Mesothelioma Patient is Cancer-Free More Than a Decade After Diagnosis - Health - Cancer

A British man has survived for more than 12 years after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer that is typically fatal within a year. Researchers say this rare case of spontaneous regression could be evidence of the immune system's role in fighting cancer, and that focusing on immune-based therapies might offer new options for treating mesothelioma.

According to a report in the Annals of Thoracic Surgery, the patient first arrived at London's Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital in 1994 complaining of chest pain and shortness of breath. He had a history of occupational exposure to asbestos--one of the most significant risk factors for mesothelioma. Biopsies indicated that the patient did have mesothelioma, but he opted not to be treated.

Five years later the patient returned to the hospital with a mass in his chest wall. A biopsy confirmed the mesothelioma diagnosis. Doctors performed surgery to remove the cancer. Surgery is usually not successful at removing all traces of mesothelioma, because the tumor forms a sheet shape, rather than a lump like other cancers, says study author John Pilling, FRCS, Consultant Thoracic Surgeon at Guy's Hospital in London. However, in this case, a biopsy performed during one of the surgeries to remove the tumor showed no traces of cancer remaining.

Doctors followed-up for seven years, and 12 years after the patient's symptoms first appeared, imaging studies showed that he was still cancer-free. He received no further treatment for his mesothelioma after his initial surgery.

It is exceptionally rare for mesothelioma to regress as it did in this patient; however, it has happened before. In 2007, for example, Australian researchers reported on the case of a 61-year-old woman who remained cancer-free two years after her diagnosis.

Researchers have been trying to determine what factors might contribute to prolonged survival in these isolated cases. One possibility is that the immune system could be stimulated to fight off the cancer. "We know that the immune system (natural killer cells) regularly kills off small cancers in all of us, so [it may be] the same way for slightly bigger tumors," according to Dr. Pilling. As possible evidence of this effect, researchers have seen how immune system cells called lymphocytes are able to infiltrate one form of mesothelioma, which has a slightly better survival rate.

Dr. Pilling says he and his colleagues have not followed-up with the mesothelioma patient since this report was published in 2007. However, he says this patient's case has given them additional insight into the importance of the immune system in fighting cancer. "Current chemotherapy has a deleterious effect on the immune system," he says. "Maybe a vaccine or immune modulation is the way ahead."

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Mesothelioma New Treatments and Therapies for Cancer Patients Future Cancer Care Choices for Mesothelioma Patients - Health - Skin Care

Mesothelioma and asbestosis treatment has been undergoing renewed interest with projections of an increasing number of patients diagnosed with these asbestos created diseases. Medical researchers are looking beyond traditional treatment to gene therapy, phototherapy and immunotherapy.

Mesothelioma prognosis looks dark under the probes of statistics. Under the microscope of clinical trials, however, the prognosis for a longer and more enjoyable life while living with Mesothelioma looks significantly brighter. Medical research on asbestos causing diseases and scientific evaluations of combination drugs and therapies continue to bring hope and promise to the cancer patients that wonder what their future holds. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy now have to make room in the science lab for therapies developed from gene research, principals of the immune system, and the lights from the lasers of phototherapy. Even the mice had to move over in March of 2008 for the mesothelioma mice that are being praised by scientists as a key to finding a cure for mesothelioma.

Medical research on tumor filled mice can produce significantly faster results than clinical trials with participating human patients and studies on mice are often a first step to developing a clinical trial. Finding isolated genes in mice that are unique to the disease enables cancer researchers to test gene therapies that could potentially eliminate the need for drugs by replacing bad genes with good genes, or simply by eliminating the trouble-causing gene. A cancerous cell is basically a body part with the wrong ingredients. An incorrect gene is a wrong ingredient that causes many cancerous cells. Putting in the right ingredients, the correct genes, can potentially create the right body part (a good cell).

Good genes are not the only way to fight cancer cells though and gene therapy is extremely new. A healthy body naturally fights sickness with low levels of BMR biological response modifiers. Immunotherapy multiplies the BMR level to raise the fighting abilities in the body. The goal is to raise the level high enough to knock out the cancer cells. Unfortunately, immunotherapy often comes with side effects that come with sickness, such as flu-like symptoms - but the side-effects are based on dosage amount and of course the unique composition of the patient, and they do go away when treatment is stopped. Side effects are also reported with phototherapy, primarily sun and skin sensitivities, however new, experimental photodynamic therapies used in combination with surgery surfaced three mesothelioma patients who had no recurrent tumors almost a year later.

Anti-angiogenic therapy is a new biological cancer therapy that focuses on the blood vessels. The cancer cells from asbestos diseases need blood to grow. Research has shown that patients with mesothelioma have higher levels of a natural bodily chemical VEGF a chemical that controls blood vessels. Anti-angiogenic therapy focuses on blocking the VEGF that supports the blood vessels that encourage the cancers growth. Bevacizumab is a cancer drug used for this purpose, and clinical studies combining Bevacizumab, Gemcitabine and Cisplatin are currently being evaluated.

Mesothelioma and asbestosis treatments are available that go beyond simple radiation and chemotherapy. New drug combinations and cancer therapies are available to cancer patients through clinical trials. Clinical trials are also available to patients suffering from asbestosis and other diseases. For now, these new therapies are experimental - but because of these experiments, new traditional treatments for cancer can be seen over the horizon.

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Chemotherapy Effectiveness Studied for Mesothelioma Patients - Health

Although mesothelioma cancer has no current cure, many medical professional believe that chemotherapy can be a successful treatment of symptom control of the condition, however, this continues to be debated, according to a study from The Lancet, a British Journal.

Researchers studied 409 patients all of which were suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma in different parts of the world. The patients were randomly assigned an active symptom control treatment or a treatment that included an active control treatment with one of two chemotherapy medications. According to the study, "the active symptom control treatments included steroids, bronchodilators, analgesic medications and palliative radiotherapy."

Following the study, the patients with both treatment options were compared and, according to researchers, "the addition of chemotherapy to active symptom control presented no significant benefit or advances in survival rates or quality of life" among mesothelioma victims.

Diagnosing and Understanding Chemotherapy, Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant cancer cells develop in a thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity covering the lungs, which is also known as the pleura, or the peritoneum, which is the tissue lining the abdomen and most of the organs, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The American Cancer Society (ACS) describes chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer; it is often given to a patient when cancerous cells spread rapidly to healthy cells.

Doctors must adequately evaluate a patients age, health and stage of cancer prior to administering chemotherapy. For mesothelioma patients, chemotherapy is not a curative method of treatment, but is actually administered to mesothelioma patients for several reasons including the following:

* stop growth and spreading of a cancer, to control the cancer

* minimize or shrink tumors - this method is also known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy

* palliative chemotherapy in which pain and other symptoms are meant to be reduced

* the destruction of microscopic disease that remains after a surgical procedure, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is administered either as a catheter placed into a large vein in the body or a catheter attached as a port that is placed into the chest area under the skin for a period of time.

Living With Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, victims of mesothelioma continue to receive setbacks for their life-threatening condition, as there are currently no successful treatments for the deadly cancer.

However, an individual has the opportunity to participate in an array of clinical trial treatment groups as well as the opportunity to develop a mesothelioma lawsuit to derive monetary compensation as a means of repayment for the condition, which is often associated with extremely expensive medical bills.

Speaking with a qualified medical attorney who can offer a free legal consultation as to the creation of mesothelioma litigation can offer a mesothelioma victim peace of mind and insight into overcoming the financial burden of their condition.

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mesothelioma patient - Health - Cancer

A mesothelioma patient is any patient who is suffering from the rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. This disease is usually caused by either direct or indirect exposure to asbestos and is sometimes known as asbestos disease or asbestos poisoning.

Smoking is not a direct cause of mesothelioma but a combination of smoking and asbestos exposure can increase the likelihood of mesothelioma in the lung area.

Symptoms of mesothelioma can include breathing difficulties and coughing, chest pain and other symptoms such as fever, weight loss and pain in abdomen, neck or head. The symptoms might occur several decades after the exposure to asbestos, and the amount of exposure is not clearly correlated with the likelihood of getting the disease.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is difficult because all the symptoms can be caused by other less serious diseases and can be supported by chest X-ray and/or CT scan or MRI and biopsy.

Patients don't usually recover from the disease. Median survival times are usually about nine months from presentation with the five-year survival rate being around ten percent, although occasionally people do survive for more than twenty years after contracting it.

Most patients die within one and a half years of finding out that they have this disease not because the disease is so rapidly progressing but because diagnosis of this particular disease is often only definite during the late stages of the disease.

There are many forms of support for patients, including large amounts of relevant information on the internet, and discussion groups etc. as well as specialist medical centers and other forms of support.

Treatment can be expensive, sometimes totaling close to a million dollars, which is one reason most patients take legal action against the employer who exposed them to asbestos. Treatment can include combinations radiation and chemo treatment and surgery but radiation therapy alone has proved ineffective.

Legal actions concerning mesothelioma began around 1930 then increased in 1960 when firm data on the link between asbestos and mesothelioma was proven. More than 500,000 asbestos claims have been filed so far. The amounts received from mesothelioma claims can be considerable and there are specialist asbestos lawyers and attorneys working to help each mesothelioma patient claim as much as possible.

