Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer is a very deadly disease which costs life of many people every year. Cancer is a deadly disease because it shows almost no symptoms in the early stages. The victim who fall prey to it does not even know that he is suffering from the deadly cancer disease. So, it is important to diagnose lung cancer in an early stage to get rid of it. Though, it is hard to prevent this disease, but the early symptoms of it can be caught to prevent it from further growing. Let us discuss various symptoms of lung cancer which can help in diagnosing it at an early stage.
The first symptom of lung cancer is low rate of breath. The person affected with lung cancer experiences shortness in breath and this symptom is called as dyspnea. Blood coughing is another symptom of lung cancer and it is medically called as hemoptysis. This symptom is generally related with hematemesis which is blood vomiting. The other warning of cancer is experiencing ache during coughing. Any change in the style of coughing can be a sign or symptom of lung cancer. The symptoms like quick weight loss, feeling of excessive exhaustion, and no desire of eating any kind of food stuff are some of the main symptoms of lung cancer. Person suffering with lung cancer may also experience chest pain.
There are other symptoms of cancer which generally show up but can occur in some of the patients. These symptoms include hoarseness in speech and change in voice tone. In medical term hoarseness is known as cachexia. It is a strong indication of lung cancer. The patient suffering from lung cancer experiences pain while swallowing solid food stuff. The victim also experiences swelling on face and also on the neck region. Swelling in neck occurs because of the blockage in lymph nodes and that of face is because of the blockage in main blood vessel. The other symptom of lung cancer is clubbing of fingers or irregularity in fingers. This symptom is very uncommon but can be a big symptom of cancer. Pain in shoulders can also be a symptom of lung cancer. Pain in bones, experiencing weakness of the muscles and eyelids are rare symptoms of lung cancer.
There are some other symptoms too which occur because of the hormones secreted by the lung cancer. These symptoms are extension of the eyes, feeling numbness in body especially hands, fingers and legs. Appearance of lumps on different portions of the skin is another rare symptom of lung cancer. Experiencing severe pain in the abdomen portion is another symptom. Swelling of chest in men is a rare symptom but can occur in some of the patients. Development of lumps in the salivary gland areas is another uncommon symptom of lung cancer.

Toxic Asbestos - Have You Been Exposed?

Asbestos is a very abundant and very dangerous material. Inhalation of microscopic airborne asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Many people have been exposed to asbestos, either in the workplace or in their homes, without their knowledge. This article will help you understand the sources of asbestos exposure, and learn whether you may have been a victim of corporate negligence. If you have developed mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, and you believe that asbestos was involved, you may have a legal claim.The risk of toxic exposure is greatest for people who have worked in industries and workplaces in which asbestos products were used. These include:
asbestos mining and milling
manufacture of asbestos tiles
manufacture of asbestos fabrics
shipbuilding trades
insulation work in construction
electricians
plasterers
pipe fitters
railroad workers
building demolition
drywall installation
drywall removal
other asbestos removal
firefighting
asbestos tile setters
boiler workers
aluminum plant workers
manufacture of brake liningsShipbuilding and ship repair involves many materials that contain asbestos, and in shipyards workers often worked in small, poorly ventilated spaces with materials that released large quantities of asbestos fibers into the air. In Southern California, the Long Beach Shipyard (also called the US Naval Dry Docks and the Terminal Island Naval Shipyard), the San Diego Naval Shipyard, and NASSCO have employed thousands of workers in the shipbuilding trades, including pipe fitters, boilermakers, electricians, welders, machinists, filers, polishers, sanders, buffers, heat treaters, maintenance workers, engineers, draftsmen, and others.
People who have worked in shipbuilding in any capacity, even for a matter of weeks or months, at any time in their lives, are at increased risk for developing mesothelioma. They should always tell their healthcare providers about their exposure.
Many people live in homes built before 1990, in which asbestos was widely used in construction, or they work or go to school in buildings where asbestos products were used. As long as the asbestos-containing materials such as asphalt tile and roofing materials are not sanded, scraped, filed, cut, or otherwise disturbed or removed, the asbestos fibers are less likely to escape into air and the inhalation hazard is low.
If a person lives or works in a structure in which one or more of these or other asbestos-containing products have been removed or disturbed, the risk of asbestos exposure rises. Removal of products that contain to asbestos should be done only by workers trained in asbestos removal.
If you have received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, and you believe that your mesothelioma developed as a result of workplace exposure to asbestos, you may have a legal claim against the corporation that permitted the exposure, or the manufacturer of the asbestos product.
San Diego mesothelioma lawyer Frederick Schenk and Casey Gerry's team of asbestos attorneys and paralegals in San Diego, California have helped thousands of people through the asbestos claims process and through mesothelioma litigation. Their work has achieved compensation for mesothelioma victims from the companies that manufactured, installed and sold asbestos products throughout the United States. Mr Schenk and his team of experienced asbestos lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys and staff are dedicated professionals, ready to assist you and your family in all aspects of the asbestos litigation and claims process. To learn more about mesothelioma, asbestos law, and what to do if you have a claim, please visit California Asbestos Law

Searching For the Right Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer, the next thing you should do is to discuss with your doctors the most suitable lung cancer treatment for you. There are various options available for the treatment of lung cancer, but you will need to discuss these options carefully with your doctors and family before making a decision on the treatment method. Please bear in mind that the earlier the cancer is treated, the better will be your prognosis from this deadly disease.
Surgery is obviously one of the more effective treatment for removing the cancer from the body, however it all depends on how far along the cancer is. CT and PET scans are used to determine is the cancer can be removed through surgery, or if it is too far along and has spread to other areas making it harder to perform surgery. Blood tests and spirometry or lung function testing are also used to see if the patient can be operated on. Surgical procedures include wedge resction or partial removal of the lobe, a lobectomy or removal of one lobe, a bilobectomy or removal of two lobes, and pneumonectomy or the removal of an entire lung. A lobectomy is the most common form of surgery because it reduces the chance of the cancer returning.
Chemotherapy is also used to reduce the risk of the cancer recurring. The kind of chemotherapy used depends on the type of cancer and where it is located in the lungs. Radiotherapy is often used along with chemotherapy.
Another form of lung cancer treatment besides these two is targeted therapy. Gefitinib is one such drug that targets the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor. This has shown to increase the chances of survival in many of the people whom have taken this drug. Erlotinib is another drug that has been shown to increase the survival rate in cancer patients. Both of these drugs have been shown to be very effective in females, Asians and non-smokers.
Becoming diagnosed with lung cancer is a very serious thing to be told. There are several ways the cancer can be treated now but it is important to know all the lung cancer treatment options that are available to you. It is best to get surgery if at all possible, but if the cancer has spread into other areas, surgery is out of the question. Then chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy can be considered. You should also explore the possibility of using other alternative cancer treatments. However, it is important for you to speak with your doctor the instance you have gotten lung cancer.

Mesothelioma Lawyers Helping You Claim Compensation

Asbestos related cancers are killers. For over 5 decades people worked with and were exposed to asbestos on an everyday occurrence unaware of the harmful fibres within asbestos products they were being exposed too. Nowadays, asbestos products are more regulated, however it has been reported that there is a growing trend in Mesothelioma cases as the cancer can lie dormant for over 25 years in some cases before surfacing.
If you or someone close to you has contacted Mesothelioma and wish to make a compensation Mesothelioma claim then it is always best in these circumstances to talk to a proper Mesothelioma lawyer or personal injury lawyer who will help you in your right to make a claim for compensation.
Asbestos exposure was most at risk in certain industries throughout the 50's, 60's and even into the late 70's. Although workers could have carried the asbestos fibres into the family home on their clothes and hair. Here is a list of occupations that have been highlighted by organisations as being the most at risk from contacting Mesothelioma.
Carpenters and Joiners
Boiler, Pipe and Heating Workers
Shipbuilding/Shipyard Workers
Navy Seamen
Dockworkers
Laggers and Sprayers
Mechanics
Plumbers and Gasfitters
Roofers
Construction and Demolition Workers
Painters and Decorators
Electricians
Railway Workers and Coach Construction
Engineers
Power Station Workers
Laboratory and Research
Asbestos Manufacture and Sales
Remember, trusted Injury Lawyers run all claims under a 'No Win No Fee' claims policy and offer their clients 100% compensation. There are no hidden fees or charges. A good injury lawyer will always, charge the losing firm for their fees, and not the client whom they are supposed to be representing.

Mesothelioma - The Rare Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma is rare kind of cancer but is highly aggressive type. Every year about two to three thousand people are reported to have this cancer. The number of Mesothelioma patients is likely to increase in the next decade. Exposure to asbestos is only the known cause of this cancer.
Asbestos - a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally, which was well known for its fire resistance, insulating, and long lasting properties. It was popularly used from 1900-1975. In this period concrete, textiles and insulation industry manufactured different types of products which used asbestos fibers.
The membranes covering the lungs, internal organs and abdominal cavity of the body is attacked by Mesothelioma. There are three types of Mesothelioma. The Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common one. It occurs when the membrane cells covering the lungs are invaded by asbestos fibers.
The second type is Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Here membrane covering the abdominal organs also known as Peritoneum, are attacked by this cancer. The rarest asbestos cancer is called Pericardial Mesothelioma, in which membrane covering the heart or the pericardium is attacked.
Very little success is reported in treatment for this cancer. Due to rapid growth of asbestos cancer that it is not diagnosed until it reaches the final stages and the possibility of survival of patient is poor. Treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and, surgery.
Asbestos products were manufactured widely though manufacturers were aware about the risks to health. Asbestos can be still found in many old buildings, and it continues in putting risk of exposure to many people. Asbestos cancer will be a risk to health in the future, but thanks to its strict regulations, it will not be up to the extent, it was in the past.

