly used. There is no established method in determining the stage of the Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer (abdominal) so the TNM system is used.
There are three variables in the TNM system: tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis. In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in stage I Mesothelioma.
In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.
Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.
Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.
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Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant.
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Start Beating Mesothelioma Cancer Today Through Awareness and Understanding
Mesothelioma is a serious and very aggressive form of cancer.
People who have mined asbestos, manufactured asbestos products, installed asbestos insulation, or removed asbestos may be at risk for developing mesothelioma. In addition, family members of those who have worked with asbestos, people who have lived near asbestos mines or processing plants, or anyone who has inhaled asbestos fibers may also be at risk for developing mesothelioma.
There are a range of tests and procedures used to diagnose mesothelioma. X-rays, CT scans, and/or MRI scans are performed to determine the presence of mesothelioma. If there is a positive indication of mesothelioma, or if further testing is still needed to determine the presence of mesothelioma, the scans are followed-up with a needle biopsy or an open biopsy.
Treatment options for mesothelioma vary according to age, overall health, location of the disease, and extent of the disease. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, alone or in combination, are standard treatment options for mesothelioma. Experimental treatments, such as those used in clinical trials, may also be an option.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that could have been prevented and is not the fault of the victim, but the fault of the companies that did not protect workers or others against the hazards of asbestos. Financial security for victims and their families, including compensation of medical expenses, pain and suffering, burial expenses, and after-death stability for families afflicted, may, therefore, be accessible through the law.
There are many different types of support groups, as well, available to mesothelioma patients and their families including formal groups that focus on learning about mesothelioma or dealing with feelings, informal groups, social groups, groups only for those with mesothelioma, and groups for those with mesothelioma including family members and friends. Hospitals, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers have, or can obtain, a listing of such groups within your local area.
For additional information regarding mesothelioma cancer including mesothelioma symptoms, diagnosis, specialist care, treatment options, lawyer assistance, and support, go to: http://www.BeatingMesothelioma.com/
Author: Rae Rand
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_68779_27.html
Mesothelioma - Cancer of the lung lining
Mesothelioma is a very rare form of lung cancer that arises in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is made up of parietal and visceral membranes, thin layers of tissue, which surround organs and body cavities, such as the lungs or abdomen. The visceral membrane immediately surrounds the organ, and the parietal membrane is a sac covering. The visceral and parietal membranes that make up the mesothelium. The mesothelium is referred to by different names, depending on what part of the body it is found in.
Dealing with mesothelioma
Dealing with mesothelioma is a very difficult process. It will require a lot of physical and emotional endurances. The best way to understand mesothelioma is to learn everything that you can learn about the disease. This should include the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of mesothelioma- cancer of the lung lining.
Symptoms
Since mesothelioma-cancer of the lung lining takes a long time to develop inside a human body. It is often difficult to identify the symptoms. In the early stages there may not even be any symptoms at all. When they do appear the most common early symptoms are shortness of breath and chest pains.
Presentations and expectations
There are two major types of asbestos: chrysotile and amphibole. It is thought that exposure to the exposure to the amphibole form is more likely to cause mesothelioma-cancer of the lung lining. However, chrysotile has been used more frequently hence many mesothelioma are caused by chrysotile.
Removal is taking place in schools and other public buildings throughout the U.S. . The hope is that these measures will greatly reduce the occurrence of this cancer.
Long-term effects of the disease
A mesothelioma-cancer of the lung lining is a highly aggressive tumor that is generally deadly. Current treatment of malignant mesothelioma-cancer of the lung lining is designed to make the person with cancer comfortable.
Screening
There is no universally agreed protocol for screening people who have been exposed to asbestos. However some research indicates that the serum osteopontin level might be useful in screening asbestos- exposed people for mesothelioma. The level of soluble mesothelin- related protein is elevated in the serum of about 75% of patients at diagnosis and it has been suggested that it may be useful for screening.
Treatment
Once mesothelioma-cancer of lung lining has been diagnosed a treatment procedure can be recommended and begun. The correct treatment will depend on a number of factors. They include the location of the tumor, the stage of the disease and how far the cancer has spread in the patient. The recommendation will also depend on the age and overall health of the patient.
It is certainly not easy to deal with all of the medical, physical, emotional and financial issues that may be raised when dealing with a serious disease like mesothelioma-cancer of lung lining, but it always better to be prepared. We can just have a hope that in future as the medical science advances this incurable disease can also be cured and lives of many people can be saved.
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About the Author
The Article is written by themesothelioma.org - Mesothelioma Treatment
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_132570_17.html
Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma cancer is the growth of malignant cells in mesothelium. This mesothelium lining covers the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities. Pleura is a membrane covering the lungs and it is the most common location where mesothelioma cancer occurs also known as pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneum, the protective covering that lines the abdominal cavity may also develop malignant tumors and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest cancers in the world that is caused only by exposure to asbestos. Its exposure can be direct, by inhalation of asbestos or indirect exposure in which the asbestos particles are inhaled from the clothing, hair, equipment or other articles that were previously exposed to asbestos.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined in different parts of the world due to its wide utility in various industries. However, it is a deadly carcinogen too and a mojor cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Asbestos fibers are known to cause cancer of the mesothelium. Asbestos is the fibrous form of several minerals and hydrous silicates of magnesium found under ground. There are 3 types of asbestos, the blue one, the while one and the brown one. Of all these 3 types, the blue one also called amphibole, long and thin in structure is more carcinogenic than white or chrysolite asbestos or the brown one known as amosite.
However, in some cases the brown asbestos has also been found to cause mesothelioma. And it is for this reason that people exposed to asbestos even for a short period are vulnerable to the disease.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Asbestos fibers are very fine and easily make their way to the lungs where they settle down in the parenchyma of the lung and penetrate the pleura that later develops malignant mesothelial plaques.
Pleura, which anchors lungs to the chest cavity, is itself a double-layered membrane. The inner layer called visceral pleura surrounds the lungs, while the outer one, known as parietal pleura, forms the lining of the pleural or chest cavity. The two pleural layers are filled with a fluid that helps them to slide over each other as we breathe. As the disease progresses, the delicate pleural membranes thicken and press the lungs. A fluid secreted by the malignant cells, pleural effusion, may also collect between visceral and parietal pleurae that causes problem in breathing and other complications.
Peritoneum Mesothelioma
The asbestos fibers may also cause cancer in the peritoneum, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. This leads to thickening of the membranes surrounding abdominal organs and collection of a fluid, ascites in the abdominal cavity making it swell.
Though it is yet not clear how peritoneal mesothelioma develops, it is believed that from lungs, the asbestos fibers are transported to abdomen and its organs by the lymphatic system or they may be deposited in the gut through saliva contaminated by the asbestos fibers.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer that comprises of only 5% of all the mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma cancer, pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers. The lining of the chest cavity which protects the heart is known as pericardium. It is provided with a natural fluid or mucous that provide continuous lubrication to the heart so that it can work properly and perform its functions.
As the asbestos particles settle further into the lining of the chest or pericardial, the cancer spreads in the body. It destroys the heart tissues and muscles that is very hazardous to life and proves fatal for the patient.
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Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that affects the serous membranes surrounding the major organs of the body i.e. the lungs, heart and the abdominal organs, causing these vital organs to inflate with excessive fluid. This fluid further causes the improper functioning of the organs. The only known cause of this cancerous tumor is asbestos exposure. In this disease, malignant cells are built up in the protective linings (serous membranes) of several internal organs known as mesothelium. Different organs in the abdomen cavity can get affected by mesothelioma because of the presence of the protective linings surrounding them. The most common types of mesothelioma include:
* Pleural Mesothelioma,
* Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and
* Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Pleural Mesothelioma is a tumor in which the lining of the lungs, or lung pleura, gets affected by malignant cells. The pleura is a soft protective tissue that surrounds the lungs in the chest cavity. It helps the lungs in breathing (respiration) by producing a serous fluid that lubricates the pleural surfaces to avoid the teasing of the lungs against the chest wall. The malignant cells, once entered the pleura, begin to spread and affect the surrounding organs and tissues. This leads to further complications resulting pain and severe symptoms.
Mesothelioma affecting pleura is of two categories:
Diffused or Malignant (Cancerous):
It is the serious form of pleural mesothelioma that affects the pleural lining of the lungs and its surrounding organs.
Localized and Benign (Non-cancerous):
It is the non-cancerous form of mesothelioma, which does not affect all parts of the body except the pleura. However, it constricts the lung causing shortness of breath, and in some severe cases, pneumothorax (lung failure).
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a tumor of the peritoneum membrane or the abdomen lining, affecting many organs in the abdominal cavity including stomach. This form of mesothelioma cancer is less common than the pleural form but is more aggressive, resulting severe symptoms and short life expectancy. Like many other cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma can also be either malignant or benign.
Pericardial Mesothelioma:
Pericardial or Pericardium Mesothelioma is the rarest form of cancer, counting less than 10% of mesothelioma cases. In this form of cancer, fluid gets accumulated in the sac that encloses the heart. The main cause of this disease is the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
Due to the rarity of this disease, doctors and researchers have not clearly understood how the asbestos fibers enter the heart lining or pericardium. The only logical explanation so far about this form of cancer is the possibility of the asbestos fibers, converted into tiny pieces, transported from the lung into the heart by means of blood circulation. Once the asbestos fibers enter the heart, they expand the tissues in the chest cavity and the pericardium with excessive liquid, disrupting the working of the heart and causing chest pains with breathing disorders.
Each year, approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed. At some point of their lives, the patients of mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos that later cause the hideous cancer of mesothelioma. If you, at some point of your life, have worked in an asbestos-rich environment or used any asbestos materials, you should contact a mesothelioma doctor for correct diagnosis and best treatment options available.
