Mesothelioma Diagnosis: A Guide

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is a difficult procedure. It is to analyze the symptoms in the initial stages. The symptoms of this rare disease make the diagnosis very difficult even to a doctor, since the symptoms would be very similar to other common diseases in the early stages of this deadly disease. Delay in the diagnosis is very common in most of the cases. As a matter of fact these symptoms can appear as non-specific to both the patient and their doctors.

A careful assessment is needed in the diagnosis of mesothelioma which relates both the clinical and radiological findings. The tissue biopsy is also confirmed carefully along with the above factors. The reviewing of the patient’s medical history can be very helpful to diagnose mesothelioma. Observation of the disease and the history includes details such as the patient’s asbestos exposure, the complete physical examination, x-ray results of the chest and abdomen, and the lung function tests.

A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may also be taken at this level. If the preliminary test results prove suspicious, then a biopsy is performed for confirming the diagnosis. The location of the cancer can be determined with the help of performing the biopsy. If the biopsy test confirms the presence of mesothelioma, the stage of the cancer is then determined. A series of tests are performed to determine the amount of cancerous cells that have spread.

If the test shows that the cancerous cells are not developed beyond the membrane, then the disease is considered to be localized. During this diagnosis procedure, various tests are performed such as the imaging tests, which includes the use of x-rays; CT (Computed Tomography) scans; MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging); PET (Positron Emission Tomography); bronchoscopy or mediastinoscopy, used to look into the affected area; cytology, used to test the pleural fluid after it is removed by a needle; thoracoscopy, used to look directly into the tumor; needle biopsy; and open biopsy. Those are the major tests that are performed during the mesothelioma diagnosis.

By Kristy Annely

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment

Peritoneal mesothelioma treatment depends upon a number of factors, such as the size and stage of cancer cells, the patient’s general condition and health, past medical history of the patient and the patient’s age. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the cancer of the membrane in the abdomen. As with all cancer diseases, premature detection and treatment provides the best possible result.

Peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are classified into localized treatments and systemic treatments. Systemic treatments are whole body treatments like chemotherapy. Localized treatments include surgery and radiotherapy.

Surgical treatment is often not practical in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma. If the growth of cancer cell is found very early, it may be possible to remove tumor by operation. The peritoneal mesothelioma surgery is known as a peritonectomy. The surgery involves cutting out the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen where the mesothelioma has started growing. Sometimes it is needed to remove a lung or part of the diaphragm, for the surgery to succeed in removing the afflicted cell.

Radiation therapy or radiotherapy uses high energy rays (like x-rays) to kill cancer cells in the affected area. There are several ways to administer radiotherapy and each one breaks down the cancer cells so that they may be eliminated from the body. The general method includes a machine kept outside the body, which produces radiation. Another method is by placing a radiation-emitting device directly to the affected cell by way of plastic tubes. In addition to controlling radiation, doctors use these tubes to inject the required drugs.

Chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma controls symptoms and tries to slow the cancer down. This therapy is used to kill mesothelioma cells by injecting anti-cancer drugs that are usually injected into a vein. Medicines can be administered in tablet form. Depending on the type of medicine used, the treatment can be applied weekly or every two to three weeks.

Peritoneal mesothelioma does not always respond to traditional mesothelioma treatment ways. Physicians and researchers are constantly working to improve upon the existing peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

By Marcus Peterson

Mesothelioma Treatment Web Sites

Mesothelioma is an unusual form of cancer of the mesothelial cells that line the lungs, heart and the stomach. In recent times, in the U.S, there has been an alarming rise in the occurrence of mesothelioma cases mainly caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma that develops in the lining of the heart is known as pericardium mesothelioma. When found in the sac that lines the chest or abdomen, it is called malignant mesothelioma. Asbestosis is a chronic lung ailment that produces shortness of breath, coughing and even permanent lung damage. Many treatment programs for mesothelioma have been initiated with a purpose of curbing or curing the disease. There are a number of Web sites that provide information on various treatments of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma treatment depends on many factors that include the various stages of cancer, location, state of cancer, appearance of cancer cells and the patient?s age and requirements. Web sites on mesothelioma provide information on the different types of treatments including traditional care for malignant mesothelioma. This involves surgery that removes the cancer, chemotherapy that uses drugs to fight the cancer, and radiation therapy that uses high-dose x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Certain Web sites provide useful articles on experimental therapies for mesothelioma treatments, which include usage of the drug Alimta. They feature articles on various clinical trials and research studies that promise new or experimental mesothelioma treatments. These Web sites list typical treatment strategies based on different stages of mesothelioma.

Generally, Web sites of top cancer centers for mesothelioma treatment are listed alphabetically by state and are of great convenience to patients. People can register themselves online and consult top experts who after verifying their problem through a questionnaire, advice on appropriate drugs that help to cure mesothelioma. Many Web sites also provide information on victims of mesothelioma and their families. Patients of mesothelioma can share their experience with them and get emotional support. On the whole, mesothelioma treatment Web sites offer a great source of information that creates awareness about diverse treatment options available for mesothelioma.

By Marcus Peterson

Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms

Many people who have clinical symptoms of mesothelioma have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. This is because symptoms tend to present late in most cases. The majority of people have symptoms for only two or three months before a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is made. About one quarter of all patients with malignant mesothelioma have symptoms for at least six months before diagnosis.

A high index of suspicion is needed to make a timely diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. This is because many of the clinical symptoms are seen in other conditions. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, such as cough, chest pain and breathlessness, are also seen in a number of other chest conditions such as infections, emphysema and lung cancer. Similarly, symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, such as nausea, vomiting and appetite loss, may be seen in a number of abdominal and systemic conditions. Any person who has these symptoms, accompanied by a history of exposure to asbestos, should see a doctor to be evaluated for malignant mesothelioma.

Physicians use the symptoms that patients report to determine what tests are required to confirm a suspected diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. If the patient has primarily chest-related symptoms, a chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and other imaging techniques may be used to locate any abnormalities that suggest malignant mesothelioma. Next, a pleural biopsy may be performed. There are some relatively new tests that can help differentiate pleural mesothelioma from lung cancer; this differentiation is sometimes difficult because the symptoms are so similar. If a patient presents with mostly abdominal symptoms, abdominal imaging techniques and biopsies may be used to confirm a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.

By Eric Morris

How Deadly is Mesothelioma Cancer?

By Ramir Sarmiento

Mesothelioma cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer today, with a mortality rate so high that eight out of ten of those diagnosed pass away within a year of their diagnosis. Today, asbestos is banned in at least 60 countries, so the cancer is most often found in those who worked with asbestos mainly from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Asbestos is the name for the group of six different fibrous minerals, which occur naturally in the environment. It does not dissolve in water nor evaporate, and they have no detectable odor and taste.

It has a tendency to separate in to microscopic size particles that will remain in the air, and easily inhaled. Most people develop the cancer on a job where they inhaled asbestos particle, or have been exposed to dust fibre.

Once asbestos is inhaled, it comes through the respiratory passage. These fibre lodge themselves in the mesothelial cell around the lungs. It can cause direct damage to the lungs traveling to the end of their small passage reaching pleural are surrounding the lungs.

There are many different names of Mesothelioma cancer such as pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial because of the different location of the cancer on the body's internal organ.

