Wednesday, 6. January 2010
Mesothelioma cancer can be considered a man-made disaster for many reasons. The disease occurs as a direct result of continuous contact with asbestos which is a natural silicate compound. After mining, the raw asbestos is treated into desired shapes. It has been used for many purposes like cement manufacture, ship building, construction activities etc. Asbestos has many qualities which include resistance to heat, insulation capacity etc. But the minute fibers of the mineral can cause deadly mesothelioma and this was not known for many years. By the time it was discovered many had been exposed to the deadly disease. In many of these cases, mesothelioma prognosis is totally hopeless.
Let us examine cures of mesothelioma, mesothelioma prognosis and researches in the field here. The inhaled asbestos particles corrupt the mesothelium, the membranous covering of our vital organs. This damage slowly become extensive and prevents normal functioning of the organs. Presently, there is no real cure to the cancer. Therefore, the prognosis of the disease is not too desirable. But researches are going on at various laboratories to find improved treatments for the killer cancer.
The conventional methods followed by the doctors are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Out of these chemotherapy and radiation are medicine based. The treatment procedures have not given excellent results because the diagnosis is done many years after the person is exposed to the cancerous material. By the time the infection is detected, the patient falls very ill. If detected early there are better chances of survival, but the characteristic traits of the disease defeat the hope of an effective attack on the disease.
Therefore, the emphasis has turned to finding ways to improve human immunity and adopt other practical measures to prevent asbestos inhalation. Masks, protective clothing etc are increasingly put to use at workshops and asbestos mines while researchers have developed advanced therapies like gene therapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy etc to defeat inhaled asbestos particles.
The joined efforts of various groups interested in the subject will help to overcome the disease. Though cures of mesothelioma, mesothelioma prognosis and prevention tactics are not fully developed now, vast improvements can be expected in the near future.
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Posted in Health by Heidi Wingrain -
Thursday, 19. November 2009
Mesothelioma is a potential killer disease which mankind is facing these days. The cancer which is commonly known as mesothelioma disease is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers for prolonged period of time. In many cases, the patients do not survive for more than two years after diagnosis. The symptoms of the disease appear very late making it almost impossible for a timely detection and effective treatment.
Asbestos, which is a naturally occurring mineral, is widely used in industries for many purposes. Once inhaled the fibers settle in the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers the important internal organs. This makes the cells to divide unnaturally resulting in the production of excess fluid. The side walls get thickened due to this extra fluid as a result of which the proper functioning of the organs is hampered.
Depending on the area of occurrence mesothelioma disease is divided into three. The pleural mesothelioma affects the lung cavities, the peritoneal attacks the abdominal cavities and the pericardial impairs the cavities of the heart. The pericardial is found to the most dangerous one among the three.
At the present time, there is no complete cure for mesothelioma disease. But life span can be increased a little further with traditional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The late diagnosis due to the delayed appearance of symptoms greatly influences the treatment procedure from being cent percent effective. In most of the cases the symptoms appear as the cancer reaches the final stages. If the diagnosis happens early, by any means there is possibility that the disease can be removed and the patient enjoys a healthy long life.
It is therefore very important that everyone, who had worked in asbestos-based factories, asbestos pits and family members of such employees to undergo periodical checkups. The usual symptoms are breathing problems and related illnesses like cough, fever etc. Being a rarity, all cancer centers are not manned or equipped to diagnose and cure mesothelioma disease. The patient should approach only those physicians who exclusively deal with the disease, which would greatly help in timely and accurate diagnose, which would be followed by aggressive treatment to root out the cancer.
If you liked this write up about mesothelioma lung cancer, then definitely check over this different web site all about mesothelioma symptom.
Posted in Cancer by Heidi Wingrain -
Saturday, 7. November 2009
Each year in the US, nearly 3000 people will get a uncommon type of cancer called mesothelioma. Generally attributed to asbestos exposure sometime in the distant past, this form of cancer can take decades to mature into full-fledged cancer.
As soon as it does, it is in most cases advanced, and the prognosis can be disappointing. Ascites, pericardial as well as pleural effusion are a number of of the things the doctor will look for when trying to diagnose the cancer. Because it is so rare, general screening is usually not performed. Those at risk from asbestos related work or those who are already showing symptoms will be given a diagnostic test.
Once everything else has been ruled out and the proper circumstances and symptoms are preset, the doctor will begin suspecting a case of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is commonly tested as soon as the physician learns of asbestos work related circumstances.
X-rays are frequently performed to look for calcium deposits on the pleura, thickening of the pleura or effusion of the pleura. CT scans are also utilized to detect the occurrence of cancer in the affected regions. To detect tumors and determine its size, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is typically used.