For additional relevant information see our Blog Post Mesothelioma Treatment Options.

For more relevant information see our Blog Mesothelioma Reports

(sources include )

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Mesothelioma Patients Need Fast Help Resources - Health - Mental Health

Growing number of mesothelioma help groups suggest the gravity of the cancer. No doubt it is a good move to create awareness among masses about growing incidence of mesothelioma and its terrible consequences. One must comprehend the facts that mesothelioma is the cancer that requires urgent attention by hundreds of employers those do not care about the safety of their employees while they work in asbestos related industries.

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New Gene Test Provides Approximate Survival Rates for Mesothelioma Patients - Law

According to a study published in the May 6 Journal of the National Cancer Institute(JNCI), scientists have recently devised a test that can accurately predict which mesothelioma patients have the best chance for survival. The test is also useful for identifying which patients would be the best candidates for surgery, another treatment option for mesothelioma cancer.

The test is deceptively simple; it works by identifying the ratios of four genes present in tissue samples of mesothelioma cancer patients and comparing them with samples of tissue from patients who have survived mesothelioma cancer for an extended period of time. The gene test proved to provide consistent and easily repeatable results across different research campuses. Despite different technicians using different instruments in different laboratories, the test showed a high efficacy rate.

The test was devised by Dr. Raphael Bueno, the Associate Chief in the Division of Thoracic Surgery and Director of the Thoracic Surgery Residency Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Previously, predicting a patient's prognosis was an invasive process; according to Dr. Bueno, major surgery was required to adequately predict the outcome. In the interest of creating a more accessible, less invasive, and accurately informative test, Dr. Bueno and his team looked to preexisting cancer tests. Specifically, the team looked at two gene-based testing methods that have been used in predicting breast cancer recurrence. Though this technology has not been widely used due to heavy logistical requirements, the inspiration provided enough incentive to help Dr. Bueno and his team develop what could be one of the biggest steps forward in accurate mesothelioma diagnosis in recent years.

The study announced in the JNCI was to determine how accurately the test predicted the survival rates of patients. Researchers examined samples of tissue from 120 mesothelioma patients and followed their cases until 2007 or until their death. Using the gene ratio test, researchers categorized the participants in two groups: a good outcome group, and a poor outcome group. On average, the poor outcome group survived 9.5 months; the good outcome group survived 16.8 months, almost double the rate of survival.

Since this test is so revealing about the survival rates of patients, it provides an opportunity for families and individuals to choose the best treatment option for mesothelioma cancer. Patients with good gene ratio test results could be more likely to benefit from surgery, while those in the lower survival rate group seek the best supportive care available.

Mesothelioma is often a very debilitating condition that may require large amounts of physical therapy and treatment options as well as require thousands of dollars in medical costs. It is common for many patients to discuss a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced personal injury attorney.

By contacting a mesothelioma lawyer, a patient is increasing their chances of receiving monetary funds as a compensation for the damages endured because of mesothelioma cancer. Additionally, a mesothelioma lawsuit may also result in the reimbursement of expensive medical bills as well as open the door for patients to receive costly medical care that they may have otherwise been able to afford or receive.

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Common Treatments and Medical Procedures for a Mesothelioma Patient - Health

Once a patient has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, both the doctor and the patient must then determine the best possible treatment.Mesothelioma prognosis, or the recovering factor for a patient, will vary based on several different characteristics:

1. Size of the mesothelioma

2. Whether or not the cancer is spreading

3. Where the mesothelioma is located

4. The patient's physical health condition and age

5. How the cells are portrayed under a microscope

Three Different Types of Mesothelioma Cells

1. Mixed Cell Type - This cell type is a mixture of the cancer cells and is normally labeled as an intermediate form of the cancer.

2. Epithelial Cell Type - These cells are the most treatable, and have the best prognosis.

3. Fibrosarcomatous Cell Type - This cell type is the worst type of mesothelioma, and has a negative prognosis.

How a Treatment is Selected

Treatments and procedures for mesothelioma are selected after considering the characteristicsand cell types above. There are standard treatments, which have been tested on previouspatient studies, and are most commonly used. There are also trials and/or experimental treatments that may be explored at the patient's or doctor's wishes.

Malignant Mesothelioma and Standard Treatments

The most common treatment of malignant mesothelioma is a surgery in which the doctor will remove part of the abdomen or chest lining and some tissue surrounding it. A lung may be removed or part of the diaphragm, based on how far the mesothelioma has spread. Removal of the lung is a procedure called "pneumonectomy."Radiation and/or chemotherapy are also a part of the standard treatments along with the surgery. Radiation kills off cancer cells using high-energy rays or x-rays. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells using drugs taken either by pill or needle injection.Each of these treatments will result in side effects, varying from one patient to the next.

Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy

This is a type of treatment which utilizes light and drugs to kill the cancer cells during a surgical procedure. The goal of the surgery is to remove the cancer (as much as possible), and to shine alight on the pleura, killing additional cancer cells. Studies of this type of surgery are being performed on patients in the early stages of mesothelioma of the chest.

Clinical Tests

Occasionally a mesothelioma patient may be urged to participate in experimental treatment options, where the patient will be exposed to new ideas and procedures that are being developed. Oftentimes, traditional treatments will be combined with new tests to find more effective ways of fighting mesothelioma. These options are available for patients who may not be able to endure the standard treatments for health or physical reasons.

The earlier mesothelioma is detected in a patient, the better the prognosis. Each patient should be aware of all treatment options before making a decision, and also consult with a specialist to learn the best option for them.

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Mesothelioma Patients Need Emotional Care, Too - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma patients, as well as their caregivers, are under a huge amount of anxiety and stress, and many report that they receive little support to help them deal with the psychological impact of living with the disease, according to a review of studies published in the European Journal of Cancer Care.

Even with the most sophisticated treatments available, mesothelioma survival rates have improved little over the years. Patients often face a poor prognosis; many live for little more than a year after being diagnosed. Patients are left to grapple with the emotional impact of their prognosis, as well as with symptoms that can be severe enough to interfere with every aspect of their lives. Because this cancer is so rare, the psychological toll of mesothelioma on both patients and caregivers hasn't been well studied, and doctors often don't know how to address their patients' emotional needs.

"It is important for clinicians to understand the social, emotional, and physical impact of the disease if they are to fully meet patient and family member needs," explains Sally Moore, Nursing Research Fellow with Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, England. "Most clinicians see very few patients with mesothelioma and teams have tended to 'lump' or group patients with mesothelioma in with their population of patients with lung cancer."

Doctors may assume the experience is the same for both diseases. In reality, mesothelioma patients may need very different care than lung cancer patients, in part because mesothelioma is more difficult to diagnose than lung cancer, and there is far greater uncertainty surrounding its prognosis and treatment, Moore says.

To find out what is already known about the experience of living with mesothelioma, and to identify what still needs to be learned, Moore and her colleagues did a search of the currently available research. They found just 13 relevant studies that discussed patient quality of life and symptoms.

Even though few of these studies were focused specifically on the experience of living with mesothelioma, they did highlight the impact mesothelioma can have on patients, both physically and emotionally. Most patients reported experiencing significant symptoms, particularly pain, breathlessness, cough, appetite loss, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. These symptoms often were not being treated effectively, and were having a significant affect on patients' social interactions and ability to function on a day-to-day basis.

As significant as these physical symptoms were, the emotional effects of mesothelioma were even more profound. Patients reported feeling anxious, depressed, afraid, and isolated. Their caregivers faced an even higher emotional toll from the disease. Many caregivers indicated that they were not receiving the support they needed from health care professionals.

This study highlights the necessity for more research on the physical and emotional needs of mesothelioma patients, so that health care providers can develop new strategies to meet those needs, Moore says. It's also important for health care providers to recognize the emotional and physical toll of caring for a patient with mesothelioma, she says. "We need better assessment of caregivers' needs and strategies to ensure better preparation, education, and support of caregivers in their care-giving role."

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Symptoms Of A Mesothelioma Patient - Health - Cancer

If you are a mesothelioma patient, there are some important things that you should know about your condition and any possible cure.

Because Mesothelioma is a cancer that takes many years to develop, people who were exposed to asbestos should have regular screening in order to catch the disease while it is at a treatable stage. No matter how long ago or for how short a duration, any exposure to asbestos should be considered as a possible health hazard. People who know they were exposed to asbestos should always be on the lookout for any respiratory or lung problems and should not ignore possible signs of Mesothelioma. The sooner one is diagnosed as a Mesothelioma patient the better.

Knowing what symptoms to look for is important as well as regular examinations and a physician who knows about the asbestos exposure so that he can perform screening and tests. Being exposed to asbestos can simply be considered becoming labeled as a Mesothelioma patient, even before the cancerous cells develop.

Early Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until it gets to a late stage due to the fact that there are practically no early symptoms. This leads to a negative prognosis and a shortened life expectancy for the patient. Early detection is a key factor when dealing with Mesothelioma. Occasionally developing Mesothelioma cells may be detected through routine chest x-rays and pulmonary function exams. Suspected Mesothelioma cells must then be excised and a biopsy performed to attain a definite diagnosis. Because of the lack of symptoms patients are often surprised when they receive a Mesothelioma diagnosis. Mesothelioma is a serious disease and does have a short life expectancy if not caught early. But there are many treatments and therapies for Mesothelioma that are helping change the death rate of this form of cancer.

