Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer - Health

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost caused by previous exposure to asbestos. It has three common types namely, pleural Mesothelioma peritoneal Mesothelioma, and pericardial Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma occurs in many places within the body, but is usually near from the lungs and to the abdominal area.

Once a specialist diagnosed that you are positive on Mesothelioma, be conscious and try to ask the doctor what is your current condition.Below are the following symptoms of Mesothelioma you should keep in mind in case of emergency you know what to do:* Chest wall pain* Shortness of breath* Bowel obstruction* Fatigue or anemia* Pleural effusion (or fluid surrounding the lungs)* Wheezing, hoarseness or cough* Blood in the sputum* Weight loss* Blood cloth* Low blood sugar* Severe ascite (build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity)* Anemia

Symptoms of Mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years but prepare yourself if one day you will see the signs of the said disease.

Plan of Actions

As a Mesothelioma patient or victim, do something to help to minimize this type of disease.

1.Through check up. Inform your doctor about your medical situation and the sign and symptoms you have been facing. In fact it will be easy for the doctor to give enough information according to the disease.

2.By Telling your Medical History. It is based on the patient's experience and feeling for the doctor to provide an insight related to the past and present and give him hint about the causes, effect, importance and treatment.

3.Decision making. If the doctor asks your condition, follow their perception and suggestions base on your health.

If they offer medical operation, prepare yourself for financial factors as diagnosis and treatment of Mesothelioma cancer may include large amount on expenses.

Immediately see the doctor to describe and explained the detail, for the doctor to determine if Mesothelioma cancer really exists on your body and to make correct diagnosis.

Having a Mesothelioma cancer is a big problem because it can damage our lives no one else is excused it is either poor or rich.

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What are Some Common Treatments for Mesothelioma? - Law - Personal Injury

Treatments for mesothelioma vary and there is far more information available than can be covered thoroughly, here. So, you are encouraged to read up on as much information as you can find as well as ask your doctor for recommendations specific to your needs, and why he recommends the treatments he does. With that in mind, let this article direct you to some reliable sources of information to help you fully understand your medical team's recommendations and all of your options before you choose a course of treatment.

There is a very nice and thorough Guide for Malignant Mesothelioma available from the American Cancer Society that you can read online or download as a PDF file. This guide, along with several other sources gives good explanations of this disease, treatment options, and much more information. The treatment options available to you may differ significantly from other people's, based upon a number of factors. These include:

* What part of your body is involved.* The stage of the mesothelioma.* The degree of metastasis-how far it has spread.* The type of cells, as identified with a microscope.* Your age.* Your preferences.

You may hear some discouraging information about treatment or survival statistics, but don't give up hope. Many of these statistics include survival rates based on early treatment outcomes, which can skew the current rates. Specialists and researchers are having more and more success with newer methods of treatment, and those in leading cancer centers are making notable progress.

The most common treatments for mesothelioma include:

* Surgical removal of the cancerous cells. This is the most common treatment. Surgery might be done to remove cancerous portions of the mesothelial lining, some of the adjacent tissue, possibly an entire lung (pneumonectomy), part of the diaphragm, or the affected portions of the peritoneal lining and adjacent tissue.* Chemotherapy, drugs to destroy the cancer cells. Most chemotherapy drugs are administered by intravenous injection (IV) over several treatments scheduled several weeks apart. In peritoneal mesothelioma, heated chemotherapy may be administered after surgery. * Radiation therapy to destroy the cancer cells. X-rays can kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, which improves the success of surgery. * A combination of two or three of the above treatments

Palliative treatments of mesothelioma intended to relieve symptoms and control pain may include surgery or radiation therapy along with procedures such as paracentesis or thoracentesis (depending upon the location of the cancer), and pleurectomy to remove part of the tumor, but not all of it. These latter treatments involve draining fluid from the affected areas and then injecting drugs to prevent accumulation of more fluid in those spaces.