Mesothelioma - How to Choose the Right Mesothelioma Attorney
If you are suffering from Mesothelioma that was born from exposure to the deadly asbestos fibers you know you do not have much time left. Besides your health issue, you worry and think about your loved ones and family after your passing. You want your loved ones to carry on enjoying the comforts of life that they have right now rather than suffer after your death.
A qualified and experienced Mesothelioma attorney can help you obtain the compensation if you have been wrongfully exposed to the deadly asbestos material which is a direct link to this type of cancer. Even though it has been many years since your last exposure to asbestos, you may still file a lawsuit that will enable you to gain compensation as this cancer is known to have a latency period of 50 to 60 years.
Your appointed Mesothelioma attorney will seek damages on your behalf from the organizations that wrongfully exposed you to asbestos either by knowingly distributing and/or used asbestos while realizing the deadly affects asbestos had on the human body. A qualified and experienced attorney will be more than likely be able to provide a direct link between your exposure to the deadly asbestos and your current bout with this type of cancer. The monetary benefits as result of a successful lawsuit will ensure that your family and loved ones will be take care of after you have passed on.
You should do some research and homework while looking for a qualified Mesothelioma attorney. Do not just walk into the first law firm you see or contact the lawyer you see on a TV commercial because very often, these attorneys will just refer your case to other law firms and receive a commission which definitely is not in your best interest.
Another vital point to take note of this to make sure you know what your attorney will receive upon winning the lawsuit for you. If your Mesothelioma attorney is taking your case on a contingency basis he or she may get up to 33% to 40% of the amount that is awarded after expenses are deducted. Do not be shy about discussing the cost upfront with your attorney because you will hate yourself if you win a million dollars only to discover that 85% of it goes to your attorney for hidden charges.
When appointing a Mesothelioma attorney, tell them that you want to them to keep you informed about anything that happens with your case no matter how trivial the matter is. You want your chosen attorney to be a trusted partner and ask how they would like to include you in the process. Be assertive and inform your attorney that the lawsuit is your priority and before any decisions are made it should fist be discussed with you.
A Mesothelioma attorney can find the best way to find the largest settlement possible and thereby allowing the person suffering from this cancer to have peace of mind especially when it involves family and loved ones. A good attorney will help you strike off your daily concerns about finances. People with symptoms of this type of cancer can survive for many years and the compensation if received will definitely come in handy due to the escalating cost of cancer treatments these days.
By Ray Lam
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Find out more on selecting a good and reputable Mesothelioma Lawyer by visiting http://raysinfo.info a popular information website that specializes in offering information related to health, wealth, wisdom and about Mesothelioma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Lam
Not Only Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma lung cancer is usually associated with asbestos exposure. In fact there are many other risk factors that cause mesothelioma cancer. One of them is the erionite. Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that belongs to a group of minerals called zeolites. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates of the alkaline and alkaline-earth metals.
Erionite was used in the past as a noble metal-impregnated catalyst in a hydrocarbon-cracking process. It was studied for use in fertilizers and to control odors in livestock production, because of its ability to selectively adsorb molecules from air or liquids. In many countries erionite blocks were used (and may be are still used) as building material or in stucco pastes and whitewash.
Erionite was mentioned for the first time as a mesothelioma lung cancer risk factor in 1975, when Turkish government presented a study that uncovered a high incidence of a rare malignant mesothelioma in lung tissues of people in certain small villages in the Cappadocia area in Turkey's central mountainous region. In two small villages the mesothelioma lung cancer accounted for 43% of the deaths during 23 years period of study. Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. Comparing this to a 9.7% rate of death from this disease among asbestos insulation installers shows how anomalous this condition was.
Further studies showed erionite causes similar diseases in laboratory animals. When researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital injected rats with the same dosage of erionite that they used for asbestos, the rats didn't live long enough to get mesothelioma cancer. At a much-reduced dose, the rats did get cancer. Erionite is probably the most toxic known mineral - a milligram of fibers in the lungs is lethal.
Today erionite is considered so hazardous that the EPA requires any one who intends to manufacture, import or process any article containing erionite to notify the E.P.A. 90 days in advance. This gives the EPA a chance to review, limit or prohibit that activity.
Erionite is no longer mined or marketed for commercial purposes. Although other natural zeolites have many commercial uses (pet litter, soil conditioners, animal feed, waste-water treatment, gas absorbents, etc.) So potential occupational exposure to erionite occurs during the production and mining of other zeolites.
And there are questions:
Are there other mineralogical hazards like erionite and asbestos?
Should we expected mesothelioma lung cancer increases not only from asbestos exposure after another 20 - 30 years?
Read the rest of article here...
Pleural Mesothelioma - The Truth and Facts About Pleural Meseothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma represents for about 75% of all Mesothelioma cases and. The main cause for this type of cancer is the inhalation of asbestos fibers which get embedded in the lung linings, also known as the pleura. These embedded fibers will cause inflammation which will eventually lead to cancer tumors if not treated at the beginning stage.
Also, if the cancel tumors are not detected early, they can spread from the lung pleura to other vital organs which include the heart and abdomen. Pleural Mesothelioma can also invade the lymph nodes and affect the body's blood system.
The main cause of this type of cancer is exposure to asbestos. If a person is exposed to asbestos for only a couple of months, the deadly and fine asbestos particles may lead to Pleural Mesothelioma 30 to 50 years later. The older generation especially men in their sixties or seventies are most at risk, because this was the generation that worked with the deadly material with minimal protection. Because it takes so long for this type of cancer to surface, these men are only now discovering that they have this deadly cancer. Many now are filing lawsuits against the companies who are responsible for exposing them to asbestos.
Among the symptoms associated with Pleural Mesothelioma is chest pain. However, the pain is does not come directly from the lung pleura but often appears in the shoulder or upper abdomen. Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, facial swelling, weight loss, fever and coughing up blood are the other symptoms of this type of cancer. The tumor for this type of cancer grows rapidly and enlarges the pleural space, causing this space to be filled with fluid. This is the fluid responsible for the discomfort or pain associated with the early symptoms of this cancer. Many of these symptoms are similar to diseases which are more common than this cancer and hence it is very difficult to diagnose until it is too late.
There is not proper cure available for Pleural Mesothelioma and treatment options are limited. Active research is being conducted around the globe and many pharmaceutical companies are testing new drugs to combat this cancer. Current available treatments for this cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
According to a research done on 167 patients with proven Pleural Mesothelioma, the median survival rate of patients following diagnosis was 242 days. The survival rate was also affected by the type of cancer cells, age, medical record, and lifestyle. Through this research, patients with biphasic cell types had the shortest life expectancy. The chance of survival can be drastically increased if this cancer is treated in its early stages because once it has developed and spread it is very difficult to cure.
By Ray Lam
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Find out more on Pleural Mesothelioma by visiting http://raysinfo.info a popular information website that specializes in offering information about health, wealth, wisdom and also about Mesothelioma Cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Lam
Asbestos Related Mesothelioma Cancer : Blood Test
Asbestos Cancer Mesothelioma is a malignant disease to take a lot of lifes each year, many people concentrate their effort in to know o find out a cure for this disease, and in other economic aspect of the asbestos, such as money compensation.
However, last researches to point out that a blood test could help screen for pleural mesothelioma by checking the blood for high levels of a protein called osteopontin, because blood esteopontin levels rise dramatically in the early stages of pleural mesothelioma, this kind of cancer is a deadly asbestos related illness.
The pleural mesothelioma is a rare disease of the lining of the lung and chest cavity that is usually cancerous, the cause is asbestos exposure and it could take 15 to 35 years to develop the disease, from the time of asbestos exposure.
The above exposure can be direct with the substance or second-hand with a family member whose clothing or skin carried the asbestos into the home. Obviously in the last case the development of the disease could take more than 35 years.
To say, the pleural mesothelioma was so difficult to detect its in early, high mortality rate and a life expectancy of few months, but with the new blood test there are higher percentage of probabilities to detect this kind of cancer, moreover its can detect or determine other kinds of asbestos related cancer. But in the letter case the findings need further study, other kind of cancer to could be early detected for osteopontin blood test is for instance "Ovarian Cancer".
So, the earlier to pleural mesothelioma cancer is detected, the better and if you want to know how to do it, a blood test could be very useful in this case, and don�t forget it, "Osteopontin".
Author: Hector Milla
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_14595_23.html
Mesothelioma Cancer main factors
Mesothelioma cancer can strike anyone, but appears more often in men than in women. It is a disease mainly linked to asbestos and smoke, since most people who have worked on jobs where they breathed in asbestos particles, have developed this pathology.
Experts believe that smoking does not seem to be a directly related risk for developing the disease only by its own, but its combination with asbestos exposure increases the risk of Mesothelioma, so stop smoking if you are exposed to asbestos in your workplace.
According to statistics eight out of ten of all reported cases were exposed to asbestos, however there are cases of people that have not had any exposure to the fibers of this mineral.
Therefore, the main risk factor for developing Mesothelioma can be found in asbestos, a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals which have an special resistance to fire. Asbestos have been exploited for a variety of purposes, such as industrial products, roof shingles and flooring products.
However, some uses of asbestos are banned in many countries, since it is known that the inhalation of some kinds of asbestos fibers can cause various illnesses, including Mesothelioma, lung, larynx and kidney cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment, but a non cancerous pathology.
Most asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye and the problem increases because just one asbestos fiber can become the source of hundreds of thinner and smaller fibers over time. As they get smaller and lighter, they become more mobile and more easily to be driven and carried by the air.
That is why people who work in asbestos mines and mills or producing asbestos products must wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure, according to acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States.