Developed Mesothelioma Symptoms

Once the cancerous cells have developed and begun to grow there are many different symptoms that can occur. Initially if the physician isn't aware of asbestos exposure a wrong diagnosis is often made because the symptoms can also be attributed to other more simple illnesses.

Non productive dry and raspy cough that doesn't seem to go away.

Dysphagia or difficulty swallowing

Night sweats and fever

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Dyspnea or shortness of breath even when resting

Hemoptysis or coughing up blood

Anemia

Diarrhea or constipation

Nausea or vomiting

These are all common symptoms that a Mesothelioma patient may experience. The lack of a certain symptom does not rule out the possibility of Mesothelioma.

Pleural effusion is the main cause of the symptoms which alert people to the possibility of Mesothelioma. A pleural effusion is the build up of fluid between the layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest. This can be caused by many things and is associated with pneumonia but is a known indicator of Mesothelioma.

Curing Mesothelioma

While there is no known cure for Mesothelioma there are many different treatments. As with most medical treatments at times the cure can seem worse than the disease. Whether aMesothelioma patientis treated with radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy or a clinical trial treatment they face many side effects including pain, nausea, jaundice, weight and hair loss, weakness and an extensive period of recuperation. However all of this is worth it in the end when the patient beats the Mesothelioma and goes on to live a long and full life.

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Mesothelioma Treatment Options for Malignant Mesothelioma - Health - Medicine

Mesothelioma treatment options for malignant mesothelioma can relieve pain and provide hope for the future. In many cases, new mesothelioma treatment options can increase mesothelioma life expectancy beyond original expectations. Even if advanced malignant mesothelioma has reached a seemingly incurable stage, participating in clinical trials gives a breath of hope to the future generations of mesothelioma cancer patients.

Treatment for malignant mesothelioma can start with surgery, although this is not always recommended in mesothelioma treatment options since older patients may have a difficult time with surgery. The objective is to remove the tumor, or at least most of it, and slow down the disease. With advanced mesothelioma, the tumor has often tragically spread throughout the body and has invaded life-giving organs, making surgery more risky than living with cancer itself. However in the early stages of malignant mesothelioma, a localized tumor is more likely to be successfully removed.

Radical surgery is a mesothelioma treatment option for advanced malignant mesothelioma that has been used in small clinical trials, but has resulted in almost half the patients (48%) living at least five years past their predetermined mesothelioma life expectancy date. Extrapleural pneumonectomy involves removing the internal body parts that mesothelioma cancer cells love to invade. Surgery removes the parietal pleura (pleural mesothelioma), the pericardium (pericardial mesothelioma) and the diaphragm, as well as the removal of a lung. This surgery is combined with pre and post operative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Cancer Research UK is funding a MARS clinical trial (mesothelioma and radical surgery) to formally undergo pilot testing. Since the patients must be followed for five years, the results are not yet available and the success of these mesothelioma treatment options has yet to be discovered. UK medical reports do claim that US trial results have thus far demonst rated that a heavier dose of radiotherapy after the EPP surgery extends mesothelioma life expectancy.

Mesothelioma treatment options almost always include chemotherapy. Progress is seen in mesothelioma treatment when chemotherapy is combined with drug therapy. There are clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment options around the world that are seeking to find the chemotherapy and drug mix that can prolong mesothelioma life expectancy. Clinical trials are listed at many cancer organizations and research hospitals, and many seek mesothelioma patients wanting mesothelioma treatment options for advanced malignant mesothelioma. In advanced malignant mesothelioma, participating in a clinical trial can be a lifesaving mesothelioma treatment option.

Mesothelioma treatment options for advanced malignant mesothelioma can also be found in clinical trials for anti-angiogenic therapy. Anti-angiogenic mesothelioma treatment options are biological therapies that revolve around blood vessel growth. A cancer needs its own blood supply to grow. Two primary chemicals contribute to growth, VEGF and FGF-2. Mesothelioma patients with advanced malignant mesothelioma have higher levels of VEGF compared to patients suffering from other cancers. The theory the clinical trials are hoping to prove is that blocking VEFG will stop the blood vessel growth that supports the cancer growth.

Mesothelioma treatment options for malignant mesothelioma also includes clinical trials in phototherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy and other therapies. Medical specialists are scrambling to find the mesothelioma treatment options for malignant mesothelioma that can protect and cure the projected increase in mesothelioma patients of the future. Participating in clinical trials can extend mesothelioma life expectancy and provide hope for future generations.

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Mesothelioma Tumors Staging Discussed - Health

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

Kinds of Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Epithelial mesothelioma can be a rare and fatal form of cancer affecting the membrane lining of the chest cavity, heart, lungs, and abdominal cavity. You can find three forms of epithelial mesothelioma: probably the most popular is Pleural Mesothelioma, the second most prevalent, Peritoneal Mesothelioma (accounting for only a quarter of the instances), as well as the rarest form, pericardial mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma, essentially the most popular type of this illness involves the pleura, a thin membrane located between the lungs and also the chest cavity. The pleura supply a lubricated surface so that the lungs don't rub and chafe against the chest walls. You will find two kinds of pleural mesothelioma the first becoming 'diffuse and malignant'. This kind is cancerous and is generally fatal within a year of diagnosis. The second sort is 'localized and benign' and is generally non-life threatening. It can typically be removed via surgery.

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

This thin membrane is comprised of two layers - one that surrounds the organ and yet another that forms an exterior sac around the very first layer. Between the layers of the mesothelium is actually a fluid that makes it possible for crucial organs to glide very easily against objects that come in contact with them.

Localized pleural mesothelioma is not constantly caused by asbestos exposure. Nonetheless, if it has spread to other parts of the body, for instance the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs, then it truly is regarded as malignant and is much more generally than not the result of asbestos exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma appears as a tumor inside the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma is really rare, comprising much less than a fourth of all known circumstances of the disease. There are no successful treatments for this condition, and most patients live less than a year immediately after diagnosis.

Mesentery cancer is likened to peritoneal cancer (mesothelioma). This cancer primarily affects the sections of the peritoneum that attach diverse organs to the wall of the abdominal cavity, (i.e. mesogastrium for the stomach, mesojejunum for the jejunum). Mesentery cancer consists of all abdominal peritoneal extensions. Tumors rarely originate inside the actual mesentery, although it's a frequent route for the spread of mesothelioma by way of the abdominal cavity.

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

The Causes

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

Symptoms

Mesothelioma is really a pretty complicated cancer to detect in early stages. The early symptoms tend to be generic and even nonexistent in some instances, and it can take as a lot as 15 to 50 years after exposure to develop. The first symptom is typically constant chest discomfort, followed by coughing, lung damage, and shortness of breath. Patients who have peritoneal mesothelioma (a less typical form of mesothelioma) usually expertise abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling, normally in addition to the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. They could also develop bowel obstruction or further breathing obstruction.

Stages and Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

There are three staging systems utilized to decide treatment for mesothelioma: Butchart Program, TNM System, plus the Brigham System

Butchart Staging Method

The Butchart Program is the oldest program along with the most typical. This program concentrates upon determining the extent of main tumor mass and divides mesothelioma into 4 stages.

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

TNM System

Stage I of the TNM Method involves the lining of the proper or left lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the exact same side. At this stage, lymph nodes aren't involved. Stage II begins when mesothelioma spreads from the lining of the lung on one side to a lymph node on the identical side. At this stage, the cancer could also spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the very same side. Stage III begins when mesothelioma is present inside the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs inside the chest on the identical side as the primary tumor. Within the final stage, Stage IV, the mesothelioma has travelled into the lymph nodes inside the chest on the side opposite the main tumor, into the lung opposite the main tumor, or directly into the organs within the abdominal cavity or neck. Metastasis is the final result in this stage.

Brigham Method

The Brigham Method determines the resectability (the capability to surgically eliminate) the mesothelioma mass. In Stage I the tumor is resectable, while lymph nodes remain unaffected. In Stage II the tumor remains respectable but the mesothelioma affects the lymph nodes. In Stage III the tumor becomes unresectable. It has penetrated by way of the diaphragm, or peritoneum. Stage III can happen with or with out lymph involvement and extends into the chest wall and heart. Stage IV occurs when doctors discover metastatic illness involving distant organs.

Right after doctors identify the stage of a patient's malignant mesothelioma, the patient and physician think about the different treatment possibilities out there. Mesothelioma treatment programs are contingent upon several elements, which includes the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, the spread of mesothelioma cancer, the characteristics of the cancer cells under a microscope as well as the patient's age and concerns.

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Mesothelioma and Asbestos-A Deadly Alliance - Other

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin membrane (called the mesothelium) lining the chest, lungs, abdomen and sometimes the heart. Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer with more than two hundred people affected in the US annually. The majority of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure.

