Mesothelioma can only be identified with help of its symptoms which appear after 20-50 years the person has developed the disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma appear when you have been exposed to the deadly toxic asbestos decades back. By the time they appear, they have already spread to all parts of the body.
There are 3 major types of mesothelioma which attack the body with some similar symptoms. These types of mesothelioma along with their symptoms are:
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs and causes various symptoms. These symptoms include:
Cough
Difficulty sleeping
Fever
Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back
Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)
Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss
Dyspnea
Tiredness
Trouble swallowing
Muscle weakness
Sensory loss
Nausea
Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. It is one of most common symptoms of mesothelioma and leads to shortness of breath. As the fluid collects in the lining of the lungs and chest, the pain and shortness of breath also increase. Dyspnea is shortness of breath which can be caused by a pleural effusion and/or by the presence of a tumor in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.
A buildup of fluid in the pleural can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% patients suffer from mesothelioma in both lungs.
In some cases, a patient may also have chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and/or the coughing up of blood (hemoptysis). These are the rare symptoms of mesothelioma and seen in less than 1% mesothelioma patients. If the patient also suffers from swelling of the face or neck areas, it means that the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The other type of mesothelioma is peritoneal which attacks the lining of the stomach or the abdominal cavity. It can cause symptoms like:
Belly Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Fever
Night sweats
Frequency of urination
Bowel obstruction
Abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen also known as ascites is one of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. If there is a tumor in the peritoneum membrane, it can put increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
The third type of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma which attacks the lining of the chest cavity. It is not a common type of cancer. It can cause symptoms like:
Heart palpitations
Chest pains
Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Weight loss
Irregular heartbeat
Pericardial effusion may also occur in pericardial mesothelioma. It is the accumulation of liquid in the lining of the chest cavity which may cause difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. The patient may also complain of irregular heartbeat which is caused due to liquid accumulation in the chest. Persistent cough along with blood may also occur. Pericardial mesothelioma can also lead to lung cancer.
Some of these symptoms can help you identify mesothelioma. Some patients show no symptoms of their mesothelioma which makes it more difficult to diagnose. The exact symptoms will often depend on the area where mesothelioma affects which will help you identify mesothelioma.
For more information on mesothelioma lawyers, mesothelioma in different regions and help, check out:
http://www.rarehope.com
http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com
A writer working on a mesothelioma site
http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fatima_Asna
Saturday, 5 December 2009
Mesothelioma Cancer Disease Stages Fully Explained
Mesothelioma cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the lungs and chest cavity. Also known as the asbestos lung cancer, deadly form of mésothéliales tumors where cancer cells form a protective coating on the lungs, the heart and the abdominal organs. It is a type of lung cancer, many years for the development and manufacture of symptoms. Around 3000 cases per year (mostly men who are older than 40 years). It is estimated that the number is estimated at about 300000 cases in 2030.
Types of cancer, mesothelioma asbestos
Épithéliales mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and fatal effects on the mucosa of the chest cavity, heart, lungs and abdominal cavity. There are three forms of epithelial mesothelioma: the most common Pleural Mesothelioma is the second most common, peritoneal mesothelioma (which only a quarter of cases), and the shape that rarely, pericardial mesothelioma.
Mésothéliome pleural effusion, the type of the disease means that the pleura, a thin membrane between the lungs and chest cavity. The pleura lubricated, a surface so that the lungs do not scrub and chafe against the chest walls. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma, the first is "widespread and vicious." This guy is oncology, and is usually fatal in the year after diagnosis. The second type is "benign and localized" and is usually not his life in danger. It is normally removed by surgery.
Lining of lung cancer, is not to be confused with lung cancer. In the seal of lung cancer, the field of the body, the so-called mésothélium, a thin membrane, based on a variety of internal organs of the body. The mésothélium the lung, the pleura. Lining of lung cancer, is also sometimes called mesothelioma after the region where it occurs.
This thin membrane is composed of two layers, - around the organ and another form, which is on the outer side of the bag to the first layer. Between the layers of the mésothélium is a fluid, one of the vital organs to glide easily against objects that are in contact with them.
City pleural mesothelioma is not always by asbestos exposure. If, however, it has focused on other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest or abdominal wall bodies, it is as vicious and is often the result of exposure to asbestos.
Mésothéliome peritoneal appears as a tumour in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma is a very rare, with fewer than a quarter of all known cases of the disease. There is no effective treatment for this disease, and most patients live on less than one year after diagnosis.
