Cervical Cancer Smear Test The Extended Wait

Cervical and Breast Cancer are two sorts of cancer which not only have an effect on a lady physically all the same mentally also e.g. dealing with all the trauma immediately after getting diagnosed with the illness. A significant percentage of girls admit to living in worry of the sizeable C, all the same cervical or Breast Cancer zero cost females admit that the believed of contacting the illness by no means leaves their mind.

Unfortunately, self breast examination appears to be unimportant for some ladies who select to ignore a well being problem as important to safe their properly becoming, ignoring any indication that Breast Cancer is creating can outcome in the patient getting to fight for their life. If an examination of the breasts had taken location in some unfortunate instances the entire situation would have just involved treating the Breast Cancer and no involvement of an undertaker. Girls need to have to sensible up mainly because if they continue to carry ignorance as an ally to support beat this battle – then they shed. Winning contains contemporary medicines. Early cancer remedy betters survival odds therefore providing a patient the likelihood to carry on with their life as an alternative of throwing it away.

Aside from bosom blunders exactly where ignorance might possibly have prevailed we have Cervical Cancer. Girls desire to be conscious of all involvements i.e. what to count on all through any Cervical Cancer therapies. The cervix is the decrease aspect of the womb or uterus and is normally called the ‘neck of the womb’.

The cervix and its goal are to support retain a normal pregnancy. In non-pregnant ladies, the cervix has no clear function. In the UK Cervical Cancer is down on paper as the sixth most well-known cancer in females. It’s of the utmost value for a lady to retain wholesome in thoughts physique and soul by possessing standard Cervical Cancer smear tests – oft occasions known as a Pap smear test. Smear tests are normally done in order to detect any cell modifications that come prior to cancer. It is a waiting game, which means, it can take years for these cell adjustments detected at the time of a cervical smear test to grow to be cancer. Fortunately some modifications have been identified to go away by themselves.

Females who waited in anticipation for their cancer outcomes stated they identified it additional of an ordeal coping with the wait than that of getting the actual prognosis (Cervical Cancer).

Suffering in silence is not wholesome, not all abnormal test final results indicate that Cervical Cancer is present. It really is by way of early diagnosis and therapy of pre-cancerous alterations that improvement of actual cancer can be prevented. Early detection is most profound to enable fight the illness.

There are two forms of this cancer; the squamous cell cancer and aden-ocarcinoma. Cervical smear tests detect the early modifications of squamous cell cancer. Early stage growths of specific cancers can be treated with surgery or radiotherapy hence resulting in a remedy.

Normal inquiries asked about Cervical Cancer are what the causes are; properly there is no definite single cause, nevertheless study points the finger at a viral infection of the cervix or cancer sticks (cigarettes). Fags are a significant well being hazard relating to Lung Cancer, smoking is stated to too raise the threat of building Cervical Cancer and even the quantity of partners in youth trial runs of intercourse have as well been linked to becoming connected to the cause. In the UK cervical tests are routinely done just about every 3 years, lives are getting saved for the reason that of this.

Women face a silent however deadly issue due to the fact; pre-cancerous adjustments of the cervix that show up on cervical smear tests sadly do not give symptoms. Undergoing a biopsy of the cervix is the way Cervical Cancer is diagnosed. The procedure is generally carried out with an internal examination known as a colposcopy.

Treating cancer of the cervix will purely rely upon the severity of the disuse, which means, has it spread to the pelvis. A radical hysterectomy or Wertheim’s hysterectomy could possibly be recommended as therapy. It’s at this stage that a specialist gynaecologist will conduct surgery. Radiotherapy destroys tumour cells that the gynaecologist can’t see.

Bear in mind “out of sight out of thoughts”, is not a healthier process for a remedy; a healthful method is to preserve it in thoughts and any Cervical Cancer symptoms have to be kept in sight.

Womens Cancer Depressed Ladies Cancer Inquiries

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Pleural Mesothelioma | Peritoneal, and Pericardial Mesothelioma Types

Mesothelioma can present itself in various types, and for diagnosing Mesothelioma it is important to understand the various types of Mesothelioma that exist. There are three types in which we will focus on, Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma 

malignant pleural mesothelioma

The most common of the three types of Mesothelioma is the Pleural Mesothelioma which occurs in about 70% of the cases. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma often times originates within the chest cavity and often times affects or involves the lungs as well. This particular type can metastasize to other organs within the body, hence why we call it Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Frequently, in the early stages of Pleural Mesothelioma, the symptoms can be very mild.

Patients may come in complaining of having chest pain in one specific area that never abates, they may present with weight loss, which is many a times a very big clue that some underlying disease is present and patients may even present with having a fever. There are those unfortunate times though that a patient may present with much more severe disease and will have severe symptoms because they end up having fluid that has built up in the chest, causing them difficulty with breathing leading to what is known as a pleural effusion.

What is often used to diagnose Pleural Mesothelioma is a Chest X ray, or a CT Scan which many consider to be proven as the best test for identifying how far along the disease has progressed and if there are any malignancies involved with other organs.