The disease has a very long latency period so most victims are of an average age of 50-70 years. Mesothelioma most often affects men, most of them were exposed to asbestos at their place of industrial typed jobs. Mesothelioma symptoms include respiratory problems, shortness of breath, continual cough and pneumonia. Other mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal problems and swelling. In some mesothelioma patients, the mesothelioma symptoms are not very specific, making diagnosis very difficult.

Mesothelioma doctors specialize in the study, research, and treatments of Mesothelioma cancers.Mesothelioma (or the cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells become abnormal and replicate without control, these abnormal cells spread and invade other normal organs and tissues in the body. Mesothelioma cancer cells can spread throughout the body ultimately leading to death.

Mesothelioma treatments and Mesothelioma clinical trials and testsThere are many mesothelioma treatment options available. The conventional treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient's age, general health and stage of the cancer. There has however been much mesothelioma research conducted throughout the recent years to find new treatment methods.Through mesothelioma research, The National Cancer Institute has sponsored mesothelioma tests and clinical trials that are designed to find new treatment methods.

Because of the increase in number of mesothelioma cases in the United States, both governments have increased funding for mesothelioma research. Mesothelioma research and clinical trials have been successful in developing new techniques to fight this cancer and the outlook for more advanced mesothelioma treatments is promising.

Surgery is the most common treatment method for malignant mesothelioma. Tissues and linings affected by mesothelioma are removed by the doctor and may include the lung or even diaphragm.

A second mesothelioma treatment method is radiation therapy through the use of high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be outside or inside the body.

A third mesothelioma treatment method is chemotherapy. Through pills or drugs through needles, chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells.

A new mesothelioma treatment method is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. In this treatment, light and drugs are used to kill cancer cells during surgery for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest.

Although there are numerous treatments and drugs for mesothelioma, doctors are loosing the battle against this deadly disease. Most mesothelioma treatments involve old techniques combined with different drug cocktails. However, in most cases, these mesothelioma treatments have many side effects including organ damage, nausea, increase in heart failure etc. Research to find a more effective mesothelioma treatment or even cure is ongoing at numerous clinical labs across the nation. Let's hope that the mesothelioma research will one day lead to the discovery of an effective treatment to cure mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.

Patients stricken by Mesothelioma and their families require support and current information. Mesothelioma Online Resources hopes to educate and give hope to survivors and victims. Such information can be obtained from

Mesothelioma is such a terrible disease. Not only does it take years for symptoms to appear, but there are limited treatments and drugs that only most of the time just prolong the lifespan of most patients by a few months to years. In many cases, the death rate of mesothelioma is unfortunately very high.

However, with increased funding in mesothelioma research through the government and private grants, the outlook for a mesothelioma cure is quite possible. In the meantime, mesothelioma support groups and local discussions provide the ongoing support for mesothelioma patients.

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Mesothelioma Treatment Options - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs.It is caused mainly because of exposure to asbestos. This disease mainly catches the internal organs like pericardium or tunica vaginalis.

Mesothelioma mainly occurs in people who worked on jobs where they inhale asbestos particles or exposed to asbestos dust particles.Unlike lung cancer smoking is not a reason for mesothelioma. But keep in mind the fact that smoking regularly greatly increase the risk of asbestos-induced cancers. Also note that washing the cloth of a family member who work with asbestos can put the person at a risk of bieng attacked by mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Not lets discuss about the main symptoms of mesothelioma

1. Shortness of breath due to pleural effusion.

pleural effusion is the fluid between lung and chest wall.

2. Chest pain.

3. Weight loss.

4. Fatigue or anemia.

5. Wheezing and Cough.

6. Blood in sputum.

These are the main symptoms os mesothelioma

Now lets find the the reason or cause for mesothelioma

Cause of Mesothelioma

1. Asbestos - As discussed earlier working on asbestos posses great risk of being attacked by mesothelioma.

2. Environmental exposures.

3. Asbestos in building.

4.Occupational.

Working on jobs related to asbestos or exposure to asbestos fibers has been recognized as an occupational health hazard since the early 1900s. Various studies revealed that occupational exposure to asbestos with the development of pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis, carcinoma of the lung and larynx, gastrointestinal tumors, and diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, gaskets, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

There are several types of treatment available for patients with mesothelioma. The most commonly used treatments are surgery,chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Now lets go into further details of treatment in mesothelioma.

1. Surgery

This is one of the the treatment for mesothelioma. However surgery for mesothelioma is disappointing since the chace of curing from mesothelioma is very rare by means of surgery. A pleurectomy/decortication is the most common surgery, in which the lining of the chest is removed. Less common is an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), in which the lung, lining of the inside of the chest, the hemi-diaphragm and the pericardium are removed.

Note: Surgery can only be performed during mesothelioma stages I and II.

Most recommended treatment for mesothelioma is radiation and therapy

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the only treatment for mesothelioma that has been proven to improve survival in randomised and controlled trials. Most forms of chemotherapy involve the intravenous administration of drugs such as Alimta and Cisplatin. Chemotherapeutic drugs are targeted to kill cells that are rapidly dividing by interfering with processes that occur during cell division.

However, while cancer cells themselves divide rapidly, so do some types of healthy cells, causing some of the unpleasant side effects that are often associated with this form of treatment. Though older chemotherapy medications seemed to do little to fight mesothelioma, newer chemotherapy drugs are showing much promise.

A new form of chemotherapy called heated chemotherapy will be a relief for those who are suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma. So heated chemotherapy is good treatment option for mesothelioma for those who are suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma.

3. Radiation

This is also a best treatment option of mesothelioma. By radiation we mean the killing of cancer cells and to prevent the further spread of cancer.For patients with mesothelioma, radiation therapy is most often used in conjunction with surgery. So this is the main treatment option for mesothelioma. The main disadvantage of radiation is that it only provide a short-term symptomatic relief. Radiation is also a preferred mesothelioma treatment options but it provides only short term relief from mesothelioma symptoms.

Brachytherapy is a newer type of radiation treatment. In this method tiny radiactive rods are implanted within the tumour to provide concentrated dose of radiation to tumors. But some healthy cells are destroyed in this method.

4. Gene therapy

Most used gene therapy for the treatment of mesothelioma is "suicide gene therapy".the name because it forces cancer cells to produce substance which will cause their death.

In this type of gene therapy, mesothelioma patient is treated with a non infectious virus with alters genetic materials which will makes them to produce proteins.

After this procedure the patient is then treated with a chemotherapeutic medication that is specially formulated to be toxic only to cancer cells. After various research it has found that this treatment for mesothelioma is promising one and reduced the cancer cells to great extent. One of the recommended mesothelioma treatment option is gene therapy.

5. Immunotherapy

As the name suggests in this method the mesothelioma patient's own immune system is tricked to kill the cancer cells.The two types of immunotherapy is active and passive.

In the case of active immunotherapy mesothelioma cancer cells are removed from a patient and then treated in a laboratory to turn them into a vaccine.after this procedure patient is give a vaccine and if the treatment is successful, patients immune system must recognize the vaccine as harmful and thus identify the cancer as bieng harmful as well.

Passive immunotherapy is not related with immune systems. Instead, it uses substances such as cytokines (molecules that direct and regulate the immune system) and other agents to help boost the patient's immune response to their cancer.

These are the commonly and effective treatment of mesothelioma. Other treatment of mesothelioma include Multimodality Therapy & Epidemiology.

My advise to all readers is that the main cause of mesothelioma is asbestos,so maximum try to avoid work with or job related with asbestos. Also if any one is affected with mesothelioma then dont get panic there are many mesothelioma treatment option available. Also dont forget the fact that prevention is better than cure. So inorder to prevent mesothelioma asbestos should not be used.

Mesothelioma treatment option are effective and i recommend the mesothelioma patients to consult mesothelioma doctor or seek any mesothelioma treatment option.

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All About Mesothelioma Cancer - Health - Cancer

Is mesothelioma curable? The straight answer to this question is 'No'. Well, there are medications and treatments that help in easing the pain and may help to prolong life, but these treatments are not enough to save life. Mesothelium refers to the wrapping structure of most of the bodily organs in our body and mesothelioma is the cancer that occurs in mesothelium.Like any other cancerous conditions, abnormal cell growth is observed in the area of mesothelium when someone suffers from mesothelioma. When these abnormal cells start growing rapidly, they cause harm to the nearby cells, leading to the metastatic condition, which means that the cancer spreads to the nearby tissues and organs.

Mesothelioma is mostly noticed in the lung area, precisely in the pleura - the thin lining wrapping the chest cavity and lung. Apart from that, mesothelioma also affects areas pericardium, the wrapping structure of heart and peritoneum, the wrapping structure of abdominal cavity.

The Major Causes of MesotheliomaThe major causes of mesothelioma are not very common. However, the cure of mesothelioma is nearly impossible and thus the recovery is much tougher, once diagnosed. As we know, prevention is always better than cure, so being aware of the causes of mesothelioma may offer some advance benefits in prevention of mesothelioma. Let us discuss it here now.

Not a surprise now, but the people from western countries are higher risk for developing mesothelioma cancer than people from developing countries. Do you know why? The simple reason is industrialization. It's true that modern science has offered us a wide variety of luxuries and hi-tech facilities, but it hasn't offered it for free, but it has taken its toll.

