Thursday, March 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
What are Symptoms of Mesothelioma
in Health / Diseases and Conditions (submitted 2011-01-14)
What is Symptoms of Mesothelioma. About 15% of Mesothelioma cases are found in the early stages, before the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere. The 5 year survival rate for people with Mesothelioma is 50% if there is no evidence of cancer in lymph nodes at the time of surgery. Unfortunately, in most cases, the spread of cancer has already occurred even if not detected by current medical tests.
When all Mesothelioma stages are considered together, the 5 year survival rate is only about 14%. Many early Mesothelioma are diagnosed incidentally - they are found as a result of tests that are done for an unrelated medical condition. Although Mesothelioma does not cause any symptoms until it has spread too far to be cured, symptoms do occur in some patients with early Mesothelioma .
Prompt attention to symptoms, leading to early diagnosis and treatment can result in a cure for some patients. For others, prompt attention to symptoms can improve the likelihood that treatment can extend their life and relieve many of their symptoms.
Common signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma include:
A cough that does not go away
Chest pain, often aggravated by deep breathing
Hoarseness
Weight loss and loss of appetite
Bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
Shortness of breath
Fever without a known reason
Recurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia
New onset of wheezing
When Mesothelioma spreads to distant organs, it may cause:
Bone pain
Neurologic changes (such as weakness or numbness of a limb, dizziness)
Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes)
Masses near the surface of the body, due to cancer spreading to the skin or to lymph nodes (collection of immune system cells) in the neck or above the collarbone.
A. Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma cancer of the lung lining) include:
pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
shortness of breath
a persistent cough
difficulty swallowing food
fever and sweating
fatigue
weight loss.
These symptoms are also common to many minor ailments and, therefore, may not cause a doctor to suspect mesothelioma.
Pleural Effusion-fluid in the Lungs
One of the most common and specific symptoms of pleural mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest cavity. This generally causes shortness of breath, and requires a doctor to drain the fluid, called fine-needle aspiration, to make breathing easier and relieve chest pain. This symptom is more unique to mesothelioma, making it more likely that you may have the disease.
B. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal mesothelioma - mesothelioma of the lining of the stomach) include:
stomach pain
nausea and vomiting
weight loss.
Like pleural mesothelioma, these symptoms are also common to many minor ailments and, therefore, may not cause a doctor to suspect mesothelioma.
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Monday, January 3, 2011
Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin membranes (called the mesothelium) lining the chest, lungs, abdomen and sometimes the heart. Although quite rare, mesothelioma symptoms strike more than 200 people each year in the United States. The majority of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure.
Because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the average age of patients is between 50 and 70 years. Mesothelioma affects men most due to the high exposure of asbestos in industrial typed jobs. Mesothelioma symptoms include respiratory problems, shortness of breath, continual cough and pneumonia. Other mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal problems and swelling. In some mesothelioma patients, the mesothelioma symptoms are quite muted, making it hard for mesothelioma doctors to diagnose.
Mesothelioma doctors specialize in the study, research, and treatments of Mesothelioma cancers.
Mesothelioma (or the cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells become abnormal and replicate without control. During Mesothelioma, these cells will invade and damage tissues and organs. Mesothelioma cancer cells can spread throughout the body causing death.
Mesothelioma treatments and Mesothelioma clinical trials and tests
There are many mesothelioma treatment options available. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient's age, general health and stage of the cancer. There has been much mesothelioma research conducted throughout the past two years to find new treatment methods. Click here to read more about mesothelioma treatment techniques.
Through mesothelioma research, The National Cancer Institute has sponsored mesothelioma tests and clinical trials that are designed to find new treatment methods. Because of the increase in number of mesothelioma cases in the United States, both governments have increased funding for mesothelioma research. Mesothelioma research and clinical trials have been successful in developing new techniques to fight this cancer and the outlook for more advanced mesothelioma treatments is promising.
Surgery is the most common treatment method for malignant mesothelioma. Tissues and linings affected by mesothelioma are removed by the doctor and may include the lung or even diaphragm.
A second mesothelioma treatment method is radiation therapy through the use of high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be outside or inside the body.
A third mesothelioma treatment method is chemotherapy. Through pills or drugs through needles, chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
A new mesothelioma treatment method is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. In this treatment, light and drugs are used to kill cancer cells during surgery for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Although there are numerous treatments and drugs for mesothelioma, doctors are loosing the battle against this deadly disease. Most mesothelioma treatments involve old techniques combined with different drug cocktails. However, in most cases, these mesothelioma treatments have many side effects including organ damage, nausea, increase in heart failure etc. The rush to find a more effective mesothelioma treatment or even cure is ongoing at numerous clinical labs across the nation. Let's hope that the mesothelioma treatments will one day erradicate mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.
With an abundance of information on the Internet, Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos ([http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com]) has consolidated the most important issues surrounding Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma doctors and symptoms, Mesothelioma treatment, Mesothelioma research and tests.