What is the Difference Between Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can be precisely noted as a rare form of cancer. The word Mesothelioma means a tumor-like growth which involves mesothelial cells of a specific organ, usually the organs in the abdominal area or lungs. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. The pleura are nothing but the thin membrane located between the chest cavity and the lungs. They prevent the lungs from chafing with the chest walls by providing a surface that is lubricated. So, therefore pleural mesothelioma is also referred to as lung cancer.
Another common form of this cancer is peritoneal mesothelioma. This peritoneal membrane helps in the enclosure of the organs in the abdomen. Even though peritoneal mesotheliomas are less common than pleural mesotheliomas, they are more invasive and may cut down the life expectancy of the patient. Mesotheliomas have been previously found in the abdominal and stomach areas.
The understanding of the treatment process is a must for the patient after diagnosis. The oncologist or your doctor will provide more information on the various treatments available. The know-how of your legal rights is also very important. If you are diagnosed with asbestos related cancer or mesothelioma in particular, you are most likely affected by asbestos. Manufactures have always known of asbestos insulation devices available yet they decided not to reveal the information that asbestos was hazardous. So if you have been a victim of such a product, you have the right of recovery against the manufacturers which can further help in reducing the costs of treatment and provide a little if not full compensation for your suffering.
All the difference in the world in treatment can be made by choosing the right doctor that suits you. Doctors with good international reputations on works on mesothelioma patients must be chosen. A checklist has been provided by the American Cancer Society on what to question your doctor before which may help you to get the right doctor or another opinion.

Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment - Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy or radiotherapy is one of the oldest ways to treat different type of cancers and millions of cancer sufferers are today treated with radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays in order to kill cancerous cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or chemotherapy. A patient can also have more than one type of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is frequently used to shrink tumors before surgery or it can be given after surgery in order to try to stop the cancer from coming back again. Radiation therapy may also be administered together with chemotherapy. It can help to shrink the tumor and help chemotherapy drugs work better, if it is administered before or during chemotherapy. It can also be administered after chemotherapy where it can help to kill any remaining cancerous cells.
The location of mesothelioma may sometimes make it difficult to use high doses of radiation without procuring considerable damages to the surrounding organs and so some have doubts if radiation is effective in treating mesothelioma cancer. It is however quite effective when used to destroy remaining cancerous cells after surgery. It can also be effective to control symptoms and so to help patients feel less discomfort living with mesothelioma cancer. Radiation therapy can be quite effective in controlling pain and to control the accumulation of fluids in the lungs or abdomen.
Radiation therapy uses a type of energy that is called ionizing radiation that is able to damage or even destroy cancerous cells. It hampers the growth of cancerous cells by making it impossible for these cells to grow and divide. It is usually administered as a local treatment since it affects only the cells of the treated area. Cancerous cells are not killed instantly when radiation therapy is administered. It will take several days of treatment until cancerous cells will start to die. However then they will continue to die for weeks or even months after treatment is terminated. With today's advanced technology the radiation beams can be very tightly focused. In spite of this, other non-cancerous cells surrounding the treatment area of the body can also be destroyed by radiation. Although most of these normal cells are able to recover quickly, it is important to try to damage the cancerous cells without damaging the other cells of the body as far as possible. The damages to the normal cells of the body can be minimized by using a low dosage as far as possible, by spreading the treatment over time, by targeting the tumor as precisely as possible and by using certain medications that help to protect certain parts of the body. Radiation therapy has fewer side effects than other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.
There are three major types of radiation treatments: •External radiation therapy •Internal radiation therapy •Systematic radiation therapy
The major difference of these three types of therapies is from where the radiation comes from. In the case of external radiation therapy, radiation is beamed to the location of the mesothelioma from a machine outside the body of the patient. In the case of internal radiation or brachytherapy, chemicals that produce radiation are put directly into the site of the mesothelioma cancer by the insertion of a thin tube into the chest or abdomen. In a systematic radiation therapy unsealed radioactive materials are let to go throughout the body. Another type of radiation therapy used primarily to treat brain tumors is stereotactic radiosurgery.
The type of radiation therapy one gets depends on many factors such as the patient's general health, what other treatment you are undertaking, your medical history and other factors. The dosage of radiation administered depends on the therapeutic ratio. This ratio makes a comparison with the damages procured to the cancerous cells and the damaged procured to the normal cells. It is important to harm as possible the cancerous cells without harming as far as possible the normal cells. External radiation is the most common type of radiation treatment administered and a patient may also be given more than one type of radiation treatment. Different radiation treatments can be given either one after the other or at the same time. This depends on the needs of the patients as assessed by the physician.
Radiation therapy may be quite an expensive treatment. It is important to ask if your medical insurance covers such a treatment. Fortunately most medical insurances cover the expenses of radiation therapy, but this may not always be the case. During the treatment you may need to eat certain type of food in order to keep your energy level high. You will be instructed on what type of food is adequate and which is better to avoid during the treatment. You may still be able to go to work full time at the initial stages of the treatment but this depends on the individual. After the treatment is terminated you may feel quite tired and you may decide to stop working for some time but this depends on many factors and from individual to individual.
Radiation therapy can have certain side effects. The extent of the side effects depends on the individual and on the other treatment you are having together with radiation therapy. Some side effects occur in the short-term (approximately less than two months after treatment) and also in the long-run (approximately after 6 months after the treatment) and some may even be permanent. However radiation therapy side effects are usually much milder than chemotherapy side effects. Some side effects of radiation therapy include:
Skin rash near the treated area Fatigue Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Hair Loss Loss of fertility/ Amorrhea Brain problems Joint problems Lymphedema Secondary cancer

Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment - Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs in order to treat mesothelioma cancer. Most of these drugs circulate in the bloodstream in order to reach cancer cells in the body for the purpose of either killing these cancerous cells or for stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery is performed on the patient; a procedure that is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It can also be used to destroy the remaining cancerous cells that may remain after surgery; a procedure that is also called adjuvant chemotherapy. These drugs can also be administered in order to relieve symptoms such as pain and other discomforts.
Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in a number of ways such as: • Injected through the vein (intravenous) • Directly into the chest cavity ( intrapleurally) • Directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneally) • By mouth (Orally) • Directly into other areas of the body
The method most commonly used to administer chemotherapy drugs is intravenously. When these drugs are taken by mouth or through the blood stream (intravenously) they reach the whole body. In this case chemotherapy treats the whole body and it is often called a 'systemic treatment'. When these drugs are placed directly into the chest cavity, the abdominal cavity or other areas of the body, it is called regional chemotherapy and it has an affect only on these areas. In the case of intravenous administration (administration through the veins), drugs are usually administered through a thin needle. If the patients suffer from peritoneal mesothelioma, drugs may be delivered through a port or catcher directly into the abdominal cavity.
Chemotherapy drugs are given according to a plan. The full course takes approximately from 3 to 6 months. A course is divided in various cycles, where a cycle consists of the time you take the treatment and a recovery period, where your body is allowed to recover from the effects of the treatment.
Chemotherapy can also affect other benign cells of your body such as cells of the gastrointestinal system (a part of the digestive system that absorbs food into the body such as the stomach, intestines and other organs), cells of the hair follicles and cells in the blood. Like cancerous cells, these benign cells are also fast growing cells but unlike cancerous cells they have important functions to perform in our bodies.
It is important to be very careful in the administration of chemotherapy drugs since these drugs are very toxic and can have a variety of side effects. Among others; perhaps the most visible is that of hair loss. Other side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath and the destruction of benign cells in the blood. The patient becomes more prone to the risk of infections, to bleed more easily after minor bruises and to suffer from fatigue. This is the result of the destruction of benign cells in the blood stream such as white cells (cells that fight infections), platelets (cells that help to form a clot) and red blood cells (blood cells that carry oxygen in our bodies). Side effects depend on the type of drug administered and the duration of the treatment. Symptoms disappear some time after treatment is stopped. There are also drugs that help to reduce the negative side effects of chemotherapy. Any side effect must be promptly communicated to your physician.
Usually a combination of chemotherapy drugs are used for the treatment of mesothelioma cancer since a single drug is not so effective. Further more chemotherapy alone is usually not enough and a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery can be used. These therapies can be very exhausting for the body especially since many mesothelioma patients are usually quite advanced in their age, and so a proper assessment must be performed on the patient for his/her eligibility for a particular treatment or combination of treatments. The type of treatment depends also on the location, size, staging and invasion of the cancer to other organs of the body.

Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment - Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the administration of drugs in order to treat mesothelioma cancer. Most of these drugs circulate in the bloodstream in order to reach cancer cells in the body for the purpose of either killing these cancerous cells or for stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may also be used to shrink a tumor before surgery is performed on the patient; a procedure that is called neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It can also be used to destroy the remaining cancerous cells that may remain after surgery; a procedure that is also called adjuvant chemotherapy. These drugs can also be administered in order to relieve symptoms such as pain and other discomforts.
Chemotherapy drugs can be taken in a number of ways such as: • Injected through the vein (intravenous) • Directly into the chest cavity ( intrapleurally) • Directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneally) • By mouth (Orally) • Directly into other areas of the body
The method most commonly used to administer chemotherapy drugs is intravenously. When these drugs are taken by mouth or through the blood stream (intravenously) they reach the whole body. In this case chemotherapy treats the whole body and it is often called a 'systemic treatment'. When these drugs are placed directly into the chest cavity, the abdominal cavity or other areas of the body, it is called regional chemotherapy and it has an affect only on these areas. In the case of intravenous administration (administration through the veins), drugs are usually administered through a thin needle. If the patients suffer from peritoneal mesothelioma, drugs may be delivered through a port or catcher directly into the abdominal cavity.
Chemotherapy drugs are given according to a plan. The full course takes approximately from 3 to 6 months. A course is divided in various cycles, where a cycle consists of the time you take the treatment and a recovery period, where your body is allowed to recover from the effects of the treatment.
Chemotherapy can also affect other benign cells of your body such as cells of the gastrointestinal system (a part of the digestive system that absorbs food into the body such as the stomach, intestines and other organs), cells of the hair follicles and cells in the blood. Like cancerous cells, these benign cells are also fast growing cells but unlike cancerous cells they have important functions to perform in our bodies.
It is important to be very careful in the administration of chemotherapy drugs since these drugs are very toxic and can have a variety of side effects. Among others; perhaps the most visible is that of hair loss. Other side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and shortness of breath and the destruction of benign cells in the blood. The patient becomes more prone to the risk of infections, to bleed more easily after minor bruises and to suffer from fatigue. This is the result of the destruction of benign cells in the blood stream such as white cells (cells that fight infections), platelets (cells that help to form a clot) and red blood cells (blood cells that carry oxygen in our bodies). Side effects depend on the type of drug administered and the duration of the treatment. Symptoms disappear some time after treatment is stopped. There are also drugs that help to reduce the negative side effects of chemotherapy. Any side effect must be promptly communicated to your physician.
Usually a combination of chemotherapy drugs are used for the treatment of mesothelioma cancer since a single drug is not so effective. Further more chemotherapy alone is usually not enough and a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery can be used. These therapies can be very exhausting for the body especially since many mesothelioma patients are usually quite advanced in their age, and so a proper assessment must be performed on the patient for his/her eligibility for a particular treatment or combination of treatments. The type of treatment depends also on the location, size, staging and invasion of the cancer to other organs of the body.

Mesothelioma Cancer - The Stages of the Disease

Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to determine the spread of the disease. This is called staging and it is based on imaging studies from X-Ray scans, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans and pathology results. Although there are three types of Mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal and pericardial), only pleural mesothelioma (the most frequent of the three and the most studied) is staged. No classification or staging exists for peritoneal and pericardial mesethlioma. Staging is important since it helps in the prognosis and for the determination of the treatment plan. There are three staging systems that can be used in the staging process: the Butchart System, the TNM System and the Brigham System.
This Butchart staging system is both the oldest of the three and the most commonly used staging system. This system divides mesothelioma into four stages and it is mainly based on the extent of the primary tumor mass. The spread of mesothelioma increases from stage 1 to stage 4. If mesothelioma is diagnosed to be at stage 4, this may mean that there is evidence of metastasis (spreading of the mesothelioma through the bloodstream to other organs). This is the worst case scenario and such mesothelioma is extremely difficult to cure.
The TNM System is also divided into four stages and considers three variables or components: the tumor (T), the lymph nodes (N) and metastasis (M). Metastasis is the spread of mesothelioma to other organs through the bloodstream. As we move through the stages the more is the spread of the tumor and the more is the chance that the lymph nodes being involved. Stage 4 is the worst case scenario where the disease may have spread through other organs through the bloodstream.
The Birgham system is the most recently devised. Mesothelioma is also divided into four stages and it is staged according to respectability (the ability to remove the tumor by surgery) and according to the involvement of the lymph nodes. The more we move through the stages the more is the difficulty to remove the tumor and the more are the lymph nodes involved.

Metastatic Lung Cancer Explained

Anyone who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, or care takers of those, will want to be sure to get the facts about just what metastatic lung cancer is and how it effects your situation. Let's take an in depth look at what it means, and how it will effect someone going through it. Additionally, by knowing what lung metastases are you will know what you or a loved one needs to remain calm and comfortable during this trying time.
Metastatic lung cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells move from the original tumor and begin invading surrounding tissue. This results in the cancerous cells entering the blood stream and spreading from the primary tumor (the original one) to a new tumor, called the secondary tumor. These new tumors may even be in parts of the body away from the lungs.
The lungs and the lymphatic system are under attack by cancerous cells. As a result, the white blood cells that fight off infection and diseases are also under siege. This means that while the patient has metastatic lung cancer, the patient's body will be more prone to infection because their white blood cells are too few to fight off the new illness.
Lung metastases is very serious and needs to be monitored by medical professionals. Anyone going through chemotherapy for this disease must avoid any contact with disease or infection because of their week immune system. The most important thing to remember is that people suffering through metastatic lung cancer really need friends to stick by them during their trying time.

Recent Advancements in the Fight Against Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Deaths are increasing at alarming rates each day due growth rate of people who smokes cigarette. Researchers are constantly trying to find and collect the resources to stop these deaths. There has been numerous developments in the fight against lung cancer.
Recent Developments:
A recent study at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a group of researcher found that drinking pomegranate reduces the growth of lung cancers when they tested on some laboratory mice. Research leader Hasan Mukhtar, who is a Professor of dermatology at the School of Medicine and Public Health, says that the fruit contains a powerful cancer fighting agents that helps slowdown the growth of lung cancers. This discovery may seem small, but every discover is a step towards the cure for lung cancer.
In the study, abundance of antioxidants that pomegranate contains are main reason for this and it is also known that the pomegranate has been used for centuries as a medicine to cure various diseases.
Other research shows, a natural compound that is available in magnolia has capacity to block off the growth of cancer cells. Researcher and Phd, MD.Jack Arbiser from Emory University School of Medicine, has been studying the compound honokiol, which is found mainly in Japanese and Chinese herbal medicine, and is found to prevent the tumor growth of lung cancer. This could cause less pain and be more effective than traditional chemotherapy. The university is currently trying to get license to use honokiol in the patient so see more results.
An analysis involving a panel of genes will now help doctors to find out which lung cancer patients will have more survival chance or less. By finding out the percentage of survival, the treatment then can be done accordingly. Normally chemotherapy is given to the patient after surgery to reduce the chance of relapse of cancer. Due to complexity of lung cancers, sometimes doctors..... Read More At The Website Below.

Mesothelioma Cancer Symptoms

As in other type of cancer or diseases it is important to recognize the symptoms as early as possible in order to start treatment as early as possible. Proper attention to symptoms can lead to a considerable improvement in the chances that treatment will extend the life of the individual, relieve other symptoms and may even result in cure for some patients.
In the case of mesothelioma, symptoms usually do not manifest themselves after 20 to 50 years after the individual has been exposed to asbestos fibers. This lengthy latency period of mesothelioma makes the disease difficult to diagnose and when it is diagnosed it is usually in its later stages. Unfortunately when symptoms start to appear the disease usually may have already progressed considerably making treatment less effective. Further more early symptoms of the disease may be quite subtle and so people may easily ignore them, attributing them to other common diseases such as flu, bronchitis or pneumonia.
Therefore if an individual has been exposed to asbestos in the past, it is important for such an individual to have regular check ups even in the absence of symptoms. Patients also differ in the length of time they report the symptoms. Also, as in other types of cancer or disease, symptoms may vary from patient to patient. Symptoms may be affected by a number of variables such as the location of the tumor, the size of the tumor, the severity of the illness, the type of mesothelioma (whether it is pleural, peritoneal or pericardial), the age of the patient and the general health of the individual. These factors also determine which symptoms are more bothersome to the individual. The general symptoms of mesothelioma are as follows:
- Persistent coughing - Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath - Fluid in the chest - Fluid in the lungs - Fluid in abdomen - Pain in chest - Pain in abdomen - Trouble in swallowing - Difficulty in sleeping - Loss of appetite - Weight Loss - Coughing up blood - Hoarseness - Unexplained fever - Recurring infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia - Wheezing - Sweating - Fatigue - Bone pain - Muscle weakness/muscle numbness - Sensory loss - Jaundice - Nausea - Swelling of the face, arms or neck - Masses near the surface of the body
The above are however general symptoms but the individual may suffer from some of the above. Usually it is persistent coughing and difficulty in breathing that will make an individual to seek medical advice. A growing tumor will cause the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum to expand and so allowing fluid to enter. This usually will cause pain in the abdomen or chest. Difficulty in breathing will make it difficult for the individual to sleep. Consequently this will result in loss of appetite and so in weight loss. The spreading of cancerous cells to other parts of the body will cause weakness and fatigue. The body may find it difficult to absorb nutrients and may result in weight loss. The spreading of the cancer to other parts of the body may also produce symptoms such as pain, trouble in swallowing and swelling of the face, arms or neck.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Your Feelings After the Diagnosis