The leading cause of developing mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. Quite naturally, the exposure to asbestos is quite higher in the industrial zone than any other areas. Although no concrete reason has found in support of this fact, it has been seen that men are at higher risk for developing mesothelioma cancer than women. Also, mesothelioma cancer can develop at any age, but elderly people are more prone due to reduced immune level.

Although asbestos has been identified as the primary trigger for the development of mesothelioma cancer, few cases have been also reported as the instances of not getting exposed to asbestos. In some cases, radiation has also been found to cause mesothelioma cancer. In rarest cases, thorium dioxide may also trigger mesothelioma cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of MesotheliomaIt is very important to understand the symptoms of mesothelioma at an earlier stage, so that the recovery could be possibly easier. Unfortunately, it is really difficult to understand the mesothelioma symptoms at an earlier stage, because doctors, health practitioners and even patients frequently become confused to understand as they resemble so much with any other non-fatal and common health conditions.

However, if the patient suspects that he or she might have been developed mesothelioma cancer, it is important not to neglect the condition and seek help from the doctors. A regular medical check up of thoracic zone and abdominal area can help in diagnosing mesothelioma cancer in earlier stages. If someone is working in asbestos factory or industries involved in asbestos manufacturing or molding job should frequently check them up in the mesothelioma clinic.

The most specific symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are breathing troubles, swallowing problem, sudden weight loss, back pain, cough, excessive and abnormal sweating, and chest pain. Admitted, these symptoms are very common and in most of the cases may not lead to any serious problems, the concerned individual should not be left unattended, once diagnosed with such signs and symptoms.

If you or your near ones are working in asbestos factories and these symptoms become apparent, consulting doctors should be an emergency. Always remember that mesothelioma symptoms do not occur at an earlier stage, but in majority of the cases the symptoms occur at advanced stages due to the pressure created by the cancerous cells over the nerve cells and other tissues and organs.

Diagnosis of MesotheliomaWhen someone is suspected developing mesothelioma cancer, doctors take an account of the degree of the asbestos exposure of the concerned person. The exposure to asbestos is considered as the precursor of the mesothelioma. Predominantly, diagnostic tests are done by lung function test and chest x-ray or abdominal x-ray. Apart from these diagnostic tests, imaging tests like CT (Computer Tomography) scan, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan are also conducted.

Treatment of MesotheliomaUnfortunately, conventional treatments do not bring enough success in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer. Once diagnosed, the expected remaining life span lies from 6 months to 1 year. The severity of mesothelioma cancer depends on a wide variety of reasons. One of these factors is the elongated latency period between the development of the disease and asbestos exposure.

Surgical InterventionSurgical intervention is one of the commonest modes of treatment of mesothelioma cancer. When the surgery is performed, depending on the condition of the disease and the person concerned, doctors conduct either the surgery alone or in combination with adjuvant therapy. However, none of these modes are enough promising, since the survival rate is really too less, say, lesser than 10%. Pleurectomy is the most common form of surgery. In this surgical procedure, the chest lining is fully confiscated.

Radiation TherapyAlthough mesothelioma cancer is extremely resistant to radiation therapy, this treatment method is still employed in order to trim down the pain that develops as a result of mesothelioma cancerous growth. The radiation therapy is most commonly used to prevent cancerous growth along the chest wall.

ChemotherapyIn the year 2004, FDA approved Pemetrexed drug for the chemotherapy treatment of pleural malignant mesothelioma cancer. This drug is administered in combination with cisplatin. Folic acid is applied in order to minimize the adverse side effects of Pemetrexed drug.

ImmunotherapyImmunotherapy is another mode of treatment for mesothelioma cancer. The results of immunotherapy significantly vary from person to person. While Bacillus calmette-Guerin offers benefit to the immunotherapy treatment urinary bladder cancer, it does not provide any positive result in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer.

On the other hand, vitrolysis by LAK is found to be effective in obliterating mesothelioma cancerous cells. However, the biggest drawback of this treatment is the extreme adverse side effects. In fact, this treatment is terminated due to the serious adverse side effects of interleukin-2 toxicity. When it is developed, patients start suffering from fever and cachexia. Interferon alpha produces positive benefit, however, lately. Nearly 50% reduction in the tumor size is observed during this phase.

Legal Help for Mesothelioma CancerMany patients suffering from mesothelioma cancer seek legal help from mesothelioma attorneys. People need to seek for mesothelioma attorney when they are about to file a case for compensation against the company responsible for their exposure to asbestos. It is due to the fact that asbestos causes mesothelioma cancer. A prolonged exposure to asbestos or products manufactured from asbestos may cause cancer, so patients with such exposure can claim for compensation.

Mesothelioma LawsuitsQuite obviously, attorneys specializing on mesothelioma cancer and the causes can offer someone more help if he is suffering from mesothelioma cancer due to the result of asbestos exposure in the professional sector than any other general attorneys. So, it is important to seek help from mesothelioma attorneys to file a compensation case against any company. It can be filed for a group of individuals and this type of group filing is referred to as class action lawsuits. Needless to say, this type of lawsuit draws more public attention since there are a huge number of people involved.

Typically, the fees of mesothelioma attorneys are quite higher. However, one does not need to cover the fees if the attorneys lose the case. So the patients do not need to hesitate to file for a mesothelioma lawsuit, since it does not involve any financial burden. For individual cases, it completes faster, however, for the group, it needs some time to finish the case.

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Mesothelioma Treatment In India At Delhi At low Cost - Health

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium).

Doctors divide mesothelioma into different types based on what part of the mesothelium is affected, including : -

malignant mesothelioma, which affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs and is the most common form of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the tissue in your abdomen.

Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the tissue surrounding the heart.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, which occurs in the lining around the testicles.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs. Pleural mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include : -

Shortness of breath Painful breathing (pleurisy) Painful coughing Chest pain under the rib cage Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest Unexplained weight loss Dry (nonproductive) cough

Peritoneal mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include : -

Abdominal pain Abdominal swelling A change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation Lumps of tissue in the abdomen Unexplained weight loss

Other forms of mesothelioma

Signs and symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis are unclear. These forms are so rare that not much information is available. Pericardial mesothelioma signs and symptoms may include difficulty breathing or chest pains. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis may be first detected as a mass on a testicle.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma aren't specific to this disease and, due to the rarity of mesothelioma, are more likely to be related to other conditions. If any persistent signs and symptoms seem unusual or bothersome to you, ask your doctor to evaluate them.

Causes of Mesothelioma

In general, cancer begins when a series of genetic mutations occur within a cell, causing the cell to grow and multiply out of control, when healthy cells would normally die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize).

It isn't clear what causes the initial genetic mutations that lead to mesothelioma, though researchers have identified factors that may increase the risk. It's likely that cancers form because of an interaction between many factors, such as inherited conditions, your environment, your health conditions and your lifestyle choices.

Benign pleural mesothelioma

A form of noncancerous (benign) tumor that can occur in the chest is sometimes called benign mesothelioma. However, this name is misleading. Benign mesothelioma doesn't begin in the same cells where the cancerous forms of mesothelioma begin. And, in a minority of cases, benign mesothelioma can be very aggressive, despite the term "benign." For this reason, some doctors now refer this tumor as solitary fibrous tumor.

Solitary fibrous tumor usually doesn't cause signs and symptoms. Most cases are inadvertently discovered during tests and procedures for other conditions. It isn't clear what causes solitary fibrous tumors, but they aren't linked to asbestos exposure. Treatment for solitary fibrous tumor typically includes surgery.

Risk factors of Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure: The primary risk factor for mesothelioma

Asbestos is a mineral that's found naturally in the environment. Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat, making them useful in a wide variety of applications, such as in insulation, cement, brakes, shingles, flooring and many other products. People who work around asbestos fibers are thought to have the greatest risk of mesothelioma.

When asbestos is broken up, such as during the mining process or when removing asbestos insulation, dust may be created. If the dust is inhaled or swallowed, the asbestos fibers may settle in the lungs or in the stomach, where they can cause irritation that may lead to mesothelioma, though how exactly this happens isn't understood.

Mesothelioma risk is believed to be increased in people who are exposed to high levels of asbestos, in people who are exposed to asbestos over a long period of time and in people exposed to asbestos at a young age. It can take 30 to 40 years or more for mesothelioma to develop as a result of asbestos exposure.

Some people with years of asbestos exposure never develop mesothelioma. And yet, others with very brief exposure develop the disease. This indicates that other factors may be involved in determining whether someone gets mesothelioma or doesn't. For instance, you could inherit a predisposition to cancer or some other condition could increase your risk.

Possible risk factors Factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include : -

Personal history of asbestos exposure : - If you've been directly exposed to asbestos fibers at work or at home, your risk of mesothelioma is greatly increased.

Living with someone who works with asbestos : -People who are exposed to asbestos may carry the fibers home on their skin and clothing. These stray fibers can put others in the home at risk of mesothelioma. People who work with asbestos should shower and change clothes before leaving work.

Smoking : - Risk of mesothelioma is increased greatly in smokers who are exposed to asbestos.