Being positive from Mesothelioma cancer need much attention. In common cases, the patient or victim is diagnosed and it was too late to do anything, to save one's life.

A worker must take necessary precautions when dealing with asbestos fibers to minimize some health problems.

Tips to Prevent Mesothelioma cancer:

-Always wear a protected suit before doing your job. Asbestos particles need not to be able to enter inside your suit.

-Bring extra clothes after work. Change your clothes before going home to avoid the possibilities of inhaling it together with your loved ones.

-Always wear a high-quality dust mask inside the facility.

Mesothelioma cancer is particularly difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms do not tend to become evident until the final stages of the disease. A very important characteristic of asbestos cancer is the long delay, or latency period, between exposure and the beginning of the disease.

Mesothelioma Treatment & Information

Getting credible information about the diagnosis of Mesothelioma, is very important for patients and their love ones. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer of the lung, or known as the pleura which may cause a patient to become short of breath because they have been exposed to asbestos. Every case is different and sometimes a patient may not show any symptoms at all. Mesothelioma consists of several forms.

Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the forms and are cancer cells found in the lining of the abdominal cavity or found in the lining around the heart. This form of cancer can be painful because it can spread through the entire body and cause the organs to shut down. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos do not all contract Pleural Mesothelioma cancer. This cancer could be related to asbestos exposure and not all asbestos exposure is harmful. Asbestos may already be fixated in the walls not causing the particles to be free in the air, effecting workers.

When there are free particles in the air, the workers are exposed to asbestos and that is harmful to the worker and may cause the worker to contract Pleural Mesothelioma. A second form of the cancer is Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. This cancer is also associated with asbestos exposure and occurs in the tissue lining of the abdominal cavity, which contains fluid that enables the organs to move and work right.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the most common cancer that is related to asbestos exposure because it is the place where the cancer spreads. This cancer can cause severe health problems and complications for a patient. Normally a patient may experience flu symptoms as well as the swelling of the abdomen. Pericardial Mesothelioma caused from asbestos is another form of cancer, which is also rare affecting the lining surrounding the heart. Pericardium are the cells that produce lubricating fluids which protects the heart allowing the heart to move freely when pumping blood into the other parts of the body. This can cause a patient to have cancer spread through the tissues in the lining of the heart. At this stage, treatments may not be effective and may lead to fatal circumstances.

It may take a patient a long time after being exposed to asbestos, before he or she recognizes symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems and a continuous cough. Being diagnosed is the first step and even though it can be extremely difficult to detect Mesothelioma symptoms because they are similar to so many other types of cancers your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your exposure to asbestos. Several tests will be done, including chest x-rays, MRI scans or CT scans to determine any abnormal changes. A tissue sample may be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and if your doctor has concluded that you are a patient of Mesothelioma your next step is treatment. Therapy is a form of treatment and there are several kinds of therapies to choose from. Do not be afraid, you are not alone; support is out there to help you fight the cancer and get the treatment you deserve. Please visit www.mesothelioma-treatment-2day.com for more information on mesothelioma and treatment options.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Mesothelioma treatment options vary according to the age and over-all health of the patient, and the extent of the disease. Treatment options are often determined by the intensity of damage caused by the tumor. There are three staging systems currently in use for pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is not staged.

There are a number of treatment options available to mesothelioma patients. The treatments can be roughly categorized into traditional or conventional treatment, alternative methods, new treatment approaches and miscellaneous treatment. Nine out of ten cancer patients will find relief by using a combination of medications.

Traditional treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Age, contributing health problems, or advanced stage of tumor may make aggressive treatment impossible. In such conditions, alternative system is used. These specific treatments are not generally used or approved by medical doctors. New treatment approaches are research studies used to determine whether new drugs or treatments are safe and effective.

Tri-modality therapy combines surgery with radiation and chemotherapy. Photodynamic therapy is a highly experimental treatment using a drug that causes cells to become light sensitive. Immunotherapy, hemotherapy, intra-pleural interferon gamma therapy are some of the miscellaneous therapies. Gene therapy is an important tool under research. Almita is a newly approved drug. Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is another technique that allows for radiation doses to be delivered to very complex shapes or to tumors with nearby normal structures.

Alternative medicinal systems like homeopathy have developed certain drugs which improve the immune system of the body to counter mesothelioma. Specific diet supplements and metabolic therapy are also recommended. Complementary methods like sticking to a vegetarian diet, exercise, vitamins, herbal remedies, or stress management can sometimes help a mesothelioma patient.

Treatment options for physical pain accompanying mesothelioma vary. Palliative care is a specialized form of care that alleviates pain and other symptoms. The type of pain treatment, using drugs, is called pharmacological therapy. Non-pharmacological therapies, those that do not rely primarily on medication to achieve effect, include therapeutic exercise and cognitive behavioral techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation. Other alternative approaches include acupuncture and massage therapy.

By Marcus Peterson

Early and Late Signs of Lung Cancer

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.

Asbestosis Explained

Asbestosis is the name given to a lung disease caused by long term exposure to asbestos. It is a chronic inflammatory disease, and is most often seen as severe shortness of breath.

The disease itself is usually seen in people who are exposed to high levels of asbestos as a result of their occupations - people who mine, manufacturer products, handle or remove asbestos are most at risk of asbestosis.

The main symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath, especially after periods of exertion. This effect may appear slowly and with little impact at first, but can gradually become more severe over time and even lead, in advanced cases of the disease, to an acute form in which respiratory or heart failure is possible. Clinically, those with asbestosis have a characteristic 'crackling' noise when drawing breath and 'clubbing' or thickening of the fingers. Signs often do not begin to appear until 5 years or more after the initial exposure to the material.

The shortness of breath is caused by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, which reduces the area available for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide needed for efficient breathing. It begins when tiny asbestos strands are breathed in and lodge deep inside the lungs. The natural defence mechanisms then try to destroy this foreign body, and this response causes inflammation around the asbestos strand. Because asbestos is extremely resistant to being broken down by the body the inflammatory reaction may be chronic. As time goes on the ingested fibres are covered in new fibrous tissue which is not as flexible and is thicker than usual, making gas exchanging more difficult and resulting in the decreased efficiency of the lungs. This fibrous tissue slowly increases in size as the body continues to fight the inhaled asbestos. The more fibres that have been inhaled, the higher is the potential for lung damage.

The treatment of asbestosis relies on managing its effects rather than curing it. Oxygen treatment is often given to relieve the shortness of breath, and nebulizers like those given to allergy and asthma sufferers can also help.

Effects of Lung Cancer Treatments - The Terrible Side Effects of Lung Cancer Therapies

The effects of lung cancer on the patient's body can differ according to the type and stage of the disease. However, studies are now focused towards the impact of treatments intended to cure the disease in patients. Although these have been recognized as temporary effects only, it still does produce enough good to the health of the patients.

What Are The Effects of Lung Cancer Treatments

Since the treatment for the disease is essential to keep the cancer cells under control, several patients have overlooked the possible harm it can bring to their health. These are some of the more common treatment options for lung cancer.

1) Surgical Treatment

Effects of lung cancer treatment such as surgeries can often bring in more harm to the patient. Since it is a major operation, it exposes your chest area into the possibility of collecting air and fluid into it.

Among the side effects known for lung cancer patients who have recently undergone surgery is difficulty in turning over, deep breathing, or even coughing. Since patients typically go through these activities, recovery might be slow.