In order to reduce your chance of getting ill with some of the asbestos-related diseases if you are a asbestos worker, is not only to wear the proper clothes and equipment, but also take a shower and change your clothing before leaving the workplace to diminish the possibility of dust brought home on your clothing or hair.
Author: Hector Milla
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_12975_23.html
Mesothelioma - Cause and Effect of Mesothelioma
Almost all Mesothelioma cancer cases are due to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma affects the protective lining of the body's internal organs known as the Mesothelium. When you inhale air containing asbestos particles, the air directly affects the Mesothelium lining of the body. In most cases, the lungs and abdomen are affected the most.
Asbestos fibers are very fine and tiny and when they come into contact with the lungs of anyone who is exposed, it causes inflammation and the formation of scar tissue. This may then lead to Mesothelioma. The fibers become imbedded into the lungs and works through the membrane around it causing this type of cancer.
Asbestos is made of minerals with long thin fibrous crystals and it is flexible, strong and highly durable. Asbestos as also widely used in insulation because of its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage. Because it had so many good properties and was cheap to produce, it was used virtually everywhere and was in almost all buildings and houses. It was only until the 1960s that the link between Asbestos and Mesothelioma was discovered.
Abdominal Mesothelioma is caused when the fine Asbestos fibers find their way into the digestive system when swallowed. Again, this will affect the protective lining of the abdominal passage and may cause this type of cancer. Besides that, exposure to Asbestos may also cause person to suffer from chronic lung disease and respiratory problems.
People who are exposed to Asbestos on a daily basis like construction workers, factory workers or even those who live near asbestos factories are most likely to develop Mesothelioma. Since the link between this deadly cancer and asbestos was discovered, this material is no longer widely used. However, Mesothelioma may not surface for as long as 60 years after exposure. Therefore, anyone who came into contact with this material should be regularly checked for this cancer.
In some very rare cases, Mesothelioma does develop even if a person is not exposed to asbestos. The exact cause for this is still unknown and it may be due to genetics or family history. Since the link between asbestos and this cancer was discovered, home and buildings that used this material for insulation and building materials were removed. As there is a proven direct linkage between this material and Mesothelioma, we should all take extra precaution if were to come into contact with this deadly material. It is best to avoid being exposed to this harmful material at all cost.
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Find out more on Malignant Mesothelioma by visiting http://raysinfo.info, a popular information website that specializes in offering the latest information on health, wealth, wisdom and also about pleural mesothelioma
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Lam
Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment - Asbestos Kills
Mesothelioma cancer is a disease that results from exposure to asbestos related substances. Asbestos usually consists of fibres that can enter the body through the mouth, or the skin, and, subsequently, enter the lungs, or blood stream.
Mesothelioma cancer has become more widely documented in the last 5-10 years, due to the fact that symptoms of asbestos cancer can take between 20 to 40 years to manifest. Mesothelioma cancer is hard to diagnose, as the symptoms do not tend to manifest themselves until the later stages of the disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma lung cancer include shortness of breath, chest pain, fever and other secondary illnesses such as pneumonia.
Asbestos cancer most often develops in men between the ages of 50 to 70 years who were exposed to high levels of asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos was mainly used in manufacturing industries such as automotive and ship building as well as in the construction industry. The use of asbestos was only recently banned in the 1990’s.
Mesthelioma lung cancer has been found to be the most common form of mesothelioma cancer and it develops in the lining of the lung (pleural). Mesothelioma cancer can also develop in the abdominal area (peritoneal) and around the heart (pericardial). There is a greater chance of malignancy in abdominal asbestos cancer. For a more detailed explanation of mesothelioma cancer, visit http://www.lung-canceradvice.com
Mesothelioma lung cancer can be detected through a CT scan which enables it to be sometimes diagnosed earlier than the other two types of mesothelioma cancer. The type of mesothelioma cancer treatment will depend on the stage at which the cancer was diagnosed, the age of the patient as well as personal preferences. The disease can be divided into four separate stages. The stage in the disease process that is reached will determine the method of mesothelioma cancer treatment. At the first stage when the tumour is confined to the lining of the lungs, surgeons may try to remove the entire tumour surgically. Once the tumour has invaded the surrounding body tissues in the later stages, it is not curable.
Conventionally, the more advanced stages of mesothelioma cancer are treated with either radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy x-rays to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumours Chemotherapy, on the other hand, uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The aim of these mesothelioma cancer treatments is to prolong the patient’s life as the disease cannot be cured in the more advanced stages.
In addition to these conventional mesothelioma cancer treatments, there are also various experimental treatments currently under investigation which offer new hope.
Immunotherapy: This form of biological therapy for mesothelioma cancer treatment uses the patient’s own immune system to attack the cancerous cells. Clinical studies have shown that the immune system is able to distinguish healthy cells from cancer cells, and can therefore be used to destroy those cancerous cells.
Gene Therapy: This form of mesothelioma cancer treatment is very much still in the developmental stages. The process involves injecting a specific gene straight into the tumour. This gene renders the cancer cells sensitive to the antiviral drug glanciclovir which under normal circumstances is not effective against these cells. The glanciclovir is then able to destroy all the cancer cells without harming the healthy tissue cells.
Drug Therapy: The drug Alimta is the only chemotherapy drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)for the treatment of patients with malignant mesothelioma lung cancer . This new and exciting drug has been demonstrated in clinical trials to reduce symptoms and increase the life expectancy of patients.
Photodynamic Therapy: Photodynamic therapy involves the use of light to destroy cancer cells. The patient first is first administered a photosensitizing drug that only collects in cancerous cells. Fibre-optic cables are then inserted in the body in order to focus light of a certain frequency on the tumour. The light stimulates the photosensitizing drug to produce toxic oxygen molecules that destroy the cancerous cells.
These experimental mesothelioma cancer treatments, although still in the developmental stages, offer cancer victims the prospect of a better and longer life. With the likelihood of an increase in the number of people diagnosed with asbestos cancer, further research into other forms of mesothelioma cancer treatment is vital.
Note to Publishers: You may freely republish this article as is, without editing or modification, and all links must be kept live. The author, Gregory De Villiers, writes on a variety of health and wellness topics. For more information on mesothelioma cancer as well as asbestos litigation, visit http://www.lung-canceradvice.com
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_121761_17.html
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma has become a concern to many people after the dangers of asbestos have become known. It is a deadly cancer but there are some forms of treatment which are being used and the prognosis may be better than is often mentioned. In this article we consider the different forms of treatment used.
Mesothelioma Surgical Treatment
Surgery is usually done first to diagnose but can also be used to remove the cancer cells. There are also different types of surgical treatment that may be used such as thoracoscopy, video-assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy and laproscopy.
Palliative Treatment
Palliative treatment is treatment that deals specifically with the symptoms rather than the disease itself. The most common palliative treatment used is Chest tube drainage which helps to relieve the symptom of pleural effusion that is so common among Mesothelioma patients. There are also a number of other palliative treatments.
Curative Treatments
These procedures are done with the intent of completely removing all gross Mesothelioma and include radical surgery and chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Like all other cancers, Mesothelioma may also be treated using chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma however is not generally considered a curative procedure and may be used just to control the cancer, relieve symptoms or used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
Mesothelioma may be treated using a number of different procedures, some which aim mainly at alleviating the symptoms while others attempt to cure. These procedures include surgery, chemotherapy and other medical procedures. A combination of methods may also be used to try and get the best results for the patient.
By Mandy Buchanan
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mandy_Buchanan
New treatments for Mesothelioma cancer
There are more treatment possibilities for Mesothelioma cancer than surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy: the clinical trials. They offer no only benefits, but also risks that cancer patients should know before taking part in one of these research studies.
The U.S. National Cancer Institute sponsors clinical trials, because Mesothelioma cancer is difficult to control. This research is being performed to find out new treatments and better ways to use the current medical procedures.
Clinical trials are performed before the application of any new treatment in human beings, because doctors should know if the treatment is safe for their patients and effective to fight the disease on the stage level in which is.
Patients with mesothelioma can participate in research programs as a treatment option, because the possibility exists in the United States. People interested in take part in a clinical trial, however, should talk with their doctors before.
There is information about clinical trials in the Cancer Information Service (CIS) of the above mentioned Institute or may call to the toll-free phone number 1�800�4�CANCER to talk to CIS staff who may identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials.
The Web have various information about the subject, such as basic trial information, trial description with a summary and the eligibility criteria, and trial sites and contacts in the U.S.
Article written by the staff of mesothelioma -10.com a website edited by Hector Milla, if you want to read more articles about mesothelioma cancer information, feel free to visit http://www.mesothelioma-10.com , or http://www.asbestos-10.com you can reprint this article in your website or ezine, always mentioning the author above and keeping a live link.
Author: Hector Milla
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_14050_23.html
Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosed- Questions to ask
Following diagnosis, uppermost amongst a patient's thoughts will be these..."Am I going to die?", "Will I be in much pain?". As there is no cure for mesothelioma it is important that the patient is advised that with modern treatment they can, for months or years, live a normal life for most of
the time. And that the modern drugs are very effective at keeping pain under control and relieving it.
Obviously the treatment aspect is extremely important and the patient and close relatives must ensure that they get the consultant and doctors to explain comprehensively how it is all going to work. It is advisable to compile a list of questions to put to the medical staff prior to any
appointments or consultations and to get a relative or close friend to go along with the patient.
I would advise taking a look on the internet for information about the disease and printing out relevant bits. I did this when my father was diagnosed with stomach cancer. When I showed the consultant what I had been studying, I sensed a more open discussion and perhaps a few more technical details were covered that otherwise might not have been.