Patients suspected of having mesothelioma also may possibly receive blood tests. Doctors look for a few soluble peptides as well as high levels of ostepontin.
An added potential test is fluid analysis. A long needle is inserted into numbed skin over the chest, abdomen or heart, in procedures in that order called thoracentesis, paracentesis and pericardiocentesis. Analysis is conducted on the fluid that was removed from these regions. Fluid analysis can help distinguish mesothelioma from other types of cancer.
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Posted in Health by Shan Durai -
Sunday, 11. October 2009
by Sally Clapper
Receiving a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is a heartbreaking and difficult experience for the patient as well as for family and loved ones. It can feel shocking, as if your whole world has been turned upside down. Many feel anger, loss of control, and overwhelm when first told they have a diagnosis of terminal mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma is a cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was well known for being durable, fire resistant, and a superb, multi-purposed insulator. Because of these properties, and its affordability and availability, asbestos was used in many commercial, manufacturing and industrial products, causing many people to be exposed occupationally as well as environmentally.
Asbestos, when inhaled or ingested, causes serious and fatal illnesses. Mesothelioma is one type of incurable cancer caused by inhaling asbestos, which then becomes lodged in the lining of the lungs, chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until decades later because of a long latency period between time of first exposure and development of symptoms.
Increased research and improved diagnostic measures have helped and yet mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages because the symptoms are difficult to diagnose. Although new treatments and drug therapies prolonging survival times and improving quality of life are being investigated, the majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have less than two years to live.
For anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, as well as their loved ones, facing a diagnosis of terminal mesothelioma can be daunting and heartbreaking. Initially, many will have feelings of shock, anger, sadness, and denial. Some will eventually come to terms with the fact they have a terminal cancer, while others will resist accepting the reality of their diagnosis. A variety of emotions and questions will arise as end of life concerns are explored and discussed.
There are some things that can help to cope better and feel some sense of control during the time of initial diagnosis.
1. Build a Network of Support: find support through family and friends, as well as doctors, specialists, nurses, and palliative and hospice care workers. Make sure that there is at least one person in your circle of support that you feel comfortable talking about your concerns and fears over having cancer and facing death. Communicate your wishes and do not be afraid to ask for what you need from those caring for you. Include people who are compassionate and helpful, and limit time with those that are draining or upsetting. Learning about options for palliative and hospice care will help increase where and how you spend your remaining days and is shown to increase overall quality of life.
2. Get Information: Find out as much as possible about mesothelioma, including information about stages, types, and causes. Inform yourself about standard treatments but also research new and alternative treatments and drug therapies. Ask for a support person to help you look into all the options if you are unable. If eligible, consider participating in a clinical trial which could extend your survival time and improve overall quality of life. To find out if there are any clinical trials suited for you, ask your mesothelioma oncologist.
3. Explore all avenues of compensation, both legal and medical: Know what medical and health benefits are covered by your insurance. Consult with a mesothelioma lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits who will help you get financial compensation to offset loss of wages and medical costs. Even before the 1960’s, manufacturers knew that asbestos was a threat to health and yet did not warn or protect employees and the general public from exposure and risk of disease. An experienced mesothelioma attorney will readily identify possible sources of exposure, quickly file an asbestos lawsuit, and maximize monetary recovery.
4. Take Part in Support Groups: Hospitals often have support groups that meet on site. National and on-line support groups can also provide useful resources. Sharing with other people who are experiencing the same situation can provide you with information and help you to feel comfortable talking about your own concerns.
5. Take care of yourself, your family, and your relationships: In such a difficult time, it will be very beneficial to take time to spend with your loved ones. For some, it is a time to have important conversations and to heal any past grievances, regrets or upsets. Remembering good times, laughter, and non-cancer conversations can help relieve stress and ease pain, fear, and anxiety.
Most patients and their families will realize that even with new treatments and drug therapies, mesothelioma can not be cured although life can be extended and quality of life can be improved. Taking steps like those listed above can help mesothelioma patients and their loved ones realize that despite not being able to change the diagnosis, they do have some choice about how to move forward in treating the illness that can make a difference.
To find out more information, please call 1-800-440-4262.
About the Author:
Sally Clapper is a representative for Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason,
asbestos attorneys that have been representing people with mesothelioma for over 25 years. As experts in the field of mesothelioma, the firm’s attorneys are recognized as some of the leading plaintiffs’
mesothelioma lawyers in the nation.
Posted in Health by Sally Clapper -