Activities such as deep breathing or coughing are essential elements in recovery since they enable extra air or fluid out of your lung area.
Among the most common conditions cited shortly after undergoing lung cancer surgery include pain in your chest area or arms, and shortness of breath. It might need a week or two before a patient can find relief from such side effects.

2) Chemotherapy

When it comes to the side effects produced by this type of treatment for lung cancer, it varies according to the type and amount of drugs given the patient.
The hazard comes in since chemotherapy does not solely target cancer cells, but also affect normal cells as well. Below are common side effects experienced by patients treated with chemotherapy:
• vomiting/nausea
• feeling of fatigue
• presence of mouth sores
• hair loss

3) Radiation Therapy

The effects of lung cancer treatments such as radiation therapy stems from the fact that, like chemotherapy, it affects your normal cells. As opposed to the type of drug used in chemotherapy, this one depends on the particular part of the body being treated and the amount of dosage.

Common side effects include the following: sore or dry throat, hard time swallowing, changes in the skin of the area of treatment, appetite loss, headaches, problems with memory retention, etc.

4) Photodynamic Therapy

This particular therapy sets its limits on the normal routine activities of a patient who has undergone this treatment. For six weeks or more proceeding the treatment, the patient's skin and eyes becomes hypersensitive to light.

Therefore, direct contact with sunlight must be avoided if possible, even indoors. Hence, protective clothing must be worn if the patient were to go outside.

Other entailing conditions of photodynamic therapy include difficulty swallowing, coughing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.

Although the conditions cited above are often considered temporary, they must not be taken lightly. Instead, you need to see your doctor if you notice some of the side effects of lung cancer treatments continue to persist.

Lung Cancer Warning Signs - Early Detection of Lung Cancer Can Save Your Life

Early detection of lung cancer warning signs - or any other types of illnesses - is crucial in helping to find a cure for the disease. Indeed, the earlier one is able to find out about the disease, the better chances they have for combating the illness.

Lung cancer warning signs are similar to recognizing the symptoms of the disease. Hence, having enough knowledge of other conditions associated with this illness would be helpful.

Below is a list of lung cancer warning signs you should be keeping a close eye on:
• Persistent Coughing
• Presence of blood or mucus when coughing
• Loss of appetite resulting to weight loss
• Feeling of shortness of breath
• Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory-related illness
• Constant pain in the chest, back, or neck
• Uncharacteristic fever

You need to pay close attention to any changes in your body though, since most of the symptoms are not evident until they have reached the advanced stage.
Once you have determined these symptoms, there are essential steps and further information you need to know.

Spread of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is caused by the presence of cancer cells. These abnormal cells continue to divide on their own without following a particular order or pattern. Because of this nature in the cells, they have the potential to destroy the neighboring tissues of the body

In fact, they can also develop into a malignant tumor which can invade your bloodstream and cripple the lymphatic system. The process known as metastasizing is responsible for the spread of cancer cells such that the initial cancer tumor can cause the growth of new tumors in various parts of the body.
In terms of determining the rate at which these cancer cells spread, it largely depends on the type of cells. But on average, tumor growth can happen in a span of a few months.

When To Consult A Doctor

As soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is best to meet with your doctor immediately. This will allow them to make diagnosis or assess your condition. Furthermore, the earlier you act on any lung cancer warning signs or symptoms, the more capable you are at preventing it from getting worse. Immediate consultation with your doctor will enable them to further investigate the reason for such symptoms to exclude other health conditions.

Below is a list of what is recognized as late-stage lung cancer symptoms. One needs to work together with their physician to avoid reaching this stage:
• Inexplainable feeling of fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Aches in your joints,bones, or constant headaches
• Bone fractures that are not brought about by injury
• Swelling on your face or neck
• Abnormalities in your neurologic conditions

Tests for Lung Cancer

Once you have seen with your doctor, the following tests are conducted to diagnose you:
1) Chest x-ray: This is mostly done for patients with complaints on excessive coughing and shortness of breath.
2) CAT Scan: This method of scanning in such areas as chest, head, abdomen, or pelvis helps assess the size of a tumor or evaluate how farther it has spread.
3) Bronchoscopy: In this method, your physician creates a direct visualization of your airways after numbing medications or sedations are administered.
4) PET Scan: This tool is used for assessing the tumor, which also utilize a chemical known as radionuclide. As soon as your first lung cancer warning signs become evident, it is best to undergo this test to help prevent the rapid growth of tumors.

The 4 Stages of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a disease that is very hard to cure with conventional medicine. About 80% of all cases of newly diagnosed lung cancer are the non-small cell type (NSCLC). A majority of these patients will have inoperable disease on the basis of distant metastases or locally advanced disease. For the remaining patients with early stage disease as well as selected patients with locally advanced disease, surgery remains the best hope for cure.

Less than 15% of all patients can presently be expected to be cured of their disease. The changes that a patient has of being cured depends of the stage he/she is at. There are 4 stages of lung cancer and each stages requires different treatments, although none of these treatments unfortunately is very effective. Doctors may use several tests to accurately stage a lung cancer, including laboratory tests, X-rays, CT scans, bone scans, and MRI scans.

The 4 stages of lung cancer are


1) Stage 1 disease - Patients that have this early stage typically have no symptoms and most are cured with primary surgical excision. The tumors are mostly found on a routine chest radiograph. Nowadays many tumors are detected while they are still very small with computed tomography (CT). Morbidity and mortality increase with higher stages of disease and extended resections. The overall five-year survival for patients with completely resected stage I NSCLC is approximately 75%.

2) Stage 2 disease - Patients with T1-2N1 represent a small subset in the spectrum of this disease, usually comprising less than 10% of patients coming to surgery. The overall five-year survival of patients with Stage 2 tumors is approximately 50-60%. In this stage the tumors also start to invade the mediastinal pleura, fat, nerves, and pericardium, but not the major mediastinal vessels or organs.

3) Stage 3 disease - The preffered treatment for for patients in Stage 3 A is complete resection via lobectomy with mediastinal lymph node dissection. Patients with left upper lobe tumors. have the best prognosis of all, with five-year survival rates as high as 42% when completely resected. Computed Tomography (CT) scanning 5 year survival rate is approximately 30% following complete surgical resection. Patients with Stage 3 B are considered inoperable. The five-year survival for patients with T4 (carina) N0 tumors undergoing tracheal sleeve pneumonectomy has been reported to approach 20%.

4) Stage 4 disease - Surgery for this stage is only limited for young, healthy patients with a solitary site of metastatic disease, and an easily resectable primary tumor contained within the chest. Five-year survival in these patients should approach 20%. Even if a cure is not obtained, survival is prolonged and quality of life improved.

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy - What Are the Six Commonly Used Chemotherapy Agents?

Mesothelioma cancer, can be treated by the use of anti cancer drug therapies. These anti cancer drugs act by inhibiting tumor growth through the blocking of cell division and multiplication. This mode of action also unfortunately affects other rapidly replicating cells in the body, cells of the hair and the lining of the intestine are particularly vulnerable, thus leading to the common side effects of anti cancer drugs like hair loss and nausea.

Mesothelioma is notoriously resistant to common anti cancer chemotherapy as result of some reasons. The cancer takes a long time to mature and show symptoms, by the time these symptoms appear the tumor will be well formed with a lot of layers of dead cells that the anti cancer drugs will find it difficult to penetrate, and also by the time a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, most victims have but a short time left to live so the drugs do not have enough time to exert their maximal effect.

