4 Important Steps in the Early Detection of Mesothelioma - Health - Cancer

Asbestos-related diseases incubate for many decades before they start to show symptoms, and early detection is critical for proper treatment. People who worked in many industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing are at high risk of developing these diseases.

The subtle nature of mesothelioma and a wealth of common symptoms makes detection to rest greatly on associating the proper symptoms with the proper diagnosis. Those with previous exposure to asbestos should readily inform the doctor of their past work history, so that the doctors suspicion about mesothelioma will be quickly aroused. Early and constant screenings are paramount for those who have suffered asbestos exposure.

The different steps in screening are:

-Step 1:

The first test a doctor will most likely run will be a thorascopy. The doctor will use an instrument called a thorascope. The instrument is introduced through a small incision made on the chest wall and it is used to visualize the chest cavity, samples of the lung tissue are also taken for biopsy testing in the laboratory. This procedure is done in a hospital under local anesthetic and usually causes little pain.

-Step 2:

This step involves the use of a peritoneoscope, an instrument that looks inside the abdomen and is used to collect tissue samples. It can also be used to check for the presence of accumulation of fluids which can be drained to relieve pressure and pain.

-Step 3:

More advanced tests such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan give a three dimensional X-Ray of the tissue in question. This shows the potentially damaged areas before they manifest symptoms.

-Step 4:

Another option is called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan, or MRI. An MRI gives uses high energy magnetic fields to take cross-section pictures of internal structures to distinguish healthy tissues from malignant tissues. These two scans allow doctors to recognize dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.

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Importance of Mesothelioma Chemotherapy - Health - Cancer

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma is important for the mesothelioma patients. Generally mesothelioma patients have some questions about chemotherapy treatment. These include Chemotherapy for mesotheliomaGenerally, chemotherapy involves with one or more anti-cancer drugs taken either orally in pill form, or intravenously, or, in the case of pleural mesothelioma, injected directly into the lungs. These drugs reduce the growth of cancerous cells, but they also damage normal healthy cells as well leading to the development of side effects. Common side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapySide effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy are very common nowadays. The following side effects have been seen with the mesothelioma chemotherapy.

Hair loss Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Constipation Anemia Hemorrhaging

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma also causes many complicated side effects within the cancerous growth.

Risks of chemotherapyThere is a chance of increasing of toxic reactions in the blood, liver, and kidneys, contributing to the potential fatal nature of chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy drugs can be given in two ways, orally or by intravenous (IV) infusion. If chemotherapy is given by infusion, the patient will receive treatment at the hospital or outpatient chemotherapy clinic. Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system by decreasing antibodies in the blood stream, patients undergoing chemotherapy are vulnerable to having common infections and illnesses. What can you do if chemotherapy does not work?If you suffer from mesothelioma and chemotherapy has failed you, then you should consult with a mesothelioma attorney who is experienced in handling asbestos-related litigation. You have a right to pursue legal action to seek justice from those who wronged you. Don't delay, for the laws in your state limit the amount of time you have to collect damages, and these statutes of limitations can end your case before it can begin.

Mesothelioma chemotherapy is one of the best mesothelioma treatment options for the mesothelioma patients. If you are the victim of mesothelioma disease then you should go for the Mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment so that you can prevent this deadly disease before its serious.

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Information on Chemotherapy of Mesothelioma Treatment - Health

Mesothelioma chemotherapy is often one component of mesothelioma treatment. There are three basic approaches to treating mesothelioma disease such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemogtherapy, are potentially frightening to a patient. Chemotherapy is possibly a little more difficult to penetrate rationally, and weigh the risks, versus rewards. Certainly, the list of possible side effects is quite intimidating. If surgery is an option for you, it may be followed by radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy in order to try to kill the microscopic cancer cells that remain in your body. The chemotherapy agents that your doctor selects will often be a combination or recipe of drugs that when used together have better outcomes than when used by themselves.After response to the mesothelioma treatment has been determined, the following criteria will be used to decide whether chemotherapy should continue: If there is shrinkage of the tumor, or the disease is kept stable, chemother apy may be continued for as long as it can be tolerated and there is no disease progression. If there is continued disease progression, chemotherapy will be stopped, and the patient will be given alternative options. The purpose of setting mesothelioma chemotherapy is to make treatment as effective, timely and trouble-free as possible, but while the drugs are working to kill cancer cells, they may also affect healthy cells causing side effects.Common Side Effects of Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Includes: -Fever of, or greater than 101 degrees -Nausea -Diarrhea or constipation -Fatigue -Tingling or numbness in the fingers or toes -Ringing in the ears -Bruises or rashes -Sores in the mouth or throat -Reduced white blood cell count {neutropenia} making you more prone to infections. For this reason your full blood count should be monitored closely.Mesothelioma Chemotherapy is important for the patients who have been badly affected by this dangerous disease. Mesothelioma chemotherap y should be taken on time before it becomes urgent for the patient. Lots of mesothelioma treatment centers are found around but finding the best and reliable mesothelioma treatment center would help you as per as proper mesothelioma treatments are concerned.