Other treatments come in the form of clinical trials. These are treatments that are being studied by researchers to see if they are effective and if so, how effective under varying conditions. If you are interested in taking part in a clinical trial you can learn more from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1-800-4-CANCER. You will need to talk to your doctor about current trials and your eligibility for these. You can also download the National Cancer Institute's booklet "Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies."

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Doctors and Specialists of Mesothelioma in USA - Other

Many doctors in the United States are specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of a rare form of cancer, Mesothelioma. Learn more about the achievements and contributions of these doctors in the study of this rare disease.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer usually caused by inhalation of asbestos materials. Some people because of their job descriptions are exposed regularly to such hazardous chemicals.

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer. It takes doctors specializing in this disease to detect and treat the cancer. Sadly, there are only a few of these doctors to date.

These doctors are worthy to mention below.

Dr. Roy Smythe, MDProfessor and ChairmanDepartment of SurgeryTexas A&M University System Health Sciences CenterScott & White Hospital, Temple, TXPhone: 254-724-2595

Dr. Smythe attended his medical study in Baylor University. In 1998, he became a faculty member of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In 1989, he graduated with the highest honors in Texas A&M University in 1989. He was also awarded the Helen Salyer Anderson Medal for Academic Achievement.

Between 1989 and 1996, he started a laboratory test which led to the first clinical gene therapy for the disease called mesotheliomia. Since then, he worked hand in hand with other specialists in looking for a treatment of mesothelioma-inflicted diseases.

Organizational Membership:*Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery*American Board of Thoracic Surgery*Alpha Omega Alpha*American Association for Cancer Research*American Society for Gene Therapy*Association for Academic Surgery*Southern Thoracic Surgical Association

Dr. Valerie W. Rusch, FACSFACS Chief, Thoracic ServicePhone: 212-639-5873

Dr. Rusch is a specialist in many kinds of cancers including the mesothelioma. She made several research projects to test how patients respond to several treatments. She aims to provide the best treatment possible for cancer patients.

Other clinical expertise:*Thoracic Surgical Oncology*Lung Cancer*Esophageal Cancer*Mediastinal Tumors*Mesothelioma*Pulmonary Metastases*Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery*Pulmonary and Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy*Laser Endoscopy*Tracheobronchial and Esophageal Stents

Dr. Lary A. Robinson, M.D.Dr. Robinson authored several medical publications and has exerted a lot of effort involving cancer-related research projects, particularly for mesothelioma and lung cancer. He focuses on evaluating treatments of different stages of mesothelioma including therapeutic treatments.

Other achievements of Dr. Robinson include:*Undergraduate Degree - University of Kansas*Medical Degree - Washington University School of Medicine*Fellowship in cardiac research and clinical cardiac - St. Thomas' Hospital in London*Diplomat of the American Board of Surgery*American Board of Thoracic Surgery*Certified in Surgical Critical Care*Associate Professor of Surgery and Pharmacology*Clinical Director of the Clinical Perfusion Science Education Program

Dr. Stephen C. Yang, M.D.Chief, Division of Thoracic SurgeryAssociate Professor of Surgery and OncologySurgical Director, Lung Transplantation ProgramDi6rector, Thoracic Oncology ProgramJohns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MDPhone: (410) 614-3891

Dr. Yang initiated various medical researches including:*Development of molecular markers for early diagnosis of lung cancer, recurrent lung cancer and surgical resection*Early detection and intervention of teleomerase*Molecular biology of mesothelioma

Clinical Expertise:*Lung Cancer*Lung Diseases: fibrosis, emphysema*Esophageal Cancer*Mesothelioma*CT scanning for early diagnosis of tobacco related diseases*Lung transplantation - Adult and Pediatric programs*Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS)*Lung volume reduction surgery for emphysema

Professional credentials:*B.A. Chemistry - Duke University*M.D. Medicine - Medical College of Virginia*General Surgery Residency - University Texas Health Science Center in Houston*Cardiothoracic Fellowship - Medical College of Virginia*Thoracic Oncology Surgery Fellowship - M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

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The Importance of Mesothelioma Treatment - Health - Medicine

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, which affects the protective lining of the body's internal organs. It usually develops in the outer lining of the lungs and the internal chest wall. However, it is not limited to this organ. It can also develop in the lining of the abdominal cavity, the heart, the sac surrounding the heart and the tunic vaginalis (a covering of the testis). Mesothelioma is nearly exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Though there have been rare cases where the cancer has developed in a person who has no known exposure to the material.