New drugs that have been designed to overcome these challenges and have fewer and lesser side effects include:

Alimta (Pemetrexed)

Alimta was approved by The Food and Drug Administration in February 2004 as a new anti cancer drug for the treatment of mesothelioma. Its mode of action is by inhibiting the creation of thymidine and purine , two enzymes that are vital to cell growth. This stops the mesothelioma cancer cells from multiplying at a very fast rate. Its side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores and low blood counts. Patients are usually placed on vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements to reduce the severity of the side effects.

Cisplatin

This is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug that prevents the reproduction of DNA and is used to treat a number of different cancers including mesothelioma. The FDA approved it in 1978 to treat a number of cancers, and has proved somewhat effective on mesothelioma. Cisplatin however has some very serious side effects which inlude ear damage{ototoxicity} leading to hearing loss, kidney damage, nerve damage, and nausea, and so some oncologist are very reluctant to prescribe this drug to patients.

Tomudex (Raltitrexed)

This drug prevents cancer cells from replicating the DNA that is needed for multiplication and spread of cancer. This drug can be used as a monotherapy or in combination with onconase.

Vinorelbine

This anticancer drug was initially approved by the FDA in 1994 for the treatment of small lung cancer and breast cancer, but recent studies have shown that it could also be effective against mesothelioma, and the drug has little side effect profile. It can also be used in combination with some other chemotherapy drugs.

Onconase (Ranpirnase/P-30 Protein)

Onconase is a chemical taken from the eggs of the leopard frog that blocks protein synthesis which leads to blockage of tumor cell division and growth. It has shown promise as becoming one of the more effective drugs for treating cancer, as survival rates for one and two years are 34.4% and 21.6 respectively, as opposed to six to eight months without treatment.

Veglin

This is an anticancer chemotherapy drug that blocks the growth of tumors in people suffering from lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and colon and lung cancers. Many oncologists believe that it could be effective in fighting mesothelioma, as Veglin inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a substance that is usually found in very high concentrations in mesothelioma patients. VEGF helps tumors grow new blood vessels which help to supply nutrients to the new tumor cells. This drug inhibits this process thus starving the new cancer cells of their much needed nutrients, leading to their ultimate death.

Asbestosis and Mesothelioma - The Legal Implications

Asbestosis is a devastating disease; it comes as a result of inhaling asbestos fibres earlier in life. It happens early on in life but there is a long latency period and symptoms don't normally begin appearing until later on in life around 50 or 70, making the illness all the more distressing.

Mesothelioma is another by-product of asbestos, a rare form of cancer that affects the cells that make up the lining around major organs like lungs, the heart and the abdomen. Pleural Mesothelioma, the form that affects the lungs is the most common variation of the disease.

Obviously being diagnosed with Mesothelioma is a distressing revelation and affects many who were exposed to Asbestos earlier in life; Asbestos has now rightfully been outlawed on any business' premises. For those who have been affected though there are options for them to consider getting compensation for their suffering.


Businesses who have failed to protect their employees from asbestos poisoning have been prosecuted since 1929, in recent years the number of prosecutions has risen considerably in recent years as more people have been diagnosed with asbestos related illnesses.

The compensation process involves the businesses the sufferer worked for at the time they were exposed to asbestos, the money that is won via these claims is taken from the business' insurance policies. The problem for many sufferers is that the company they worked for at the time may have closed down by the time symptoms and court cases begin, this is not a problem as many legal specialists are able to trace the relevant insurance company even for collapsed companies from years ago.
Some people may think that claiming compensation is opportunistic, in some cases other than this then that may be argued but with Mesothelioma the financial and emotional burden is too great to pass on any assistance even in the form of a compensation cheque.

Ongoing medical costs and potential loss of earnings affecting family expenses would make an already trying time even worse and so seeking legal advice once diagnosed is of paramount importance. You need to be clear of when you were exposed to asbestos and who is responsible for it also. Once your legal council is satisfied that you were made unaware of the dangers of working with asbestos or in an environment with asbestos then the sooner they will be able to proceed with your claim.

Two Important Steps That Will Help You to Cope With a Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

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.

Clinical Trials, Mesothelioma, and Cancer

If you are interested in clinical trials you can ask your specialist for information or contact the Cancer Information Service of the National Cancer Institute. Many different clinical trials take place at various institutions throughout the country

A lot of people associate clinical trials with the term 'guinea pig' and fear that they are merely been used for experimentation purposes. However - understanding what is involved and educating yourself about a trial will alleviate any anxiety and enable you to make a rational decision as to whether you would like to take part.

Although the final decision is yours to make - Your family members and care providers may be able to support you through your options. I.e. help you to compile a list of questions to ask about the trial. Two of the most important questions to ask about the trial are what makes it different from standard treatments and are there any specific side-effects. You will also need to know how long the clinical trial will last and whether you will need to be hospitalised for the treatment.


You will also need to find out whether your medical insurance will cover the clinical trial, but the cost of drugs involved in most trials are usually covered by the trial itself. If you do decide to participate in a clinical trial you will receive more test and examinations than usual as your progress will need to be closely monitored. Also - if you decide that you want to withdraw from the study for any reason, you will find that that this is an allowable part of your contract

There are many experimental treatments for mesothelioma. One of the latest treatments is the drug Pemetrexed (Almita) which when used in conjunction with Cisplatin gave good test results in the laboratory as it was shown to shrink tumours at a much higher rate I.e. 15% - 25% more as opposed to other drugs.

Mesothelioma Traditional Treatment

Mesothelioma is rare kind of cancer and person dies within year or two after diagnosis. The explore of asbestos would during the work place and military services. It shows symptoms like chest pain,coughing, breathing difficulty which is mis leaded to some common problems and not detected at early stages.

Traditional treatment of mesothelioma

If the mesothelioma is diagnosed at the early stage then doctors prefer to go by the traditional way of treatment of mesothelioma rather than surgery. These include radiation and chemotherapy which are used to kill the cancerous cell responsible for the cancer without harming the patient. The side effect of this therapy is that it kills most of the healthy cells along with the cancerous cell and patient lose their hair, having the feeling of weakness and sickness, problem in eating. Doctored generally go with the chemotherapy to nullify these effects.


The chemotherapy is the treatment which works on the logic of killing the cancerous cells by giving chemical medication. This drug is given on the regular basics may weekly or monthly through blood stream or swallowing the drugs. The patients can stay at the home but may visit the doctor regularly.

Radiation treatment works on killing the cancerous cell with the help of high energy radiation like x-rays and stop them from growing. These are external beam radiation the patients are directed towards directly on the affected parts of the body. This treatment takes 30 days and has to done in same way for some weeks. In the internal radiation therapy doctors put the container of radiative mixture next to affected area either by using surgery or body cavity. Some of them were left in the body and rest are removed. Radiation treatments can be done with the help of radio pharmaceuticals drugs can be given through the ingestion or injected in the body. To find out more information please visit Mesothelioma Blog.

This is Important - Finding the Right Lawyer For Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related Illnesses

Cancer is a pernicious, aggressive and very painful disease. The very name strikes fear, it is word no one wants to hear in the same sentence with their name. And yet a good proportion of cancer cases could be prevented.