SV40 : - Some research indicates a link between mesothelioma and simian virus 40 (SV40), a virus originally found in monkeys. Millions of people may have been exposed to SV40 when receiving polio vaccinations between 1955 and 1963, because the vaccine was developed using monkey cells. Once it was discovered that SV40 was linked to certain cancers, the virus was removed from the polio vaccine. Whether SV40 increases the risk of mesothelioma is a point of debate, and more research is needed.

Radiation : - Some research links mesothelioma to the radioactive substance thorium dioxide, which was used along with X-rays to diagnose various health conditions from the 1920s to the 1950s. Thorium dioxide was later found to cause cancer and is no longer used.

Family history : - A family history of mesothelioma may increase your risk of mesothelioma, but more research is needed to understand this theory.

Tests and diagnosis of Mesothelioma

If you have signs and symptoms that might indicate mesothelioma, your doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for any lumps or other unusual signs. Your doctor may order imaging scans, such as a chest X-ray or a computerized tomography (CT) scan of your chest or abdomen, to look for abnormalities.

It's not uncommon for mesothelioma to be misdiagnosed initially because mesothelioma is rare, and its signs and symptoms aren't specific. Your doctor will likely rule out other more common conditions before considering mesothelioma.

Biopsy

Biopsy, a procedure to remove a small portion of tissue for laboratory examination, is the only way to determine whether you have mesothelioma. Depending on what area of your body is affected, your doctor selects the right biopsy procedure for you Options include : -

Fine-needle aspiration : - The doctor removes fluid or a piece of tissue with a small needle inserted into your chest or abdomen.

Thoracoscopy : -Thoracoscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your chest. In this procedure, the surgeon makes one or more small incisions between your ribs. A tube with a tiny video camera is then inserted into your chest cavity - a procedure sometimes called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Special surgical tools allow your surgeon to cut away tissue for testing.

Laparoscopy : - Laparoscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your abdomen. Using one or more small incisions into your abdomen, the surgeon inserts a tiny camera and special surgical tools to obtain a small piece of tissue for examination.

Thoracotomy : - Thoracotomy is surgery to open your chest between the ribs to allow a surgeon to check for signs of disease. He or she removes a sample of tissue for testing.

Laparotomy : - Laparotomy is surgery to open your abdomen to allow a surgeon to check for signs of disease. He or she removes a sample of tissue for testing.

The tissue sample is analyzed under a microscope to see whether the abnormal tissue is mesothelioma and what types of cells are involved. The type of mesothelioma you have determines your treatment plan.

Staging

Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor orders other tests to determine the extent, or stage, of the cancer. Imaging tests that may help determine the stage of your cancer include : -

Chest X-ray CT scans of the chest and abdomen Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Positron emission tomography (PET)

Once the extent of pleural mesothelioma is determined, a stage is assigned. Formal stages aren't available for other types of mesothelioma because these types are rare and aren't well studied. The stages of pleural mesothelioma are : -

I : - Stage I pleural mesothelioma is considered localized cancer, meaning it's limited to one portion of the lining of the chest.

II : - Stage II mesothelioma may have spread beyond the lining of the chest to the diaphragm or to a lung.

III : -Stage III mesothelioma may have spread to other structures within the chest and may involve nearby lymph nodes.

IV : - Stage IV mesothelioma is an advanced cancer that has spread to distant areas (metastasized). Mesothelioma most commonly spreads (metastasizes) to the brain, lymph nodes in the chest and areas of the lung that are away from the tumor.

Treatments of Mesothelioma

What treatment you undergo for mesothelioma depends on your health and certain aspects of your cancer, such as its stage and location. Unfortunately, mesothelioma often is an aggressive disease and for most people a cure isn't possible. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage - when it isn't possible to remove the cancer through an operation. Instead, your doctor may work to control your cancer to make you more comfortable.

Discuss treatment goals with your doctor. Some people want to do everything they can to treat their cancer, even if that means enduring side effects for a small chance of an improvement. Others prefer treatments that make them comfortable so that they can live their remaining months as symptom-free as possible.

Surgery

Surgeons work to remove mesothelioma in instances where it is diagnosed at an early stage. Sometimes it isn't possible to remove all of the cancer. In those cases, surgery may help to reduce the signs and symptoms caused by mesothelioma spreading in your body. Surgical options may include : -

Surgery to decrease fluid buildup : - Pleural mesothelioma may cause fluid to build up in your chest, causing difficulty breathing. Surgeons insert a tube or catheter into your chest to drain the fluid. Surgeons may also inject medicine into your chest to prevent fluid from returning (pleurodesis).

Surgery to remove the tissue around the lung or abdomen : - Surgeons may remove the tissue lining the ribs and the lungs (pleurectomy) or the tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritonectomy) in order to relieve signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.

Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible (debulking) : - If all of the cancer can't be removed, surgeons may attempt to remove as much as possible.

Surgery to remove a lung and the surrounding tissue : - Removing the affected lung and the tissue that surrounds it may relieve signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. This procedure also allows doctors to use higher doses of radiation against any remaining mesothelioma, since they won't need to worry about protecting your lung from damaging radiation.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Systemic chemotherapy travels throughout the body and may shrink or slow the growth of a pleural mesothelioma that can't be removed using surgery. Chemotherapy may also be used before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to make an operation easier or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to reduce the chance that cancer will return.

Chemotherapy drugs may also be heated and administered directly into the abdominal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy), in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, or into the chest cavity (intrapleural chemotherapy), in the case of pleural mesothelioma. Using this strategy, chemotherapy drugs can reach the mesothelioma directly without injuring healthy cells in other parts of the body. This allows doctors to administer higher doses of chemotherapy drugs.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy may also be used to reduce the signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma that can't be removed through surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy focuses high-energy beams to a specific spot or spots on your body. Radiation may reduce signs and symptoms in people with pleural mesothelioma. Doctors aim radiation at the entire chest to obtain the best result. However, many sensitive organs are in the chest, such as the heart, lungs, esophagus and spinal cord, so doctors must use low doses of radiation to spare these organs. Radiation therapy is sometimes used after biopsy or surgery to prevent mesothelioma from spreading to the surgical incision.

Radiation therapy is used occasionally in people with peritoneal mesothelioma to reduce signs and symptoms caused by the cancer.

Combination therapy

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be combined. This aggressive therapy can be grueling and may not be appropriate for everyone. Younger, healthier people and those with earlier stage mesothelioma may be more able to endure this treatment. Combination therapy has shown the most promise in treating mesothelioma. However, most people will eventually experience a recurrence of this cancer despite aggressive treatment. Combination therapy has been used in both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Treatment for other types of mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis are very rare and can be very aggressive. Early-stage cancer may be removed through surgery. Doctors have yet to determine the best way to treat later stage cancers, though. Your doctor may recommend other treatments to improve your quality of life.Please Log On To: /cancer-treatment/mesothelioma-treatment-india.htmlEmail Us:

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Mesothelioma on the Rise in the UK - Health - Cancer

It is a rare cancer disease with cases that has been increasing significantly in the UK every year. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. A person contracts the disease either through contact with the skin or cloth or, worst, through direct inhalation. It has been diagnosed that it takes years and years before the disease eventually manifests and starts destroying the body. Upon contracting the disease, the malignant cells start lining the chest cavities, abdominal region, and the surrounding areas of the heart.It takes years - sometimes decades - before the cancer patient shows indications of suffering from mesothelioma. The progression from diagnosis to a chain of eventual degeneration is quiet long and very erratic. This is the reason why experts find it difficult to get accurate data concerning this disease.Asbestos exposure of one single member in the family can already be detrimental because the disease could quickly contaminate all other household members. No matter how small the contamination is, the percentage of infection would still be very higher. At present, it is reported that about 3000 patients have been confirmed as having the disease and about 1,700 mesothelioma cancer patients die every year.Smokers are more susceptible to mesothelioma. However, there are those who contract the disease who are declared to be smokers even if they are not. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are very common. Chances are at the very first time that symptoms manifest, they are ignored or simply dismissed as those of an ordinary illness. The reason why a patient's health could decline quickly is the lack of proper and immediate treatment owing to this.The typical symptoms that denote the severity of a patient's condition are: dyspnea, pleuritic pain, lingering cough, unreasonable weight loss, frequent collapse of strength. Not all mesothelioma victims exhibit symptoms before the terminal stage is reached. But it is a must that a thorough chec k up must be done by an expert to get an accurate assessment.