There is no harm in taking notes with you and you might even consider taping the discussion. These are potentially highly stressful and upsetting meetings which might mean that you don't remember all that was said. You'll want to know where and when the treatments will take place.
Include questions about possible side effects and the range and type of drugs they will be taking. And how the drugs will be taken, injection, by mouth, intravenous etc.
Difficulties arise when a question is asked about how long the patient has got to live. It is impossible for the doctor to predict the future exactly for an individual patient and they would be putting unecessary pressure on themselves if they did.
This uncertainty is not good for the patient and vague answers never satisfy anyone. I would push the doctor for an educated guess based on his experience and the results he has at hand. This is only my opinion. I would want to know if I've got months (which could be two or three) or years (which could be 12 months).
Fears can often be worse than reality. That is why it is important to collate as much knowledge about the illness and disease as possible. Discussing this new knowledge with friends and relatives can help relieve the stress as the treatment progresses.
By Paul Curran
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_6980_17.html
Mesothelioma: Greed, Cancer, & Profits
Mesothelioma: Malignant spreading tumor of the mesothelium of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising as a result of the presence of asbestos fibres. It is diagnostic of exposure to asbestos. source
Mesothelioma is Expensive...
Treatment for mesothelioma can be expensive, it can also take lives. Fair compensation for mesothelioma frequently means a settlement of over $1,000,000.
Many people research mesothelioma on the web. While it may be lucrative some people still fail to see the value.
Mesothelioma Cost Per Click:
The $1,000,000 settlements translate into tons of profits which could be used for marketing. When I just checked the top bid on Overture was $160 per click.
Each time you go to Yahoo! and click on their mesothelioma listing it costs that advertiser north of $100.
In spite of the fact that Google is exceptionally worried about click fraud Overture and Google are both viewed as legitimate businesses. People do not mind spending the click costs if they can afford it.
Most web traffic clicks on the free listings and not the paid ads though, so one would think that it would be easy to sell...
Mesothelioma SEO Services:
I recently spoke on the phone to a mesothelioma related firm (who called me). They wanted to improve their placements and secure more traffic. In spite of the fact that they may be willing to spend $100 per click for traffic they were not interested in even spending $1,000/ month building their link popularity or improving their site position.
Imagine how many additional leads and how much additional profit a mesothelioma lawyer would get if they hired a top notch SEO using a profit share business model.
Many people fail to see the value in SEO though because they do not understand it. They want to earn hundreds of thousands of dollars per client, but they are not willing to pay for quality SEO services because there is a high rate of fraud and search engines have done a terrific job of creating marketing hype and spin about "spam."
Mesothelioma Lead Generation:
One person called me looking for data to perform keyword arbitrage. I told him I was uncertain of how to locate the data he was interested in, but that I was good at SEO.
He offered to pay me $50 a lead for mesothelioma leads. Why would I sell qualified leads for less than 30% of the cost of a click?
Mesothelioma AdSense Websites:
Google AdSense allows you to add related advertisements to your website. If you create a website about mesothelioma Google will place mesothelioma ads on your website and share the revenue with you.
I jokingly told a friend of mine about mesothelioma and he created a site which ranked well in Yahoo! for mesothelioma related terms. Despite the fact that the word mesothelioma is expensive on search advertisements it does not pay much for contextual ads. He gets about a half dozen to dozen clicks a day at under a dime each.
Chasing the Value:
Many competitive markets are competitive because people believe there is value there. In all actuality there may not be an easy way to extract value in every market and there is not value in every saturated market.
Most of the mesothelioma sites are unoriginal garbage created exclusively with profits in mind. The problem is that only a few people are making most of the money and most of the people who jump into the market will not make much money.
Uncompetitive Markets:
Many markets do not have as much money in them as mesothelioma does. The money in the market is an important concept, but opportunity cost and competing websites are both important too.
If you can dominate a smaller market doing something you enjoy you are more likely to generate greater long term value than if you are fighting to get by in a hyper saturated competitive market.
- by Aaron Wall, owner of Search Marketing Info
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Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_414_7.html
Mesothelioma Prognosis Facts
Unfortunately, individuals suffering from mesothelioma (a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure) have a rather poor prognosis. There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and once the disease is discovered, patients usually only have a short time to live. Without treatment, mesothelioma is fatal within four to eight months. New forms of treatment are always being developed and tested, however, and there is evidence that the healthier a patient is at the time of diagnosis, the longer the life expectancy of the patient.
There are cases where patients receiving treatment have lived for as long as five or even ten years, but this is very rare. Even under treatment, most people survive less than one year, and often only a few months after receiving their mesothelioma diagnosis. According to recent studies, around 10% of victims live at least three years after their diagnosis, and 5% reach five years.
One of the reasons that the prognosis is so bad is that there is such a long period of time between a person's exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma symptoms. It can take several decades before signs of mesothelioma begin to show up in a person. One study showed that when mesothelioma is caught and treated in its early stages, 50% of patients survived two years, and 20% reached five years, but unfortunately it is very difficult to discover the disease early on. The fact that the symptoms of mesothelioma are so easily confused with other illnesses further delays a correct mesothelioma diagnosis in many cases.
By James Howell
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Howell
Pleural Mesothelioma - A Quick Look
Pleural mesothelioma is one of several types of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. It is caused by asbestos fibers being ingested into the lungs and affects the pleural lining of the lungs. This is a deadly and devastating disease with no known cure. There are a number of symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, and like the other forms of mesothelioma, they can appear very non-specific and could be mistaken for a number of common diseases or illnesses. Shortness of breath, caused by pleural thickening which gradually contracts the breathing space, is often the first symptom exhibited by those with the disease. Cough, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, facial swelling, weight loss, fever, and rasping are some of the other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. In many cases, however, individuals with the disease never experience symptoms at all until well after it has matured.
It typically takes several decades for the symptoms to develop, and once diagnosed, patients typically have a life expectancy of only a few months. Men between the ages of 50 and 70 are more commonly diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma than any other demographic, largely because asbestos was widely used in numerous industries from World War II until the 1970s, and due to the amount of time that it takes for the symptoms to occur, it is just now being discovered that they have the disease.
The treatments that are currently available for pleural mesothelioma patients are primarily palliative, aiming only to ease the patient's suffering. These treatments include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
By James Howell
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Howell
What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the abdomen, or peritoneum. Like the other types of mesothelioma, it is caused by exposure to asbestos, which has been widely used in many industrial products, such as cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. The peritoneal form of mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon type of cancer that accounts for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. Like other forms of the disease, it is inconspicuous until decades after asbestos exposure.
While peritoneal mesotheliomas are less common than pleural mesotheliomas, they tend to be more invasive, and thus often result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. An early diagnosis of the disease is important. The relief and treatment of people afflicted with this disease improves dramatically the earlier it is detected. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed until it is quite advanced.
The first step towards detecting peritoneal mesothelioma involves X-rays and CT scans, but a definitive diagnosis is only achieved through a biopsy, which usually involves removing a tiny piece of tissue for analysis. At this time, even though there are various treatment options available, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, there is no known cure.
Typical symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pains, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Because these symptoms are so common, and may be attributed to numerous ailments other than mesothelioma, diagnosis is often delayed until it is too late for treatment to do much more than help the patient feel more comfortable.
By James Howell
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Howell
What is Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest type of the three forms of mesothelioma. It makes up less than 10% of all mesothelioma patients. Approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year, but fewer than 200 of them are pericardial. As with the other mesotheliomas, it is caused by exposure to asbestos. This type affects the pericardium, the protective sac that covers the heart and provides lubrication so that it can beat properly. Because it is so rare, there is little specific research on this disease, and it is still not clearly understood how the asbestos fibers become lodged in the pericardium.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are similar to other forms of mesothelioma, although its rarity has made it difficult for specialists to determine a specific set of common symptoms. Heart palpitations are more common with this form of mesothelioma than with the others. Additionally, patients may experience difficulty breathing, fever, and cough.
Diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is problematic, as the nature of its symptoms is relatively non-specific, in that they can appear as a result of several other cardiac conditions. Unfortunately for most patients, by the time symptoms of the disease appear, the cancer has progressed to a stage where conventional treatments are largely ineffective for anything other than providing temporary relief of symptoms.
As a direct consequence of the difficulties in definitively diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma, and the fact that it is usually only minimally symptomatic until its advanced stages, the prognosis for patients is very poor, with a mean survival time of only six months following diagnosis.
By James Howell
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Howell
Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Commonly, because lung cancer symptoms do not manifest in the early stage of the disease, treating it will be a big problem especially when detection happens when cancer metastases or secondary cancer cells already developed in the other organs of the body. Much research work has been dedicated to find out the first symptoms of lung cancer. Extensive research works conducted at Mesothelioma research clinics have uncovered some symptoms of lung cancer closely linked with the disease.
The main three symptoms to lung cancer that should not be ignored are shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, and existence of a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by expectoration of sputum streaked with blood. Additionally, loss of appetite, fatigue, unusual losses of weight are three symptoms, which are indicative of lung cancer. The website further deals with the symptoms that can indicate and help identify the formulation of the preliminary stages of the disease (though difficult to be detected) so that adequate measures can be taken at the earliest possible opportunity.
Stage IV with extensive lymph node involvement or cancer that has spread to other organs, hen treated with chemotherapy and palliative care to reduce symptoms and increase comfort has a one-year survival rate.
Mesothelioma
Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. The third type of mesothelioma is called biphasic, it is a combination of the other two types and consists of 20-35% of all cases. In fact, Mesothelioma research news states that the period of the onset of Mesothelioma cancer could be from 10 to 60 years from the time of exposure to asbestos.