Learning that you have mesothelioma is quite shocking and confusing. Initially it may be difficult to accept reality and to think clearly. You may feel shocked, confused, vulnerable, a feeling of loss of control and a fear of the unknown. You may be overwhelmed with feelings and find it difficult to express them. You may also feel that you are unable to cope with the situation and feel helpless. Family members, relatives and friends also experience strong negative feelings and are also confused as you are. It is quite normal to be confused after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Everyone in your place would be so! After all mesothelioma cancer is no joke. Although different individuals may have different feelings from each others and may look at the situation in a somehow different manner, many individuals have feelings of confusion, shock, fear, disbelief, vulnerability, anger, blame, guilt and other emotions.
For most individuals the first feelings after the diagnosis will be that of shock, confusion and disbelief. When we receive a bad news, it is quite natural to be shocked and this is usually the first reaction to a mesothelioma diagnosis or any other very bad news. You may feel that this is not really happening to you. A feeling of confusion may envelope you and it may be difficult to reason in a clear and concrete way. Some feel an urge to talk to people in order to accept the reality.
It is quite natural to be worried and feel fearful if mesothelioma cancer or any other cancer is diagnosed. Since cancer is a severe disease, many individuals diagnosed with cancer are afraid of many things. One of these is that of dying. It is true that mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer but it is also important to realize that many individuals diagnosed with cancer have defeated the odds and have lived for many years. It is well known that individuals have been cured from the most aggressive type of cancer and lived happy and productive lives.
Many individuals are also afraid about the discomforts and pain of living with cancer. Many also ponder about the side effects of treatment and if it will work at all. Nowadays there are several ways to reduce discomfort and pain. Moreover clinical trials provide new hopes in cancer treatment.
It is also important not to give importance to stories of past cancer patients. Treatment of today is more effective than that of the past and is less unpleasant. Treatment and recovery varies also with the individual and many other factors. Therefore it is useless to worry about past cases and rumors since they are unrelated to your mesothelioma cancer. Moreover different cancers have different characteristics. However if you have pain, today's drugs and other forms of treatment can considerably relieve it.
Many individuals are also worried about how this diagnosis will affect their life pattern in general. They will ponder how their lifestyle will change and the effects this diagnosis will have on their work, their family, their friends and their finances. They may be afraid that the new life changes will be difficult to cope with. Nowadays there are many facilities and services that can help in sorting one's emotions. It is important to start by sorting emotions and to ask any questions you have to your physician in order to abate certain useless worries. The more you learn about the situation the less it becomes frightening and the more you may feel in control. Remember also than human beings worry a lot about a large number of things, usually inflating their worry to such an extent that their worry is much worse than the real thing. Worry can however be eased by learning about your illness as much as you can from a specialist and from reliable sources. By talking to relatives and friends can also ease fear. There are also many counseling service and support groups that can help you.
The patient may have problems in accepting the fact that he or she has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. He or she may feel that by denying the fact they feel that it is not happening. Denying the fact may result from fear and embarrassment about the disease. Denial has both its advantages and disadvantages. Initially denying the disease may give time for the individual to adjust to the new situation. On the other hand if the individual continues to deny the fact of the diagnosis this may deter the patient from having the necessary treatment. However after some time, most people usually accept the fact that they have cancer.
Another common feeling is anger. You may ponder why it is you that have been singled out and not someone else. Why cancer has struck me and not someone else? Why me? These are common questions. You may feel that the world has been unfair with you. You may be angry at your relatives, friends, health care providers, asbestos companies and even God. Anger arises from inner feelings such as anxiety and helplessness and in reality it is directed towards the illness. Anger is a defense mechanism that helps us to cope but it is important that you inform your relatives and friends that you are not angry with them.
Other feelings include blame and guilt. Blame and guilt are two sides of the same coin. These two feelings try to mask the real feelings. When we suffer from mesothelioma it is quite natural that we try to find reasons why cancer had happened and we blame ourselves or other individuals. People usually feel better when they find the reasons why certain things happen. Mesothelioma is caused by different factors where chance or bad luck plays a big part in the story. Different people are more prone to develop cancer than others because of the genes they inherit from birth. Moreover workers exposed to airborne asbestos particles were not informed of the dangers involved in their work. Sometimes a single strand of asbestos can trigger mesothelioma and the use of asbestos is quite widespread. Still other individuals may have been more exposed to mesothelioma than other people and still they may not develop the disease. Therefore it is useless to blame yourself for the mesothelioma. There were a large number of factors that you had no control on. Most people also blame themselves for being a burden on their loved ones.
Sometimes you may feel lonely. Although you may be surrounded by family members and friends you may still feel a sense of loneliness. If you feel lonely it may help if you join a support group or you may wish to take counseling.
Sometimes throughout our lives there are moments when we need time for ourselves; when we desire to be left alone. This need may also arise if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, where you would like to be left alone in order to sort up your own feelings. Family members and friends may not understand this need since they would like to share this difficult moment with you and they may feel confused about your behavior. It is so important to inform them about your feeling and of your need for privacy.
Stress and anxiety are common feelings after a mesothelioma diagnosis. The patient may even feel depressed about the whole situation. Depression is characterized by low moods, loss of interest in usual activities and a diminished ability to experience everyday pleasure. Sometimes it may be even difficult to get out of bed in the morning. However such feelings are common for people that have been diagnosed with a severe disease such as mesothelioma. So do not hesitate to seek help on this problem. Your physician may prescribe a course of drugs or may refer you to a counselor who specializes in the problems encountered with by cancer patients.
Whatever the feelings are it is important to try to be positive and to look at the situation from a positive perspective. Of course this is easier said than done. Mesothelioma is a serious disease and it is normal to fear for the future. Being positive may not necessarily mean being cheerful and happy all the time but it is important not to allow the negative emotions to overwhelm you.
Sometimes patients may feel that they need help to deal with their emotions. Every individual is different from each other. Different individuals have different degrees of resistance to stress and different ways in coping with stress. It depends on many factors such as your character, your genes, life experiences and the support you have. A counselor may be of invaluable help for you in order to sort your emotions and help you to meet the challenges ahead. So if you feel that you need counseling, go for it.

Mesothelioma - Learning to Communicate Effectively With Your Physician

Learning that you have mesothelioma may be devastating but there are a lot of things you can do in order to improve your situation. You should learn to live with mesothelioma. It is important that you learn a lot on the disease as much as you can.
Your physician is an invaluable source of information. If this physician happens to be the family physician, he/she may know your body more than everyone else. So it is important to have an open line of communication with your physician. This is vital when dealing with a serious illness such as mesothelioma. Your success in fighting the disease depends a great deal on effective communication with your physician. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the treatments available for you and their side effects. By being informed and proactive you will achieve a sense of feeling in control. The physician may not have all the time in the world for you but it is important for you to be informed as much as you can and do not hesitate to ask questions that bother you. You may make a list of questions at home and take it to the clinic since it is common to forget questions when you are at the clinic or hospital. You may feel overwhelmed with information, so you may take a note book with you to the clinic or hospital and write on it in order not to forget. Moreover it is a good idea to take a friend or family member with you. This will not only instill courage but the relative/friend can contribute to the conversation with the physician.
There are various issues that you need to know about your mesothelioma. It is important to ask your physician about:
•The type of mesothelioma you have - This is very important since different types vary in their severity and have different prognosis and so different life expectancies.
•The spread (stages) of the disease - If mesothelioma is localized it can even be completely cured in some cases. Unfortunately mesothelioma is often diagnosed when it had already progressed a lot and so the patient has often a bleak prognosis. Treatment options will also depend on how much has the disease already spread.
•Types of treatments, their effectiveness and their side effects - Cancer treatment usually have side effects which may be quite severe. It is important to know about these side effects since they may considerably change your quality of life. There are however appropriate treatments that can relieve these side effects. By having some treatment may deter you from having other treatments, so it is important to be informed as much as you can.
•The prognosis of the disease - A prognosis is a prediction of how the disease will progress, life expectancy, and if there is the chance of a complete recovery.
•The availability of clinical trials - Clinical trials are research studies conducted with patients in order to evaluate a new treatment. It is done in order to find new methods of treating diseases. Since the available treatments for mesothelioma are quite ineffective in treating the disease, clinical trials may be considered by some mesothelioma patients. However not everyone can qualify for a clinical trial. It depends on many factors and so ask your physician about your eligibility.
•Any other problems or questions you might have. It is important that your questions are answered. So ask questions to be informed. If your line of communication with your physician is not good, this may deter you from making the right choices.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Different Types