Mésentère cancer is a cancer peritonealer (mesothelioma). This cancer is concerned mainly with the various bodies peritoneum, which is on the wall of the abdominal cavity, (ie mésogastre for the stomach, mesojejunum for jéjunum). Mésentère abdominal peritoneal cancer contains all extensions. Rare tumors originate in the Mesenteriums, even if it is a common way of the spread Mesothelioms through the abdominal cavity.
Péricardique mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma, the membrane around the heart (the so-called pericardium, or pericardial bags). In this disease, massive and Erguß (liquid) to develop the pericardium. All martyrdom is not solely related to mesothelioma.
The causes
The Mesothelioma is a cancer resulting from exposure to asbestos fibres or dust. The workers in the asbestos industry are the targets of choice for this deadly disease. Asbestos fibers in the body, either through breathing in the small asbestos fibers or swallowing disorders. The healthy fibers cause cancer cells to mutate. Since the organization is unable to dispel the fibers inspire the lung (asbestosis). This disease is and malicious. Exposure to asbestos is thought to the origin of some 75% of all cases of lung cancer fodder.
Symptoms
It is very difficult mesothelioma, a cancer at an early stage. The first symptoms tend generally, and even in some cases non-existent, and it can take up to 15 to 50 years after exposure to grow. The first symptom is often constant pain in breast, followed by coughing, the injuries of the lungs and shortness of breath. Patients who peritoneal mesothelioma (a rare form of mesothelioma) usually have the experience of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal swelling, which is often the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. You can also create new bowel obstruction or obstruction of the airways.
Diagnostic steps and Mésothéliome
There are three systems of production used to determine the treatment for mesothelioma: Butchart system, TNM system, and the Brigham system
Butchart staging system
The Butchart System is the oldest and most common. This system focuses on determining the size of the primary tumor mass and mesothelioma in four steps.
Step I of the Butchart System consists in the presence of mesothelioma in the wall on the right or left side of the lungs and can also mean that the diaphragm on the same page. Phase II involves the development of mesothelioma in the wall of the breast, esophagus, lung or otherwise coating on both sides. It is also the lymph nodes in the chest. The beginning of the third phase begins when the mesothelioma through the diaphragm into the mucosa of the stomach cavity or peritoneum. At that time, cancer can also count on the lymph nodes go beyond the breast. The doctors of the identification phase IV, the last step if the evidence of the spread of cancer to other organs (metastasis), confirmed.
TNM system, which is in phase I of the TNM system includes the coating of the right or left of the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same page. At that time, the lymph nodes are not involved. Phase II begins when the mesothelioma extends from the wall in the lung, on the one hand to a ganglion on the same page. At this stage the cancer is in the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same page. Phase III will begin when the mesothelioma in the chest wall, muscle, on the coast of the heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side as the primary tumor. In the final phase, Phase IV, the mesothelioma travelled to the lymph nodes in the chest on the front of the tumour elementary school, in the lungs compared to the primary tumor, or directly to the organs of the abdominal cavity or neck. Metastasis is the end result of this step.
Brigham system
The system determines the Brigham resectability (the ability to surgically remove), mesothelioma mass. In Phase I of the tumor is resectable, while the lymph nodes are not affected. In Phase II, the tumor still significant, but the mesothelioma affects the lymph nodes. In Phase III is the non-tumour. He went through the membrane or the peritoneum. Phase III can be used with or without the participation and the lymph in the wall prolonged chest and heart function. Stade IV occurs when doctors are discovering the metastatic disease, the remote facilities.
After the doctors to identify the scene of a malignant mesothelioma of the patient, the patient and the doctor is the different ways of treatment. Mésothéliome programs for the treatment depends on many factors, including the stage of cancer, the location of the cancer, the spread of the cancer mesothelioma, the characteristics of the cancer cells under a microscope and the age of patients and concerns.
Mesothelioma Cancer Stages Explained [http://www.premesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-cancer-stages-explained]
Other Resources US Geologist - University of Sindh Geologists [http://USGeologist.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toufique_Ahmed_Nizamani
Types of cancer, mesothelioma asbestos
Épithéliales mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and fatal effects on the mucosa of the chest cavity, heart, lungs and abdominal cavity. There are three forms of epithelial mesothelioma: the most common Pleural Mesothelioma is the second most common, peritoneal mesothelioma (which only a quarter of cases), and the shape that rarely, pericardial mesothelioma.
Mésothéliome pleural effusion, the type of the disease means that the pleura, a thin membrane between the lungs and chest cavity. The pleura lubricated, a surface so that the lungs do not scrub and chafe against the chest walls. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma, the first is "widespread and vicious." This guy is oncology, and is usually fatal in the year after diagnosis. The second type is "benign and localized" and is usually not his life in danger. It is normally removed by surgery.