Asbestos related cancers such as mesothelioma are directly related to prolonged exposure to asbestos materials, and as such, could be prevented. While many companies have inadvertently exposed their employees to asbestos, some companies are aware of the dangers, yet do not enforce safety regulations or even worse - disregard the potential hazards altogether.


Employees are sometimes unaware of the dangers, and can eventually succumb to mesothelioma or other asbestos related illnesses. More often than not the victim is the main bread winner for the family. It is doubly tragic that in these cases, not only must the victim deal with a life-threatening disease, but in addition they must worry about the medical bills and debts they may end up leaving their family, along with a loss of income.

It is because of the lack of responsibility of many employers that mesothelioma lawsuits are growing in number. As a head of household, these victims turn to the courts in order to ensure that thier families are not also made to suffer excessive financial burdens.

With the growing number of mesothelioma lawsuits, there are a growing number of mesothelioma lawyers, that is attorneys that specialize in mesothelioma lawsuits and cases. Some firms deal exclusively in mesothelioma cases and do so with such zeal that they become similar to an assembly line. They are not as concerned in getting the best settlement for their clients as much as they are concerned with settling as many cases as they can as quickly as they can.

If you or someone close to you is dealing with an asbestos related illness, take the time and find an attorney that will give your case and situation the attention and you deserve. Remember you are not dealing in bulk, you are an individual - choose a firm that will treat you that way.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer - Things You Need to Know

One vital aspect of recognizing the symptoms of lung cancer is knowing your body and listening to it. Once you are in tuned with your body you will know when to take action. Symptoms of lung cancer usually will occur in the breathing part of your body also known as the respiratory system. If you experience any or all symptoms; you should schedule an appointment to see your doctor right away.

If you have a persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks. This is usually indicative of a respiratory infection or early stages of lung cancer which requires immediate attention from your doctor. If you smoke you may have what is referred to as the smoker's cough.

This cough alone will cause a persistent cough so if you smoke; regular visits to your doctor is imperative because the cough can convert into cancer without you knowing it; and that is because you are so accustomed to coughing. So don't take that for granted. If you smoke; quit. Smoking is like puffing on cancer sticks.


What if you don't smoke and you have a persistent cough for more than 3 weeks. You may have been around people who smoke constantly or exposed to an area where there was constant smoke.

Another symptom of lung cancer is blood or brown tinged colored sputum. Sputum is mucus that you cough up when you have a cold. If you do not have a cold and you cough this up in the morning or during the day pay attention to the color.

The normal color for sputum is clear white or clear pale. Being more lethargic than usual is another sign to look out for. We all experience times when we have less energy; but if you see yourself tiring more often than usual then you may need to take action. Knowing your body ;paying attention to it and taking action can destroy lung cancer in its tracks before it gets out of hand.

How Mesothelioma is Relevant Even Today

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by an exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used, but is now known to be a potentially fatal carcinogen. The asbestos fiber consists of long, thin fibrous crystals and may be mixed with other substances in order to resist heat, electricity and chemical damage. Due to these characteristics, asbestos was used in many buildings and other structures throughout the 1900s. One estimation is that up to 80 percent of all buildings constructed before 1978 had asbestos within the design.

The cancer that this substance can lead to-mesothelioma-can be either malignant or benign. The malignant type of mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of asbestos cancer and is deadly in most cases. It affects the tissue known as the mesothelium, which protects the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move.


So if asbestos is a well known poison, and is no longer used in today's structures, why would mesothelioma still be relevant today? The buildings that contained asbestos are still in existence and many of them, especially those that were made before the 1970s, are undergoing vast renovations. During the renovation or demolition process, the asbestos fibers are released into the air, and from there can be breathed into the lungs, causing untold damage. With more and more people willing to "do-it-yourself," people are more apt to conduct their own renovation projects, rather than contracting professionals. Yet exposure to asbestos, even for brief periods, can be very dangerous-especially without proper precautions.

Another reason mesothelioma is still relevant is because of its long latency period. Due to the way it forms, the cancer may not manifest until anywhere between 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is rare in people under the age of 55; three-fourths of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are over the age of 65. Therefore, people are just now discovering these lung abnormalities, that may stem from exposures that happened in the 1960's or 1970's!

As with most cancers, early diagnosis can increase the effectiveness of mesothelioma treatment. However, the symptoms of mesothelioma that do appear early usually mimic those of other ailments-such as emphysema, influenza, or even a common cold. Scientists are scrambling to unlock the technological advances that can help in the detection and treatment of this aggressive cancer, but there's no way to turn back the clock and prevent exposure that may have happened decades ago.

Even people who did not work directly with asbestos can be at risk for mesothelioma. There have been cases, including a recent landmark lawsuit in Australia, involving caretakers of asbestos workers who contracted the disease simply by repeated secondary exposure to the carcinogen, such as washing contaminated clothes.
While asbestos is no longer widely used or considered a "miracle fiber," as it was in days gone by, it still lingers in the infrastructures of the past and is still very present in today's society.

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.

The Story Behind the History of Mesothelioma Cancer

The production of asbestos fibers became a major industry and was widely used at the beginning of 20th century. This industry advancement was used in a variety of building projects, ship yards and various construction sites.

The initial knowledge of asbestos exposure happened in the early years of the fiber development and the tragic history of this lung cancer started in the early 1930. Mesothelioma's history, just like with the discoveries of any other major diseases, has a combination of science, medical research and "courage".


The history of mesothelioma is thought to have begun where mine waste, which contained asbestos fibers, was used to cover schoolyards and playgrounds. It was actually around that time when many people who didn't even work in or even around asbestos began to contract this deadly illness. It became a risk to those who just lived nearby asbestos factories and most especially to those people who are working in the factories associated with asbestos. The last asbestos mining was stopped in 1966. It was rumored that officials already knew of the health hazards that it could bring prior to its closure, but still continued to conduct business as usual, despite the fatal consequences.

It is strange why the mine was allowed to operate without any risk control and why the site wasn't forced to close up before that time. Industry leaders didn't even force the issue of taking on safer work practices in order to make it safer for their employees. And because of the failure to protect the workers, there were more and more new cases of mesothelioma being diagnosed every year. The new cases even began to expand to those who didn't even work in the mine but were simply exposed to it through secondary means.

The first diagnosed case in the history of mesothelioma was an Australian mine and mill worker who worked in the asbestos mining industry for approximately three years. It was getting to the point where the people who lived in the town where the asbestos mining industry was being conducted were contracting the disease as well. This event caused many horrible illnesses and became a significant source of frustration with the people in the community until late 1970's, when the Australian Government decided to simply shut down the town...literally. The city had been exposed to this deadly substance for far too long and the dear people of the town paid with their health and many paid with their lives.

The history of this asbestos cancer is a dark piece of medical history and one that we should never forget. What if someone had the courage to step in and demand safer work practices long before so many lives were eternally altered? What if...could the history of mesothelioma have been re-written to reflect an entirely different story? Perhaps...yes, perhaps.

Why is Mesothelioma So Deadly?

Mesothelioma, cancer of the mesothelium, is caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease can take decades to appear or to develop to the point that it is detectable. Once it forms, it takes time for the disease to be diagnosed and then treated. So why, exactly, is it so deadly?