Tumors originating in the mesothelium (a protective membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart and the stomach) can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not cause any damage and so will not hurt or do little harm to the individual since they are non-cancerous. On the other hand a malignant tumor of the mesothelium that contains cancerous cells is called malignant mesothelioma. Unfortunately tumors of the mesothelium are usually cancerous, and so malignant mesothelioma is usually just called "mesothelioma". There are mainly three types of mesothelioma:
• Pleural Mesothelioma • Peritonial Mesothelioma • Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma often originates within the chest cavity. It is a cancer of the lining of the lungs. This lining is called the pleura whose function is to produce lubricating fluid so that the lungs can move smoothly as the individual breaths. This form of mesothelioma has a high level of probability to metastasize (spread) to other organs of the body. Unfortunately it more usually does so than not. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma with an occurrence of approximately 75% of all the malignant mesothelioma. Sometimes pleural mesothelioma is wrongly diagnosed as lung cancer. It is however different from lung cancer since it does not originate in the lungs as lung cancer does but it originates in the lining of the lungs.
Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen where it affects the peritoneum. The peritoneum has the function to produce a lubricating fluid in order to allow the stomach to move freely. This type of mesotholioma usually spreads to other parts of the body such as the liver or bowels. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesotholioma amounting approximately from 10% to 20% of all malignant mesotheliomas. It is however more aggressive.
Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining that surrounds the heart. This lining is called the pericardium, whose function is to produce a lubricating fluid that protects the heart so allowing the heart to move freely. This type of cancer is the less common type of malignant mesothelioma accounting for 5% to 15% of all types. This type of mesothelioma is very aggressive.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Causes

The predominant factor that causes mesothelioma cancer is by exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos is an insulating material that is composed of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was used extensively for many years because of some desirable properties such as its resistance to melting and resistance to burning. Asbestos has been used extensively in many industrial products such as cement, roof shingles, flooring products, insulation and textiles. Researchers have identified a strong link between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, and so nowadays the material is now less widely used. It is not however totally banned.
Prior to the discovery of the strong correlation (relationship) between mesothelioma and asbestos, millions of individuals have had prolonged exposure to this harmful substance. During the manufacturing process tiny asbestos particles may float in the air, where they may be inhaled. These inhaled asbestos fibers may eventually be embedded in the mesothelium (a protective membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart and the stomach) where they may originate into mesothelioma. These particles not only can cause mesothelioma but also other serious health problems such as an increase in the risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis, and an increase of other cancers in general.
The risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure to it. However it can be said that some individuals have developed mesothelioma by a brief exposure to asbestos while others that have been heavily exposed to it have not developed mesothelioma at all.
Although mesothelioma generally results from occupational exposure, there are situations of exposure to asbestos from the environment that may have caused the disease. Families that may be located near former asbestos production facilities may also be at risk. The demolition of structures that contain asbestos can contaminate nearby families. The family members of asbestos workers may be exposed to asbestos dust that has been brought home on the clothes and hair of asbestos workers. This can cause family members to develop mesothelioma years later. Because of this it is important that asbestos workers take appropriate precautions. For example they may wash themselves and change their clothes on the place of work before going to their homes.
Individuals that have been exposed or think that they have been exposed to airborne asbestos fibers should have regular medical check ups. Any breathing problems should be promptly reported to the physician. Moreover it is important not to smoke since a combination of asbestos and smoking is particularly dangerous.
Although exposure to asbestos is the main cause in the development of mesothelioma cancer, other minor factors can also result in the development of this serious disease.There is some debatable evidence that the SV40 virus (the Simian virus) can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. However research studies gave an incomplete result and so the correlation (realationship) between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear.
Radiation Thorium dioxide (Therotrast) was used in X-ray tests in the past and there is some evidence between this substance and both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Due to this discovery thorium dioxide (Therotrast) has not been used any more.
Zeolite is a silica-based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos. It is found in the soil in the region of Anatoli (Turkey). Some mesothelioma cases in this region have been linked to this substance.
Tobacco can also be a factor in the development of mesothelioma. Although cigarette smoking alone does not cause mesothelioma, smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma. However, smoking and asbestos exposure not only can cause mesothelioma but also lung cancer.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Key Statistics

Mesothelioma is a relatively uncommon disease and also one of the most dangerous types of cancer. In the United States of America an estimated 2500 to 3000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. In the United States the incidence of the disease increased from 1970 to 1990 and then stabilized. In the European countries, the rate of mesothelioma is still increasing.
Mesothelioma has a long latency period (i.e. it takes a long time to develop after the individual is exposed to asbestos) and the first diagnosis of mesothelioma occurs between the 50 to 70 age brackets. The incidence of the disease increases with age. Mesothelioma is rare in people under age 55. In fact a high proportion of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are over 65 years. Approximately, men are affected 5 times more than women. This may also arise from the fact that men are more usually found in factories that use asbestos material.
Mesothelioma is difficult to detect in its early stages. Unfortunately the disease is usually well advanced at its first diagnosis. Current treatments are not so effective in treating the disease where the average survival period is little as over one year. However as in other types of cancer, if mesothelioma is found early and treated aggressively, the chances increase significantly that patient can reach the two year survival point. Moreover, an increasing proportion of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are able to achieve a five year survival rate.
Those individuals that live past the five year point after the diagnosis have a good chance to continue to live for many additional years. Treatment therapies continue to improve and increase and so we can expect survival rate to continue to improve.

Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis - Imaging Tests Used in the Diagnosis Process

If from the symptoms and medical examination the physician suspects mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease, the physician may order several diagnostic tests for the patient. Nowadays tests are being developed so that mesothelioma can be diagnosed at an early stage so that prompt treatment can be started as early as possible. Imaging tests to be performed include X-Ray, CT scan (Computer Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan).
Usually the first imaging test to be performed is the X-ray, where the doctor can have a closer look at the chest or abdomen. From the X-Ray the doctor will decide either or not to continue pursuing his suspected diagnosis of mesothelioma and order additional tests. If the X-ray identifies something such as pleural effusion (fluid in the lungs), tumors, scarring, pleural plaques and pleural calcification, more sophisticated tests may be ordered. This is also because generally the chest X-ray test is not very effective for early detection of mesothelioma. These other tests can help the general practitioner to get a more comprehensive and accurate look at the affected organs.
A CT-scan will provide a more detailed image of the areas examined. The CT- scan is similar to an X-Ray, but while in an X-Ray the beams are focused towards one area, a CT-scan takes many images as it rotates around the patient. These pictures are then combined in an image of a part (slice) of the patient's body. A CT-scan provides the physician with a detailed cross sectional image of the inside of the body. A CT-Scan can be performed either in a hospital as well as in an outpatient facility. In a CT-scan the patients are given a dye in order to outline the structures of the body. The injection can cause some discomforts to the patients such as flushing or allergic reactions to the dye. Some individuals might have trouble breathing and a low blood pressure but these last two side effects are rare. A CT-scan is also more tiring than a normal X-ray since it takes longer to be performed. It is often used to make the initial diagnosis of mesothelioma and is also helpful to determine how much has the cancer advanced.
An MRI-scan uses a different technology from that used by X-Ray scan and CT-scan. While An X-Ray scan and a CT-scan use X-rays an MRI-scan uses radio waves and magnetic fields. An MRI-scan produces a very detailed image of the parts of the body. A contrast dye can be injected as it is the case of a CT-scan, but nowadays it is much less used. In an MRI-scan patients are required to lie on a table and are moved through the MRI machine. This machine directs radio waves towards the body of the patient. The full procedure is harmless but may be a little stressful if the patient suffers from claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces). In this case a sedative may be given before the test is done. Some patients may also feel that the noise made by the machine is disturbing. In this case headphones with relaxing music may be provided. The MRI procedure takes approximately 1 hour. An MRI-scan is very effective to detect tumors in or around the lungs and to examine the diaphragm. MRI-Scan is also more effective than CT scans in determining the extent of enlargement of the lymph nodes which lie between the lungs.
A PET-scan is very effective in determining if the thickening of a tissue is a cancer or just a scar. A PET-scan procedure involves the injection of a radioactive sugar into the veins of the individual. Cancers use sugar at a much faster rate than normal tissues do. So a cancerous tissue will take up the radioactive sugar. A scanner can spot these radioactive deposits. A PET-scan is the most effective device in spotting tumors and the most effective in determining the staging of mesothelioma. CT scans and PET scans can be combined into a single scan that is very effective in determining the best treatment for the patient.