Lining of lung cancer, is not to be confused with lung cancer. In the seal of lung cancer, the field of the body, the so-called mésothélium, a thin membrane, based on a variety of internal organs of the body. The mésothélium the lung, the pleura. Lining of lung cancer, is also sometimes called mesothelioma after the region where it occurs.
This thin membrane is composed of two layers, - around the organ and another form, which is on the outer side of the bag to the first layer. Between the layers of the mésothélium is a fluid, one of the vital organs to glide easily against objects that are in contact with them.
City pleural mesothelioma is not always by asbestos exposure. If, however, it has focused on other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest or abdominal wall bodies, it is as vicious and is often the result of exposure to asbestos.
Mésothéliome peritoneal appears as a tumour in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma is a very rare, with fewer than a quarter of all known cases of the disease. There is no effective treatment for this disease, and most patients live on less than one year after diagnosis.
Mésentère cancer is a cancer peritonealer (mesothelioma). This cancer is concerned mainly with the various bodies peritoneum, which is on the wall of the abdominal cavity, (ie mésogastre for the stomach, mesojejunum for jéjunum). Mésentère abdominal peritoneal cancer contains all extensions. Rare tumors originate in the Mesenteriums, even if it is a common way of the spread Mesothelioms through the abdominal cavity.
Péricardique mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma, the membrane around the heart (the so-called pericardium, or pericardial bags). In this disease, massive and Erguß (liquid) to develop the pericardium. All martyrdom is not solely related to mesothelioma.
The causes
The Mesothelioma is a cancer resulting from exposure to asbestos fibres or dust. The workers in the asbestos industry are the targets of choice for this deadly disease. Asbestos fibers in the body, either through breathing in the small asbestos fibers or swallowing disorders. The healthy fibers cause cancer cells to mutate. Since the organization is unable to dispel the fibers inspire the lung (asbestosis). This disease is and malicious. Exposure to asbestos is thought to the origin of some 75% of all cases of lung cancer fodder.
Symptoms
It is very difficult mesothelioma, a cancer at an early stage. The first symptoms tend generally, and even in some cases non-existent, and it can take up to 15 to 50 years after exposure to grow. The first symptom is often constant pain in breast, followed by coughing, the injuries of the lungs and shortness of breath. Patients who peritoneal mesothelioma (a rare form of mesothelioma) usually have the experience of abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal swelling, which is often the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. You can also create new bowel obstruction or obstruction of the airways.
Diagnostic steps and Mésothéliome
There are three systems of production used to determine the treatment for mesothelioma: Butchart system, TNM system, and the Brigham system
Butchart staging system
The Butchart System is the oldest and most common. This system focuses on determining the size of the primary tumor mass and mesothelioma in four steps.
Step I of the Butchart System consists in the presence of mesothelioma in the wall on the right or left side of the lungs and can also mean that the diaphragm on the same page. Phase II involves the development of mesothelioma in the wall of the breast, esophagus, lung or otherwise coating on both sides. It is also the lymph nodes in the chest. The beginning of the third phase begins when the mesothelioma through the diaphragm into the mucosa of the stomach cavity or peritoneum. At that time, cancer can also count on the lymph nodes go beyond the breast. The doctors of the identification phase IV, the last step if the evidence of the spread of cancer to other organs (metastasis), confirmed.
TNM system, which is in phase I of the TNM system includes the coating of the right or left of the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same page. At that time, the lymph nodes are not involved. Phase II begins when the mesothelioma extends from the wall in the lung, on the one hand to a ganglion on the same page. At this stage the cancer is in the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same page. Phase III will begin when the mesothelioma in the chest wall, muscle, on the coast of the heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side as the primary tumor. In the final phase, Phase IV, the mesothelioma travelled to the lymph nodes in the chest on the front of the tumour elementary school, in the lungs compared to the primary tumor, or directly to the organs of the abdominal cavity or neck. Metastasis is the end result of this step.
Brigham system
The system determines the Brigham resectability (the ability to surgically remove), mesothelioma mass. In Phase I of the tumor is resectable, while the lymph nodes are not affected. In Phase II, the tumor still significant, but the mesothelioma affects the lymph nodes. In Phase III is the non-tumour. He went through the membrane or the peritoneum. Phase III can be used with or without the participation and the lymph in the wall prolonged chest and heart function. Stade IV occurs when doctors are discovering the metastatic disease, the remote facilities.