At [http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com], the website contains useful resources on Mesothelioma lawyers and attorneys, as well as causes by asbestos exposure, asbestos removal, asbestos attorneys and lawsuits, and asbestos cancer. Patients stricken by Mesothelioma and their families require support and current information. Mesothelioma Online Resources hopes to educate and give hope to survivors and victims.
Mesothelioma is such a harsh disease. Not only does it take years for symptoms to appear, but there are limited treatements and drugs that will prolong the lives of workers stricken with mesothelioma. In many cases, the death rate of mesothelioma is unfortunately very high. However, with increased funding in mesothelioma research through the government and private grants, the outlook for a mesothelioma cure is quite possible. In the meantime, mesothelioma support groups and local discussions provide the ongoing support for mesothelioma patients
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Thursday, November 25, 2010
12 Year Old Boy Diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma
by Jason Wentworth
It has been reported that a 12 year old boy has been diagnosed with the asbestos cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma. Two fundraising events were held to raise money for the boy's family. One was a bike run and the other was a picnic. The boy was diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer on March 24, 2010. At the time of diagnosis, the cancer had already progressed to the fourth stage of mesothelioma. Treatment options at this stage are typically of limited effectiveness.
Malignant mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring and deadly mineral. Typically, people who have worked with asbestos-containing products such as brakes, roofing shingles and tiles are diagnosed with mesothelioma. These people are often mechanics, sheet metal workers, construction workers and electricians. Usually, people who have never worked with asbestos containing products can still develop mesothelioma through secondary asbestos exposure. Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when a person inhales asbestos fibers from the clothes or body of someone who works with asbestos containing products. It is unclear how the boy was exposed to asbestos.
The boy's parents knew that their son had a health problem when he began experiencing weight loss, fatigue, night sweats and headaches (common mesothelioma symptoms). A medical investigation revealed that the boy was suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma. Reportedly, he is the youngest person to be afflicted with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can also occur in the chest cavity and that type of mesothelioma is known as pleural mesothelioma (or lung mesothelioma). Pleural mesothelioma is the more common type of mesothelioma. It is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers that become trapped in the lungs. Decades later, the trapped asbestos fibers lead to the development of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are difficulty breathing, coughing of blood and chest pain.
At the present time, there is no cure for mesothelioma cancer however, there are treatment options that can be effective for some mesothelioma patients. The mesothelioma treatment PDT (photodynamic therapy) uses a light source that emits light of a certain wavelength to destroy cancer cells. Side effects of this treatment technique include skin discoloration, and increased sensitivity to light.
Mesothelioma patients and others suffering from an asbestos cancer should contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney because they may be entitled to substantial financial compensation from companies that failed to warn of the dangers of asbestos.
About Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorneys
The Weitz & Luxenberg law firm is the top mesothelioma law firm in the U.S. Many retired workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have turned to a Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma lawyer for financial assistance. Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos lawyers have won millions of dollars in mesothelioma cases. For a free mesothelioma lawsuit review, please visit http://www.weitzlux.com. For more information on jobs that involve the risk of developing mesothelioma and to contact an asbestos attorney, visit http://www.mesotheliomajobs.com.
About the Author
Jason works closely with the mesothelioma lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg in raising public awareness of the dangers of asbestos. He is an experienced paralegal.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Mesothelioma Settlement Exposed
by Admin
When we talk of Mesothelioma, we refer to the kind of cancer that is predisposed to persons who are extensively exposed to asbestos or the materials which make perfect insulating gears for firefighters. Asbestos cancer Mesothelioma as it is technically called, is mostly predisposed to people mostly in environments where asbestos can be mostly found, and since the use of asbestos has been reduced to very low levels due to such factors, it doesn't mean that you are free from it because the same asbestos is being used elsewhere to perform other functions.
There are several types Mesothelioma, one of the most prevalent of them is the peritoneal Mesothelioma which accounts for 10 or 20% of all asbestos cancer Mesothelioma. When people breathe-in air containing asbestos molecules, these molecule accumulate in the mesothelial cell in the peritoneum which with time causes this kind of cancer. Its name is derived from the word peritoneal which basically refers to the abdomen of the body in the mesothelial cells within what is called the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a two layered cover with one of them separating the organs from the abdomen while the second covering the whole abdominal cavity and responsible for maintaining the functionality of this part while still protecting it. So whenever Mesothelioma strikes, the peritoneum in this case makes the symptoms to be more pronounced than in other cases of Mesothelioma.
The second type of Mesothelioma and the most common is the pleural Mesothelioma. The name stems from the pleural membrane which basically is the lungs' lining where this cancer has been known to strike most. Like the peritoneal, it's also made of two membranes which are greatly affected by this infection. This type of cancer can either be malignant Mesothelioma or benign Mesothelioma. The growth in the malignancy Mesothelioma are cancerous while in the benign are non cancerous and therefore do not spread to the rest of the body the way cancerous ones will do. The benign are also simpler to manage than the malignant ones because they are continuously growing.
Mesothelioma symptoms differ according to the kind of disease which is involved, the most common pleural Mesothelioma might present itself with a raspy cough without any phlegm, night sweat, blood stained cough, and swallowing problems while peritoneal Mesothelioma can have an avalanche of symptoms which might include bowel change like constipation, night sweat, anemia, and fatigue etc.