It is said that mesothelioma is linked to lung cancer and it is a good idea to get the help that is deserved when someone feels like they have been diagnosed because of the work that they did for a living. The term mesothelioma is used to describe a cancer tumor, which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ; this is usually the lungs, heart, or the abdominal organs. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos.
Most cancers are caused by external stimuli and mesothelioma is no different.
Exposure
The time between exposure and development of cancer ranges from 15 to 30 years. Your risk increases by 30 percent from daily exposure to second-hand smoke. Second-hand smoke: Exposure to second-hand smoke has been shown to be a definite risk factor.
Although rarely discussed, exposure to toxic fumes in the workplace or environmental toxins in the air contribute to a significant number of deaths from lung cancer. For example, occupational exposure to diesel motor emissions, asbestos, and paint was found to be significantly correlated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Although changes in the lung begin almost immediately upon exposure to carcinogens, lung cancer takes years to develop.
Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly type of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos-containing products. People who get lung cancer from asbestos exposure usually get it from work or from living in an older home. Factors that may protect people from lung cancer are not smoking, avoiding second hand smoke, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, and limiting exposure to potential carcinogens in the environment such as radon.
Asbestos
Imagine a building with asbestos insulation torn apart and exposing all that insulation, well now you can see the problem. Lung Cancer is affiliated with Asbestos Exposure.
People working in industries which involve extensive use of asbestos and other chemical substances/fumes are also at a greater risk of lung cancer. There are no reported cases of mesothelioma in people who were not exposed to asbestos either in the workplace or through their environment. Because asbestos related diseases take decades to form, early detection is critical for proper treatment.
However, exposure to asbestos presents an added urgency for routine appointments.
By Loz L
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For more related information about Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Cancer, Pleural Asbestosis and various other pages on this topic, stop by and see if the information we have can help you.
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Introduction to Epithelial Mesothelioma
Epithelial mesothelioma is a rare disease caused by asbestos exposure that may have occurred decades before the patient is diagnosed. It is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between epithelial mesothelioma and smoking. However, the Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of epithelial mesothelioma have resulted from that.
Epithelial mesothelioma occurs much more often in men than women, and three-fourths of mesothelioma sufferers are over 65 years of age. Most people who develop the disease have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways. One study of asbestos insulation workers reported a mesothelioma death rate up to 344 times higher than the general population. Although the disease is not contagious, it has been found that family members of asbestos workers have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma and other similar diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney. This increased risk is thought to be caused by exposure to asbestos from the worker's clothing and hair.
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, epithelial mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Incidence of malignant epithelial mesothelioma currently ranges from about 7 to 40 per 1,000,000 in industrialized Western nations, depending on the amount of asbestos exposure of the populations during the past several decades. More than 500,000 asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed against asbestos manufacturers and employers, for neglecting to implement safety measures after the links between asbestos, asbestosis, and mesothelioma became known.
Although epithelial mesothelioma is generally resistant to curative treatment with radiotherapy alone, it is often used to make the person with cancer comfortable or to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel. Radiation therapy alone has never been shown to improve survival from epithelial mesothelioma. In fact, the necessary radiation dose to treat mesothelioma that has not been surgically removed would be very toxic.
By James Howell
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Howell
The Danger Of Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.
Anatomy of the respiratory system, showing the trachea and both lungs and their lobes and airways. Lymph nodes and the diaphragm are also shown. Oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and passes through the thin membranes of the alveoli and into the bloodstream
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur. Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include the following:
Living with a person who works near asbestos. Being exposed to a certain virus. Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.
Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or in the abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:
Trouble breathing.
Pain under the rib cage.
Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
Lumps in the abdomen.
Weight loss for no known reason.
Tests that examine the inside of the chest and abdomen are used to detect (find) and diagnose malignant mesothelioma.
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer but there are tests conducted tohelp decide this.
By Daniel Kunle
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Daniel is an internet business enterpreneur who specialises in fields that are related to humanities. He reseaches in this particular area to provide useful information and how to cope live with mesothelioma plus the health hazards involved. you can visit http://www.mesotheliomalaunch.blogspot.com to check more of his works.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Kunle
Mesothelioma's Convoluted Settlement Issues
A case of mesothelioma causes a patient and his family a lot of pain and suffering but since there is no real gauge of measuring the damage done by this disease, the amount given as settlement varies from case to case and from one state to another depending upon their amendments and legislations.Starting a lawsuit is an expensive affair and it could affect the sufferer and their respective family greatly; the sufferer may be able to get assistance with the cost of the lawsuit, any medical treatment and other such expenses affecting the sufferer.
The lawsuit will work on the basis that the sufferer of mesothelioma did not know they were coming into regular and sustained contact with the asbestos. This can then lead to illness and possibly death. With their lives being cut short considerably; then the companies should compensate accordingly to this; based on lost earnings and further compensation to the family of the sufferer if they died through the condition if asbestosis. The main factor that determines the settlement money received by a patient, apart from the damage caused to them by it, is the political atmosphere and state under which the mesothelioma settlement was agreed upon.
When a lot of lawsuits were being filed In the 80's and the 90's the political climate in the U.S was mostly favorable to mesothelioma patients rather than the companies.Recently, however, the overall political climate has shifted. A reform bill in Georgia whereby the onus is on the plaintiff to provide all possible evidence showing that the problems was indeed causes by exposure to asbestos and another in Texas which makes neutral medical tests for asbestos related diseases obligatory can serve as examples.
The two reform bills were signed after realization that both lawyers and patients were exploiting mesothelioma lawsuits and making exaggerated claims but when it comes down to genuine cases of mesothelioma there are no problems.The settlement amount, as stated above, varies from state to state and region to region. In the south, it is estimated that most mesothelioma cases are settled for around one million. No generalizations, however, can be made on the amount of settlement money since each lawsuit is independent and the amount of settlement is dependent on the case itself.
Mesothelioma settlements can vary from anywhere between a few thousand dollars to a million. An average amount for these settlements is difficult to estimate since each case is different. There have even been cases of mass settlement where several people filed a lawsuit and ended up receiving just a few dollars each. The legitimacy of the accusations, the damage to the patient and whether or not the defendant was negligent are the three factors that help determine the final settlement amount.
The settlement could also depend, to a certain extent, on previous cases as courts have a tradition of referring to them before making their final decision.If someone finds themselves to be suffering from asbestosis or someone they know is, then they need to seek legal advice as soon as possible; time is of the essence.
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For the latest asbestosis information, including case studies, treatment, diagnosis and symptoms, see: Mesothelioma Info.
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Mesotheolima Asbestosis
''Mesotheolima asbestos'' is the generic name of a cancer disease called mesotheolima. Mesotheolima [otherwise spelt as mesothelioma] is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become malignant and abnormal. Mesotheolium is a sac-like membrane or lining that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.
It is from this that the disease get its name,the definition of the word mesothelioma is literally ''cancer of the mesothelium'' (-oma being a medical term for cancer).The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body.
-The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity.
-The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity.
-The pericardium covers and protects the heart.
-The tunica vaginalis testis is the mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs.
-The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.
The generic name "asbestos" belongs to a group of minerals called "asbestiform" minerals. Asbestos is a fibrous material which is mined from serpentine rock. Basically, rock is mined and crushed. When the rock is crushed, fibrous stands of asbestos are extracted from the rock. The strands are put in bags and shipped to manufacturing facilities where the asbestos are used as materials in insulation and other materials. The three most commonly used forms of asbestos in product manufacturing are chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems.
In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.
However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. Mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose early because the symptoms are often mistaken for those of other, less serious ailments.
To make matters worse, it often takes many years for the symptoms to show up after the asbestos exposure has taken place. It might take 30-50 years.
Here is a list of the most common Mesothelioma symptoms:
* Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
* Persistent cough
*Change in your normal coughing pattern
* Coarse or raspy voice
* Unexplainable weight loss
* Difficulty in swallowing
* Chest or abdominal pain
* Coughing up blood
* Bowel obstruction
* Blood clotting abnormalities
* Anaemia
* Fever
By Daniel Kunle
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Daniel is an internet business enterpreneur who specialises in fields that are related to humanities. He researches in this particular area to provide useful information on how to cope and live with mesothelioma plus the health hazards involved. You can visit http://www.mesotheliomalaunch.blogspot.com to check more of his works.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Kunle
Mesothelioma Cancer - Best Possible Treatments
Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient's health habits, exposure to asbestos, past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.
Complete blood count (CBC): A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:
The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells.
The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells.
Sedimentation rate: A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube.
Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues from the pleura or peritoneum so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. Procedures used to collect the cells or tissues include the following:
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle. This procedure is also called a needle biopsy.
Lung biopsy. The patient lies on a table that slides through the computed tomography (CT) machine which takes x-ray pictures of the inside of the body. The x-ray pictures help the doctor see where the abnormal tissue is in the lung. A biopsy needle is inserted through the chest wall and into the area of abnormal lung tissue. A small piece of tissue is removed through the needle and checked under the microscope for signs of cancer.
Thoracoscopy: An incision (cut) is made between two ribs and a thoracoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the chest.
Peritoneoscopy: An incision (cut) is made in the abdominal wall and a peritoneoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the abdomen.
Laparotomy: An incision (cut) is made in the wall of the abdomen to check the inside of the abdomen for signs of disease.
Thoracotomy: An incision (cut) is made between two ribs to check inside the chest for signs of disease.
Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look inside the trachea and large airways in the lung for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.
Bronchoscopy. A bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth, trachea, and major bronchi into the lung, to look for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing. It may also have a cutting tool. Tissue samples may be taken to be checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
Cytologic exam: An exam of cells under a microscope (by a pathologist) to check for anything abnormal. For mesothelioma, fluid is taken from around the lungs or from the abdomen. A pathologist checks the cells in the fluid.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
The stage of the cancer.