After the doctors to identify the scene of a malignant mesothelioma of the patient, the patient and the doctor is the different ways of treatment. Mésothéliome programs for the treatment depends on many factors, including the stage of cancer, the location of the cancer, the spread of the cancer mesothelioma, the characteristics of the cancer cells under a microscope and the age of patients and concerns.
Mesothelioma Cancer Stages Explained [http://www.premesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-cancer-stages-explained]
Other Resources US Geologist - University of Sindh Geologists [http://USGeologist.com]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toufique_Ahmed_Nizamani
Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin membranes (called the mesothelium) lining the chest, lungs, abdomen and sometimes the heart. Although quite rare, mesothelioma symptoms strike more than 200 people each year in the United States. The majority of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure.
Because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the average age of patients is between 50 and 70 years. Mesothelioma affects men most due to the high exposure of asbestos in industrial typed jobs. Mesothelioma symptoms include respiratory problems, shortness of breath, continual cough and pneumonia. Other mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal problems and swelling. In some mesothelioma patients, the mesothelioma symptoms are quite muted, making it hard for mesothelioma doctors to diagnose.
Mesothelioma doctors specialize in the study, research, and treatments of Mesothelioma cancers.
Mesothelioma (or the cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells become abnormal and replicate without control. During Mesothelioma, these cells will invade and damage tissues and organs. Mesothelioma cancer cells can spread throughout the body causing death.
Mesothelioma treatments and Mesothelioma clinical trials and tests
There are many mesothelioma treatment options available. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient’s age, general health and stage of the cancer. There has been much mesothelioma research conducted throughout the past two years to find new treatment methods. Click here to read more about mesothelioma treatment techniques.
Through mesothelioma research, The National Cancer Institute has sponsored mesothelioma tests and clinical trials that are designed to find new treatment methods. Because of the increase in number of mesothelioma cases in the United States, both governments have increased funding for mesothelioma research. Mesothelioma research and clinical trials have been successful in developing new techniques to fight this cancer and the outlook for more advanced mesothelioma treatments is promising.
Surgery is the most common treatment method for malignant mesothelioma. Tissues and linings affected by mesothelioma are removed by the doctor and may include the lung or even diaphragm.
A second mesothelioma treatment method is radiation therapy through the use of high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be outside or inside the body.
A third mesothelioma treatment method is chemotherapy. Through pills or drugs through needles, chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
A new mesothelioma treatment method is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. In this treatment, light and drugs are used to kill cancer cells during surgery for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Although there are numerous treatments and drugs for mesothelioma, doctors are loosing the battle against this deadly disease. Most mesothelioma treatments involve old techniques combined with different drug cocktails. However, in most cases, these mesothelioma treatments have many side effects including organ damage, nausea, increase in heart failure etc. The rush to find a more effective mesothelioma treatment or even cure is ongoing at numerous clinical labs across the nation. Let's hope that the mesothelioma treatments will one day erradicate mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.
With an abundance of information on the Internet, Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos ([http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com]) has consolidated the most important issues surrounding Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma doctors and symptoms, Mesothelioma treatment, Mesothelioma research and tests.
At [http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com], the website contains useful resources on Mesothelioma lawyers and attorneys, as well as causes by asbestos exposure, asbestos removal, asbestos attorneys and lawsuits, and asbestos cancer. Patients stricken by Mesothelioma and their families require support and current information. Mesothelioma Online Resources hopes to educate and give hope to survivors and victims.
Mesothelioma is such a harsh disease. Not only does it take years for symptoms to appear, but there are limited treatements and drugs that will prolong the lives of workers stricken with mesothelioma. In many cases, the death rate of mesothelioma is unfortunately very high. However, with increased funding in mesothelioma research through the government and private grants, the outlook for a mesothelioma cure is quite possible. In the meantime, mesothelioma support groups and local discussions provide the ongoing support for mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos ([http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com])is your source for mesothelioma and asbestos information, treatments, clinical trials, attorneys, support groups and lawyers.
About the website: Michael Kenneth is a successful Internet Publisher and has researched and written on many topics for [http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com] - your complete source for mesothelioma information, mesothelioma attorneys and lawyers, mesothelioma treatments and research, asbestos exposure and removal, asbestos attorneys and legislation as well as asbestos cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Wong
Because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the average age of patients is between 50 and 70 years. Mesothelioma affects men most due to the high exposure of asbestos in industrial typed jobs. Mesothelioma symptoms include respiratory problems, shortness of breath, continual cough and pneumonia. Other mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal problems and swelling. In some mesothelioma patients, the mesothelioma symptoms are quite muted, making it hard for mesothelioma doctors to diagnose.
Mesothelioma doctors specialize in the study, research, and treatments of Mesothelioma cancers.