Diagnosis Malignant Mesothelioma Claims the Life of Labour MP John MacDougall

Labour MP John MacDougall died of Malignant Mesothlioma, caused by asbestos exposure. This had again highlighted the poor prognosis of mesothelioma victims. All ex-shipyard workers are cautioned by Mesothelioma-Junction.Com to immediately consult their specialist at the first sign of what may be symptoms of mesothelioma.
MP John MacDougall, Labour MP and close friend of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, sadly died at the age of 60, on 13 August 2008, within 24 months of receiving the diagnosis malignant mesothelioma. He passed away at the Victoria Hospital, in Kilkaldy and his funeral is set for Monday 18 August 2008. He revealed in May 2007 that he had serious health problems.
After being diagnosed with asbestosis he had one lung removed at Guy's Hospital in London. Mr MacDougall blamed his asbestos disease on his work in the shipyards in 1960's. That was before asbestos regulations were implemented globally by developed nations. The average asbestos mesothelioma victim normally lives for only 6 to 24 months after being diagnosed.
Many mesothelioma treatment options are currently available but they are yet unable to affectively heal asbestosis mesothelioma patients. This well loved politician had vowed to beat the disease and return to work, after undergoing a trial procedure to try and beat the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma. John MacDougall contributed his education to the excellent technical training that Rosyth Naval Dockyard gave to its apprentices.
A boilermaker by trade, he was employed for a period as an engineer in the dockyard and then in the mines. From 1964 John worked at the RGC oil rig construction yard in Methil. His political career commenced in 1982 when he was elected to the Fife County Council.
Even though society at large has known about the dangers of asbestos exposure and asbestos poisoning for decades, industrial tycoons and government departments continued to use or produce asbestos products to sustain their profits, employment figures and/or economic growth.
However, lobbyists for asbestos toxin health concerns and regulation, eventually succeeded. So varying efficiencies of asbestos mesothelioma law was written and implemented globally. Ship yards, boilermakers, dock yards, mining are all terms that are statistically stacked with a high level of Occupational Asbestos Risk. Even a very brief asbestos exposure can lead to a range of chronic and fatal medical dispositions known as asbestos poisoning diseases.
For many years, asbestos insulation was a preferred thermal component of boilers due to its heat resistant properties. What is asbestos and what does asbestos look like? All forms of asbestos are composed of fibers with widths less than 1 micrometer, that occur in bundles and have very long lengths. This is called fibrillar. Asbestos identify with particularly fine fibers and is sometimes also called amianthus.
So asbestos is a classification of minerals with a unique, crystalline fiber texture. The main groups are: Chrysotile ("white asbestos"), Amosite ("brown asbestos"), Crocodolite ("blue asbestos"), Tremolite (Amhibole), Anthrophyllite and Actinolite. View asbestos pictures asbestos pictures here
Why are asbestos fibers dangerous? The microscopic fibers become easily airborne. The asbestos fibers are then easily breathed in through the nose and mouth. It becomes lodged forever in the lungs or other parts of the body. The body's immune system targets these fibers to break it down, but the body acids excreted to dissolve the asbestos always fail. The lesion caused by the asbestos fibres, is called asbestos injury. Asbestos symptoms begin slowly and unnoticed. Since the asbestos particles are indestructible, connective scar tissue builds up around them.
It may take between 5 to 50 years for the first symptoms to appear, gradually developing into asbestosis mesothelioma (asbestos disease mesothelioma.) Shortness of breath with an absence of coughing is one of the first asbestos poisoning symptoms. If the scar tissue is allowed to develop undiagnosed, the presence of body acids causes some cells to mutate into malignant mesothelioma cancer cells. Once asbestosis mesothelioma cancer had advanced, other organs begin to weaken from the lack of oxygen. The heart is especially vulnerable.
Occupational asbestos risk, even in modern day industry, can not be over emphasized. This matter is once again being brought to the attention of environment and health concious groups, by the sad loss of John MacDougall, Labour MP. He was a pillar in society, member of Scottish Constitutional Convention Vice-President and Treasurer of the Assembly of European Regions. He was alos asked if he would act as liaison officer between the AER and the Conference of Periphereal Maritime Regions.
For more information about the diagnosis malignant mesothelioma and asbestos pictures, our website: mesothelioma-Junction.Com
Pieter Pepler is a management consultant to small and medium enterpises. He has a keen interest in in health aspects and spends much of his time researching and writing about the causes and alternative treatment options for the natural treatment of various chronic diseases.
His work on asbestos mesothelioma risk and related research is published on his Mesothelioma-Junction.com website.
Pieter has also done an asbestos picture study of asbestos in a popular seaside holiday distination, entitled: "A Silent Killer Stalking Your Favorite Beach Destination?" The album can be viewed under "Asbestos Pictures" on his website.

Critical Information and Questions Regarding Lung Cancer

If you're looking for facts about lung cancer, keep reading for the answers to some frequently asked questions.
Is there more than one type of of this disease?
Lung cancer is divided into two different types. These are non-small and small cell forms. They are classified differently because the cells grow and spread differently with each type.
Non-small cancer of the lungs is the most common and covers three different types - squamus cell carcinoma cancer, large cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Small lung cancer happens in about 25% of all reported cases and generally grows and spreads to other organs very quickly.
Is cancer of the lungs preventable?
There are three ways to prevent this killer - quit smoking, avoid second-hand smoke and stay away from air-borne carcinogens at work. If you're concerned about your risk of developing this illness, avoiding tobacco smoke is typically your best defense.
What are the major causes?
The primary cause of lung cancer in most cases is smoking tobacco products. Of all the facts about the disease, this is the most critical and apparent. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke will damage cells. Other causes include exposure to carcinogens like asbestos or radon. Genetics may also play a role in the prevalence of the disease.
How do doctors detect it initially?
Most cases of lung cancer caught during the early stages of the disease are found accidentally in chest X-rays. Unfortunately, symptoms typically aren't exhibited until the later stages.
For a confident diagnosis, a biopsy is required. When a doctor performs a biopsy, he or she removes a small amount of tissue from the lung to test it for cancerous cells.
Does it have any symptoms?
Most cancerous lung symptoms don't appear until after the disease has reached the later stages. That said, the symptoms include constant coughing or wheezing, loss of appetite, chest pains, upper abdomen pains, bronchitis or pneumonia, blood being coughed up, general fatigue, a persistent hoarse voice and a dry, sore throat.
Can the disease be treated, and how?
Lung cancer can be treated, but the treatments will depend on how far advanced the disease has progressed, the patient's strength and the type of cancer. Once identified, is typically treated with one of - or a combination of - chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer, but it's very rare. The disease is caused by exposure to asbestos. Essentially, the asbestos fibers attack the lung lining, causing the formation of tumors.
Whose more at risk - men or women?
Women who smoke are twice as likely to be diagnosed with this cancer than men who are smokers.
I'm older and a smoker, will quitting really help me?
Yes, it can! Every year a person goes without smoking, their chances of contracting the disease are significantly reduced. Out of all the facts about it, this is the most critical. Remember, whether you're 18 or 80, quitting can help you prevent lung cancer.

Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis - Taking a Sample

X-Rays, CT Scans. MRI scans and PET scans can offer a fair diagnosis. However to arrive at a definitive conclusion a physician often recommends a biopsy. A biopsy is a surgical procedure where a sample of tissue or fluid is obtained from the affected area and it is then examined in a laboratory by a pathologist. The sample is then analyzed under a microscope and a definitive conclusion may be reached whether the individual has mesothelioma or not. A biopsy may also determine the type of cells of the mesothelioma, so that the appropriate treatment plan may be determined. The physician selects the adequate biopsy procedure depending on the area affected.
If the patient has accumulation of fluids in the chest (pleural effusion), a long hollow needle can be inserted into the chest cavity and a sample of this fluid is aspirated. The same procedure can be done if the patient has accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or in the heart area. Such fluid is then analyzed in the laboratory in order to determine if cancer cells are present. If this is the case, other tests need to be done in order to determine if the cancer is mesothelioma or another type of cancer. However this procedure often leads to inconclusive results and many physicians would like to take also a tissue sample.
In order to take a tissue sample, a needle is inserted into the chest cavity and is then rotated. Tissue samples are collected as the needle is taken out. However such procedure may be dangerous since there is the chance of tumor seeding along the needle tract and so radiation therapy may need to be applied after the test. Because the tissue taken is usually small, this method has a limited reliability.
A tissue sample can be obtained by a new technique called thoroscopy. In this procedure a thoroscope (a telescope-like instrument connected to a video camera) is inserted through a small incision in the patient's chest. The physican can see the tumor through the thoroscope. With the aid of special forecep, a sample of the tumor can then be removed. This technique is usually done under a local anesthesia and is usually performed in the case of pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma.
In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma a laparoscopy is performed in order to obtain a sample of this tumor. A laparoscopy is similar to thoroscopy but the procedure is performed in the abdominal cavity instead of the chest. In laparoscopy a tube attached to a video camera is inserted into the abdominal cavity through a small cut. The physician can so look inside the patient's body and can take samples of abnormal tissues. This procedure is usually done under a general anesthetic and more than one incision can be performed. Fluid samples can be also taken during laparoscopy and thoroscopy.
Thoracotomy is a surgical procedure to open the chest cavity and to check for signs of tumors. A large sample tissue is taken in order to be tested in the laboratory. Sometimes the tumor is removed in this procedure.
Laparotomy is a surgical procedure to open the abdominal cavity and to check for signs of tumors. A large sample tissue is taken in order to be tested in the laboratory. Sometimes the tumor is removed in this procedure.
VATS (Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery) is a procedure where several small cuts are made in the chest wall. A camera and the required surgical instruments can be inserted in different cuts in order to collect tissue samples. The surgeon can look at a video screen showing the images of the camera.
Mediastinoscopy is a procedure where a tiny incision is made above the breast bone and a tube is inserted and moved down into the chest. A physician can look at the lymph nodes through the tube. Lymph Nodes are part of the body's immune system and their function is to collect and destroy bacteria and viruses. When the body is fighting an infection or cancer, the lymph nodes are usually swollen. By looking at the lymph nodes the physician will get information regarding the type and spread of the cancer. By analyzing the tissue samples taken, the pathologist can determine whether the tumor is mesothelioma or another type of cancer.
Peritoneoscopy is a procedure that can be performed in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, where the physician can look inside the abdomen with a peritonescope through a cut made in the abdomen. If fluid has accumulated in the abdomen it should be first removed.
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that can be used if the patient is suspected to have pleural mesothelioma. A flexible tube (bronchoscope) is inserted into the bronchi through the patient's mouth in order to see any masses in the airway. The physician can see into the airways through an eyepiece. The physician may take abnormal-looking samples of tissue for analysis.

Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis - Examining the Sample

After the sample is obtained from the affected area it is then examined by a pathologist in a laboratory. A pathologist is a physician that examines tissues, blood and body fluids in order to diagnose diseases. The sample arrives at the laboratory with relevant information regarding the patient together with a description of the site of the body from where the sample was collected. The pathologist examines the sample and then he/she makes a description of the tissue. The tissue is then preserved in an appropriate container.
Unfortunately in the case of mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose the disease by just looking at the cells collected from the fluid around the lungs, abdomen or heart through a microscope. Testing of the fluid may produce inconclusive and unreliable results and it so has a limited value. It is also difficult to diagnose the disease from tissues collected by the use of the needle, because of the small sample size collected. When looking through a microscope; mesothelioma cells may resemble other type of cancers. For example it is difficult to distinguish between pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer. Also, peritoneal mesothelioma cells and cells of cancers of the ovaries are also very similar, when looked through a microscope. Hence needle biopsies are not an effective method in the diagnosis of mesothelioma. An electron microscope is a very powerful microscope that can magnify cells 100 times more than the normal microscope (light microscope). The electron microscope may so produce more reliable results.
However other tests and techniques are usually performed in order to distinguish mesothelioma from other type of cancers such as lung cancer. Immunohistochemistry is a test where cell types are identified based on different proteins on the surface of the cells. This test uses techniques in order to recognize the types of chemicals (markers) that are contained in mesothelioma. In the past, the type of chemicals (markers) used to distinguish mesothelioma from lung cancer were 'negative markers'.
Pathologist watched for markers that were found in lung cancer and not in mesothelioma. So, if they were not present it meant that the individual had not lung cancer. This made the diagnosis difficult to confirm. Nowadays 'positive markers' are used, where if certain markers are found, it means that the cells belong to mesothelioma. DNA Microarray analysis is a new test that can be performed in order to distinguish between different gene patterns of cancers.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Choosing the Right Physician

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. It is not always easy to find an adequate physician for your needs. It also depends on the treatment you are searching for. For example chemotherapy treatment is much more available than surgical treatment or other specialized treatments. For the treatment of mesothelioma it is recommended that you search for physicians that deal with mesothelioma on a regular basis and so have the adequate experience in the treatment of this disease.
When choosing a physician it is important to keep certain things in perspective. A good mesothelioma physician should have the required education and training. Most specialists such as oncologists, radiologist and other specialists are adequately qualified. They are licensed to practice medicine and are qualified from a specialty board. However not all oncologist may have experience in treating mesothelioma. It is important that the oncologists you choose has the adequate experience in treating mesothelioma cancer. Such oncologists may treat several cases of mesothelioma every year and a considerable number in their careers.
It is important that the physician encourages you to talk about your worries and proposes adequate solutions for your particular situation. It is true that many oncologists are very busy but the success of your treatment and your quality of life depends also from a healthy and trustful communication between you and your physician or physicians.
If it is recommended that you have surgery in order to remove part or the entire tumor, you may need the service of a surgical oncologist. A good surgical oncologist should be board certified and belong to a medical specialty society. He/She must have experience with the type of surgery you require. This is very important since certain operations regarding mesothelioma may be quite complicated. It is not a bad idea to check how much of this type of surgeries has he performed during the last year or in his entire career. It is important that you are well educated on the procedures, risks and side effects of the surgery you are going to undertake. A surgical oncologist should not hesitate to inform you about any questions and worries you have. This is also important because some surgical procedures may have severe side effects that you have to live with them after surgery.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Choosing a Treatment Centre

You may wish to be treated locally or you may choose to be treated in a specialized treatment for your mesothelioma. There are specialized cancer centers that can offer a wide range of facilities. However these centers may not necessary be near your residence and so you may be required to travel. These specialized care centers consist of teams of physicians of various specialties such as radiation oncologists, pulmonary therapist, surgery oncologists, pathologists and others. They are usually located near universities and research facilities and may also conduct various clinical trials.
The facility chosen should be familiar with the treatment of mesothelioma. Although the cancer centre may be a centre of excellence, it does not necessarily mean that it excels in the treatment of mesothelioma. There are many other types of cancers that can be treated at the centre and where the cancer centre may be a leader. However it is important to check that the centre has adequate medical staff and experience for the treatment of mesothelioma.
It is important that that the centre coordinates with your local care team. You may still involve your local care team in your treatment especially if the cancer centre you choose is far away from your residence.
It is also important that the facility chosen is clear about the rights of the patients and insurance plans. It is a good idea to check if the medical services offered in the facility is covered by your medical insurance and what services are covered. The facility should be clear about your rights and responsibilities. If you are in doubt you may wish to ask for the patient's bill of rights. The bill of rights describes the rights of the patients.

Mesothelioma Cancer - What Type of Treatment is Available?

The type of treatment available depends on the location of the cancer, the stages of the disease, the age of the patient and the general health of the patient. Treatment for mesothelioma includes the following:
• Chemotherapy - the use of drugs in order to kill cancer cells • Radiation therapy - the use of high energy rays to kill cancer cells • Surgery - the removal of cancer and other tissues by surgery • Clinical Trials - research studies • New methods and approaches • Alternative medicine • Palliative - treatment for the symptoms of the cancer
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are called the standard treatment and a combination of these is usually used. A clinical study is research used for the sake of evaluating a certain treatment. It usually involves a different approach from that of standard treatment. Not all patients qualify for every type of treatment. Therefore it is important to know what type of treatment do you qualify to and what does each procedure entails. It is also important to learn what the side effects are since they vary from procedure to procedure and may be quite severe. Further more, sometimes by following a certain procedure; you may limit your eligibility to follow other procedures. Therefore it is important to be well informed. Sometimes mesothelioma may be in an advanced state or the patient may be very old and treatment options may be quite limited because of the severity of certain treatments. Therefore it may be more appropriate to alleviate the symptoms and not try to cure the disease (palliative care).

Mesothelioma Cancer - Bone Marrow Problems

Chemotherapy drugs can have a temporal effect on the bone marrow and may so cause a reduction in the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. If there is a reduction of these cells, the body is easily bruised and bleeding will take longer to stop. White blood cells fight infections and so by a drop in the count of these cells, the body will be less able to fight any infection. Symptoms as headaches, muscle pain, sore throat, a cough, feeling cold and problems in passing urine may be an indication of an infection. It is very important that the doctor is promptly informed if an infection is suspected since this can be very serious. It is important that the blood cell count is checked regularly and if it is found to be low, appropriate medications may be prescribed.
The patient must do his part to fight infections. He/she needs to take extra care for his hygiene. This is because germs that can cause an infection can be found everywhere and if the patient has a low white blood count they can easily procure an infection. Hands should be appropriately and regularly washed before and after eating, before preparing food and particularly after visiting the toilet. Door knobs may also contain a large number of germs. Extra care need also to be taken when using instruments, since germs my enter from the cut. Food should be appropriately cooked and raw food should not be eaten.
Special attention needs to be taken when public places are visited and particularly in crowded places. When there are a large number of people germs can easily travel from one person to another. Mesothelioma sufferers have a weakened immune system and so they may need a vaccine.
Anemia occurs when there is a drop in the red cells in your blood. These cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. If you have few red blood cells to carry oxygen your heart will have to work harder than usual and you will have shortness of breath, feelings of tiredness, dizziness and weakness. Chemotherapy can cause anemia because since these drugs can have a temporal effect on your bone marrow and may so cause a reduction in the red blood cells. It is important that you limit you activities, sleep adequately and eat a proper diet. Your red cell count will be constantly checked by your physician and you may require having a blood transfusion if your count is too low. Medications can be taken to boost your red cell count. However contact your doctor immediately if you feel very dizzy, feel you are going to faint, feel short of breath or your heart is pounding very fast. These may be a sign that your red cell count has fallen too low.

Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment - Hair Loss and Fertility Problems

Perhaps one of the most visible symptoms that an individual has cancer is hair loss. Many patients are very aware and concerned about the loss of their hair. Hair thinning and hair loss is a common side effect of some chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy. This occurs because chemotherapy drugs damages rapid growing cells such as those of mesothelioma but also other normal rapid growing cells such as that of the hair. However the hair will grow some time after chemotherapy is terminated and it may not necessary be of the same texture or color as was prior to chemotherapy.
There are practical ways to deal with hair loss. One can buy a wig. There is a large choice of wigs and a wig can also be appropriately styled to match the patient's hair. So it is important to choose a wig before any treatment is started. Many people have negative feelings such as depression and embarrassment when their hair falls. But in the majority of the cases hair will be back some time after the treatment is terminated.
Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy may cause infertility. Chemotherapy drugs and radiation therapy can damage the ovaries or lower the hormones produce by them and can also result in early menopause. Hence the woman may become infertile. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may lower the number of sperms or damage the sperms. Hence the man may become infertile. Infertility depends on certain factors such as the general health of the individual and the chemotherapy drugs administered. It is important to talk to the physician about fertility problems and about the intentions of having children in the future.
Getting pregnant during chemotherapy can cause serious defects in the unborn baby. So it is important not to get pregnant during this time. Further more it is also important that a man receiving chemotherapy will not make his partner pregnant since his sperms may be damaged and may cause birth defects. Infertility problems may be permanent, so it is impotent to talk with the physician and be informed as much as possible.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Dealing With Pain