Unfortunately the survival rate for patients that have been diagnosed with pleural Mesothelioma is not high because many patients don’t live beyond seventeen months from onset of their symptoms, which is why we encourage that any patient that may have been exposed to Asbestos, which is many times the cause of patient having Mesothelioma get help early.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The next type of Mesothelioma will be discussing in our triad of Pleural, Peritoneal, Pericardial Mesothelioma is Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This particular type of Mesothelioma originates in the abdomen and will frequently spread to other organs like the liver, bowels, pancreas, or your spleen. Many patients will present with having severe abdominal pain and again there may end up having some fluid buildup in the abdomen as well. Other symptoms that patients may present with are difficulty with their bowel movements, fever, nausea, vomiting, etc.  The survival rate for these individuals unfortunately is even worse than for those diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Last of the various types of Mesothelioma is the Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is by far the least common form of Mesothelioma and as the name suggests this is the type that affects the heart. What it does is it invades the pericardium, which is the sac that surrounds the heart. As this form of cancer envelops the heart it prevents oxygen from being able to be delivered efficiently to heart causing decline in the patients health at an accelerated rate. Many times the symptoms associated with Pericardial Mesothelioma mimics what a person would feel if there were to be having a heart attack, such as chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath.

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The Cancer of The Mesothelial Cells

The Diseased Defined

Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and in addition produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the interior organs of the physique to move around. Malignant Mesothelioma could be outlined as the most cancers of the mesothelial cells which change into irregular and start dividing with none order. Majority of the mesothelioma sufferers have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma or just Mesothelioma might be divided into 3 primary varieties particularly
- Epithelioid
- Sarcomatoid
- Combined/biphasic

Of those, Epithelioid is the commonest (50% to 70% cases) and stands the most effective probability of recovery. Sarcomatoid type is seen in 7% to twenty% instances whereas mixed/biphasic sort is seen in 20% to 35% cases.

Roughly, ¾ of the full circumstances of Mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The cancer affecting the liner of the abdomen (peritoneum) known as the peritoneal mesothelioma and that affecting the “sac like” house around the coronary heart (pericardial cavity) is known as the pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma at instances also impacts the covering layer of the testicles. Nevertheless, the final two kinds of instances are fairly rare.

Analysis of Malignant Mesothelioma

The tumors of the mesothelium can either be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So each time there are symptoms like shortness of breath, ache in chest/abdomen or swelling within the stomach, it’s best to seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

After the preliminary X-rays and scans, the doctor might look inside the chest cavity (in case of pleural tumor) with an instrument referred to as thoracoscope and the check is known as thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the physician might go for peritoneoscopy with the assistance of a tool called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is finished, whereby a piece of the unnatural tissue is reduce out and positioned under microscope for examination.

After the confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma it is also important to determine its phases i.e. whether or not it’s in localized stage or in advanced stage. Within the localized stage, the most cancers is found within the lining of the chest cavity or within the diaphragm or the lung. Superior malignant Mesothelioma can again be divided into 3 stages particularly stage II, III and IV. In stage II, the most cancers spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes and in stage III it spreads into chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or belly lining, etc. The final or the fourth stage is the one in which the cancer has already spread to distant organs.

Treatment

Relying on the stage of the cancer, its location and the health, age and medical historical past of the affected person, three forms of remedies are mated out to malignant Mesothelioma patients – surgery (to take away the tumor), radiation therapy (utility of excessive vitality rays) and chemotherapy (utilization of combination of drugs). This aside, if there may be any accumulation of fluid within the chest or stomach, then the doctor needs to empty it out and the method is thought to be thoracentesis and paracentesis respectively.

So be aware of the disease, such you could stop it at the very onset.

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What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane (a very thin layer of tissue) that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.
The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.
Anatomy of the respiratory system, showing the trachea and both lungs and their lobes and airways. Lymph nodes and the diaphragm are also shown. Oxygen is inhaled into the lungs and passes through the thin membranes of the alveoli and into the bloodstream (see inset).

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Breast Cancer And Cervical Cancer

Cancer is a single of the key wellness challenges that the planet encounters now. Despite the fact that there are therapies that are out there to weaken and to additional remove the cancer cells in the physique, there is nevertheless no remedy for the mentioned illness. Cancer can influence the lungs, colon, the breasts and other components of the physique. It chooses no age and no gender. In girls, most well-known identified cancer is cancer of the Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer. Still how do we face this overall health challenge and how can we get by way of this?

Opposite to what is largely recognized, cancer is not usually the lump that speaks itself loudly and proclaims its domination in a specific component of the physique. Some kinds of cancer stay passive and nearly show no symptoms till it is on the serious stage or although it is currently challenging to be treated and amongst them is Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer.

Therapy for cancer can vary from surgery, hormone Remedy, radiation or chemotherapy.

Breast Cancer is 1 of the well being troubles that girls faces. It is advised to have self examinations each and every month to establish if there are any abnormal lumps on the breast.

There are many sorts of Breast Cancer and this can be invasive or not. Invasive ductal carcinoma, or IDC, accounts for about 80% of all breast cancers Though invasive lobular carcinoma, or ILC, accounts for about ten%-15% of all breast cancers. A severe variety and very aggressive kind of Breast Cancer is the inflammatory Breast Cancer. Even though it impacts only one% to 5% of the cancer of the breasts in the U.S., this situation is always silent and not located in an typical mammogram.

A further sort of cancer that kills females is Cervical Cancer. Cervical Cancer is triggered by HPV or the human papilloma virus. Symptoms can differ from abnormal discharge to vaginal bleeding. Still, there are situations that it may very well not bring about any discomfort till in the sophisticated stages.

