By Mike Howell
Since mesothelioma is such a rare form of cancer, many people who develop mesothelioma symptoms have never even heard of this disease and are unaware of its symptoms.
Most of the body's internal organs are covered with a protective sac called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma cancer occurs when malignant or cancerous cells appear in the mesothelium. The lungs, heart, and abdominal organs are the most commonly affected organs. Of these, the lung lining (plueral mesothelioma) is most typically infected.
Exposure to asbestos is almost always the cause of mesothelioma. Prior to 1975, asbestos was one of the materials commonly used in the manufacture of building materials. In most cases, symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear for 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, malignant mesothelioma caused 2,704 deaths during 2005. So, even though asbestos has been used sparsely since 1975, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that deaths caused by mesothelioma will peak during 2010.
Until it reaches advanced stages, this form of cancer provides very few obvious symptoms. It remains dormant for years; however, when it becomes active it quickly attacks the mesothelium and becomes almost impossible to treat successfully. The CDC estimates that 75% of the people who discover symptoms will die within one year of being diagnosed with this cancer. The remainder will die 6 months to several years later.
Plueral mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) represents approximately 3 out of 4 of the cases diagnosed. Typical symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and or/chronic coughing. Of course, since these symptoms are similar to those of allergies or the common cold, it does not occur to most people that they are infected with this type of cancer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the stomach and intestines) also exhibits symptoms that are not obviously recognizable as cancer, such as anemia and fever.
It is important to understand that mesothelioma generally takes decades to develop, but once mesothelioma symptoms are discovered (properly diagnosed) it quickly becomes aggressive. The best course of action is to become aware of the symptoms and to immediately seek diagnosis and treatment.
The first (and most important) step toward diagnosis and treatment is recognizing the symptoms of mesothelioma. For a more detailed look at mesothelioma symptoms, visit http://www.symptoms-of-mesothelioma.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Howell
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Early and Late Signs of Lung Cancer
By David Silva
As with most cancers, the earlier you detect lung cancer the better your chances of survival. In fact, when it's caught in the first stages, there's an almost 50% survival rate after five years. This is a remarkable number considering the fact that overall, lung cancer has only a 15% survival rate.
So the earlier it's diagnosed the better.
And that's why being aware of the signs of lung cancer can mean the difference between surviving and becoming a statistic.
The Early Signs
Since the early signs of lung cancer can easily be mistaken for other conditions, it's often difficult to take them seriously. However, if you're experiencing a chronic cough that doesn't appear related to a virus or allergy, wheezing, chest pain, bouts of bronchitis, or a persistent fever ... it's time to pay attention.
Lung cancer symptoms are often related to the location of the lesions, which settle into the tissues of the lung first. That's why the early signs tend to reflect common cold, flu, and bronchial illnesses. Once the cancer moves beyond the bronchia, new symptoms arise.
The Later Signs
Once lung cancer has metastasize and moved beyond the bronchia, the signs can expand dramatically. For instance, if the cancer has spread to the brain, then common signs might include blurred vision, stroke, and migraines. As you can see, these are serious symptoms that could be related to any number of illnesses. The point is this: don't dismiss them.
In addition, signs such as depression, weight loss, fatigue, shoulder pain, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness should be taken seriously.
When To See A Doctor
While you don't want to be running to your doctor every time you get the sniffles, if the above signs show themselves, especially if they're persistent, it's better to be safe than sorry. This is particularly true if you've been a smoker or are currently smoking, or if you've ever been exposed to asbestos over an extended period.
It only takes a few hours out of your life to make an appointment and visit your doctor. Here are the signs that should inspire action:
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Stubborn respiratory infections that keep coming back
- A chronic cough that has no apparent cause
- Pain in your chest
- Wheezing
- Fatigue (again, if it has no apparent cause)
The point to remember is that your immune system is busy fighting the cancer. This is why you may find yourself constantly run down and battling nagging infections. It's also one of the reason you may experience mood changes and irritability.
Conclusion
There is a caveat, unfortunately. Nearly a quarter of the people diagnosed with lung cancer never experience any symptoms at all. So while these lung cancer signs can serve as red flags, their absence doesn't necessarily mean everything is just fine. Another reason to see your doctor for an annual checkup.
Learn more about the early symptoms of lung cancer and additional information about lung cancer, its stages and its treatments at: Lung Cancer Insights
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Silva
As with most cancers, the earlier you detect lung cancer the better your chances of survival. In fact, when it's caught in the first stages, there's an almost 50% survival rate after five years. This is a remarkable number considering the fact that overall, lung cancer has only a 15% survival rate.
So the earlier it's diagnosed the better.
And that's why being aware of the signs of lung cancer can mean the difference between surviving and becoming a statistic.