The size of the tumor.
Whether the tumor can be removed completely by surgery.
The amount of fluid in the chest or abdomen.
The patient's age and general health, including lung and heart health.
The type of mesothelioma cancer cells and how they look under a microscope.
Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
By Daniel Kunle
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Daniel is an internet business entrepreneur who specialises in fields that are related to humanities. He researches in this particular area to provide useful information on how to cope and live with mesothelioma plus the health hazards involved. You can visit http://www.mesotheliomalaunch.blogspot.com to check more of his works.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Kunle
Lung Cancer and Smoking
According to the American Cancer Society, today, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. In 2006, an estimated 162,460 deaths resulted from lung cancer, and of those deaths, an estimated 79,560 of those were women. At first glance, the numbers might not seem so alarming., but what is alarming is the fact that "between 1960 and 1990, deaths from lung cancer among women increased by more than 400%" (www.lungcancer.org). Do you need a moment to digest those statistics? I know I did.
In addition, to being the leading cause of cancer-related death for women, the National Cancer Institutes reports that the expected 5-year survival rate for all patients in whom lung cancer is diagnosed is 15.5 percent compared to 64.8 percent for colon, 89 percent for breast and 99.9 percent for prostate cancer. Further, about 6 out of 10 people with lung cancer die within 1 year of being diagnosed with the disease (Lungusa).
After reading the data, I did some research to uncover the cause of such high incidences of lung cancer overall, and particularly, in women. Studies show that while lung cancer can be caused by a variety of factors, including asbestos and environmental pollution, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, with an estimated 90 percent of lung cancer cases caused by smoking. 5 What that means, is that 90 percent of lung cancer cases are preventable; and in 2006, of the 79,560 women that died, 71,685 of those deaths were senseless.
To make the numbers understandable from a layman's point of view, what they correlate to is this: more people have died from smoking in one year than there were American military casualties in Iraq since the war started in 2003, and more than were murdered in the United States in 2005.
Hence, it begs to be considered that if lung cancer is preventable, why do over 1.1 billion people, over 1/6 of the world's total population choose to smoke and ingest harmful tobacco products? This includes 33% of the African population; 57% of the people in the United States; 72% of Europeans; 48% of Southeast Asians, 39% of Eastern Mediterraneans; and 68% of people in Western Pacific nations (World Heath Organization, 2000 estimates).
The answer in short is addiction.
With this in mind, I struck out to learn more about the history of the cigarette. I was in for quite an education. Besides providing you with a history of the cigarette, this article will also educate you on what lung cancer does to your body, steps you can take to prevent it, methods of screening, and resources. Hopefully, what you learn in the following pages will enable you to make a decision that could save a life.
History of the Cigarette
The primary ingredient in a cigarette is tobacco. Tobacco in cigarettes is usually a blend of several types of the tobacco leaf, which have the effect of euphoria on the nervous system. Tar, a by-product of the cigarette, is produced when the cigarette is lit. Nicotine is also part of the make up of the tobacco leaf. When a cigarette is lit and the smoke inhaled, nicotine moves into the blood vessels of the mucous membranes, skin and lungs, and then directly to your brain [within seconds], increasing adrenaline production, stimulating neurons in the brain that cause "good" feelings, which encourage a person to want to repeat the action that caused that feeling (addiction), further stimulating the production and release of endorphins, which cause feelings of euphoria. (howstuffworks.com).
Man has been using the tobacco product for thousands of years. Native Americans smoked prior to the arrival of European explores; and the practice is even depicted in early Mayan art dating back to 1,500 years ago, when tobacco was also used as a medicinal antidote. In the 16th century, smoking was common mostly among sailors. The cigar later became popular in England in the 1820s. The cigarette soon appeared in Spain. During World War I, tobacco products were included in military rations. After the war, manufacturers began advertising cigarette smoking as glamorous, and the rest, as they say is history (Wikipedia).
When manufacturers recognized the marketability of the cigarette, they became interested in learning how to get more people to smoke. Advertising was one way. The other way was to include additives that made cigarette smoking less harsh, more tasty...and more addictive. Today, there are over 599 known additives in cigarettes that have been approved by the United States (U.S.) Government. What most people don't know is that while some of these additives are safe and can be found in everyday foods, others are extremely dangerous when ingested and when burned, these additives produce chemical compounds that are toxic.
Some of the additives included in cigarettes are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, formaldehyde and hydrazine, among others. These harsh chemicals have no natural place in a human body, and even to a layman, it is obvious that these products would be harmful when ingested. Carbon monoxide, for example, a poisonous gas found in car exhaust smoke, when inhaled, can cause fatigue, nausea, disorientation and chest pains. Hydrogen cyanide is used to make fibers, plastics, dyes, pesticides and under the name of Zyklon B, was used as a genocidal agent in World War I. Ammonia is a household cleaner which causes skin, eye, nose, throat and lung irritation. Formaldehyde is used to manufacture building materials and to preserve dead bodies. It causes watery eyes, burning of the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, wheezing and skin irritation. Together with the other additives in a cigarette, each time a smoker lights up and inhales, they are inhaling a "cocktail" of carcinogens, creating a multitude of illnesses in their bodies and speeding up death. At the same time, because the physiological and psychological rewards are so immediate, most smokers, after just one cigarette, are on their way to addiction. Nowadays, cigarettes can be found pretty much everywhere, at neighborhood grocery stores, gas stations, street vendors and even on-line.
Seizing on the lucrative business of addiction, cigarette manufacturers produce approximately 5.5 trillion cigarettes globally each year. China, the United States, Russia, and Japan-the four largest producers-manufacture just over half of the world's supply. In 2004, China produced 1.79 trillion cigarettes, 32 percent of the global total. The United States produced 499 billion, 9 percent of the total. (http://www.worldwatch.org/node/4320)
There are billions of dollars spent every year to target current smokers and recruit new ones. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), major manufacturers like China National Tobacco Company (China), Altria Group, Inc., (previously Phillip Morris Companies) (USA), British American Tobacco PLC (UK), Japan Tobacco (Japan), R J. Reynolds Tobacco (USA), Reemtsman (Germany), Altadis (France and Spain), among others, spend a lot of money to market tobacco. The United States alone spends over $10 billion dollars. This includes promotional funds to retailers to expedite the sales.
This marketing is targeted at adults and youth alike, particularly preying on the naiveté', rebelliousness, experimentive nature of young adults. Cigarette brands like Virginia Slims and Capri's designs appeal to young women, wanting to look more mature, feminine or sexy; and the Joe Camel and the Marlboro man entice young boys who want to look cool, tough and grown up. Cigarette manufacturers went so far as to give cigarettes names that would appeal to younger people. After public outcry from advocacy groups, this year, J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., in particular, agreed to stop using candy, fruit and alcohol names for flavored cigarettes that might appeal to children, The company was using names such as Twista Lime", "Warm Winter Toffee" and "Winter MochaMint.
In the 21st century, the marketing efforts to target youth has evidently stepped up, showing the tenacity of the tobacco manufacturers in retaining what could be their most loyal customers, in spite of over 40 years of opposition from both public and private segments. In the late 1960's, attempts to curb adolescent exposure to cigarette advertising began with the banning of television and radio ads. [However]...the proportion of high school students who smoked rose from 27.5 percent in 1991 to a peak of 36.4 percent in 1997 before drifting back to 28.0 percent in 2000). This increase...was among the factors that prompted a reexamination of regulatory policy, culminating in the November 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA), signed by tobacco manufacturers and forty-six states' attorneys general, prohibits tobacco manufacturers from taking "any action, directly or indirectly, to target Youth within any Settling State in the advertising, promotion or marketing of Tobacco Products." As a blanket youth-targeting ban, this provision applies to all types of advertising, including transit ads, billboards, and magazines (Healthaffairs). Today, in most countries, there are age limit restrictions on the purchase of cigarettes by youth.
As awareness of the health-related disadvantages of smoking and other tobacco products came to the forefront of public consciousness, the public has seen more airing of advertisements, public service announcements, smoking education awareness campaigns, lobbying for smoke free movies and the passing of no-smoking laws in certain building, states and even countries. In countries across the world, like Armenia, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Cuba, France, India, Lithuania, Malaysia, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and Turkey, smoking is banned in certain public places or workplaces. As always, the cigarette manufacturers are trying to find ways to use even the advertising for non-smoking to their advantage, with large cigarette vendors hiring public relations firms to help them create soft marketing, "non-smoking" ads that would draw in more smokers.
In addition, in order to counter the loss in profits from the bans against smoking and public outcry in the 1980's in the United States and other countries, more aggressive marketing is done on the continents of Asia and Africa, where cigarettes are marketed in television, radio and print advertising, at schools, sports and music events, and even more subtly, in the form of sponsorship at charitable events. Still, there are thousands of organizations working to ban smoking, educate youth and adults about smoking and health related issues, like lung cancer, emphysema, heart disease among other diseases.
What Lung Cancer Does To Your Body
While all the advertising inundates the public with images of how "sexy" smoking is supposed to be, what they don't show is the ugly side of smoking, how it stains, erodes and damages your teeth, taste buds, throat, esophagus, lungs and inevitably, threatens your life. Granted, not everyone who smokes gets lung cancer and dies; however, it is proven that cigarettes do contribute to lung cancer.
Lung cancer occurs when cells start to grow uncontrollably in a random fashion, causing tumors in the bronchial tubes, mucous glands, and near the air sacs and surface of the lungs. These tumors grow rapidly into larger tumors and can eventually spread throughout the body and into the chest, bones, spine or other organs. The more rampant the cancer in a body, the higher chance one has of multiple tumors, organ failure; and, a lesser chance for survival.