Mesothelioma prognosis depends mostly on how late one is late for Mesothelioma treatment, that's why patients diagnosed in third or fourth stages usually have a terrible prognosis than those in the first or second stages. Different factors dictate the kind of treatment you will get once you are diagnosed with Mesothelioma, once a choice has been made you can either have chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery can be used.
Mesothelioma cases are silent common in court because of their work related aspects, most of the cases ends up with a Mesothelioma settlement whenever such an asbestos Mesothelioma lawsuit lands in a court of law.
About the Author
Mesothelioma Support. www.allabout-mesothelioma.com
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Asbestos is linked to cancer, so beware on your next home renovations
Asbestos is linked directly with mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that surrounds vital organs and develops tumors. Asbestos, is not used in construction these days, but is still known to be contained within numerous old structures, among them schools and older factories. Although not dangerous in a normal state, its still a bit worrisome knowing that many buildings still contain the dangerous material, whose fibers can be released into the air during constructions projects or fires and earthquakes. If you think that your property has asbestos its best to remove it. Asbestos takes time to remove and the process is complex.
All precautions must be made to remove any possibility of asbestos fibers being released into the air.If such an event would occur, the asbestos fibers would put everyone in the immediate vicinity in danger of contracting mesothelioma. These particles cannot be seen, smelt, or tasted and are too tiny to detect. There is much controversy around the asbestos removal process due to inherent dangers.So many avoid all together the removal of asbestos simply because it is removing it might disturb it thus cause a greater risk then leaving it alone. Having said this many organizations have taken the steps to remove asbestos from their older structures. So have many older properties. Many old structures have had complete removal of asbestos.Many have contractors remove the asbestos.
The controversy surrounding removal is not likely to die anytime soon. Keeping asbestos as is prevents the risks involved. At the end of the day the decision lies within the property owner on what to do with the asbestos in the property.Prior to making the decision one need the proper knowledge to go forward, and it's not always straight forward.
While many feel the dangers of Asbestos removal far outweigh the benefits of keeping it undisturbed, the very thought of a highly dangerous compound in the structure can make many uneasy. So for many it just may be fear driving them to act or the fear of future harm. Therefore putting many, including the construction workers, in much danger.So once again, please consult a highly trained professional and educate yourself prior to insisting on removing your asbestos.
About the Author
Rico Valdez - Associated Writer for Abbas & Company Inc. Ottawa Home Renovations
http://abbasco.ca/default.aspx
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A Brief History of Asbestos
Asbestos is a rather remarkable naturally occurring substance. Known as "rock floss" or "mountain leather", man has found many uses for asbestos throughout the ages.
The word "asbestos" comes from the Greek name for "inextinguishable" or "indestructible." For thousands of years asbestos has been admired for its heat- and fire-resistant properties as well as its strength.
There is evidence that Egyptians, five thousand years ago, wrapped the bodies of their pharaohs in asbestos in preparation for their journey to the next world.
It's been found in ancient Scandinavian pottery.
It's been found in ancient Roman lamp wicks and table cloths. The easily cleaned their table linens by just throwing them into a fire. After which they just removed them and shook them out.
As Industrial Age machinery spread through the US and Canada, asbestos was used to insulate machinery and factories.
Around 1880 large asbestos deposits were discovered in Russia and Canada. This marked the start of the modern commercial asbestos industry.
By the beginning of the Second World War "rock floss" was extensively used in a wide range of products that included cement, insulation, packing materials, and nonflammable fabrics.
It was used in everything from clutch facings and brake shoes in cars to paper products, small kitchen appliances, and wallboards in homes.
By the time of the Korean War began asbestos was used in literally thousands of products, including cigarette filters.
Within the next twenty years the deadly results associated with the use of asbestos started to become more well known by the public.
Then, in the 1970s, the United States government began to ban the production of many products that contained this substance. Consequently, asbestos use started to decline sharply.
However, people who had regularly worked with materials and products that contained asbestos had already been exposed to the substance. And an increasingly large number of these people were succumbing to illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
In addition, the family members of employees who worked for ship building, construction, mining, and other factories whose products used asbestos were also getting ill. This happened because asbestos fibers were being brought home on the employee's clothing.
Today lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other illnesses related to asbestos are being increasingly recognized as diseases that were probably caused by second hand exposure to these fibers.
People who live close to asbestos mines may be drinking water that contains the material. People who live in homes that were constructed with asbestos products may be breathing in the fibers as these materials wear down and the fibers are released into the air.
Asbestos fibers can be contaminating drinking water as it is released from the cement pipes that are used to carry the water or after it is filtered through water filters that contain "mountain leather".
Because of these water-related risks the EPA now mandates that water suppliers regularly test water samples.
The best way to protect you and your family from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related illnesses is to limit the amount of exposure at work and at home.
About the Author
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe that it was caused by being exposed to asbestos then you may want to speak to an asbestos lawyer to find out about your legal options. If so, got to => http://www.mesorc.com now. Wendy Moyer on behalf of Sokolove Law.