In order to monitor Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer, it is main that a lady visits her physician quite often. Even though a lady reaches the age of 40, she ought to be topic to annual mammogram. Cervical Cancer Still can have preventive measures such as taking HPV vaccines and getting pap smear.

Breast Cancer is the fifth most normal result in of cancer deaths, and amongst ladies worldwide, Breast Cancer is the initial most normal bring about of cancer associated deaths. Cervical Cancer on the otherhand can be prevented early if a lady has sufficient information of its prevention.

Making use of this understanding on hand, you are produced conscious of the danger that Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer can pose not only to your wellness Then again to your life. Make your move these days and take preventive measures by going to your medical professional commonly.

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Sports Bra And Breast Cancer

Feared and dreaded, cancer is the most awful danger that may well occur to a family members and to each and every individual. The most widespread illness to ladies is Breast Cancer and an uncertainty as to obtaining it by acquiring involved with sports may possibly as well get down to evaluating the precise sports bra to put on. So how does a single get Breast Cancer and can sport activities seriously trigger Breast Cancer?

The breast comprises muscle tissues and tissues that construct up into a very functional tool for females. As an help for life, breasts yield milk as meals for newly born babies. It is sensibly created in such a way that heat loss is minimized considering that generating milk needs a certain heat. It is as well developed to develop positive that babies do not get suffocated.

Breasts play a focal portion in human sexual behavior, too. It can be observed that for ladies, it develops into an sphere shaped muscle in the front when flat for guys. This takes place for the duration of puberty age and becomes fully designed in adulthood. It too plays a dramatic part to sexual arousal due to its exceedingly sensitive nature generating pleasure.

When we have ladies excelling in a number of types of sports, nevertheless there are these that do not require to considering that they are terrified that vigorous activities will lead to Breast Cancer. Nicely, let’s verify how sports play a function to cancer. Research clarify that Breast Cancer have threat things that are not changeable, and threat components due to life style.

Unchangeable threat components involve getting a lady. This is in truth, the chief issue. Then, there goes age. The older the lady gets, the larger is the danger. One other is genetic alterations or transformation. And then loved ones history. There is as well the breast’s density of tissue. The denser the tissues, the larger the danger.

Threat aspects due to way of life involve not obtaining a kids, not breastfeeding, becoming plump or obese, alcohol, smoking, and lack of physical exercise. You can inspect on the initial two danger variables though you currently are in the correct age. As for the rest – getting fat or obese, alcohol, smoking, and lack of physical exercise – those are aspects you can inspect on though young.

Sports are the ideal form of hobby that will lead you out of smoking. Smoking weakens the lungs and deprives you of the mass you need to attain your objectives in sports. Alcohol, is genuinely a huge no. It will lessen down your power and pull down your overall performance, too. And of course, as a sportsman, I doubt if you’d go overweight, obese, or lack exercising. So, it appears like sport is capable of lessening numerous the dangers of getting a Breast Cancer pretty escalating it.

Now if you definitely be concerned so considerably around the bouncing of the breasts for the duration of sport activities, choose the proper sports bra. Appear for the one particular that has perforated paddings for air circulation about the chest location, and is developed of breathable, wicking fabric.

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Preventive Actions Against Lung Cancer

How to prevent Lung Cancer ? Lung Cancer prevention ought to be of main significance in dealing with this killer illness. Right here are a couple of issues you must guard against this illness.

one. Prevent smoking / give up smoking two. Reduce your exposure to second hand tobacco smoke three. Eradicate exposure to radon, asbestos and other hazardous substances four. Reduce down exposure to pollution five. Take Measures to stop falling prey to illnesses like tuberculosis

Smoking — These who have in no way smoked in their lives have a substantially reduced danger of building Lung Cancer than These who have smoked for at least some time. So the best path to Lung Cancer prevention is to give up smoking fully. Even greater, protect against taking up this deadly habit in the 1st spot. Your lungs, your physique and your loved ones will thank you for it.

Exposure to second-hand smoke it is also referred to as as Environmental Tobacco Smoke or passive smokers. And Right here is the shocker — passive smoking can be even alot more harmful than smoking a cigarette! Why is this so ? The explanation is that tobacco smoke enters the lungs of passive smokers devoid of any filtering at all. This tends to make it substantially a lot more probably that passive smokers will create Lung Cancer .

Pollution can raise dangers of cancer Pollutants like automobile exhausts, industrial smoke, and so forth are identified to explanation a variety of overall health concerns. There is also some proof that they will probably contribute to Lung Cancer. So component of your Lung Cancer prevention plan must be to Decrease exposure to Those pollutants.

Asbestos and radon exposure can bring about cancer Each radon and asbestos are straight linked to Lung Cancer. They also explanation other wellness factors. Use one of the radon detection kits obtainable at hardware shops to measure the levels of radon in your residence or workplace environment. If radon is present, enlist the solutions of an professional who can recommend corrective Actions to Eradicate the radon. Also, it is a superior concept to employ a licensed asbestos inspector to go over your house with a fantastic tooth comb to see if it consists of any asbestos.

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Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cance

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer and the primary cause is asbestos exposure. The cancer develops in the mesothelium, which is the thin layer of tissue that lines and protects the chest cavity and other organs as well. While other types of mesothelioma may result from asbestos exposure, pleural mesothelioma is the most common, making up approximately 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases.

Although mesothelioma is considered to be a rare cancer, between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed in the United Stated each year. The average life expectancy for a mesothelioma patient ranges between four and 18 months and understanding the signs of pleural mesothelioma development can make the difference in receiving an early diagnosis and a better prognosis. PleuralMesothelioma.com offers a complimentary packet containing important information on mesothelioma to diagnosed patients and their family. To receive this packet, simply fill out the form on this page and we’ll send you a packet overnight.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Due to the severe latency period associated with the development of mesothelioma, symptoms may take as long as 20 to 50 years to occur after being exposed to asbestos. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma typically include:

• Shortness of breath
• Weight loss
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain under the rib cage
• Painful breathing
• Fatigue
• Lumps under the skin around the chest
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty while swallowing

Each pleural mesothelioma case is unique and patients may experience some or all of these symptoms. While receiving a checkup by a physician it is important to notify your doctor of any previous asbestos exposure so that he/she can check for signs of an asbestos-related disease.

Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. In most cases, exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed and those in the area inhale airborne asbestos fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers become lodged in the mesothelial lining of the lungs and remain there for several decades. Overtime, the fibers create enough irritation to cause inflammation, cellular changes and the formation of tumors.

The development of mesothelioma is more likely to occur if a person’s asbestos exposure was in high quantities over a short period of time. When the use of asbestos was more prevalent, the shipyard, construction, automotive and manufacturing industries were the most common fields of employment where workers were exposed to the toxic substance. Family members of those who worked in these industries were and still are prone to developing pleural mesothelioma through secondary exposure to asbestos.

If a person has a history of being exposed to asbestos, it is recommended to avoid smoking cigarettes altogether. Smoking greatly increases your risk of developing lung cancer and although it does not increase your risk of developing pleural mesothelioma, it does compromise the lungs if you were exposed to asbestos.

Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is often difficult for doctors to diagnose because symptoms can resemble other, more common illnesses. Generally, a physician will want to rule out other conditions before focusing on mesothelioma. If pleural mesothelioma is suspected, diagnostic tests include X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the affected area. If these tests show signs of asbestos exposure, the doctor may perform a biopsy to confirm the findings.

In addition to confirming the presence of mesothelioma, a biopsy can help doctors determine the type of mesothelioma you have. When evaluating how far the cancer has progressed, X-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET scan) are all useful tools in determining the stage mesothelioma.

Treatment Options for Pleural Mesothelioma

Treatment options for pleural mesothelioma significantly depend on the stage of the cancer and the general health of the patient. Surgery may be used to remove part or all of the tumors if mesothelioma is detected during the early stage of development. Surgery can also be used to relieve the buildup of fluid in the lungs, allowing the patient to breathe easier.

Chemotherapy is one of the most common ways to treat pleural mesothelioma and kill cancerous cells. This type of treatment may be used before surgery to shrink the tumors, or after surgery to target cancer cells that could not be removed. The medications used in chemotherapy can either be sent throughout the body (systemic chemotherapy) or they may be targeted directly to the affected area.

Radiation therapy may be used to treat pleural mesothelioma and reduce any symptoms related to the cancer. However, low doses of radiation are typically used to avoid injury to the vital organs in the chest. Multimodality therapy, which includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, may help younger, healthier patients. This is an aggressive treatment plan and not all patients are candidates. This kind of treatment may slow the progression of pleural mesothelioma and lead to remission, but it is not a cure for mesothelioma.

Improving Pleural Mesothelioma Prognosis

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for malignant mesothelioma is about 6.4 10 percent, but it is gradually improving as new treatments are being developed. This survival rate refers to the percentage of people who survive five years or longer after their mesothelioma has been diagnosed. A number of people live far longer than five years after their diagnosis and the rate of survival is continuing to improve.

As with any cancer, the earlier pleural mesothelioma is detected and treated, the greater the chances of long-term survival will be. A number of factors affect pleural mesothelioma prognosis, and some of these, such as age or stage at diagnosis and length of latency period, cannot be altered or improved by some means. However, there are some prognostic factors that can be improved, such as the health of the patient and the quality of treatment.

If you would like to understand more about pleural mesothelioma and its development, please feel free to call 1-800-381-1772 to speak with a Patient Advocate who can further explain the process and send you additional information in the mail. They can also be reached by filling out the form on this page.

Source

1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mesothelioma/DS00779
2. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp?sitearea=
3. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_malignant_mesothelioma_29.asp?sitearea
4. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma

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Five types of mesothelioma and their causes: Peritoneal mesothelioma

In the fourth part of this five-part blog series, peritoneal mesothelioma will be explored.

The peritoneal is a tissue that lines the abdomen. This tissue protects and lubricates the abdominal organs. When the cells of this lining are cancerous, there is severe swelling of the abdomen and rapid growth of the cancer cells. Mesothelioma in this peritoneal lining is very rare and difficult to accurately diagnose as well as treat.

Just like the other types of mesothelioma covered in this blog series, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When a person inhales asbestos dust for a prolonged period of time, the microscopic fibers can pass through the walls of the lungs and become lodged in the tissues lining the abdominal cavity. The long-term irritation this can cause to the tissues can eventually lead to the formation of cancer cells.

This whole process usually takes a long time, decades even. Usually, anywhere from 20 to 50 years will lapse before someone exposed to asbestos will notice mesothelioma symptoms.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
 

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Inexplicable weight loss

·         Sweating or fever

·         Swelling or pain in the abdomen

·         Ascites (fluid buildup between the peritoneum and the abdominal organs)

·         Anemia

·         Fatigue

·         Diarrhea, constipation or any other inexplicable changes in the bowels

·         Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma is the same as that for other types of the disease — a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. None of these treatments can cure mesothelioma, however.

Currently, there are clinical trials and research projects that are working toward the development of a peritoneal mesothelioma cure. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis, so if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, get frequent medical exams to screen for all types of mesothelioma.

In the next and final installment of this five-part blog series, pericardial mesothelioma will be covered.

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Treatment of Mesothelioma

Because of mesothelioma’s great latency period, treating mesothelioma is difficult, but there is hope in recent research and clinical trials. Current medical treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and most patients choose to undergo a combination of these processes in order to increase their life expectancy. But survivors of mesothelioma have shown that treatment goes beyond hospitals, and that prognosis can be better for patients through healthy dieting, regular exercise and a variety of alternative therapies. Additionally, experimental treatments are available to individual patients depending on their stage progression.

Prognosis

The prognosis for malignant mesothelioma is rarely favorable, which is why early diagnosis is so incredibly important. Yet as mentioned above, there are great strides being taken in the medical and scientific communities to ensure that life expectancy and survival rates continue to climb for patients as researchers continue to find a cure.

Legal Options

People suffering from mesothelioma have almost always been unknowingly exposed to asbestos either in the workplace or through the use of household items that contain the hazardous mineral. After diagnosis, medical bills can be overwhelming and once prognosis is achieved a patient has his family to consider as well. There are legal options available for mesothelioma victims to help achieve just compensation

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Anemia

Mesothelioma, typically caused by asbestos exposure, is a cancer of the mesothelium or the protective lining surrounding the lungs, abdomen or heart. Though advancements towards a comprehensive cure for mesothelioma are progressing, it remains one of the rarest forms of cancer for which there is still no cure.

Symptoms of mesothelioma range from localized pain in the chest, weight loss, unexplained growths in the abdomen and difficulty breathing. Anemia is a common symptom of mesothelioma, though it can remain undetected because it does not present outward or painful symptoms. Tiredness, dull aches or an overall feeling of sluggishness are anemia symptoms and may not be as pronounced as other symptoms of mesothelioma. However, if untreated, anemia can cause serious damage.

When anemia presents with other mesothelioma cancer symptoms, it is commonly normocytic anemia. Typically, anemia is the decrease of red blood cells or hemoglobin, and is a relatively common symptom of many underlying conditions. It is critical that the underlying cause of anemia is examined.

Red blood cells comprise of the majority of blood cells in the body, and are responsible for transporting oxygen and originate in the bone marrow. Hemoglobin, however, transports carbon dioxide back to the lungs for exhalation. Depletion of red blood cells can decrease the amount of oxygen carried through the body. Without proper oxygen circulation, an individual may feel sluggish, slow and suffer from headaches. It is critical that enough oxygen reaches the brain, and if anemia is present, less oxygen is carried.

Anemia is not a cause or disease but results from a dysfunction in the body. In some cases, anemia results from extreme blood loss, but in conjunction with mesothelioma cancer, it usually results from a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin. With mesothelioma, the risk factors of untreated anemia are serious including a decrease of bone marrow.

Anemia symptoms are varying and often vague. Fatigue, weakness or drowsiness are some symptoms of anemia, though they could also be attributed to the metastasizing mesothelioma cells. Further, weight loss and chest pain, both symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma also may present due to a low red blood cell count. Sallow skin and extreme fatigue are external, visible symptoms of anemia.

In addition, if an individual is receiving treatment for mesothelioma such chemotherapy or other palliative drugs, anemia may also develop.

With pleural mesothelioma, where dysphagia or difficulty swallowing is a common symptom, individuals may suffer dehydration and vitamin deficiencies. If an individual has trouble ingesting food or liquid, anemia can result. Adequate vitamin intake from food is critical to a healthy individual, but crucial to battle mesothelioma.

Further, in pleural, pericardial and peritoneal mesotheliomas, pain from growing tumors on the mesothelium can be extreme. Gastrointestinal pain also presents with anemia, which is also a common symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Anemia is a serious condition that may further exacerbate other symptoms of mesothelioma cancers. If an individual presents classic signs of anemia, seek immediate medical attention.

Sources

National Cancer Institute. Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers. Accessed on November 8, 2010.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma

Hsien Liu, Yu-Jen Cheng, Hsin-Pao Chen, Jau-Chung Hwang, and Po-Chih Chang. Multiple bowel intussusceptions from metastic localized malignant pleural mesothelioma: A case report. August 21, 2010. Accessed on November 9, 2010.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2652430/?report=abstract&tool=pmcentrez

The Merck Manual. Accessed on November 9, 2010.
http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch129/ch129c.html?qt=anemia in mesothelioma&alt=sh

Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/anemia.htm#ixzz2TVAH0gUV

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Mesothelioma Symptoms

What are the most common warning signs of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because the early signs and symptoms of the disease can be subtle or mistaken. Symptoms are all too frequently ignored or dismissed by people who are inclined to attribute them to common every day ailments. Sometimes patients live with symptoms for up to 6 months before being diagnosed but usually the symptoms are present for two to three months prior to a mesothelioma diagnosis.

About 60% of patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma experience lower back pain or side chest pain and there are frequent reports of shortness of breath. Lower numbers of people may experience difficulty swallowing, or have a persistent cough, fever, weight loss or fatigue. Additional symptoms that some patients experience are muscle weakness, loss of sensory capability, coughing up blood, facial and arm swelling and hoarseness.

Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen and as a result, symptoms often include abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. In the event that there is a hernia present, fluid buildup may occur in the abdomen as well.

Asbestos exposure is considered the primary risk factor for the development of the cancer. Anyone previously exposed to asbestos displaying any of these symptoms should seek medical attention from a doctor who specializes in the treatment and diagnosis of mesothelioma and thoracic oncology.

How long does it take for mesothelioma symptoms to appear?

One of the most unique facts about mesothelioma is that the disease is characterized by a long latency period that is very often associated with the disease. The latency period is the amount of time that elapses from the first point of asbestos exposure to the point where symptoms begin to appear so that a diagnosis can be made. In some mesothelioma cases the latency period is reported to be 10 years but the average latency for the majority of cases is between 35 and 40 years. As a result, the cancer often progresses to later stages before a diagnosis is made. When diagnosed in the later stages, mesothelioma treatment options become more limited and are less effective.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Provided below is a list of symptoms that mesothelioma patients may experience. Please click on a symptom to learn more about it.

Anemia

Mesothelioma patients diagnosed with anemia have a lower than normal red blood cell count or hemoglobin in the blood which can cause fatigue and if left untreated, result in a loss of bone marrow.

Blood Clotting Disorder

A symptom experienced by many mesothelioma patients that can lead to anemia and other serious complications if not given appropriate medical attention.

Bowel Obstruction

A very painful symptom that can sometimes develop in peritoneal mesothelioma patients due to fluid buildup in the abdomen.

Chest Pain

Often experienced in pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma patients, chest pain can develop as the tumor grows and places strain on the lungs and heart.

Dysphagia

Pleural mesothelioma patients often develop difficulty swallowing (esophageal dyphagia) as the mesothelium continues to grow on the lungs.

Fluid Effusion

An effusion can occur in mesothelioma patients when there is fluid buildup affecting either the pleura or pericardium.

Hemoptysis

Hemoptysis, or the symptom of coughing up blood, can have its origins in the lungs, bronchi or trachea of mesothelioma patients.

Nausea

Nausea is experienced in a number of cancer patients as it is often a side effect of chemotherapy treatment. Those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may also experience nausea as a result of increasing abdominal pressure.

Peritoneal Effusion

Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may experience a buildup of fluid in the peritoneum as the tumor continues to grow. This can result in an effusion which can inhibit the function of abdominal organs.

Pleural Effusion

In pleural mesothelioma patients, pleural effusion may develop when there is a large amount of fluid present in the pleura, the lining between the lungs and chest cavity.

Weight Loss

Weight loss can occur in mesothelioma patients as a side effect from cancer treatment or as the result of other symptoms that may also be present such as difficulty swallowing or nausea.

Sources:

Ismail-Khan, Roohi. Robinson, Lary A. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma : A Comprehensive Review. Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffit Cancer Center. 2006;13(4):255-263.

Vogelzang, Nicholas J. Rusthoven, James J. Phase III Study of Pemetrexed in Combination with Cisplatin Versus Cisplatin Alone in Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 14 (July), 2003: 2636-2644

Sugarbaker, David J. Garcia, J.P. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy on the multimodality therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Results in 120 consecutive patients. Annals of Surgery 1996. September; 224(3): 288-296.

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Mesothelioma Causes

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, a thin membrane encompassing the body’s internal organs and cavities. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, causing harmful inflammation of the pleura and resulting in mesotheliomaor asbestosis (scar tissue formation in the lungs). It has also been found that swallowing asbestos fibers could contribute to a form of the malignancy originating in the abdomen known as peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma generally results from occupational asbestos exposure but there are instances of environmental exposure that can also cause the disease. Oftentimes a family member can be affected indirectly by second hand exposure from an asbestos worker’s soiled work clothes.

Asbestos was an effective insulation material. It was used liberally in commercial and industrial products in the United States until being regulated in a joint effort between the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency in 1989. Occupational exposure was common among workers who encountered these products in many industries including shipbuilding, power plants, and other industrial settings.

Asbestos insulation workers appear to have the highest rate of asbestos related disease. One study reports that almost six percent of asbestos workers fall victim to mesothelioma or experience respiratory symptoms. Asbestos insulation workers are over 300 times more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma than those with no exposure history.

How does exposure to asbestos cause mesothelioma?

Asbestos fibers are microscopic, though they are also quite durable. For this reason, asbestos was used in a number of different industrial compounds to enhance strength and resistance to temperature extremes- two properties at which the mineral is highly adept. Asbestos exposure most often occurred among individuals who worked extensively with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials. Friable asbestos (meaning loose or airborne fibers) is easily inhaled- often without the exposed person realizing.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common variety of the disease and forms on the pleural membrane, which surrounds the lung and chest cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common and forms on the surface of the peritoneum, a thin membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common variety of the disease and forms in the cardiac cavity that envelops the heart, a mesothelial membrane known as the pericardium.
Inhaled asbestos fibers are known to be the cause of pleural mesothelioma, whereas ingested asbestos fibers are the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. While the exact causal nature between asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma is not known, physicians and cancer researchers surmise asbestos fibers in the blood stream lodge in the outer layers of the heart’s ventricles and lodge in the pericardium. Once asbestos fibers reach the surface of the peritoneum or pericardium, the inflammation process is essentially the same as it is on the surface of the pleura.
Primary workplace exposure to the mineral was common in naval shipyards, power plants, railroad infrastructure, and other industrial jobsites. However, asbestos-related mesotheliomas have also been diagnosed in spouses or children of those exposed to asbestos. Workers often brought home dangerous asbestos fibers on their clothing, hair, or person. Those who came into contact with these fibers on the person or their clothing have developed mesothelioma as a result.

Other Contributing Factors

Mesothelioma is also causally associated with a few other factors, but many of these are attributed to the development of mesothelioma in conjunction with exposure to asbestos.

Smoking

Those who smoke are at a higher risk of mesothelioma, though smoking is more commonly associated with traditional lung carcinomas. Smoking tends to enhance risk even further in those who were also exposed to asbestos.

Radiation Exposure

While extremely rare, some mesothelioma patients attribute their diagnosis to exposure to radiation rather than exposure to asbestos. Radiation tends to transform and mutate cell growth patterns and is more commonly associated with brain and blood cancers.

Carbon Nanotubes

Research is extremely preliminary in this study, but some laboratory studies indicate a molecular similarity between asbestos mineral fibers and carbon nanotubes. Tests indicate a pronounced risk of mesothelioma in some laboratory animals implanted with carbon nanotubes.

What Should I do if I have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

Many of those diagnosed with mesothelioma wonder if asbestos exposure is to be blamed for their illness. Asbestos was used in thousands of commercial and industrial products. These include, but are not limited to roofing material, insulation compounds, joint compounds, cements, siding, floor and ceiling, tiles, glue, and any other product designed specifically to withstand heat and temperature extremes.
If you worked with one of these products and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is highly likely asbestos is the cause of your illness. To help you in recovering costs for mesothelioma treatment as well as damages to assist your family, you should speak with a well-versed asbestos attorney to determine if you’re eligible for compensation. Court documents now indicate many of these product manufacturers were well aware of the hazards which asbestos posed but continued to endanger employees and the public by exposure to the mineral. To learn more about the relationship between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, or to find out if you’re eligible for financial compensation for your illness, please fill out the brief form on this page.

Sources:

Cancerbackup - Causes of mesothelioma
http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/.../Causes
eMedicineHealth - Mesothelioma Causes
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/mesothelioma/page2_em.htm
Hodgson, John T. Darnton, Andrew The quantitative risks of mesothelioma and lung cancer in relation to asbestos exposure. The Annals of Occupational Hygiene. 2000. Vol. 44(8): 565-601
Lerman, Y. Radiation associated malignant pleural mesothelioma. Thorax. 1991. Vol. 46(6); 463-464
Selikoff, Irving J. Hammond, Cuyler E. Churg, Jacob. Asbestos exposure, Smoking, and Neoplasia. Journal of the American Medical Association. 1968. Vol. 204(2) 106-112
Poland, Craig A. Duffin, Rodger Kinloch, Ian. Carbon nanotubes introduced into the abdominal cavity of mice show asbestos-like pathogenicity in a pilor study. Nature Nanotechnology. 2008. Vol. 3 423-428



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Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen.

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Although uncommon, mesothelioma cancer is no longer considered rare. The primary cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

Making a correct mesothelioma diagnosis is particularly difficult for doctors because the disease often presents with symptoms that mimic other common ailments. There is no known cure for mesothelioma, but treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy have helped to improve the typical mesothelioma prognosis.

Pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lung’s protective lining in the chest cavity) represents about three quarters of all mesothelioma incidence. Peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the abdominal cavity and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the cardiac cavity, comprise the remainder. Testicular mesothelioma is extremely rare and typically presents with metastases of the peritoneal variety. There are three recognized mesothelioma cell-types. Between 50 and 70% of all mesotheliomas are of the epithelial variety. While prognosis is generally poor, it is considered less aggressive than sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic mesothelioma, which comprise the remainder of cell type diagnoses.

The cavities within the body encompassing the chest, abdomen, and heart are surround by a membrane of cells known as the mesothelium. Mesothelial cells assist in general organ functions. The mesothelium is particularly important to organs that are commonly in motion, such as expansion or contraction of the lungs, stomach, or heart. Lubrication from the mesothelial cells allows free range of motion within the body. The mesothelium of the chest, abdomen, and cardiac cavity are called the pleura, the peritoneum, and the pericardium, respectively. Each of these groupings of mesothelial cells are extremely critical to the functions of the body structures which they encompass.

Malignancies (cancerous tumors) occurring within the mesothelial membranes are known as malignant mesothelioma, or simply mesothelioma. Benign tumors of the mesothelium are known to occur, but are much rarer than the more common malignant cancer.

While tumors of the mesothelium were first recognized in the late 18th century, it was not until the middle of the 20th century that this particular cancer was studied and examined with more detail. It was at this time where suspicions of the cancer’s causal relationship with asbestos exposure became more substantiated. A joint research venture through the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the University of the Witswater and/Johannesburg General Hospital in South Africa provided the most compelling evidence of the nexus between asbestos exposure and the development of pleural mesothelioma.

Incidence of mesothelioma is still quite rare, with only 2,500-3000 diagnoses in the United States each year. There was a spike in reported diagnoses between 1970 and 1984, which has been attributed to the latency period between diagnosis and the height of industrial exposures, which occurred roughly 40-60 years prior to this time. Exposure was common in nearly all industries but was particularly common in the WWII-era military industrial cycle, including Navy Shipyards.

Although this cancer is much more common in men over the age of 60 (largely attributed to the industrial exposures within male-dominated industries), mesothelioma in women and children has been described as well. Mesothelioma causes for diagnosis in women and children are mainly attributed to secondary exposure to asbestos, as it was not uncommon for men to bring asbestos back into the home on their body or clothing if proper cleaning facilities were not available on site.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a comprehensive combination of biopsy and imaging scans.

Mesothelioma can be a difficult malignancy to diagnose because the symptoms and pathology of the disease closely resemble other respiratory conditions. For this reason, misdiagnosis is not uncommon in mesothelioma patients. Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, chronic cough, effusions of the chest and abdomen, and the presence of blood in lung fluid.

Diagnostic surgeries, including a biopsy, will typically be required to determine the type of malignant cells that are present in the body. Typically a body imaging scan, including a magnetic resonance image (MRI) or computer topography (CT scan) will be required to determine the extent and location of the disease.

Mesothelioma patients are generally referred by their personal physicians to one of the many renowned mesothelioma doctors in the United States. These oncologists are well versed in the disease behavior and pathology and are the most familiar with cutting-edge mesothelioma treatment options. Dr. David Sugarbaker of the Brigham and Women's Hospital, an extension of Harvard University and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA, is at the forefront of mesothelioma treatment through the International Mesothelioma Program.

While mesothelioma is typically advanced at diagnosis, treatment options are available.

Mesothelioma, while certainly an aggressive disease, is a manageable malignancy. While there is no cure for the cancer, mesothelioma treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are available for many patients. While a combination of Alimta® and Cisplatin is currently the only FDA approved chemotherapy regimen, several clinical trials are currently in progress utilizing other drugs including Gemcitabine and Onconase, with many showing dramatically improved results in certain cancer patients.

Radiation therapy is also utilized, but typically in conjunction with other treatment methods like surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical resection of mesothelioma is possible in early-stage-diagnosed patients. Aggressive surgeries such as extrapleural pneumonectomy can extend survival rates far beyond previously-thought timeframes. Diagnostic and palliative surgeries such as pleurocentesis and pleurodesis are also common in patients of malignant mesothelioma cancer.

Alternative therapies have also been used effectively by many mesothelioma patients to assist in managing symptoms of the disease and conventional treatments. These treatments are mainly preferential but can be extremely valuable to many patients.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is only caused by exposure to asbestos, though cases have been documented in children or other individuals with no asbestos history. Asbestos is a microscopic and naturally-occurring mineral that lodges in the pleural lining of the lungs and the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity. In most cases, several years will pass (up to 60) before mesothelioma develops in those who had been exposed to asbestos.

In many cases, those individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma that have been known to be exposed to asbestos may be eligible for financial compensation from asbestos manufacturers for their illness. Those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos should fill out the brief form on this page. We'll rush you a complimentary mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information kit detailing new mesothelioma treatments, active clinical trials, top doctors, as well as how to obtain compensation for asbestos-related health conditions like mesothelioma.

Topics in this Section

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Others include Radiation, Zeolite and SV40. Read more in this section.

Mesothelioma Causes

The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Learn more about direct occupational exposure as well as second hand exposure.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms often mimic those of common respiratory ailments. Learn more about the signs and symptoms to be aware of.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Read about the diagnostic tests that doctors use to determine whether or not a patient has mesothelioma including imaging scans and biopsies.

Mesothelioma Types

Pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma are the most common types of mesothelioma. Learn more.

Mesothelioma Stages

Learn about the different staging systems that medical experts use find out how far mesothelioma cancer has spread.

Mesothelioma Prognosis

Learn about the various factors that determine what the prognosis is for individuals that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Information

This section provides a wealth of information about mesothelioma including the disease itself, latency period, survival rates, prevention and more.

Mesothelioma Pictures

This section provides visual depictions of the types of mesothelioma that patients are most often diagnosed with, available treatment options, and the dangers associated with asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma Charities

These organizations support the mesothelioma community through a variety of programs that serve to raise awareness, fund ongoing research and assist asbestos disease victims in their fight against cancer.

Sources:

National Cancer Institute – Malignant Mesothelioma
(http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma)

Wagner, J.C., Sleggs, C.A., and Marchand, Paul. “Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in the North Western Cape Province.” Department of Thoracic Surgery: University of The Witswatersrand. Johannesburg, South Africa. 1960.

Grondin, Sean C., Sugarbaker, David J. “Pleuropneumonectomy in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma” Chest December 1999 116:suppl 3 450S-454S;

Rusch, Valerie W. “Indications for pneumoctomy. Extrapleural pneumonectomy”

Roggli VL, Sharma A, Butnor KJ, Sporn T, Vollmer RT (2002). "Malignant mesothelioma and occupational exposure to asbestos: a clinicopathological correlation of 1445 cases". Ultrastruct Pathol 26(2): 55–65.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital – International Mesothelioma Program
(http://www.brighamandwomens.org/Departments_and_Services/surgery/services/thoracicsurgery/services/mesothelioma/default.aspx

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