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Why we need to raise Mesothelioma & Asbestos awareness? - Law

We live in a time where cancer is very prevalent, even with advances in medical technology, millions die from some form of cancer each year. Many forms of cancer can be nearly unavoidable due to genetics; however there are some forms of cancer that are caused by our day by day activities and can be avoided. Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma are both really good examples of the latter; smoking has been linked to being one of the major causes to lung cancer, where Mesothelioma is caused solely due to exposure to Mesothelioma.Generally when we look to spread Cancer Awareness, we spread awareness about Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, and just the general umbrella of cancer. While over 200,000 cases of lung cancer and over 175,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year, about only 3,000 cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. Though Mesothelioma may not have the mainstream media eyes or the number of victims that Breast Cancer and Lung Cancer claims, it is still important that we spread awareness of Mesothelioma and the dangerous fibers that cause it: Asbestos.Much like smoking, the use of asbestos in products and construction wasn't thought to have deadly side effects, however also like smoking time has shown that there is a deadly side effect of asbestos. Asbestos has been the sole link to the incurable Mesothelioma cancer that generally claims the lives of elder males. There are many issues that make Mesothelioma such a deadly cancer, notably the latency period that occurs between the time the victim was exposed to asbestos and when they see symptoms of Mesothelioma. Typically the Mesothelioma latency period is between 30-40 years, but can also be between 10 and 60 years after the victim was exposed to Mesothelioma. The latency period typically causes symptoms of Mesothelioma to not appear until the late stages of the cancer, making the cancer untreatable, and limiting the lifespan of its victims to an average of 4-18 months after diagnos es.It's important that we raise awareness for this cancer as Asbestos is still in use today in the United States. Every day countless people work products that can have asbestos making up as much as 70% of the product, while the government and court system know the dangers Asbestos has. Though an ideal replacement has not been found for Asbestos, there are many suitable substitutes that can be used and save thousands of lives. The public needs to raise up against Mesothelioma and get Asbestos banned in the country for good.

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Mesothelioma and its treatment - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a very uncommon form of a cancer which is mainly caused when one is exposed to asbestos. One of the common types of the Mesothelioma is the Pleural Mesothelioma and it is a cancer that is developed in the Mesothelioma cells that make up the mesothelium. It is membrane that lines many of the bodys organs and cavities.

The Pleural Mesothelioma cancer, the cancer is developed in the lining of the lungs which is known as the pleura or pleural membrane. About two third of the pleural Mesothelioma cases are diagnosed. The Pleural Mesothelioma is developed in one layer but it can metastasize or spread to the other layer. All types of Mesothelioma are not easily diagnosis in the initial stage as soon as one is exposed to asbestos.

The pleural Mesothelioma is caused due to exposure to asbestos as all the Mesothelioma is developed. It is developed when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells. Once inside the body, the asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally. This development results in the thickening of the pleural membrane layers and mesothelial cells which helps in the building up of the fluid and this is known as pleural effusion.

A greater chance of developing Mesothelioma was found among shipyard workers and among people working in asbestos mills and mines, producers of asbestos products, workers inside the heating and construction industries and other trades people.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set limits to the exposure to asbestos in the workplace. They have also created a principle for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labelling, record keeping and medical exams. The friends and family of the person who live with asbestos workers have a greater chance of developing Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.

The risk of developing Mesothelioma is the result of exposure to asbestos dust which is brought home within the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. It is therefore advisable to that a asbestos worker should take a shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace. Many public and domestic building which were built before the banning of asbestos materials can always contain asbestos within them. Those performing renovation works or do-it-yourself projects may expose themselves to asbestos dust.

The clinical research to treat malignant Mesothelioma is very active and although so far no treatment has so far been successful and there are vast treatments available for the disease. There are three types of treatments used to treat malignant Mesothelioma which include: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The surgery for malignant Mesothelioma is divided into a number of sub-classes and is specially designed to limit the disease for individuals with particular strains of the disease. The surgical procedure pleurodesis is a distinct technique as it employs a blend of chemicals to create an intentional scar between the layers of the pleura.

The medical technique used to fight the development of malignant Mesothelioma is radiation. Radiation therapy uses the basic technology as other forms of medical radiation as it employs high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.

The Chemotherapy uses the drugs which target cancer cells and stop them from dividing and thus helps in preventing their growth. In systemic chemotherapy, the drug can be taken by mouth or injected. The goal is to have it reach cancer cells by means of the bodys own blood circulation system.

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Mesothelioma and its treatment - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a very uncommon form of a cancer which is mainly caused when one is exposed to asbestos. One of the common types of the Mesothelioma is the Pleural Mesothelioma and it is a cancer that is developed in the Mesothelioma cells that make up the mesothelium. It is membrane that lines many of the bodys organs and cavities.

The Pleural Mesothelioma cancer, the cancer is developed in the lining of the lungs which is known as the pleura or pleural membrane. About two third of the pleural Mesothelioma cases are diagnosed. The Pleural Mesothelioma is developed in one layer but it can metastasize or spread to the other layer. All types of Mesothelioma are not easily diagnosis in the initial stage as soon as one is exposed to asbestos.

The pleural Mesothelioma is caused due to exposure to asbestos as all the Mesothelioma is developed. It is developed when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells. Once inside the body, the asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally. This development results in the thickening of the pleural membrane layers and mesothelial cells which helps in the building up of the fluid and this is known as pleural effusion.

A greater chance of developing Mesothelioma was found among shipyard workers and among people working in asbestos mills and mines, producers of asbestos products, workers inside the heating and construction industries and other trades people.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have set limits to the exposure to asbestos in the workplace. They have also created a principle for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labelling, record keeping and medical exams. The friends and family of the person who live with asbestos workers have a greater chance of developing Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.

The risk of developing Mesothelioma is the result of exposure to asbestos dust which is brought home within the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. It is therefore advisable to that a asbestos worker should take a shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace. Many public and domestic building which were built before the banning of asbestos materials can always contain asbestos within them. Those performing renovation works or do-it-yourself projects may expose themselves to asbestos dust.

The clinical research to treat malignant Mesothelioma is very active and although so far no treatment has so far been successful and there are vast treatments available for the disease. There are three types of treatments used to treat malignant Mesothelioma which include: surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

The surgery for malignant Mesothelioma is divided into a number of sub-classes and is specially designed to limit the disease for individuals with particular strains of the disease. The surgical procedure pleurodesis is a distinct technique as it employs a blend of chemicals to create an intentional scar between the layers of the pleura.

The medical technique used to fight the development of malignant Mesothelioma is radiation. Radiation therapy uses the basic technology as other forms of medical radiation as it employs high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells.

The Chemotherapy uses the drugs which target cancer cells and stop them from dividing and thus helps in preventing their growth. In systemic chemotherapy, the drug can be taken by mouth or injected. The goal is to have it reach cancer cells by means of the bodys own blood circulation system.

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Mesothelioma Claims - What Does Mesothelioma Cause - Law - Personal Injury

In the industrial setting, asbestos use has been an epidemic that continues today. Millions have been exposed to it's carcinogenic properties due to corporate greed and lack of interest for the common worker. It's harmful properties were known since the 1930's, yet it's use continues to this day. Despite attempts to hide it's impact on health, more and more mesothelioma claims are surfacing each year.

Asbestos history - It's no surprise that asbestos use still continues today. It happens to be a very reliable product, capable of holding it's integrity against heat and chemical damage. Products such as welding gloves, ovens, and household insulation were commonly known to contain asbestos. During the 1940's, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, millions of workers were exposed to asbestos during the production of new war ships. Even cigarette filters were known, for a time, to contain asbestos fibers.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma - As with other forms of lung cancer, early warning signs are often not present. This is why it is such a devastating form of cancer.

Some forms of mesothelioma can present with early signs, indicating the need for diagnostic testing. Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing indicates trouble in the lungs. This may also include the appearance of blood upon coughing and persistent difficulty with swallowing.

Regardless of asbestos exposure, this should be discussed with your doctor. A change in normal bowel habits or feelings of nausea are often noted, along with weight loss and an unexplained fever. These symptoms tend to accompany periods of unexplainable fatigue.

What to Do - It is very important to seek medical treatment if you suspect past asbestos exposure, or if the symptoms described persist. If mesothelioma is the cause, the prognosis depends heavily on early detection and treatment. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention, as your life could depend on it.

While a diagnosis of mesothelioma is devastating, there is something that can be done. Seeking legal counsel through a lawyer will help to determine your options. Sometimes, you can find lawyers who specialize in the area of mesothelioma claims.

The only way to put an end to this unethical practice is to punish those who have, and continue to put people at risk. It's not just a right, it's a duty! Speak with a lawyer immediately, as they will be your best source for legal counsel. It may also be worth seeking a lawyer whom specializes in mesothelioma claims.

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Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer of the mesothelium, the protective covering on and around most of the organs in the human body. The major cause of the disease is overexposure to asbestos. It most commonly affects the pleura, which lines the lungs and the chest cavity, but can also be found in the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) and the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart). Despite a common assumption that the disease is of the same origin as a smoker's lung cancer, there is no link between mesothelioma and smoking.Symptoms of the disease may take as many as 20 to 50 years after exposure to become apparent. Different forms of mesothelioma present with different symptoms, but all are unpleasant. Coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain resulting from a build-up of fluid in the pleural area are common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma may result in weight loss, ascites (a build-up of fluid in the abdomen), and abdominal pain. A person with peritoneal mesothelioma may also experience bowel obstruction, fever, anemia, or abnormal blood clotting. If the cancer metastasizes past the mesothelium, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the neck and face may occur.