The Early Signs
Since the early signs of lung cancer can easily be mistaken for other conditions, it's often difficult to take them seriously. However, if you're experiencing a chronic cough that doesn't appear related to a virus or allergy, wheezing, chest pain, bouts of bronchitis, or a persistent fever ... it's time to pay attention.
Lung cancer symptoms are often related to the location of the lesions, which settle into the tissues of the lung first. That's why the early signs tend to reflect common cold, flu, and bronchial illnesses. Once the cancer moves beyond the bronchia, new symptoms arise.
The Later Signs
Once lung cancer has metastasize and moved beyond the bronchia, the signs can expand dramatically. For instance, if the cancer has spread to the brain, then common signs might include blurred vision, stroke, and migraines. As you can see, these are serious symptoms that could be related to any number of illnesses. The point is this: don't dismiss them.
In addition, signs such as depression, weight loss, fatigue, shoulder pain, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness should be taken seriously.
When To See A Doctor
While you don't want to be running to your doctor every time you get the sniffles, if the above signs show themselves, especially if they're persistent, it's better to be safe than sorry. This is particularly true if you've been a smoker or are currently smoking, or if you've ever been exposed to asbestos over an extended period.
It only takes a few hours out of your life to make an appointment and visit your doctor. Here are the signs that should inspire action:
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Stubborn respiratory infections that keep coming back
- A chronic cough that has no apparent cause
- Pain in your chest
- Wheezing
- Fatigue (again, if it has no apparent cause)
The point to remember is that your immune system is busy fighting the cancer. This is why you may find yourself constantly run down and battling nagging infections. It's also one of the reason you may experience mood changes and irritability.
Conclusion
There is a caveat, unfortunately. Nearly a quarter of the people diagnosed with lung cancer never experience any symptoms at all. So while these lung cancer signs can serve as red flags, their absence doesn't necessarily mean everything is just fine. Another reason to see your doctor for an annual checkup.
Learn more about the early symptoms of lung cancer and additional information about lung cancer, its stages and its treatments at: Lung Cancer Insights
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Silva
Monday, June 8, 2009
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy - 5 Commonly Asked Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Questions
By Bello Kamorudeen
Mesothelioma patients usually have some questions that they want answers for when they want to commence on Chemotherapy. These include:
1. What is chemotherapy for mesothelioma?
Chemotherapy involves one or more anti-cancer drugs taken either orally in pill form, or intravenously, or, in the case of pleural mesothelioma, injected directly into the lungs. These drugs inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, but they also damage normal healthy cells as well leading to the development of side effects.
2. What are the common side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy?
Side effects are very common with the use of many Chemotherapy agents. The commonly seen side effects include:
• hair loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• anemia
• hemorrhaging
Chemotherapy also causes many complicated side effects within the cancerous growth. It is not uncommon in mesothelioma cases to have secondary neoplasms, which are cancerous offshoots of the original tumor that have redirected their growth due to the introduction of anti-cancer drugs.
3. What are the other risks of chemotherapy?
Furthermore, chemotherapy often increases the chances of toxic reactions in the blood, liver, and kidneys, contributing to the potential fatal nature of chemotherapy treatment. Because chemotherapy suppresses the immune system by decreasing antibodies in the bloodstream, patients undergoing chemotherapy are vulnerable to having common infections and illnesses. Other complications are mouth sores which, in combination with the overwhelming nausea and intestinal discomfort caused by chemotherapy, results in many patients failing to eat a healthy diet.
4. What can you do if chemotherapy does not work?
If you suffer from mesothelioma and chemotherapy has failed you, then you should consult with an attorney experienced in handling asbestos-related litigation. You have a right to pursue legal action to seek justice from those who wronged you. Don't delay, for the laws in your state limit the amount of time you have to collect damages, and these statutes of limitations can end your case before it can begin. Contact a lawyer today.
5. Does chemotherapy work well on mesothelioma?
Chemotherapy does not result in a cure for mesothelioma as the cancer is usually too advanced at the time of diagnosis. Newer chemotherapy agents however are very useful in providing symptomatic relief and prolonging the life span of patients especially when used in combination with other modalities of treatment like surgery and radiotherapy.
Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on mesothelioma Chemotherapy and mesothelioma visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bello_Kamorudeen
Mesothelioma patients usually have some questions that they want answers for when they want to commence on Chemotherapy. These include:
1. What is chemotherapy for mesothelioma?
Chemotherapy involves one or more anti-cancer drugs taken either orally in pill form, or intravenously, or, in the case of pleural mesothelioma, injected directly into the lungs. These drugs inhibit the growth of cancerous cells, but they also damage normal healthy cells as well leading to the development of side effects.
2. What are the common side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy?
Side effects are very common with the use of many Chemotherapy agents. The commonly seen side effects include:
• hair loss
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• anemia
• hemorrhaging
Chemotherapy also causes many complicated side effects within the cancerous growth. It is not uncommon in mesothelioma cases to have secondary neoplasms, which are cancerous offshoots of the original tumor that have redirected their growth due to the introduction of anti-cancer drugs.