Lung Cancer Prevention/Detection/Screening/Treatment
One can take several steps to prevent the occurrence of lung cancer. First, if you are a non-smoker, promise yourself that you will never pick up a cigarette. Secondly, avoid inhaling second-hand smoke. Also, since lung cancer can also be caused by toxins in the environment, like radon gas and asbestos, it is important to be aware of their existence, and to avoid exposure.
For people who have a history of lung cancer in their families, lung cancer can be detected by screening via x-rays, CT scans, biopsies, testing of coughed up mucus, and blood tests. Lung cancer, in its early stages has no noticeable symptoms; however, as it progresses, lumps, coughing, blood-stained phlegm, breathlessness, chest pain, recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis, weight loss and fatigue can occur.
According to lungcancer.org, there is currently no approved screening test for lung cancer that has been proven to improve survival or detect localized disease. However, there are many studies under way to find an appropriate screening tool. If detected early, lung cancer can be treated, depending on the type and extent of the cancer. In instances where the cancer is localized in the lung, surgery can remove the tumors. When the cancer has spread beyond the chest, chemotherapy and radiation are used as treatment. Some patients can even elect to have lung transplants, where the diseased lung is replaced by a healthy one.
Resources/Initiatives
For those trying to quit, the good news is that there are a myriad of resources, nationally and internationally, to help people quit. International agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have extensive data and resources on their websites to educate the public about the dangers of smoking. In 1998, WHO established the Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI), which is dedicated to framing global tobacco policy and focusing international resources on the global tobacco epidemic.
The American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and lungcancer.org are among the many organizations that provide information, education and resources to help smokers quit. There are telephone, on-line, group and one-on-one support groups, government and community funded that provide counseling. Some people use and therapy, various medications, including the patch, hypnosis and nicotine pills to assist them in quitting.
One of the most important factors in quitting and sticking to it is having a strong support system. If you are trying to quit or help someone to quit, keep in mind that cigarette smoking is extremely addictive and that people trying to quit can experience anxiety, depression and irritability, as they crave the nicotine their body has become accustomed to ingesting. Because of how addictive nicotine is, some people give up quitting or experience relapses in smoking after only a short time. Thus, it is very important to get lots of support from family and friends, since they can provide reminders of the benefits to quitting.
Other Risks
Besides the risk of getting lung cancer, there are a multitude other health related illnesses that can develop due to smoking, including heart attack and stroke, blood pressure, respiratory diseases, cancer in other parts of the body and cardiovascular diseases. People who smoke also put others around them at risk. Women who smoke give birth to babies with lower birth rates, children of parents who smoke can develop respiratory illnesses and people who inhale second-hand smoke have a higher risk of developing lung cancer or other smoking-related disease. (National Cancer Institute).
Then, there is the economic downside to smoking. According to www.cancer.org, tobacco creates "...hugely increased healthcare costs...diversion of agricultural land that could grow food, the costs of fires and damage to buildings caused by careless smokers, the resulting increase in insurance premiums, employee absenteeism, decrease in worker productivity...widespread environmental costs due to large-scale deforestation...pollution, and the millions of discarded butts and cigarette packaging that litter streets and waterways (www.cancer.org)."
In the USA, between 1997 and 2001, tobacco smoking resulted in $92 billion of annual productivity losses; worldwide, smoking accounted for 10% of fire deaths, the total [number of people] killed by fires caused by smoking [was] 300,000 and the total cost of fires caused by smoking was $27 billion. In 2003, cigarette litter accounted for 34% of the trash collected along the world's coasts; every year, children start 1,000,000 fires using lighters, and as of 2005, the economic costs to the economy healthcare included was upwards of $300 billion dollars (www.cancer.org).
Benefits of Not Smoking
On the upside, there are a myriad of benefits to quitting smoking. You can prevent health related illnesses like emphysema, heart disease and lung cancer by never smoking or quitting smoking as soon as possible. Quitting as soon as possible can improve the quality and longevity of your life. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are almost instant health improvements when a person quits smoking. "Within just a few days of quitting, a person's sense of taste and smell return, and breathing becomes easier; blood pressure, which becomes elevated while smoking, begins to return to normal. Research has shown that people who stop smoking before the age of 35 reduce their risk of developing a tobacco-related disease by 90%, but older smokers can also benefit greatly from quitting. Even smokers who quit after being diagnosed with a smoking-related illness reduce their risk of medical complications and of dying from a tobacco-related disease".
The key thing that I want to leave with you is this. Your life is in your hands - literally. You are in control. Smoking, as addictive as it may be, is a choice. Every time a smoker lights up a cigarette and inhales, that individual is making a conscious decision to harm his/her body; and every time the smoker exhales the cigarette smoke, he/she is harming others and the environment.
By Maimah Karmo
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maimah_Karmo
Lung Cancer: Smoke That Cigarette!
Introduction
Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in tissues of the lung. It is one of the most common cancers in the United States, accounting for about 15 percent of all cases, or 170,000 new cases each year. It is also the worst cancer killer in America, taking more lives each year than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths in US women and is responsible for as many deaths as breast and all gynecological cancers combined.
Smoking
Smoking, radon, and second hand smoke are the leading causes. Smoking causes an estimated 160,000* deaths in the US. Smoking leads to 85 percent to 90 percent of all lung cancers. Smoking affects non-smokers by exposing them to second hand smoke. If a person stops smoking, this chance steadily decreases as damage to the lungs is repaired and contaminant particles are gradually removed.
Radon
Radon is a colorless and odorless gas generated by the breakdown of radioactive radium, which in turn is the decay product of uranium, found in the earth's crust. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Radon causes between 15,000 and 22,000 deaths each year in the United States -- 12 percent of all lung cancer deaths are linked to radon.
Risk
Risk factors include the following: Smoking cigarettes or cigars, now or in the past. Not all cases are due to smoking, but the role of passive smoking is increasingly being recognized as a risk factor, leading to policy interventions to decrease undesired exposure of non-smokers to others' tobacco smoke. A smoker who is also exposed to radon has a much higher risk. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk.
Symptoms
Symptoms include: Chronic cough, Hoarseness, Coughing up blood, Weight loss & loss of appetite, Shortness of breath, Fever without a known reason, Wheezing, Repeated bouts of bronchitis or pneumonia and Chest pain. About 10% of people do not have symptoms at diagnosis; these cancers are incidentally found on routine chest x-rays. In fact, lung cancer can spread outside the lungs without causing any symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cancer's specific cell type, how far it has spread, and the patient's performance status. It also depends on the stage, or how advanced it is. Treatment choices can be discussed with a doctor. It may include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. In recent years, various molecular targeted therapies have been developed as treatments.
Conclusion
Lung cancer is the second most commonly occurring form of cancer in most western countries, and it is the leading cancer-related cause of death. It is the most common cause of cancer deaths in both men and women, accounting for nearly a third of cancer deaths annually in the United States. It has become the subject of a great amount of research. Although the rate of men dying from it is declining in western countries, it is actually increasing for women due to the increased takeup of smoking by this group. We already know that the best way to prevent it is to quit (or never start) smoking. Three to five years after quitting, the risk of getting the disease is reduced by half.
By Richard Ealom
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Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them". 93 Disease specific websites with extensive information on Alternative and Orthodox methods and products to increase your understanding of Treatment and Curing diseases. Please visit http://rainydrops.com/a-lung-cancer/lung-cancer.php or http://rainydrops.com/alternative-orthodox.php
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Mesothelioma Cancer Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of Mesothelioms, a form of cancer that often takes between 20 and 50 years to develop. Unfortunately, this delay often prevents the detection of the disease and lead to misdiagnoses. The first symptoms like many other illnesses, such as colds or flu, and can therefore be rejected. Other characters mesothelioma respiratory problems, such as pain in the chest and difficulty breathing. The three types of mesothelioma have slightly different symptoms.
Mésothéliome pleural effusion, develops, following a pleural effusion, an accumulation of fluid in the pleura the chest, which often cause for the symptoms, such as the following: respiratory complaints, the difficulties with swallowing disorders, shortness of breath, persistent cough, weight loss, fever, cough Blood, rasping, and pain in the chest.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the mucous membrane of the abdomen, include a weight reduction, the bump and abdominal pain because of ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity), and the intestinal occlusion, blood clotting disorders, anemia and fever.
Finally, the form that rarely mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, includes mild to severe pain in the chest, shortness of breath, palpitations, a persistent cough, fatigue and severe.
For the diagnosis, whether the symptoms of a patient with a mesothelioma, compared to a little less difficult, an X-ray or ultrasound examination can be used. If the results of these methods are not conclusive, a biopsy can determine with certainty whether or not cancer is present. There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, research and clinical trials are underway.
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Mesothelioma Cancer Facts
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Over time, cancerous cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Only after several decades do symptoms begin to show, and often because of this delay, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed it is too late for treatment to be effective.
Mesothelioma is rare, with a rate of infection of only 15 per 1,000,000 in the United States in 2004. It is most often found in individuals who encounter asbestos on the job, such as shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople.
There are three primary areas mesothelioma can develop, the lining of the lungs and chest cavity known as the pleura, the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum, or the sac surrounding the heart called the pericardium. Each form of mesothelioma cancer has its own specific symptoms, but there are many symptoms that can be found in all of them. Such symptoms include coughing, fever, shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, and fatigue.
Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are so general, it can be very difficult to diagnose the disease. This, combined with such a long delay before symptoms begin to develop often means that little can be done to help the patient. The most common forms of treatment are radiation, chemotherapy, and sometimes surgery. Unfortunately however, these treatments have been unable to increase the survival rate of mesothelioma victims beyond a few months.