One of the biggest problems with the disease is that it takes what seems like forever, to those who have been exposed to asbestos, to show up in tests. The disease usually takes around 20 years to develop but has been known to wait around 40 years to develop. What this means is that a person who knows he or she has been exposed to asbestos can wait a long time before a test shows anything either abnormal or serious.


This long period of inactivity means that individuals who do not know that they have been exposed to asbestos may ignore early signs and symptoms of the disease and explain them away as bronchitis or something else that will go away with time. This means that by the time they go see a doctor because they feel awful and can't breathe very well, the disease has progressed to the later stages.

Like all cancer, there is something very important in treatment about catching the disease early and getting treatment started as soon as possible. When a cancer is detected early and then treated early, the chances that it will be cured and the person's life saved go up drastically. The later cancer is detected in a person, the lower, usually, his or her chances of survival are.

Part of this is due to cancer's very aggressive nature. The unregulated growth of cancerous cells can quickly take over. Worse, in cancers located near major blood supplies or other fluid systems within the body, these cells can break away from the pack and end up halfway across the body and start a new colony.

Because most mesothelioma patients wait to see a doctor until they are having serious problems, they put themselves at risk and lower the chances that there is any hope for treatment. By the time most people go to see the doctor, the cancer has gotten to the point that it is inoperable. Chemotherapy and radiation can only do so much to kill cancer

Lung Cancer Warning Signs - Early Detection of Lung Cancer Can Save Your Life

Early detection of lung cancer warning signs - or any other types of illnesses - is crucial in helping to find a cure for the disease. Indeed, the earlier one is able to find out about the disease, the better chances they have for combating the illness.

Lung cancer warning signs are similar to recognizing the symptoms of the disease. Hence, having enough knowledge of other conditions associated with this illness would be helpful.

Below is a list of lung cancer warning signs you should be keeping a close eye on:


• Persistent Coughing
• Presence of blood or mucus when coughing
• Loss of appetite resulting to weight loss
• Feeling of shortness of breath
• Pneumonia, bronchitis, or other respiratory-related illness
• Constant pain in the chest, back, or neck
• Uncharacteristic fever

You need to pay close attention to any changes in your body though, since most of the symptoms are not evident until they have reached the advanced stage.
Once you have determined these symptoms, there are essential steps and further information you need to know.

Spread of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is caused by the presence of cancer cells. These abnormal cells continue to divide on their own without following a particular order or pattern. Because of this nature in the cells, they have the potential to destroy the neighboring tissues of the body.

In fact, they can also develop into a malignant tumor which can invade your bloodstream and cripple the lymphatic system. The process known as metastasizing is responsible for the spread of cancer cells such that the initial cancer tumor can cause the growth of new tumors in various parts of the body.
In terms of determining the rate at which these cancer cells spread, it largely depends on the type of cells. But on average, tumor growth can happen in a span of a few months.

When To Consult A Doctor

As soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above, it is best to meet with your doctor immediately. This will allow them to make diagnosis or assess your condition. Furthermore, the earlier you act on any lung cancer warning signs or symptoms, the more capable you are at preventing it from getting worse.

Immediate consultation with your doctor will enable them to further investigate the reason for such symptoms to exclude other health conditions.
Below is a list of what is recognized as late-stage lung cancer symptoms. One needs to work together with their physician to avoid reaching this stage:

• Inexplainable feeling of fatigue
• Reduced appetite
• Aches in your joints,bones, or constant headaches
• Bone fractures that are not brought about by injury
• Swelling on your face or neck
• Abnormalities in your neurologic conditions

Tests for Lung Cancer

Once you have seen with your doctor, the following tests are conducted to diagnose you:

1) Chest x-ray: This is mostly done for patients with complaints on excessive coughing and shortness of breath.
2) CAT Scan: This method of scanning in such areas as chest, head, abdomen, or pelvis helps assess the size of a tumor or evaluate how farther it has spread.
3) Bronchoscopy: In this method, your physician creates a direct visualization of your airways after numbing medications or sedations are administered.
4) PET Scan: This tool is used for assessing the tumor, which also utilize a chemical known as radionuclide. As soon as your first lung cancer warning signs become evident, it is best to undergo this test to help prevent the rapid growth of tumors.

Mesothelioma Cancer Stages Explained (part 2)

Sorry for the late posting...here next articles about mesothelioma cancer stages explained...

The Causes

Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers or dust. Workers in the asbestos industry are prime targets for attracting this deadly disease. Asbestos fibers enter the body, either by breathing in the tiny asbestos fibers or by swallowing them. The fibers cause healthy cells to mutate into cancer. Since the body is unable to dispel these fibers, the lungs become inflamed (asbestosis). This condition worsens and eventually becomes malignant. Asbestos exposure is thought to be responsible for roughly 75% of all cases of lung lining cancer.

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a very difficult cancer to detect in early stages. The early symptoms tend to be generic and even nonexistent in some cases, and it can take as much as 15 to 50 years after exposure to develop. The first symptom is often constant chest pain, followed by coughing, lung damage, and shortness of breath. Patients who have peritoneal mesothelioma (a less common form of mesothelioma) generally experience abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling, often in addition to the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. They may also develop bowel obstruction or further breathing obstruction.


Stages and Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

There are three staging systems used to determine treatment for mesothelioma: Butchart System, TNM System, and the Brigham System

Butchart Staging System

The Butchart System is the oldest system and the most common. This system concentrates upon determining the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesothelioma into four stages.

Stage I of the Butchart System consists of the presence of mesothelioma in the lining of the right or left lung and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side. Stage II includes the progression of mesothelioma into the chest wall, esophagus, or lung lining on bother sides. There may also be lymph nodes in the chest. The onset of Stage III begins when the mesothelioma surpasses the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. In this stage the cancer may also affect the lymph nodes extending beyond those in the chest. Doctors identify Stage IV, the final stage, when evidence of the spread of cancer to other organs (metastasis) is confirmed.

TNM System

Stage I of the TNM System involves the lining of the right or left lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. At this stage, lymph nodes are not involved. Stage II begins when mesothelioma spreads from the lining of the lung on one side to a lymph node on the same side. At this stage, the cancer may also spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Stage III begins when mesothelioma is present in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side as the primary tumor. In the final stage, Stage IV, the mesothelioma has travelled into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, into the lung opposite the primary tumor, or directly into the organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Metastasis is the final result in this stage.

Brigham System

The Brigham System determines the resectability (the ability to surgically remove) the mesothelioma mass. In Stage I the tumor is resectable, while lymph nodes remain unaffected. In Stage II the tumor remains respectable but the mesothelioma affects the lymph nodes. In Stage III the tumor becomes unresectable. It has penetrated through the diaphragm, or peritoneum. Stage III can occur with or without lymph involvement and extends into the chest wall and heart. Stage IV occurs when doctors discover metastatic disease involving distant organs.

After doctors identify the stage of a patient's malignant mesothelioma, the patient and doctor consider the various treatment options available. Mesothelioma treatment programs are contingent upon many factors, including the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, the spread of mesothelioma cancer, the characteristics of the cancer cells under a microscope and the patient's age and concerns.

Mesothelioma Alternative Therapy - What Are Your Options?

Quite a number of patients afflicted with asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma now-a days use different types of complimentary and alternative therapies in addition to conventional therapies like surgery and drugs.
These alternative therapies are used by patients coping with asbestos related disease as a form of pain management, to improve general health, and also to provide symptomatic relief.