Treatment of mesothelioma depends on many factors. The part of the body that is affected by the cancer and how far it has spread are important factors in determining the affective treatment for the disease. Other factors include the patients age, the cancers stage, and the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope. Once these factors have been taken into account then a treatment plan can be developed.

There are several types of treatment for mesothelioma. Most common among these are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery entails the actually removal of the cancer through surgical procedures. Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer through the use of chemotherapy drugs, which usually block the enzymes necessary for DNA copying and cell division. In radiation therapy, penetrating beams of high energy are used to attack the microscopic cancer cells in the body. These three traditional treatments for mesothelioma can be used alone or together depending on the treatment plan created by the cancer team.

The prognosis for mesothelioma is not very promising; with the survival time expected, being only eight to twelve months. This prognosis, however, is improving with the many advances that occur each day in the fight against cancer.

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Emanuele Miglioretti

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Mesothelioma Treatment -What is the role of Diet in the treatment of mesothelioma? - Health - Cancer

For victims of diseases like cancer, proper eating can make the difference between life and death, they must eat a very balanced diet. Cancer and the anti cancer drugs used to treat it can destroy the appetite and drain the body of vital nutrients so that it can no longer fight the drugs. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and even loss of smell and taste are common side effects of Chemotherapy which tend to reduce the desire to eat a balanced diet and ensure sound health.

The type of diet recommended for mesothelioma patients include foods from four food groups namely protein, fat, water and carbohydrates.Protein is the most essential part of a good mesothelioma diet as protein helps repair cells damaged by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The prestigious National Cancer institute recommends that people with this cancer take foods such as cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, fish, meat, and ice cream.

Fats are also a very important component of a good cancer diet as fat help store energy which the body can make use of later to provide a much needed boost during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Although fat intake depends on the size and body type of the person, but the National Cancer Institute believes that high calorie foods such as butter, cheese, milk, honey, sugar, dried fruits, and granola can provide adequate fat stores to be used by the body during the mesothelioma recovery process.

Water is also important because it helps to improve the state of hydration in the body especially during radiotherapy and chemotherapy when the body tends to loose some water.

Carbohydrates should also be part of their diet as they also help to provide the much needed energy to be able to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Some patients prefer to throw caution to the wind, and eat whatever they desire, believing that food is a simple pleasure in life and the joy experienced from eating their favorite dishes has a more positive effect than a menu of approved foods.

A balanced diet can help victims of mesothelioma maintain their overall health and improve their quality of life even though they will still likely succumb to the devastating effects of the diseaseEvery mesothelioma victim should take steps to get compensated for the terrible pain and hardship that they pass through when they are diagnosed. They must learn as much as they can about the disease and how to get compensated.

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Mesothelioma Chemotherapy: Looking at the use of Pemetrexed in the treatment of Mesothelioma - Health - Cancer

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cases with about 2000 new cases occurring every year. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of this type of lung cancer unlike in other lung cancers where cigarette smoking is the main risk factor.

Pemetrexed is one of the chemotherapeutic agents that have been approved for the treatment of malignant lung mesothelioma. It belongs to a group of drugs known as MTA, multitargeted anti-folates. These group of drugs block the uptake of folic acid by cells of the body, cells require folic acid to power the process of growth and multiplication, and once the uptake is blocked the cancerous cells will not be able to continue dividing and multiplying.

Pemetrexed can be combined with another anti cancer agent called carboplatin and this combination has been known to increase the life span of patients by as much as three years.