3. What are the other risks of chemotherapy?
Furthermore, chemotherapy often increases the chances of toxic reactions in the blood, liver, and kidneys, contributing to the potential fatal nature of chemotherapy treatment. Because chemotherapy suppresses the immune system by decreasing antibodies in the bloodstream, patients undergoing chemotherapy are vulnerable to having common infections and illnesses. Other complications are mouth sores which, in combination with the overwhelming nausea and intestinal discomfort caused by chemotherapy, results in many patients failing to eat a healthy diet.
4. What can you do if chemotherapy does not work?
If you suffer from mesothelioma and chemotherapy has failed you, then you should consult with an attorney experienced in handling asbestos-related litigation. You have a right to pursue legal action to seek justice from those who wronged you. Don't delay, for the laws in your state limit the amount of time you have to collect damages, and these statutes of limitations can end your case before it can begin. Contact a lawyer today.
5. Does chemotherapy work well on mesothelioma?
Chemotherapy does not result in a cure for mesothelioma as the cancer is usually too advanced at the time of diagnosis. Newer chemotherapy agents however are very useful in providing symptomatic relief and prolonging the life span of patients especially when used in combination with other modalities of treatment like surgery and radiotherapy.
Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on mesothelioma Chemotherapy and mesothelioma visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bello_Kamorudeen
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Two Important Steps That Will Help You to Cope With a Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
By Bello Kamorudeen
Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma is undoubtedly one of the most devastating and harrowing experiences one can pass through in life, it is like receiving a certain death sentence. All patients will pass through the classical stages of grief, the initial shock followed by denial, then anger, then depression, and finally acceptance of the grim reality of the terminal disease.
This mix of powerful emotions can overwhelm even those that claim to be very strong individuals. This disease often leaves its victims in a very fragile state of mind.
Even the most compassionate and understanding people can be frustrated by the mortality of mesothelioma, and they can become worn out emotionally very quickly if they do not take steps to help them cope with the disease. Mesothelioma diagnosis is a tragic and devastating revelation, and these are some steps that you can take to help you cope with the disease.
1-Try and overcome the fear and sorrow that usually comes with the diagnosis of a terminal illness. Reach out to your friends, strengthen your religious faith, locate and interact with other victims of the disease to learn how they are coping and share experiences with each other. Also draw strength from within your innate powerful resources that can only manifest when you are facing an almost impossible situation like this.
Face this certain mortality with dignity and poise. Fear and hopelessness will only rob you of what little time you have left, and hinder any positive decisions you might have to make.
2-You still control your life, make a choice to make a difference. Try and pursue legal action against those who knowingly put you at risk of developing this cancer, they purposefully exposed you to asbestos exposure to maximize profit and they must pay for their actions. This will serve justice to a callous and very selfish industry.
Also the monetary compensation you will get will give you the assurance that even after you might have passed away, your family will not have to suffer financially. This will also help you to face inevitable mortality with a lot of courage. So contact a mesothelioma Lawyer as soon as possible.
Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on mesothelioma and mesothelioma management visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bello_Kamorudeen
Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma is undoubtedly one of the most devastating and harrowing experiences one can pass through in life, it is like receiving a certain death sentence. All patients will pass through the classical stages of grief, the initial shock followed by denial, then anger, then depression, and finally acceptance of the grim reality of the terminal disease.
This mix of powerful emotions can overwhelm even those that claim to be very strong individuals. This disease often leaves its victims in a very fragile state of mind.
Even the most compassionate and understanding people can be frustrated by the mortality of mesothelioma, and they can become worn out emotionally very quickly if they do not take steps to help them cope with the disease. Mesothelioma diagnosis is a tragic and devastating revelation, and these are some steps that you can take to help you cope with the disease.
1-Try and overcome the fear and sorrow that usually comes with the diagnosis of a terminal illness. Reach out to your friends, strengthen your religious faith, locate and interact with other victims of the disease to learn how they are coping and share experiences with each other. Also draw strength from within your innate powerful resources that can only manifest when you are facing an almost impossible situation like this.
Face this certain mortality with dignity and poise. Fear and hopelessness will only rob you of what little time you have left, and hinder any positive decisions you might have to make.
2-You still control your life, make a choice to make a difference. Try and pursue legal action against those who knowingly put you at risk of developing this cancer, they purposefully exposed you to asbestos exposure to maximize profit and they must pay for their actions. This will serve justice to a callous and very selfish industry.
Also the monetary compensation you will get will give you the assurance that even after you might have passed away, your family will not have to suffer financially. This will also help you to face inevitable mortality with a lot of courage. So contact a mesothelioma Lawyer as soon as possible.
Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on mesothelioma and mesothelioma management visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bello_Kamorudeen
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