By James Howell
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Find out more about Mesothelioma Cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Howell
Friday, February 1, 2008
Tips To Prevent Mesothelioma - Prevention Asbestos At Home
Why should you take legal action if you have contracted mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure?
When most people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, it comes as a blow to them and they are shattered. They are unable to collect their senses and think logically and practically. They become deeply & emotionally upset. Therefore, they fail to take any legal action as they feel all this will add more to their pain and suffering. It is very important that all these people realize that taking legal action upon contracting mesothelioma, due to asbestos exposure, is their right.
What are the rights of the mesothelioma patients?
The mesothelioma patients who have contracted the disease due to asbestos exposure have the following rights:
1. Right to receive medical treatment at cancer centers irrespective of the cost involved
2. Right to be compensated for the pain and suffering
3. Right to peace of mind about the welfare of dependents after death.
4. Right to take action against those responsible for bringing the patient to such a condition.
Dangers of asbestos
Asbestos is a wonder mineral. This fibrous substance is heat-resistant, fire-resistant, chemical-resistant and flexible. It can be mixed with cement and paint, woven to make fireproof clothing and can also be used in ship building industry. However, in the 1900s itself, the medical fraternity started to slowly wake-up to the harmful effects of asbestos. They realized that people who worked in asbestos related industries had severe lung problems. Slowly in the 1930s the diseases caused by asbestos, like asbestosis, fibrosis, asbestos warts and so on were recognized and named. But it was only in the 1940s that mesothelioma was clearly identified. After that, asbestos has been banned or restricted in most of the countries.
Mesothelioma and asbestos
When asbestos is mined, manufactured or used, a lot of asbestos fibers and asbestos dust are released into the atmosphere. Since these are light and invisible, humans easily inhale them. Once they are inhaled they enter the body and travel around. Many body organs like the lungs, abdomen and heart have a covering called as mesothelium lining. When asbestos comes into contact with this lining, the mesothelium cells start dividing rapidly. Also, they start to outlive the other normal cells. This causes tumors in that part, which may also spread to other parts soon. This condition is called as mesothelioma.
Selfish attitude of Industrialists
Most of the asbestos-related industries' owners knew about the harmful effects of asbestos. However, their selfish attitude made them to try and cover up the harmful effects of asbestos. They tried to bribe researchers, hide the truth, cover-up facts and continue production. They did not provide any safeguards to the employees. The poor and ignorant workers were not even warned about the dangers of asbestos. No precaution was taken to safeguard the laborers. The short-term economic gains made the rich businessmen blind to long term health hazards.
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The writer is a freelance author and research expert at a medical research firm.
Webmaster http://www.rarehope.com
Symptoms and Treatments for Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that don't exhibit symptoms until the cancer reaches the late stage of development and it is at this point that many cases become incurable. It also has non-specific symptoms and thousands of cases each year are misdiagnosed as other, less severe respiratory conditions. Simply put, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of protective tissue around the major organs, most noticeably the lungs, heart and stomach and recently it has been positively linked to the mineral asbestos. This thin layer of tissue, the mesothelium, allows inhaled asbestos fibres to embed themselves, and it is here that they can lay dormant for up to 50 years before becoming cancerous.
The symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma depend on which of the body's organs are affected.
Pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer affects the lungs and causes a number of symptoms including:
· Persistent cough that doesn't improve with medication
· Breathing difficulties
· Shortness of breath
· Fever
· Difficulty swallowing
· Chest pain
· Weight loss
Pericardial mesothelioma. This second type of mesothelioma affects the heart tissue and includes the following symptoms:
· Breathing difficulties
· Chesty cough
· Palpitations
Peritoneal mesothelioma. The third type of mesothelioma affects the stomach and causes the following symptoms:
· Nausea and vomiting
· Abdominal pain
· Weight loss
· Bloating of the stomach
· Bowel obstruction
· Fever
Obviously all of these symptoms can also be due to a number of other conditions however anyone who experiences them should consult a doctor, especially those who have been exposed to asbestos in the past.
Unfortunately for mesothelioma victims, the symptoms only present themselves late in the cancer's development and so in many cases treatment is palliative rather than curative. There are a number of possible types of treatment that can be used against mesothelioma and the course of treatment that is prescribed will depend to a large extent on how developed the cancer is and how far it has spread around the body. This information can be determined using x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans because these imaging techniques can provide a detailed view of the cancer's progression and how many areas of the body are affected. The possible forms of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care and either a single form or a combination will be used.
Surgery. Surgery can be used in cases where there is an obvious large tumour however it will only become an option if the tumour is causing chronic pain or if it is causing an obstruction e.g. in one or both of the lungs. Because mesothelioma can take between 30 and 50 years to develop many sufferers are elderly when they are diagnosed and so the option of surgery will also depend on age and general state of health. Occasionally it is considered safer to live with the tumour than to risk the rigors of surgery.
Radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is most effective when the mesothelioma is confined to a single site, such as the lungs. It can and often is used in conjunction with chemotherapy as an extra defence against any small pockets of cancerous cells that might survive drug therapy. Radiotherapy can produce some side effects however they are easily treated and rarely cause problems.
Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for mesothelioma will more often than not involve a stay in hospital while a specific drug concoction is introduced to the body intravenously. Chemotherapy is used when the cancer has spread to other areas and so the treatment needs to attack multiple sites.
Palliative care. Palliative care can include any of the above treatments however they will be aimed at improving and extending the quality of life rather than providing a cure. Palliative care will also include pain relief as in many cases the mesothelioma is well advanced and causing chronic chest and abdominal discomfort.
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Andrew Daigle is the owner, creator and author of many successful websites including CancerAbout, a Cancer Information Resource site and a Mesothelioma Lawyer Resource site.
Mesothelioma Types and Their Symptoms
Mesothelioma, or the cancer of mesothelium, is a fatal tumor that affects pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium – linings around lungs, abdomen, and heart respectively. It is a fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral.
Mesothelioma cancer be benign, i.e. it can be non-cancerous and non-spreading or it can be malignant i.e. cancerous and spread to other parts of the body leading to death. Its primary cause is prolonged exposure to asbestos and it has a latency period of about 30 to 50 years.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be classified into three types depending on the area of body affected by it.
There are 3 common types of mesothelioma:
1. Pleural Mesothelioma
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common form of mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma (cancer of pleura) is a tumor of the protective lining around the lungs. It can be either benign or malignant.
The pleura is a sac-like membrane made of two layers between which the pleural fluid is released. This fluid in turn acts like a lubricating agent and helps the lungs to function smoothly during breathing.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Pain in the rib cage
Other symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma, for both benign and cancerous forms, include:
• Fluid build-up in the lung lining
• Hoarseness
• Coughing up blood
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Sensory loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Another common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma or cancer of the peritoneum that causes tumor in the abdominal lining. Like pleural it can be benign or malignant.
The peritoneum is the membrane that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity and also includes:
• Tunica Vaginalis Testis (mesothelial tissue lining the male internal reproductive organs)
• Tunica Serosa Uteri (mesothelial tissue lining the female reproductive organs).
Symptoms
The fluid released in the peritoneum helps in the smooth functioning of these organs. When the peritoneum is affected, some common symptoms experienced are:
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hernia
• Bowel obstruction
• Fluid in the abdominal cavity
If the cancer spreads beyond the abdominal cavity, additional symptoms can be found, such as:
• Anemia
• Blood clotting abnormalities
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of neck, face or arms
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma or the cancer of pericardium is a tumor of the protective sac-like lining around the heart.
Pericardium protects the heart by:
• Smoothening its motion against surrounding organs
• Limiting its motion so that it stays in the chest cavity
• Preventing it from over-expansion during excess influx of blood
Symptoms
When pericardium’s function is affected by mesothelioma, the following symptoms may occur:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid accumulation in the lining
If the mesothelioma cancer spreads to other organs of the body, it can affect their normal functioning and cause painful symptoms. Thus, it is important that mesothelioma cancer is diagnosed on time and proper treatment is given to save the patient’s life.
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Laura Russell is a professional Health Writer having expertise in the filed of Mesothelioma Cancer.
The Causes Of Mesothelioma Cancer Explained
The causes of mesothelioma would seem to be more complicated than they are, but they're not. It would seem like such a virulent disease would be more complex in how it forms and what causes one person to get it over another one. But the causes can be boiled down to one word: asbestos.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that are fibrous in structure. Once used in building materials because of its ability to be fire resistant, asbestos is now banned in many countries around the world.
There are three different kinds of asbestos that can cause the dreaded mesothelioma cancer:
Blue Asbestos – Known as the most dangerous type of asbestos and also the most damaging to the lungs.
Brown Asbestos – Mined in Africa and also quite dangerous.
White Asbestos – This form of asbestos is still used in manufacturing and production in the United States and Europe.
Exposure to asbestos can take place twenty to thirty years before the patient even sees any symptoms, making the causes of mesothelioma hard to manage. If you don't know or don't remember that you have been exposed, you might not find out the answer until decades later, when the damage has already been done.
Many people are under the false assumption that one of the causes of mesothelioma is smoking, but this is not true. Studies have reported and proven that there is no link between smoking and mesothelioma cancer.
But exposure to asbestos is only one part of the causes of asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. When the asbestos gets into your lungs, it can become trapped in the lining. With the fibrous texture of the material, it becomes difficult to expel and can move around in the lungs, causing irreparable damage. This damage leads to scarring in the lungs, which makes it difficult to breathe properly. The lungs can actually become sponge-like and dry out.
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About the Author:
Dave Casey is a medical freelance writer for http://www.mesothelioma-adviser.com Visit the site for medical and legal advice for mesothelioma cancer victims.
Copyright 2007 Mesothelioma-Adviser.com
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