Although these treatments do not offer a cure, they certainly help you to live more comfortable lives by providing relief from pain and stress.
The most commonly used alternative therapies include the following:


1}Acupuncture
This is one of the commonest forms of available alternative therapies today, and there are a lot of insurance companies offering coverage for this type of treatment. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into pressure points at clearly defined locations in the skin to improve the balance and flow of factors called the Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood in traditional Chinese medicine.
This form of treatment provides relief from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and stress and it is one of the most commonly used alternative medicines in the treatment of asbestos related diseases.

2}Aromatherapy
This form of alternative therapy involves the use of fragrances to improve physical and psychological well being. The fragrances are applied in liquids called essential oils, which are distilled and highly concentrated plant based oils. Aromatherapists use these fragrances combined in the oils to provide pain relief and to improve the general well being of the patient.
Aromatherapy is often combined with massage , you receive a massage with carrier oils that have been mixed with small amounts of essential oil fragrances.

3}Massage
Massage therapy has been shown to provide a number of important health benefits. It improves blood and lymphatic flow and it is used to improve blood circulation. It also improves muscle tension.
Massage also stimulates nervous and digestive systems, relieve chronic pain and improve skin function. Many patients find this type of therapy useful in reducing anxiety and stress as well as reducing chronic pain.

4}Meditation
Meditation is a well known way of relieving stress, anxiety and depression. Meditation is now also used to manage pain and other symptoms of diseases. Many cancer patients add meditation to their treatment schedules to help to reduce pain, stress and anxiety. Certain studies have shown that meditation may be able to reduce tumor growth and improve your prognosis.

5} Supplements
Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are all needed by the body to carry out essential life functions, and supplements can help provide necessary chemicals when diet alone cannot. Many herbs can help treat diseases and conditions, as well as provide symptomatic relief. For example, flaxseed, ginseng, and garlic are all known to reduce blood pressure.
When it comes to supplements, it's very important to let your physician know the kind of supplements you are taking, as they can affect how well your prescription medications work. Some supplements can even have dangerous interactive effects when taken in conjunction with certain prescription medications.

6} TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - commonly known as TENS therapy - is somewhat similar to acupuncture, in that this treatment stimulates certain defined body locations. However, while acupuncture uses fine needles, TENS therapy stimulates body points with the use of electrodes that deliver very mild electrical shocks.
Unlike many other types of complementary and alternative therapy, TENS has actually been approved by the FDA. While this doesn't automatically mean that TENS can provide a cure when it is used, it does mean that the treatment has been determined to be safe according to FDA regulations, and also means that TENS therapy is covered by insurance.

7} Yoga
The origins of yoga lie in India, where this ancient art is practiced more for spiritual reasons than for health-related reasons. Outside of India, yoga has become a popular form of exercise that is physically and psychologically calming and strengthening. Learning simple yoga techniques can help improve general health by toning and strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and improving general health and one's state of mind.

8} Pet Therapy
Also known as animal-assisted therapy or animal-assisted activities, this type of therapy aims to improve the general health and well-being of patients by allowing them to interact with a variety of animals. The wonderful effects of animal interaction has long been known - the simple act of stroking a cat or dog can improve the mood, lift the spirits, and even provide some physical benefits (such as the temporary lowering of blood pressure). Pet therapy techniques can be used for a wide variety of medical conditions. For example, a physical therapist working with a person recovering from a stroke might bring a dog to a therapy session and have the patient brush the dog to help improve their motor skills.

Causes of Mesothelioma - An Insight Into the Likely Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and rare cancer that is difficult to diagnose and that is also highly resistant to treatment. Around 2000-3000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are seen every year in the US, and these figures are expected to rise over the next decade.

What causes mesothelioma?

There is extensive and undeniable medical evidence that mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. There is no other known cause.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was widely used in industrial, commercial and domestic products throughout the 20th century. It was particularly popular because of its durability, fire resistant and insulating properties. It was used in several thousand different manufactured asbestos products.
These included construction materials, household appliances and brake linings, the use was so widespread that millions of Americans were unknowingly exposed to the toxic material, which now leads to the development of mesothelioma amongst million of Americans.


Most of the companies that manufactured these asbestos contaminated products were aware of the danger of asbestos, but still preferred to put millions at risk to make huge profits.

However today, as more cases are being diagnosed and they are seeking for legal compensation, these companies are being ordered to pay compensations to patients affected by asbestos.

How does asbestos cause mesothelioma?

Internal organs and body cavities are lined by a thin tissue called mesothelium. This lining lines the lungs {pleura} and it also lines the heart sac {pericardium} and abdominal cavity {peritoneum}.
This mesothelial tissue offers protection and support for the internal organs and body cavities. It also provides lubrication to help organ function properly and be in good health.

Mesothelioma affects this lining of various organs and body cavities, mostly the pleura, pericardium, and peritoneum. Occasionally and rarely, the cancer may affect the lining of the testicles, called the tunica vaginalis.

Although the actual mechanism by which asbestos causes cancer is not known, there are about four different theories to explain this:

1-Asbestos causes irritation and inflammation of mesothelial cells, which results in irreversible scarring, cellular damage, and eventually cancer

2- Asbestos fibers enter cells and disrupt the function of cellular structures that are essential for normal cell division, causing cellular changes that lead to cancer.

3-Asbestos causes the production of free radicals. These molecules damage DNA, and cause cells to mutate and become cancerous.

4-The presence of asbestos causes cells to produce oncoproteins. These molecules cause mesothelial cells to ignore normal cellular division restraints, and this can lead to the development of cancer.

The common underlying pathophysiology in each of these theories is that asbestos cause's cellular damage mainly by causing the cells of the mesothelium to divide and multiply without restraint causing the formation of tumors. This uncontrolled division causes impairment of the normal function of the body organs and tissues.

Does Mesothelioma have other causes?
Although research and medical evidence has not been able to directly prove any other cause of mesothelioma other than asbestos exposure, it is known however that smoking can aggravate a less serious asbestos related disease, such as asbestosis, and prompt formation of tumors and the onset of the cancer.

Also asbestos exposure and smoking have a synergistic effect that increases the risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 84 times or more. Thus people that have been exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time are advised to not to smoke.

Mesothelioma Cancer Stages Explained (part 1)

Mesothelioma cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the lungs and chest cavity. Also known as asbestos lung cancer, it forms deadly tumors where mesothelial cancer cells form a protective lining over the lungs, heart, and abdominal organs. It is a type of lung cancer that takes many years to develop and produce symptoms. Roughly 3,000 cases per year (mostly men over the age of 40) are reported. It is estimated that number will grow to about 300,000 cases before 2030.

Types of Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Epithelial mesothelioma is a rare and fatal form of cancer affecting the membrane lining of the chest cavity, heart, lungs, and abdominal cavity. There are three forms of epithelial mesothelioma: the most common is Pleural Mesothelioma, the second most common, Peritoneal Mesothelioma (accounting for only a quarter of the cases), and the rarest form, pericardial mesothelioma.


Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of this disease involves the pleura, a thin membrane located between the lungs and the chest cavity. The pleura provide a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not rub and chafe against the chest walls. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma the first being 'diffuse and malignant'. This type is cancerous and is generally fatal within a year of diagnosis. The second type is 'localized and benign' and is generally non-life threatening. It can usually be removed through surgery.

