Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Really great and detailed of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer article from Natalie Fiset. Follow her tip and trick to defeat Mesothelioma Lung Cancer.


Mesothelioma Lung Cancer and Its Treatments - Can a Cure Be Far Behind?
by Nathalie Fiset

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen or the chest. Malignant cells appear in the mesothelium, the sac that acts as protective cover for many of the internal organs in the body. A mesothelium is made of two cell layers - one that directly covers the organ and another that surrounds it. The mesothelium is responsible for producing a fluid that acts to lubricate the organs, such as the heart and the lungs, allowing them to move safely against other parts of the body. Without thorough examination and tests, it can easily be mistaken for lung cancer.

Depending on the part of the body where it appears, mesothelium is referred to in different ways. If it covers the organs located in the abdominal cavity, it is called the peritoneum. The mesothelium that provides protection for the heart is called the pericardium. If it covers the lungs and wall lining of the chest, it is called pleura. In the uterus, it is called the tunica serosa uteri and in the reproductive organs of the male, it is referred to as the tunica vaginalis testis.

Mesothelioma and lung cancer

The term mesothelioma means cancer of the mesothelium. It is not the same as lung cancer. Compared to other forms of cancer, it is rather rare, with only an average of 2,000 cases being diagnosed every year in the United States. This disease can affect both men and women and can appear at any age.

The risk of developing mesothelioma is increased due to exposure to asbestos. In fact, at least 70% of mesothelioma cases showed individuals with a history of exposure to the material. It can also affect people who are living with a person who has been exposed to asbestos. This doesn't limit mesothelioma to this group of people, however. It is also known to appear in other patients even if they have not had prior exposure.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Differentiating mesothelioma and lung cancer is rather difficult, especially if the disease is already in the malignant stage. However, there are certain tests that a doctor may perform, including a physical examination, chest x-ray, CBC or complete blood count, removal of tissue samples for biopsy, bronchoscopy and thoracotomy. A cytologic exam may also be conducted where a small amount of fluid is taken from either the lungs or the abdomen and examined.

Some of the symptoms that merit a visit to the doctor include: difficulty in breathing, chest pain (usually located beneath the rib cage), lumps, swelling or pain in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

As of today, no cure for mesothelioma has been discovered. However, there are treatments available to help manage the disease. Some of these treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Surgery

The most common treatment for mesothelioma is surgery, where a part of the affected part is removed, along with some of the surrounding tissue. This is the treatment that is often used during the early stages of the disease. It helps slow the progression of the disease and can help reduce the symptoms. In cases where the diseased has progressed extensively, other treatment options are considered.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy removes cancer cells by using high energy radiation beams. Radiotherapy is effective in removing cancer cells that may remain even after surgery. To ensure that radiation beams hit the target cells, x-rays and computer imaging are also used during the process. This makes sure that only cancer cells are destroyed and reduces the number of healthy cells that are affected.

Radiotherapy is also used as a palliative form of treatment and helps control the spread (metastases) of the cancer. It is also helpful in alleviating symptoms like difficulty in breathing and pain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often administered intravenously or through the use of catheters, allowing anti-cancer drugs to enter the blood stream quickly. It is often recommended for patients who cannot undergo a surgical procedure.

Chemotherapy has some side effects, including nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation. Bruises may also appear and even sores in the throat or mouth area. The kind of symptoms that appear in a patient depends on the chemotherapy treatment, dosage and on that particular patient's reaction.

These treatments are mean to remove as much of the cancerous tumors as possible and to provide relief from painful symptoms. They are also meant to help prolong the life of the patient.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

Further research and clinical trials are being performed to help find the best treatments that are the most effective against mesothelioma. No cure has been discovered yet. As of now, early detection and treatments have been showing better and better survival rates. Like lung cancer, mesothelioma can be halted if it is detected earlier.

For more information on mesothelioma and lung cancer, please go to: http://mymesotheliomacancer.com/?page_id=608 http://mymesotheliomacancer.com http://www.drnathaliefiset.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathalie_Fiset

Enjoy that tip and trick from Natalie on Mesothelioma Lung Cancer.

Related Post:Mesothelioma Cancer News :Mesothelioma research revealed- Men are at greater risk, Boston Massachusetts|MESOTHELIOMA CANCER INFORMATION
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Mesothelioma research revealed- Men are at greater risk, Boston Massachusetts

Asbestos affected males are at bigger risk than women due to the types of jobs documented as sources of asbestos exposure.

Boston, MA. November, 22, 2007, Recent analysis has shown a link between gender and the risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma, due to the types of jobs documented as sources of asbestos exposure. Men are at greater risk than women because the occupations historically linked to exposure to the poisonous fibers are those predominately held by men. These positions include railroad workers, construction workers, miners, manufacturers, ship builders, and factory workers.

Mesothelioma Studies & Predictions for the Future Because approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, more and more researchers have taken greater interest in understanding the disease, and developing effective treatment options for patients. Studies have been conducted around the world by accredited sources such as the National Center for Epidemiology and Population Health, and determinations have been made regarding patterns of the disease, risk factors, and other issues. Estimates for the number of mesothelioma cases are higher for older adults who worked in at-risk places before the creation of legislation that regulated toxic exposure, and people exposed to toxins during and after September 11, 2001. Because mesothelioma symptoms typically do not surface until decades after being exposed, predictions of future occurrences are expected to be substantially higher.

Mesothelioma is a complex form of cancer with a single cause, but varying symptoms and several options for treatment. By visiting http://www.mesotheliomacancer.com individuals can obtain a wealth of research information about these and other issues.

It is highly important for patients and their families to surround themselves with support systems and become educated on all spects of the disease. The site serves as a web-based form of support by supplying the online community with up-to-date information on recent developments, headlines, and other pertinent information. For more information about mesothelioma causes, symptoms, treatment options, and related news, please visit http://www.mesotheliomacancer.com - A free resource by Boston Personal Injury Attorney

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MESOTHELIOMA CANCER INFORMATION

Mesothelioma cancer is one of the deadliest diseases ever to have been discovered by mankind. Medically, Mesothelioma means a tumor that is more likely to transform in a fast proliferating cancer which affects the mesothelial cells of an organ, which form the protective thin covering over the organs like heart, lungs and abdomen.

Whatever is the verbal definition given out to this deadly disease, but those can never for sure weigh the deadliness of this fatal disease. It is an absolutely fatal disease which has taken many a people into its deadly grip. The maximum period of survival after the disease has been diagnosed, has come to the most of a year or two. It is worse form of cancer which is not curable.

However, recent studies have suggested that if the disease can be diagnosed at a very early stage then the life of the individual who gets affected by this deadly disease, can be stretched till at the most of 5 years. The treatment of this disease is very expensive but the treatment doesn’t assure life but a few more days, to procure the huge lump-sum required for the treatment, people also file lawsuits to cover the huge incurring expenses for the treatment.

The main cause of mesothelioma cancer has been detected as to the prolonged exposure to asbestos. Most of the patients that have been diagnosed with the disease, had acquired the disease cause of prolonged exposure to asbestos. The statistics of the mesothelioma cancer patients has revealed the connection between the asbestos and the dangerous cancer syndrome.
And usually this disease is found to affect people and workers who work in industries. Usually, industries use asbestos as an imperative input for carrying on different processes; it is being used in factories, automobile, shipyard and construction. Direct exposure to loose asbestos fibers can develop the symptoms of mesothelioma, but the infected cells can remain dormant in the body for a long period of about 15-20 years.
But the worst par of the disease is the fact that this disease generally gets detected in older days i.e. at the age of 50-60 years and also mostly in the last stage.

Thereby, reducing the chances of the individual’s recovery. So this is very necessary that people who are likely to take in much asbestos particles should be scanned regularly for any symptoms of mesothelioma cancer.

Government policies have empowered the mesothelioma cancer patients to claim for compensation. They can file lawsuits with the help of their attorneys for claiming such compensation. The mesothelioma cancer victims can sue the company in which he had been employed into, for not being socially rational, but being more inclined towards the flowing profits, and not undertaking any steps to slacken the use of asbestos or using in a more protective way which has resulted in endangering the lives of the employees.

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