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

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

What causes mesothelioma?

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

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

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

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

How does asbestos cause mesothelioma?

Internal organs and body cavities are lined by a thin tissue called mesothelium. This lining lines the lungs {pleura} and it also lines the heart sac {pericardium} and abdominal cavity {peritoneum}.

This mesothelial tissue offers protection and support for the internal organs and body cavities. It also provides lubrication to help organ function properly and be in good health.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Treatment of epithelioid mesothelioma - Health

Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common cell type that is relatively uniform in shape and has a tubular pattern with a distinct cell nucleus. Epithelioid is the most common kind; 50-70% cases reported are of this type, which also has the best possibility of survival. This type affects the covering surrounding the internal organs and internal surfaces in the body.

In spite of various new treatment options, the survival rate of Mesothelioma disease is low. These options have helped in increasing the longevity of mesothelioma patients. Statistics indicate that the average survival period after diagnosis is about one year. The survival period might increase up to two years if the proper treatment is done aggressively. More than 95% cases with mesothelioma disease occur due to asbestos exposure.

Epithelium is a tissue separating different regions of the body. Like in the case of epithelial cells found in the skin detaches the outside of the body from the inside of the body. This serves varied responsibilities like protection, absorption, filtration, excretion, secretion or sensory reception.

Causes and symptoms of epithelioid mesothelioma:

There are various causes found of epithelioid mesothelioma. The most common cause of epithelioid mesothelioma is asbestos exposure where the fine particles and which are found thrown in the air either through sawing or cutting. Mainly the membrane lining of chest cavity, lungs, heart or abdominal cavity gets affected in epithelioid mesothelioma.

Usually there are misdiagnoses of the disease as the cells in other forms of cancer look quite similar to epithelioid cells as adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer which is often confused with epithelioid mesothelioma.

Symptoms of epithelioid mesothelioma:

Symptoms can occur after more than 40 to 50 years of being exposed to asbestos. Patients suffering from epithelioid mesothelioma can have a cough, weakness, tiredness along with inability to absorb nutrition causing weight loss. The breathlessness is caused when the tumor does not allow the lungs to expand and when it spreads further it results in severe chest pain.

Diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma

A methodical diagnosis is needed prior to any kind of treatment for mesothelioma. As the latency period of this disease's appearance of the symptoms early diagnosis becomes a difficult proposition. It is usually done only at the advanced stage leading to a survival rate of about 8 to 9 months.

Get more information about epithelioid mesothelioma and its treatment options at New Mesothelioma Treatments. The website provides reliable information about epithelioid mesothelioma for the mesothelioma patients throughout the World.

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Three Important Steps to Help You Prepare For Recurrence of Mesothelioma Cancer - Other

Even if therapy has succeeded in reducing the symptoms of your mesothelioma cancer, you need to be prepared for a very likely chance that it might reoccur. This is very hard to think about, especially right after successful cancer treatment. But not being aware of this possibility could be dangerous to your long-term health. These are some things you can do and things you should know that will help you deal with the uncertainty of cancer recurrence:

1- Keep your health insurance

You probably already know that having cancer is very expensive. Your first cancer experience probably cost a lot of money. You may have had to change your work schedule or job status because of the side effects of a certain treatment. Your partner may have had to take time off from work to help you. These changes affect your finances.

Though money may be tight, keep your health insurance if at all possible after you have finished your first cancer treatment. You will need regular follow-up care for many years. Unless you are over 65 and can get Medicare, it can be hard to get medical insurance, especially if your cancer comes back. Insurance is expensive, but cancer treatment is even more costly. There are some options for uninsured people who need cancer treatment, but they are not easy or inexpensive. There are no "free" government programs to pay for cancer care.

For some people, going back to work after having had cancer is very hard to do, but they feel they cannot look for a different job because they are afraid to lose their health insurance. Although the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is supposed to help you to get insurance coverage when you change jobs, some people worry about the risk of having different coverage in their new job. Although employers are not legally allowed to discriminate against hiring people who have had cancer, cancer survivors are often afraid to look for a new job. They are also afraid to discuss their cancer with a new employer.

-Keep your follow-up visits with your doctor

While there is no guarantee that seeing your doctor regularly will keep the cancer from coming back, it will allow you to find any recurrence as early as possible. The earlier cancer is found, the better it responds to treatment. It is also reassuring to know that your doctor is closely watching you to be sure that no cancer is found. Continue to talk with your health care team. Let them know how you are feeling and discuss any concerns you might have. One of the greatest benefits you will get from your follow-up visits with your doctor will be peace of mind.

-Get the tests your doctor suggests

There are tests that you will need to have done as part of your follow-up after cancer treatment. These will help your doctor be sure that you stay in remission (without evidence of disease). The tests will vary depending on the type of cancer you had.One of the most commonly used tests to determine the progression of mesothelioma is the mesomark assay test in which the level of a particular chemical in the body is measured periodically.

As you can see, each follow-up schedule is different based on the specific cancer. Talk to your health care team about what your follow-up care is going to be, what is expected of you, and what you can expect of them during this time.

It is tempting to avoid following all the steps and tests required in follow-up. By the time you have completed treatment for cancer, you may be tired of being a cancer patient and just want to forget about this part of your life and move on. It is understandable to want to avoid tests and doctors that make you face the possibility that your cancer has returned. This is a natural impulse, but not a wise choice.

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Great Tips on How You Can Cope With the Uncertainty of Mesothelioma - Other

Worrying about the mesothelioma cancer coming back (recurring) is normal, especially during the first year after treatment. This is one of the most common fears people have after cancer treatment. And even many years after treatment, this fear may still be in the back of your mind. As time goes by, many people say that their fear of mesothelioma resurfacing decreases and they find themselves thinking less often about their cancer. But even years after treatment, some events can cause you to worry about your health. These may include:

- follow-up visits- anniversary events (like the date you were diagnosed, had surgery, or ended treatment)- birthdays- of a family member- symptoms much like the ones you had when you first found you had cancer- the death of someone who had cancer

Here are some ideas that have helped others deal with uncertainty and fear and feel more hopeful:

- Be informed. Learn what you can do for your health now and about the services available to you. This can give you a greater sense of control.

- Be aware that you do not have control over some aspects of your cancer. It helps to accept this rather than fight it.

- Be aware of your fears, but don't judge them. Practice letting them go. It is normal for these thoughts to enter your mind, but you do not have to keep them there. Some people picture them floating away, or being vaporized. Others turn them over to a higher power to handle. However you do it, letting them go can free you from wasting time and energy on needless worry.

-Express feelings of fear or uncertainty with a trusted friend or counselor. Being open and dealing with emotions helps many people feel less worried. People have found that when they express strong feelings, like fear, they are more able to let go of these feelings. Thinking and talking about your feelings can be hard. While it is important not to let cancer rule your life, it may be hard to do. If you find cancer is taking over your life, it may be helpful to find a way to express your feelings.

- Take in the present moment rather than thinking of an uncertain future or a difficult past. If you can find a way to be peaceful inside yourself, even for a few minutes a day, you can start to recall that peace when other things are happening - when life is busy and confusing.

- Work toward having a positive attitude, which can help you feel better about life now.

- Use your energy to focus on wellness and what you can do now to stay as healthy as possible. Try to make healthy diet changes. If you are a smoker, this is a good time to quit.

- Find ways to help yourself relax.

- Exercise and be as active as you can.

- Control what you can. Some people say that putting their lives back in order makes them feel less fearful. Being involved in your health care, getting back to your normal life, and making changes in your lifestyle are among the things you can control. Even setting a daily schedule can give you more power. And while no one can control every thought, some say they've resolved not to dwell on the fearful ones.

- Get support

A support group can be a powerful tool for both survivors and families. Talking with others who are in situations like yours can help ease loneliness. You can also get useful ideas from others that might help you.

There are many kinds of support programs, including individual or group counseling and support groups. Some groups are formal and focus on learning about cancer or dealing with feelings. Others are informal and social. Some groups are made up of only people with cancer or only caregivers, while others include spouses, family members, or friends. Other groups focus on certain types of cancer or stages of disease. The length of time groups meet can range from a set number of weeks to an ongoing program. Some programs have closed membership and others are open to new, drop-in members.

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