If you are a patient suffering from this cancer, and your oncologist has recommended the use of Pemetrexed as part of your cancer treatment, it is important to obtain information about nutritional supplements that may be necessary during the course of chemotherapy. Because Pemetrexed blocks the vitamin B from reaching health tissue, supplementing diet with oral folic acid, prior to treatment, is important.

Side Effects in Treating Lung Cancer of chemotherapy drugs is a major concern for those receiving treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma but the side effects associated with pemetrexed are less common when compared with other chemotherapy drugs however it can cause anemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of weight, itching and burning between treatments and even muscle aches and pains as some of its own side effects.

The use of Pemetrexed is contraindicated {that is, it can not be used} in patients with kidney diseases, liver disease, heart disease, shingles, and gout. When discussing treatment options with your health care professional, inquire about the use of Pemetrexed, in combination with carboplatin, this drug combination will help to relieve you of some of the symptoms of the cancer and it will also improve your prognosis.

Once you are placed on this combination make sure you supplement your diet with appropriate dose of folic acid to help your normal healthy tissues to continue to grow and multiply normally.

To be able to cope very well with treatment every mesothelioma victim should seek for adequate knowledge about the disease and the different modes of treatment.

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Causes and Treatment of Mesothelioma - Other

Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. In fact, mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, the sheath that covers major organs such as the lungs (pleurum), the heart (pericardium) and the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common kind.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become embedded in the lining of the lungs. Due to their small needle-like size, the normal defenses of the body are unable to detect them. Usually, any foreign bodies such as this would either be coughed up, or be removed through a build-up of mucus around them. But nor asbestos. They cause inflammation of the lungs and tissue damage, leading to scarring and coughing. These are the initial symptoms of asbestosis, though asbestosis is not mesothelioma.

No one knows for sure why cancers develop, but once cancerous cells are formed in the pleura, it gradually becomes thicker, and over time restricts breathing and causes shortness of breath and coughing. What is known as 'pleural effusion' occurs, as the fluid of the pleura, designed to lubricate the movement of the lungs against the other organs nearby, builds up and exerts pressure on the lungs. The thickening of the pleura continues as an increasing number of cells become cancerous, until death eventually occurs.

The Effect of Smoking

Although smoking is known to lead to a number of forms of cancer, it does not in itself promote mesothelioma. However, a patient that has been exposed to asbestos, and who also smokes, will be more liable to contract the disease than a non-smoker will. This is why smokers are generally awarded lower sums in compensation than non-smokers with the same condition. However, it would be wrong to state that smoking is a cause of mesothelioma.

It is, however, the cause of many more lung cancer cases than mesothelioma caused by asbestos, and smoking and asbestos together also increase the risk of the patient developing general lung cancer, just as prolonged exposure to asbestos causes more than just mesothelioma. Asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are not the same thing.

Symptoms

The major symptoms are shortness of breath, weight loss, nausea and pain. This is true of all forms of mesothelioma, not only pleural mesothelioma. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdomen becomes very painful and distended, just as the pleural version causes tightening and swelling in the chest due to pleural effusion. The pressure created can also result in pain, apart from that of the cancer itself.

Diagnosis

If the disease is not diagnosed early, then survival is unlikely. Therefore, any person who has previously worked in the asbestos industry, or has used asbestos in their employment, should make their doctor aware of that fact. They can then be placed on a schedule of regular examinations designed to detect the first signs of the disease. If the condition is detected early enough, most treatments available can be used effectively, and surgery is much more likely to be effective if the area affected is able to be isolated.

If you have contracted the disease, stopping smoking is essential, and you must try to avoid all infections of the lungs and airways. It is possible to have the condition treated, but if diagnosed too late then treatment tends to be palliative, and designed to make the patient as comfortable as possible.

It is essential, therefore, that people that have a history of contact with asbestos inform their physician immediately to make sure that if the symptoms do occur, they are spotted before any lasting harm can be done. Only then will there be a hope of a cure and successful recovery from this insidious disease.

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