Mesothelioma (or the cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells become abnormal and replicate without control. During Mesothelioma, these cells will invade and damage tissues and organs. Mesothelioma cancer cells can spread throughout the body causing death.
Mesothelioma treatments and Mesothelioma clinical trials and tests
There are many mesothelioma treatment options available. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient’s age, general health and stage of the cancer. There has been much mesothelioma research conducted throughout the past two years to find new treatment methods. Click here to read more about mesothelioma treatment techniques.
Through mesothelioma research, The National Cancer Institute has sponsored mesothelioma tests and clinical trials that are designed to find new treatment methods. Because of the increase in number of mesothelioma cases in the United States, both governments have increased funding for mesothelioma research. Mesothelioma research and clinical trials have been successful in developing new techniques to fight this cancer and the outlook for more advanced mesothelioma treatments is promising.
Surgery is the most common treatment method for malignant mesothelioma. Tissues and linings affected by mesothelioma are removed by the doctor and may include the lung or even diaphragm.
A second mesothelioma treatment method is radiation therapy through the use of high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be outside or inside the body.
A third mesothelioma treatment method is chemotherapy. Through pills or drugs through needles, chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
A new mesothelioma treatment method is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. In this treatment, light and drugs are used to kill cancer cells during surgery for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Although there are numerous treatments and drugs for mesothelioma, doctors are loosing the battle against this deadly disease. Most mesothelioma treatments involve old techniques combined with different drug cocktails. However, in most cases, these mesothelioma treatments have many side effects including organ damage, nausea, increase in heart failure etc. The rush to find a more effective mesothelioma treatment or even cure is ongoing at numerous clinical labs across the nation. Let's hope that the mesothelioma treatments will one day erradicate mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.
With an abundance of information on the Internet, Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos ([http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com]) has consolidated the most important issues surrounding Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma doctors and symptoms, Mesothelioma treatment, Mesothelioma research and tests.
At [http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com], the website contains useful resources on Mesothelioma lawyers and attorneys, as well as causes by asbestos exposure, asbestos removal, asbestos attorneys and lawsuits, and asbestos cancer. Patients stricken by Mesothelioma and their families require support and current information. Mesothelioma Online Resources hopes to educate and give hope to survivors and victims.
Mesothelioma is such a harsh disease. Not only does it take years for symptoms to appear, but there are limited treatements and drugs that will prolong the lives of workers stricken with mesothelioma. In many cases, the death rate of mesothelioma is unfortunately very high. However, with increased funding in mesothelioma research through the government and private grants, the outlook for a mesothelioma cure is quite possible. In the meantime, mesothelioma support groups and local discussions provide the ongoing support for mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos ([http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com])is your source for mesothelioma and asbestos information, treatments, clinical trials, attorneys, support groups and lawyers.
About the website: Michael Kenneth is a successful Internet Publisher and has researched and written on many topics for [http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com] - your complete source for mesothelioma information, mesothelioma attorneys and lawyers, mesothelioma treatments and research, asbestos exposure and removal, asbestos attorneys and legislation as well as asbestos cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Wong
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. There is a long time gap, sometimes even up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease. It is also very difficult to diagnose this disease because the symptoms are very similar to other benign diseases like pneumonia.
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.
There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.
The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.
Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:
A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.
Pericardial mesothelioma:
The most rare form of mesothelioma is the pericardial mesothelioma; it affects the mesothelium linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death.
The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.
In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like
Shipyard workers
Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
Construction site workers.
Fire poof materials manufacturers
Cement mixers
Painters
Not only the above groups of people are having a high chance of contracting the disease but also their families run a risk of contracting this disease. The workers when they return home carry the asbestos dust and asbestos fibers in their clothing and their families may be exposed to the disease. The workers should take the following precautionary measures:
They should wear protective clothing to work.
They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.
The writer is a research expert at a medical research firm. http://mesothelioma-guidance.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Archana_Sarat
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.
There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.
The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.
Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:
A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.
Pericardial mesothelioma:
The most rare form of mesothelioma is the pericardial mesothelioma; it affects the mesothelium linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death.
The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.
In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like
Shipyard workers
Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
Construction site workers.
Fire poof materials manufacturers
Cement mixers
Painters
Not only the above groups of people are having a high chance of contracting the disease but also their families run a risk of contracting this disease. The workers when they return home carry the asbestos dust and asbestos fibers in their clothing and their families may be exposed to the disease. The workers should take the following precautionary measures:
They should wear protective clothing to work.
They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.
The writer is a research expert at a medical research firm. http://mesothelioma-guidance.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Archana_Sarat
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