Mesothelioma - What is Mesothelioma Cancer?

By Shan Durai  |   Submitted On November 05, 2009

  

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare cancer that is thought to come from the inhalation of asbestos fibers as well as exposure to asbestos. People that have work concerning plentiful amounts of asbestos are in danger of contracting mesothelioma. Studies have reasonably shown that the vast majority of those that have mesothelioma had exposure to asbestos at some point in the past whether it was work-related or otherwise.

Mesothelioma is also a relatively rare form of cancer with only about 4000 cases each year. The three major varieties of mesothelioma all match up to the area of the mesothelium that is affected. They are known as Pericardial, Peritoneal and Pleural Mesothelioma.

The cancer is named after the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers various cavities. Peritoneal, Pleural and Peritoneal mesothelioma are all named after the particular cavities that this cancer affects. The symptoms for each are different.

These symptoms generally show up much later on in the future after exposure to asbestos. Weight loss, abdominal pain as well as abdominal lumps are all symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, cough (dry), lumps in the chest region, chest pain, painful breathing and coughing. Pericardial Mesothelioma symptoms are chest pains, fever, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, murmurs, Orthopnea. It should be noted that smokers that have been exposed to asbestos have a higher than normal chance of contracting pleural mesothelioma.

In rare cases, if the cancer is caught exceedingly early, the cancer may be sent into remission. Otherwise, mesothelioma patients experience abysmal survival rates. Those suffering from advanced stages of mesothelioma usually have a year or so to live.

Those fortunate enough to uncover the cancer in its early stages can expect to live for up to 5 years. There is still research being done in the field, albeit not a whole lot. The well-known specialist, Dr.David Sugarbaker and other notable doctors elsewhere represent the few doctors that are making inroads into unraveling the mysteries of this cancer. The main areas of research tend to target pleural mesothelioma and new, aggressive techniques have been found to lengthen live expectancy by years. While a cure has still not been found for any type of cancer much less mesothelioma, there is constant research being done in the area.

Shan Durai has a website on Mesothelioma that offers free information on areas such as pleural, peritoneal and pericardial Mesothelioma as well as highlighting treatment facilities, doctors and treatment methods.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Shan_Durai/465439

Do You Have Asbestos Cancer Or Mesothelioma? What It Means For You And Possible Treatments

By George S. Hughes  |   Submitted On October 10, 2010

  

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos cancer, or by its clinical term, mesothelioma, it means you have a form of cancer that damages the mesothelium which is a membrane that encases our lungs, chest, abdomen and heart. The heart is protected by mesothelial tissue that surrounds it and is dubbed the pericardium. The lungs and chest cavity is covered by the pleural mesothlium membrane, and the peritoneum is what covers the abdominal cavity using mesothelial tissue. Asbestos damages every one of these membranous cells, however the most typical is pleural mesothelioma, usually in the advanced stages of this disease the cancer spreads and attacks other areas of the body.

The main reason behind people contracting asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, but it can be brought on by other things, such as exposure to zeolite, which is a chemical also found in asbestos. The worrying thing is how prevalent asbestos is in many materials that around us every day, including cement, roof shingles, flooring, textiles, brake linings and insulation. The asbestos inserts itself via our respiratory system and settles within, making carcinogenic tumors. Individuals in the construction industry need to be especially careful about fighting asbestos, asbestos mine workers, workers at shipyards and mills are the most susceptible to asbestos cancer, thanks to continual exposure to it. It might take as long as 50 years for symptoms to display themselves, but unfortunately once mesothelioma is located the common person will have 1 - 2 years left to live, this is why early detection is important for any hope of treatment.

There are rules established by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) as to the legal amounts of asbestos that can be allowed in the workplace. Anybody who deals with the substance is forced to adhere to strict guidelines and wear protective equipment. Asbestos carried home on clothing has also been shown to affect family members of workers, therefore showers and a change out of protective clothing is demanded before workers can leave the workplace.

Successful treatments of mesothelioma differ greatly depending on many factors, the patient, when it is diagnosed, where it is located and the health of the patient. Quite a few patients will undergo surgery, and then chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Surgery will excise tumors but the normal health of the patient decides how effective this will be. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are both efficient strategies to fight the symptoms, however he side effects from these treatments can cause issues themselves. Anybody who thinks they might have been exposed to asbestos for a long period of time should go in for regular check ups and look out for symptoms that could demonstrate the surfacing of mesothelioma, because remember if you catch the disease early your chances of survival increase dramatically.

To learn more about possible treatments for asbestos cancer or mesothelioma [http://www.mesotheliomatreatment-options.com/asbestos-cancer-mesothelioma/] go to the mesothelioma treatment options [http://www.mesotheliomatreatment-options.com/] blog and website.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/George_S._Hughes/604533

What Is Mesothelioma Cancer?

By Ivar Rudi  |   Submitted On June 22, 2006

  

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the abdominal cavity, chest cavity, and the area around the heart. It has an uncommon nature that makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. It has been connected with exposure to asbestos, which is a material that was found in many work environments. There is a small amount of people that are diagnosed with this terrible disease.

Normal mesothelioma therapies include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. You should keep in mind that if you choose one course of action for mesothelioma treatment, you might preclude other courses. All of your options should be considered as soon as possible.

When individuals have a prolonged history of working with asbestos, they are at higher risk of Mesothelioma cancer. It will take the people that have been exposed to this type of asbestos to not have any kind of symptoms for up to forty years. This means that the average age of the people that are finding out that they have this problem are between the ages of fifty and seventy. There are more men that are being diagnosed than women. This is due to the fact that there were more industrial settings found to have the asbestos.

Mesothelioma cancer will cause fluid to accumulate between the lung lining and the chest cavity. This can be determined through a chest x-ray as well as a CT scan. A biopsy will have to be performed to confirm the diagnoses.

Mesothelioma cancer is a life threatening disease and should not be left untreated. If someone had this type of cancer, they need to seek the help of a medical professional as soon as possible. There are forms of treatment that have to be set into place so that the person has a chance at their life.

In recent years asbestos has not been used in anything. Since it has been determined that it is so dangerous to one's health, the federal government has forbade the use of this type of material in any industry or products. A lot of the industries in the fifties and sixties were contaminated with asbestos that caused many people to have mesothelioma cancer.

Many sources are dedicated to help the victims of this awful disease. Many agencies are going to great lengths to help the people that have been affected and the families that have had to suffer because of this terrible disease. Even though this is a rare disease, it can affect thousands of families each year.

Some of the treatments of Mesothelioma cancer include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. You need to keep in mind that if you choose one course of treatment for this disease, you may have to take on another challenge or even try another form of treatment for it to work. You must keep going and try all that is offered to ensure that you beat this terrible disease.

Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: [http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-guide.org] and also [http://www.mesothelioma-lawyer-guide.info]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ivar_Rudi/30006