In severe cases where many tumor masses are present, symptoms include: collapsed lung/lungs, blood clotting in the veins, blood clotting in the heart's arteries, severe bleeding in many organs, jaundice, a low blood sugar level, and severe ascites.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are shared by various other disorders, making this cancer a difficult disease to diagnose. When the above symptoms are presented, suspicion of mesothelioma is raised if the patient has a history of exposure to asbestos. A physical examination, chest x-rays, and lung-function tests are performed to rule out other possible problems. X-rays are used to determine if there is the pleural thickening that is normally seen after exposure to asbestos. A CAT scan and an MRI are performed if pleural thickening is detected, and tests are performed to detect abnormal cells in the pleural fluid. If abnormalities are found, a biopsy is performed to confirm results. A laparoscopy may be performed to determine if the cancer is in the abdomen.

Once the diagnosis has been made, doctors will assess the stage of the cancer. The stage is classified as "localized" if the cancer is limited to the membrane surface from which it originated, and "advanced" if it has spread farther.

The disease can be treated with surgery (but the average result is a 5 year survival rate of less than 10%), chemotherapy, radiation (used to relieve symptoms as the tumors are highly resistant to radiation), immunotherapy (which has produced varying results of success and disappointment), and heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (a procedure in which the surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible before administering chemotherapy treatment immediately after, allowing 60 to 120 minutes to take effect before it is drained).

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Mesothelioma Caused by Exposure to Asbestos - Law

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, the protective lining around the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but mesothelioma may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (the lining of the heart).

Most people who develop mesothelioma have either worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles or were exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways--such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked around asbestos or by home renovation using asbestos products. There is no link between mesothelioma and smoking, although smoking tends to aggravate mesothelioma side effects.

Asbestos, which was first mined and used commercially in the late 1800s, became quite popular during World War II. Beginning at that time, millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos dust. The risks associated with asbestos exposure were not widely known, or at least they were downplayed by those in the asbestos industry. However, it was soon proven that shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, those who make asbestos products, and laborers in the heating and construction industries were most likely to get a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Between 3,000 and 6,000 new cases of mesothelioma are presented each year in the U.S., with the average age of diagnosis falling between 50 and 70. Treatment for mesothelioma does exist, but the success rate is quite low. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but those affected can receive treatment including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Since the first mesothelioma lawsuit was filed in 1969, thousands of others followed, and asbestos-related injury quickly became the nation's largest area of product liability litigation.

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Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Exposure - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer most commonly found in the lungs, heart and abdomen and is usually caused by asbestos. Typically, malignant mesothelioma develops when one is repeatedly exposed to asbestos, which is a flame-resistant material once used for insulation. Asbestos is also found in ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles, cement, automobile brakes and clutches.Most of those suffering from malignant mesothelioma have breathed asbestos at work. Some have even been exposed to asbestos in their own home, without realizing it. Those who could be at risk include:

- Construction workers.- Maintenance engineers and janitors.- Shipbuilders exposed to asbestos in boiler insulation.- Miners that mined vermiculite or asbestos.- Railroad workers who worked around boilers and furnaces.- Factory workers.- Firefighters.- Drywall removers.- Auto mechanics and workers who worked with brake linings and clutches.- Demolition workers.- Those who live around asbestos factories or mills.

There are a variety of symptoms associated with mesothelioma which are similar to pneumonia. The most common symptoms include:

- Chest pain- Coughing up bloody fluid- Trouble swallowing- Hoarseness- Shortness of breath- Weight loss.

A lot of attention has been given to asbestos exposure and people aren't exposed as much today as they were several years ago. However, it can sometimes take years for the symptoms of Mesothelioma to surface.

Furthermore, asbestos hasn't been completely eliminated and therefore, it still presents a threat to those who are unknowingly exposed. Do the research and make sure that you and your loved ones are not being exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by being exposed to asbestos, even for short periods of time.

Mesothelioma usually shows up 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms are too often overlooked or diagnosed as minor ailments, which is why it is crucial to look into your exposure to asbestos. If you have been repeatedly exposed and are suffering the symptoms of mesothelioma, you should be screened right away.

However, if you were exposed unknowingly for any length of time at your home or place of employment to asbestos, resulting in mesothelioma, you deserve to be compensated. Seek legal counsel, not only for your own benefit, but for your loved ones as well.

At one time, several businesses, landlords and property owners were fully aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure yet they allowed employees, tenants and home buyers to be exposed. Anyone who was unknowingly exposed absolutely deserves to be compensated.

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Mesothelioma Causing Mine May Reopen in Canada - Health - Cancer

A mine that causes mesothelioma will probably stay open.A spokesman for the Canadian Cancer Society says his organization is "deeply disappointed" that the government of Quebec has decided in favor of helping the Jeffrey asbestos mine stay in operation. Benign mesothelioma tumors,on the other hand, can increase in size. Larger tumors can negatively affect the surrounding tissues and organs. Large tumors can cause a buildup of fluids in the mesothelial membranes. This can cause some very dangerous side effects, such as seizures and comas.According to Canadian media reports, the government has agreed to the $58 million dollar loan guarantee that was needed to help secure international funding and keep the chrysotile asbestos mine open. But the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Medical Association, and other health organizations had argued vehemently against the move, citing evidence that asbestos causes deadly malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos ex posure. Not only are Canadians who work or live around the Jeffrey mine in Quebec at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, but so are thousands of people in the countries to which Canada ships the asbestos. Most of these countries are third world countries that are not likely to enforce asbestos handling guidelines to minimize the risk of mesothelioma. The World Health Organization estimates that 107,000 worldwide contract mesothelioma every year.

"This decision directly conflicts with global cancer control," says Paul Lapierre, Vice President of Cancer Control and Public Affairs with the Canadian Cancer Society. "The epidemic of asbestos-related cancers, both in Canada and around the world, will continue to spread. From a public health point of view, the Quebec Government has made the wrong decision as all forms of asbestos cause cancer."

The Cancer Society has actively lobbied against the decision, saying it will increase the worldwide incidence of mesothelioma. In an attempt to mollify some of their critics, the government did place some conditions on the Jeffrey Mine funding. A consortium of investors must come up with $25 million in additional financing by July 1. The investors will also have to contribute $1.5 million annually for five years to support 'economic diversification' as well as annual inspections of the clients who purchase asbestos from the Jeffrey Mine.

The government says that reopening the Jeffrey Mine would create 425 jobs in the region and generate millions of dollars in taxes and royalties for Quebec. Despite the predicted rise in mesothelioma deaths, Quebec's finance minister contends that Canada's asbestos industry 'saves lives' by allowing countries like India to build more cheaply, supporting economic development.

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About Mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. - Health

Mesothelioma is a cancer which appears to be increasing. Perhaps more accurately it is now being diagnosed more frequently and often resulting from exposure to asbestos maybe 15, 25, 35 or more years ago. Because the effects usually remain undetected for many years the most at risk categories of becoming a mesothelioma victim are men in their 60s, 70s or 80s who worked with asbestos many years ago. In years past there was obviously less physical protection in terms of protective clothing and masks and fewer health and safety regulations to conform to. The workers were continually exposed to the asbestos fibres (the UK spelling) and dust which caused the cells of the mesothelium to become abnormal. Because the disease frequently takes decades to develop fully many of them were oblivious to the problem until thirty to fifty years later. It is these men who are now issuing multi-million dollar mesothelioma lawsuits seeking compensation against the companies that exposed them to the dangers of asbestos, even though they were aware, in many cases, that it could cause harm to the employees. Mesothelioma legal advice is big business because of the potential for high settlement awards.

There are also other people at risk from the disease; namely those who have had regular contact with a person who has worked with asbestos. People who worked with asbestos would carry asbestos dust and asbestos fibres on their clothes, skin and in their hair back to their home. Once in the home the fibres and dust were a source of asbestos poisoning to all family members. For example a wife who washed her husband's clothes would herself be at risk of developing mesothelioma, respiratory problems or another asbestos related disease.

In simple terms our internal organs are protected, covered or lined with the mesothelium (the cells are referred to as the mesothelial cells). Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is usually presented in a fibre form. Exposure to these fibres, without suitable protective clothing and breathing equipment, means the body then absorbs the asbestos fibers and dust. Old asbestos installations maybe surrounded by accumulated asbestos dust which is also a severe hazard.Types of Mesothelioma.

o - Pleural mesothelioma - the most frequently diagnosed type of this disease and effects the lungs and breathing.o - Peritoneal mesothelioma - less frequent and is typically found in the abdomen, stomach and bowels.o - Pericardial mesothelioma - much less frequently found and affects the heart.

Many of the symptoms are similar in each of the mesothelioma types - in the early stages at least - to other less dangerous and more frequently diagnosed illnesses. If you have any reason or cause to believe you had exposure to asbestos then - consult your doctor and discuss your concerns. The symptoms and the latency period of this disease mean that it is difficult to diagnose.

Mesothelioma Treatment.

Although there are treatments for mesothelioma, they do not have a high success rate particularly on patients in whom the cancer is in its later stages. The faster the mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated, the more chance of success, which is why it is important to get as fast a diagnosis as possible.

Current treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I understand there is an anti cancer drug called Onconase that has been used in some clinical tests and has had some success in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. In the UK the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has now approved the use of the mesothelioma drug Alimta in the NHS hospitals and mesothelioma treatment centres. Alimta and Cisplatin are used for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in some circumstances.

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