Pain is an unpleasant sensation. Most mesothelioma patients suffer from pain to a certain degree. It can be mild but it can also be acute or chronic. Acute pain is severe pain that comes quickly but usually lasts for a short time. On the other hand chronic pain is more persistent and lasts for a longer period of time. Pain arises both from the tumor itself and from the treatment taken. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can cause pain. Perhaps it is chemotherapy drugs that cause the most discomforts.
Chemotherapy usually cause discomforts as much or sometimes even more than pain caused by the tumor itself. The severity and location of pain depends also on the type of mesothelioma you have and it generally increases as the disease advances. Mesothelioma patients, because they are generally quite advanced in their age, may have other types of pain from other types of diseases. Different individuals have different tolerance to pain and so pain is a subjective sensation.
Pain has a large bearing on one's quality of life and so it is very important that it is adequately controlled. There are many methods that can relieve pain. Medications play an important part and can be administered orally, by injection or by patches. Mild pain can be controlled by over-the-counter medications. It is however important to inform your physician on any over-the-counter medications you may take since these may interfere with your treatment.
Therefore do not take any over-the-counter medications without prior informing your physician about it. More powerful drugs need to be administered for acute or chronic pain but it is important that such medications are strictly monitored by your physician because they might have some undesirable side effects. Among others this may include nausea and vomiting, constipation and drowsiness. Pain can reduce your appetite which is very dangerous because you need to be appropriately nourished in order to be more able to fight the disease. Strong medications can also be administered at home through a catcher. There are also a number of other methods that do not rely on medications that can help you to reduce your pain such as acupuncture, mediation and others. Talk with your physician about them.
It is important that pain is addressed as soon as possible since the more time you take to address it the more it will be difficult to control. So take action immediately. Reduction of pain depends on an appropriate collaboration with your physician. It is important that you describe your pain to your physician accurately such as its severity, location and when it is more acute. Since pain is an individualized matter, it is important that your physician addresses your particular needs. Pain does not only affect the patients but all the family will be affected. Family members may be hurt seeing you suffering. However they also can do their part to ease your pain.

Mesothelioma Cancer - How to Prevent It?

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid contact with airborne asbestos fibers. Most people that get mesothelioma had worked with asbestos in the past. Some people may still be exposed to asbestos on their workplace nowadays. People who could be exposed to asbestos in their present work (such as miners, factory workers, insulation workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers) should follow strict regulations issued by the Occupational and Health Administration or any authorized regulator for their safety and also for the safety of their family members. Workers should use protective equipment provided by their employers and follow recommended work practices and safety procedures.
Unfortunately family members or individuals living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This is because these individuals may be exposed to asbestos particles brought home on the clothing, hair, skin or shoes by asbestos workers. In order to reduce the risk that a family member gets mesothelioma it is important that individuals that work in environment where they are exposed to asbestos particles wash themselves and change their clothing before leaving their workplace.
Mesothelioma can develop also by exposure to asbestos at home or in public buildings. Special attention need to be taken when living in old homes since some old homes may have asbestos in their insulation or in other materials. In this case it is important to have the home checked by a qualified expert and if necessarily such hazardous materials need to be removed; always by an expert. Some modern buildings may also have asbestos products. However asbestos poses little danger if it is not inhaled as tiny particles.

Asbestos - What is It?

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers and which can be separated into thin threads. Although some countries have outlawed the mining of asbestos, it is still mined in several countries such as Russia. This mineral has been used for many years in the manufacturing industries. Asbestos fibers have certain desirable properties as resistance to heat and chemicals. They are also good insulators of electricity (i.e. they do not conduct electricity), have great flexibility and are able to support a high level of stress before breaking. Because of these desirable properties, asbestos had been widely used in the past in many industries and it is still used today in various industries.
Asbestos minerals belong to two groups: Serpentine and Amphibole. Chrysolite or white asbestos is the only asbestos minerals that belong to the serpentine group. Chrysolite has been the most asbestos minerals to be most used in industry. Approximately it accounts to 95% of asbestos found in buildings throughout the United States. It is also present in many materials such as vinyl floor tiles, pipes, adhesives and many other products. Cyrysolite is banned in the European Union and Australia and so it is not used any more in these countries.
In the Amphibole group there are five types of asbestos minerals: Amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), anthophillite (gray asbestos), tremolite and actinolite. Amosite is the second most likely type of asbestos minerals to be found in buildings in the United States. All the asbestos minerals in the amphibole group were banned in much of the western world.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers and which can be separated into thin threads. Contrary to what many individuals think, there is not a total ban on the uses of asbestos. Asbestos can be classified in various groups.

Asbestos Exposure - How Can Individuals Protect Themselves?

If you work in an environment where asbestos is used it is very important to make sure that the adequate precautions are being taken to safeguard your safety. Due to the dangers posed to the individuals by asbestos exposure, there are various regulations to safeguard the health of the individuals.
On the workplace employers are required to follow the required regulations in order to safeguard the health of their employees. Workers should follow instructions and use the protective equipment provided to them by their employer. They should also follow the correct work practices and safety procedures. It is important that workers know how to use their protective equipment since if it is wrongly used exposure to asbestos may also occur. If there is some concern among workers about the exposure of asbestos on their place of work, they should immediately discuss the situation with their employer and their health and safety representatives.
If you are an individual that have a family member that works in an environment where asbestos is used, it is important that the family member washes himself and changes clothes on the workplace before coming home. Any clothes of the individual that have been used in an environment where asbestos is used may also contain dangerous asbestos fibers.
It is important not to damage or burn products that are made of asbestos. Further more it is important that old houses that have pipes or other materials made with asbestos be checked by an expert. Old pipes or materials may deteriorate as time passes and may expose the individual to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Cancer - Symptoms According to Different Types

Although there are common symptoms pertaining to the three types of mesothelioma, different type of mesothelioma may have also specific symptoms.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma cancer that affects the lung lining) are as follows: • Pain in the chest • Shortness of breath • Pain in the lower back • Fluid surrounding the lung (pleural effusion) • A persistent cough • Coughing up blood • Difficulty swallowing • Hoarseness • Wheezing • Fatigue • Weight loss • Persistent fever • Excessive sweating • Swelling of the face and arms • Muscle weakness • Sensory loss.
In the early stages symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are usually quite mild. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain. These two symptoms are the result of the build up of fluid in the pleura. Approximately 60% of the individuals report pain in the lower back. The other symptoms are usually reported by a lower number of individuals.
The signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (mesothelioma cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity) are as follows: • Abdominal pain (ranging from acute to severe) • Stomach pain • Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity ( ascites) • Swelling of the abdomen (due to the accumulation of fluid) • A mass in the abdomen • Breathing difficulties • Bowel obstruction • Nausea • Vomiting • Fever • Anemia (a low count of red cells in the blood) • Weakness • Loss of appetite • Weight loss (due to no apparent reason) • Blood clots in the veins • Blood clots in the arteries of the lungs • Abnormal blood clotting • Severe bleeding in body organs • Yellowing of the eyes and skin (Jaudice) • A low level of sugar in the blood • Pleural effusion
The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain and swelling due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Weight loss is another common symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma and is usually more dramatic than other forms of mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects also the intestines, liver and other structures in the abdominal cavity. The ability of the body to make blood clots is impaired since the liver plays an important role in producing the substances to control bleeding. As the cancer spreads beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body other symptoms may include trouble swallowing or swelling of the neck or face.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are as follows: • Accumulation of fluid around the heart • Chest pain (ranging from mild to severe) • Shortness of breath • Heart palpitations • Persistent coughing • Extreme fatigue (with little physical activity)
Fluid accumulates around the heart due to the growth of tumors in the pericardial region. Most of the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are attributed to the accumulation of this fluid since the accumulated fluid interferes with the function of the heart. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are often wrongly mistaken as an indication of some type of heart disease.

Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosis - What Are the Initial Steps of the Diagnosis Process?

Usually an individual will seek medical advice from his family doctor complaining of certain symptoms such as persistent coughing, difficulty in breathing, pain in the chest/abdomen or a combination of these symptoms. Diagnosing mesothelioma is not an easy process. The symptoms of the disease are similar to other common alignments such as flu, bronchitis and heart disease, and so mesothelioma is frequently mistaken for something else.
It is important that the patient gives a complete medical and occupational history. Any exposure or possible exposure to asbestos should be clearly stated by the patient. Sometimes patients may be reluctant to mention any exposure to asbestos since this may have been only for a short time and many years in the past, and so the patient may feel that it is irrelevant to mention. However such exposure may also be enough for the development of mesothelioma. Any information regarding any exposure to asbestos will not only help the doctor to diagnose the disease but will also eliminate the need to perform unnecessary tests which may be both costly and uncomfortable.
At the clinic the physician, will ask you about the symptoms, the timing of occurrences of the symptoms and what makes them better or worse. He/she may ask if you suffer from other symptoms like fever, pain or weight loss. The physician will feel the areas where there is the pain and will listen to the chest of the patient in order to determine if there is any sign of accumulation of fluids.
Pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity) occurs in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Ascites (fluid in the abdominal cavity) occurs in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial effusion (fluid in the pericardium) occurs in patients with pericardial mesothelioma. This accumulation of fluids in different areas might be detected during the physical examination. Otherwise they may be detected by using various tests.