Lung Lining cancer is not to be confused with lung cancer. In lung lining cancer, the effected area of the body is called the mesothelium, a thin membrane that covers many of the internal organs of the body. The mesothelium of the lungs is called the pleura. Lung Lining cancer is also sometimes called mesothelioma after the area in which it occurs.

This thin membrane is comprised of two layers - one that surrounds the organ and another that forms an exterior sac around the first layer. Between the layers of the mesothelium is a fluid that allows vital organs to glide easily against objects that come in contact with them.

Localized pleural mesothelioma is not always caused by asbestos exposure. However, if it has spread to other parts of the body, for instance the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs, then it is considered malignant and is more often than not the result of asbestos exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma is very rare, comprising less than a fourth of all known cases of the disease. There are no effective treatments for this condition, and most patients live less than a year after diagnosis.

Mesentery cancer is likened to peritoneal cancer (mesothelioma). This cancer primarily affects the sections of the peritoneum that attach different organs to the wall of the abdominal cavity, (i.e. mesogastrium for the stomach, mesojejunum for the jejunum). Mesentery cancer includes all abdominal peritoneal extensions. Tumors rarely originate in the actual mesentery, though it is a frequent route for the spread of mesothelioma through the abdominal cavity.

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma, affecting the membrane around the heart (called the pericardium or pericardial sac). In this disease, solid masses and effusion (fluid) develop around the pericardium. Not all effusions are strictly related to mesothelioma.

Exposure to airborne asbestos particles increases one's risk of developing malignant mesothelioma

Mesothelioma diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma has a peak incidence 35-45 years after asbestos exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest or abdomen. Most people with malignant mesothelioma have on worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos.
It can also occur in children; however, these cases are not thought to be associated with asbestos exposure.

Most people who develop mesothelioma get worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.


Treatment options a mesothelioma diagnosis for the management of malignant mesothelioma includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and multimodality treatment. Surgery in victims with disease confined to the pleural space is reasonable.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a more extensive procedure and has a higher mortality rate. Recently, the mortality rate has been lowered to 3.8%. It involves dissection of the parietal pleura; division of the pulmonary vessels; and en bloc resection of the lung, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm followed by reconstruction. It provides the greatest local control because it removes the entire pleural sac along with the lung parenchyma.

The 2 surgical procedures used are pleurectomy with decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Surgical resection has been relied upon because radiation and chemotherapy get hold of been ineffective unequivocal treatments. There are now a number of cancer treatment options open to mesothelioma patients. Extrapleural pneumonectomy for selected victims with very early stage disease may expand recurrence-free survival, but the impact it has on overall survival is unknown at this time.

Mesothelioma diagnosis can be intimidating and can scare a lot of people, but mesothelioma diagnosis may give you a fighting chance if can be diagnose early. So do yourself a favor if you think that what you are suffering from and had worked in an asbestos related workplace.

The purpose of such investigations in mesothelioma diagnosis is to confirm and to determine the type of mesothelioma, to 'stage' the disease (measure how severe it is), and so to assess whether the disease is operable.

Information You Need to Know on the Rare Form of Cancer Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer where the malignant cells are found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. The most common way people develop this is through inhaling asbestos particles at a job where this is possible. Mesothelioma asbestos is something you certainly need to be wary of if you suspect this being a possibility at your job.

The disease occurs when the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. The cells can then invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. These cancer cells can also spread from the original place to other parts of the body which is a huge concern with this form of cancer. It typically begins as pleura mesothelioma as this is where it originates from.


Mesothelioma rates have certainly increased over the past 20 years, but fortunately it is still a fairly rare form of cancer. On average there are about 2,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year. You will find that this is more common in men than with women and the risk certainly increases with age.
While there are various mesothelioma symptoms to be aware of, they may not occur until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. This can make it increasingly difficult to stop before it is too late. However, some of the symptoms to watch for include shortness of breath and pain in the chest because of the accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

Other symptoms to be aware of for peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling. The reason for this is because of a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. You may also want to watch out for bowel obstruction, blood clotting, and fever.

After learning about this mesothelioma information, you are probably curious as to treatment methods. There are a few ways different mesothelioma treatment methods you can pursue. It really depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and overall health.

Mesothelioma - Most Commonly Asked Questions

Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that affects primarily the mesothelium which is a protective sac covering most of the body's internal organs. Exposure to asbestos particles at the place of work has been strongly linked to the development of mesothelioma in most of the victims.

Some of the most frequently asked questions on mesothelioma are:

1- Is there any ongoing research to discover new treatments for mesothelioma?
Yes, there are new treatments that are being studied. The National Cancer Institute {NCI} is sponsoring clinical trials {research with people} which are designed to find new modes of treatment and also to discover better ways of using currently used treatments.
Most of these treatments are still undergoing clinical trials by doctors to find out whether the treatments are safe for patients and whether they are effective against the disease before they can be recommended for general use.
Mesothelioma victims can offer themselves for participation in these clinical trials as a treatment option. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service{CIS} at 1-800-4-Cancer.

2- How can Mesothelioma be treated?
The treatment of mesothelioma depends on, the location of the cancer,stage of the disease, and patients age and general health.
Treatment options include
a} Chemotherapy,
b} Radiotherapy,
c} Surgery.

These forms of treatment are sometimes combined.
- Chemotherapy: This involves the use of anticancer drugs to selectively destroy and kill the cancer cells in the body. Most of the anticancer drugs are administered intravenously. Ongoing research into possibility of direct administration of anticancer drugs into the chest or abdomen is currently being studied.
- Radiotherapy: This involves the use of high energy rays {radiation} to kill the cancer cells and debulk {shrink} tumors. The radiation is directed only at the affected area of the body to kill the cancer cells.
Radiation can be from an external machine placed outside the body {external radiation},or it could be form an internal source where the material releasing the radiation is placed inside the area of the body affected by cancer cells. It is placed with the use of thin plastic tubes.
- Surgery: This is a very common mode of treatment in treating mesothelioma. The surgeon may remove part of the lining of the chest and abdomen and some of the surrounding tissue. Sometimes an operation called pneumonectomy is done during which a whole lung is removed. Other forms of surgery involves the removal of part of the diaphragm, this is the muscular sheet separating the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis - What You Need To Know

If the chest x-ray is suggestive of malignant mesothelioma, it is likely that further investigations will be ordered, especially if compensation may be sought. These investigations may include additional imaging studies, blood tests, bone scans, and lung-function tests, as well as more invasive procedures such as thoracentesis, thoracoscopy, pleuroscopy or a lung biopsy. This is a typical mesothelioma diagnosis.

Mesothelioma diagnosis can be done through chest x-ray. The typical abnormalities seen on chest x-ray in patients with malignant mesohtelioma are pleural effusion (a collection of fluid in the space between the 2 layers of the pleura), or it is called pleural thickening.

Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking Malignancies involving mesothelial cells in these spread cavities are known as malignant mesothelioma, which may be localized or diffuse. Mesothelioma is the word used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, often the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs.

Mesothelioma diagnosis in this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers transcendently of the spread's internal organs. Greatest malignant mesothelioma set up complex karyotypes, with extensive aneuploidy and rearrangement of tons chromosomes.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma.
A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure if mesothelioma diagnosis is done.

If the cancer has length beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the size, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or engage.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and suffering due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity).