Posts Tagged symptoms of mesothelioma

New Mesothelioma Research – What Are My Survival Chances?

Posted by in Uncategorized on January 2nd, 2010

The survival rate for mesothelioma patients about twenty years ago was less than one year from the time of diagnosis, but with early detection and aggressive treatment mesothelioma patients are living longer that predicted. With new developments and ongoing research mesothelioma sufferers are gaining more hope about their treatment and longer life expectance.

Nature of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. In most cases symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after initial exposure to asbestos. Because it is not detected until it has reached its later stages makes it very difficult to treat. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often mistaken for other common diseases such as influenza or phenomena because the symptoms are so similar and those suffering from this disease may not even realize that they have developed mesothelioma.

Longer Survival Chances for Mesothelioma Patients

There are new tests which was developed over the years that aid in early detection of mesothelioma. Most of these tests have helped mesothelioma patients lead a more comfortable and longer life. There have been reports of a number of mesothelioma patients who have even survived past their predicted survival date. In some cases a number of patients have been cured of this disease due to early diagnosis and aggressive mesothelioma treatment. Researchers believe treatments that improve the immune system can stabilize and even cure mesothelioma.

Over the past years more and more mesothelioma survivors are beginning to speak out about this disease and sharing their stories about how they overcame it. Below are two exciting stories about mesothelioma survivors and what they are doing to fight this disease. These survivors are providing hope for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

Paul Kraus, an Australian mesothelioma survivor was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1997. According to Mr. Kraus he developed mesothelioma about 35 years earlier where he was exposed to asbestos working in a factory. He has been very outspoken about his disease and decided to do whatever it takes to fight this cancer. He became a vegetarian and started taking vitamins and nutritional supplements to his daily diet. He also tried a treatment known as ozone therapy which was a very effective treatment. Kraust believe that a combination of all the therapy, drugs and change in diet helped to stabilize his mesothelioma. According to Kraust’s doctor he is disease free and could continue living for a long time.

Rhio O’Connor is another mesothelioma survivor who recently published a book about his ordeal with mesothelioma. He recommends alternative treatments instead of the traditional medicine, surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Mr. O’Connor stated that he has lived with mesothelioma for seven years. He decided not to undergo the traditional treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Instead he decided to develop his own regimen with the help of several expert physicians. His regimen included to drastically change his diet. He also adds to his daily diet 100 nutritional supplements and daily mediation among others.

American Cancer Society Statistics on Survival Rate of Mesothelioma Patients

According to mesothelioma statistics published by the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate for patients with mesothelioma is approximately 10 percent and that number has improved within the last five years, up from 9 percent reported at the end of 2002. In addition recent studies show that the one-year survival rate is now about 40 percent, a number that has also increased in the past five years – there is hope for mesothelioma patients.

New Mesothelioma Research – What Are My Survival Chances?

Article Source: New Mesothelioma Research – What Are My Survival Chances?

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Mesothelioma – A Type of Cancer Affecting the Internal Organs

Posted by in Uncategorized on December 10th, 2009

Cancer is the name given to a sizeable group of diseases, all of which have one thing in common, that is cells that are, growing at an uncontrollable rate. There are several major types of cancers. One of the most common and known types of cancer is mesothelioma. This type of cancer is, known for affecting internal organs. Mesothelioma is, also referred to as malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that develops cancerous cells in the mesothelium. The tissue that outlines the lungs, stomach, heart and other organs is, called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is, basically a cancer of that tissue. It is an uncommon but life -threatening type of cancer. It usually originates in the lungs, but can also start in the abdomen or other internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have occupations, where they have inhaled asbestos particles. It can take a long time about 30 to 50 years of exposure to between asbestos before getting the disease.

Mesothelioma first and foremost attacks the outer lining of the lungs called pleura, the internal chest wall, the lining of the abdominal cavity, the heart, the sac that covers the heart, and tunica vaginails. This cancer builds up more in those people who are exposed to asbestos. Not only the work related exposure to asbestos but also cleansing the clothes of a family member who was exposed to asbestos can put a person at danger for developing mesothelioma. Even though smoking is not a prime cause of mesothelioma, it can increase the severity of the disease.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may remain unknown even for 50 years. There are basically two types of mesothelioma. The pleural mesothelioma which damages the lung region whereas the peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the abdominal region.

Dyspnea commonly known as shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often signs of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma consist of weight loss, fatigue, weakness, significant loss in appetite, abdominal swelling and pain due to peritoneal fluid excess, obstruction in bowel movements, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often a difficult task, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other illnesses. Considering the patient’s medical history, tests can be conducted. These tests include chest x-ray, lung function tests, biopsy and laparoscopy. The doctors can decide on the way of treatment depending on the seriousness of the cancer spread.

The usual treatment for mesothelioma includes traditional therapies in combination with radiation and chemotherapy. While surgery itself hs not led to very good results, disappointing, pleurectomy/decortications is a recommended treatment, in which the lining of the chest is removed.

All mesotheliomas are now thought to be malignant or cancerous. They start as a normal tumor and spread rapidly to include most of the surrounding tissues and organs. Initially, fibrous cists and other non-cancerous growths that appeared in the serous membranes were considered to be mesotheliomas and were given the name “benign fibrous mesothelioma” and “multicystic mesothelioma.”

Andrew Cummings is author of this article on mesothelioma.
Find more information about mesothelioma treatments here.

Article Source: Mesothelioma – A Type of Cancer Affecting the Internal Organs

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The Buildup of Mesothelioma Cancer

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 26th, 2009

Mesothelioma is a serious cancerous disease with very low survival rates despite the various new treatment options that have helped in increasing the longevity of patients. Statistics indicate that the average survival period after diagnosis is one year with a slight increase to two years with aggressive treatment. It has been found that in more than 95% of cases, mesothelioma occurs due to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a good heat resistant material that is used by various industries to make lagging for pipes and walls. Prior to the red flags raised by various medical groups, many individuals were unaware of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Studies show that the main effects occur about 20 to 40 years after first exposed. Owing to this reason, this disease has been labeled ‘old person disease’ because it occurs when individuals are in their latter part of their lives.

One of the most common types of mesothelioma is the epithelioid mesothelioma. This type has a higher prognosis for cure where patients can access better treatment and in turn improve their life expectancy. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused in the mesothelium, the epithelium adjoining certain organs. Epithelium is a tissue found within the body that separates different regions. For example, the epithelial cells found in the skin separate the outside of the body from its inside.

Causes and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The most common cause of epithelioid mesothelioma is due to exposure to very fine airborne asbestos particles. In this cancerous disease, the membrane lining of chest cavity, lungs, heart abdominal abdominal cavity becomes damaged and results in the formation of cancerous cells. 50-70% of individuals suffering from mesothelioma exhibit syntoms of epithelioid mesothelioma thus making it the most common type. The survival period for epithelioid mesothelioma is about eight and a half months depending of the patient’s physical condition.

Epithelioid mesothelioma is identified based on the unique and organized cell structure. These cells have a tubular pattern with a specific cell nucleus. This easily leads to wrong diagnosis as the cells in other forms of cancer look similar to the epithelioid cells.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma symptoms start presenting themselves 40 to 50 years after being exposed to asbestos. Its symptoms are similar to that of common bout of asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis. These symptoms include chest pain and breathlessness. Apart from these symptoms, patients also experience coughing, weakness, tiredness along with inability to absorb nutrition resulting in significant weight loss. In addition, another common epithelioid mesothelioma symptom is the collection of fluid inside the pleural space and is known as pleural effusion.The breathlessness, pain and tiredness is develops when the tumor restricts the movement of the lungs during inhalation.

The symptoms of mesothelioma also depend on the location, size and nature of the tumor. In cases where the tumor is benign, it usually does not spread. However, when the tumor is malignant, the symptoms are very severe and spread rapidly. They also exert pressure on surrounding soft tissues.

The main symptoms are:

* Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum
* A recurring cough
* Inability to swallow your food
* Shortness of breath
* Pain in the chest or abdomen
* Weight loss

There are many steps involved when identifying mesothelioma.

* Step 1: patients need to have full details about the disease and be sure if the mesothelioma is cancerous or non-cancerous. They also need to know the location of the tumor to ensure the treatment is concentrated on that area.
* Step 2: recall if they were exposed to asbestos during their earlier years.
* Step 3: Be aware of the early symptoms of the disease to be able to identify them early and not wait until the later stages.
* Step 4: check on the various treatment options that can provide the maximum relief.

Check this out

http://mesoblog.org/blog/buildup-mesothelioma-cancer/

Article Source: The Buildup of Mesothelioma Cancer

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Atlanta Mesothelioma Lawyers

Posted by in Uncategorized on November 24th, 2009

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you must seek immediate treatment and legal advice. Mesothelioma victims and their families may be entitled to compensation. A qualified Atlanta mesothelioma lawyer will advise upon the best course of action for possible lawsuit and litigation actions.

Who is at risk for developing Mesothelioma?

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. An increased risk for developing mesothelioma was found amount people who work in asbestos mines and mills, shipyards, workers in the heating and construction industries, automobile mechanics, and other trades people. People who knowingly work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk to exposure. In other cases, companies are negligent and don’t provide protective measures. This is why these companies need to be brought to justice and you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take years to appear. Some common symptoms of mesothelioma are: excessive fatigue, acute pain in the abdominal region and chest area, and shortness of breath.

Standard treatment of mesothelioma include: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of treatment and medications. These mesothelioma treatments are very expensive but with a knowledgeable Atlanta mesothelioma lawyer by your side, you should not have to worry about your medical bills.

A Few Facts about Mesothelioma

* The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after exposure. You may have recently developed asbestos cancer from a job you left decades ago.
* The average survival term after diagnosis with mesothelioma is twelve to eighteen months.
* The courts in most states are generally reasonable; they understand the urgency of mesothelioma lawsuit and often will help expedite it.
* In the U.S., about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually.

What should I do after being diagnosed with mesothelioma?

Once you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and receiving the proper care and treatment by a professional medical team, you should immediately seek legal advice and counsel from a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer who has experience in such cases. Your mesothelioma diagnosis will require medical and legal advice, which is where a qualified Atlanta mesothelioma lawyer can help you. A qualified Atlanta mesothelioma lawyer will be able to tell you everything you need to know about your legal rights and the amount of compensation to expect. Mesothelioma lawyers have the expertise in settling mesothelioma cases. You deserve the best treatment both medically and legally, so seek the aid of a qualified Atlanta mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.

Where can I find a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

You can find mesothelioma lawyers or law firms in your area. Your local phone book directory should have mesothelioma lawyers listed. You can also do a search on the internet; most mesothelioma lawyers have their own website. You can also ask your doctor for a professional recommendation and referral to a mesothelioma doctor.

check this link

http://mesoblog.org/blog/atlanta-mesothelioma-lawyer/

Article Source: Atlanta Mesothelioma Lawyers

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Mesothelioma cancer-A simple overview

Posted by in Uncategorized on July 4th, 2009

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos without adequate protection over one’s mouth and nose. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which was discovered in the 1860s but later became popular in the 1930s. Asbestos was used hugely in construction due to the fact that it is fire resistant even at high temperatures. It was not until much later in the 1960s that it became evident that asbestos was causing a number of diseases. These diseases include mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Asbestos – the main cause of mesothelioma:

When exposed to asbestos without sufficient protection, a person will inhale many tiny asbestos fibers that are suspended in the air. These will pass into the respiratory system and get most probably get lodged in the lining of the lungs. An accumulation of these fibers can cause the cells around it to become abnormal and this can lead to mesothelioma. When this asbestos fibers get into the lymphatic system they can be transported to and eventually lodged in the lining of the abdomen or in the lining of the heart.

The symptoms of mesothelioma:

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on what type of mesothelioma a patient has. However, there are several common symptoms of all types. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually take affect only when the mesothelioma cancer has advanced and is well developed. Due to the fact that these symptoms also occur in a number of other common diseases such as pneumonia, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

Treatment:

As yet, mesothelioma has no cure and all the presently available treatments have a very low success rate. The effectiveness of treatment depends largely on how aggressively and early the cancer is treated. If treated in its later stages when it has fully developed, it is extremely difficult, almost impossible to cure. Treatments include surgery which comes in two forms, aggressive surgery and palliative procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and dual therapy which is a combination of all three main treatments combined. Dual therapy has shown the most promising signs so far as a curer for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma research:

Research is currently going on in several laboratories all over the world, United States in particular, but up till know there has not been any major breakthrough. There are also a lot of pharmaceutical companies trying to find new chemotherapy drugs to improve on the quality and efficacy of the ones available presently. There are many researchers who believe that long awaited new

Bello kamorudeen is a health worker and author of several online articles on mesothelioma.For more information on mesothelioma go to http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Article Source: Mesothelioma cancer-A simple overview

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