A CAMPAIGN has been launched to warn workers of the dangers of asbestos as figures show it killed almost 1,300 people in the South over the last quarter of a century.
Safety campaigners argue that “Britain’s biggest workplace killer”, which led to the shocking death toll between 1981 and 2005, could strike a new generation of workers unless the building trade gets to grips with the hazardous substance.
Asbestos was widely used as an insulating material until the 1970s but can trigger mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, often years later.
Figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show a total of 1,295 men in the south died from mesothelioma over the 24-year period – including 867 in the Hampshire County Council area, 259 in Southampton, 135 on the Isle of Wight and 34 in Salisbury.
The HSE yesterday launched a £1.2m, month-long campaign to warn Britain’s 1.8 million tradesmen about the dangers they face.
Asbestos: The Hidden Killer runs throughout November and will see more than 500,000 information packs sent out, as well as targeted adverts.
The campaign, backed by trade unions, charities and victim support groups, aims to educate workers about the danger asbestos still presents. Although many believe asbestos is a historical problem and they are not at risk, in fact the substance may be present in any building constructed or refurbished before 2000, and it is estimated that about 500,000 workplace premises could contain asbestos.
If repair and maintenance work is not done safely it can lead to asbestos fibres being released into the air by drilling or cutting, and workers breathing them in.
Former tradesman Stan Thomas, 71, of Totton, one of Hampshire’s longest survivors of mesothelioma, has told his story for the HSE’s campaign.
He said: “I can’t change the past but if I can stop just one person getting what I have got, it is a winner.”
The father-of-two and grandfather-of-one worked as a heating engineer for 38 years and when he collapsed in December 2005 – four years after retirement – doctors told him he was dying.
Most people are given six to 12 months to live. He has made it into his fourth year.
Now, Stan and his wife Rita have had to adapt to a new life and, as an active member of the Hampshire Asbestos Support and Awareness Group, he hopes to save lives.
He said: “It is all about raising awareness asbestos might be present in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.
Workers need to be aware that it comes in so many different forms and it can be easily missed.
“My advice is simple – be very wary and look for asbestos and if you do see it get advice. Simply, don’t go near it!
Stan said you only need to remove a screw from an asbestos panel to release a fibre and said just one fibre is enough to kill you. He said: “Irrespective of what others say about the low risk of asbestos, there is no low risk about it.”
This article is from www.thisishampshire.net
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Patients with mesothelioma suffer from malignant cells proliferating in the mesothelium, a type of protective tissue that encases our bodies vital organs. The cancer’s attack on the mesothelium wreaks havoc in the patient’s body, causing tumors, swelling, the accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdominal cavities, inflammation, and a general breakdown of many organ systems. Sadly, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis; most cases are very difficult to treat effectively and almost all cases are terminal.
The substance that causes mesothelioma, asbestos, was used in a variety of industries until the mid 1980’s. Its continued use after the discovery was made of its ill effects in the 1930’s has been a widespread cause for legal action in the United States and the rest of the Western world. Asbestos is incredibly dangerous, and while OSHA does define standards for maximum levels of asbestos in the workplace, Britain’s HSE (Health and Safety Executive) maintains that there’s no safety threshold for asbestos, that is, any amount of the substance should be considered dangerous.
The cancer cannot be diagnosed by its symptoms alone; it must be diagnosed either by a chest X-ray or by a tissue sample also known as a biopsy. Symptoms of mesothelioma have been described as flu like and include shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, weakness and yellowing of the eyes and skin. If you or someone in your family has been exposed to asbestos in the workplace you may be legally entitled to some compensation.
This article is from www.mesothelioma.net
The substance that causes mesothelioma, asbestos, was used in a variety of industries until the mid 1980’s. Its continued use after the discovery was made of its ill effects in the 1930’s has been a widespread cause for legal action in the United States and the rest of the Western world. Asbestos is incredibly dangerous, and while OSHA does define standards for maximum levels of asbestos in the workplace, Britain’s HSE (Health and Safety Executive) maintains that there’s no safety threshold for asbestos, that is, any amount of the substance should be considered dangerous.
The cancer cannot be diagnosed by its symptoms alone; it must be diagnosed either by a chest X-ray or by a tissue sample also known as a biopsy. Symptoms of mesothelioma have been described as flu like and include shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, weakness and yellowing of the eyes and skin. If you or someone in your family has been exposed to asbestos in the workplace you may be legally entitled to some compensation.
This article is from www.mesothelioma.net
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
The major problem in treating mesothelioma is due to the fact that it remains hidden in the body as long as fifty years and typically isn't discovered until the last minute. One of the main reason why is its resembling symptoms to less severe illnesses.
The procedure for finding typically starts with a collection of the victim's complete health check and job history together with any contact with asbestos. After a careful medical assessment is done and if a trouble is suspected, many more investigative tests will be following.
Most of the time medical imaging tests such as x-ray or CT and MRI scans, plus biopsy procedures that test samples of fluid and tissue for the presence of cancer cells. This also allow to determine how advanced is the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma legal issues & your legal rights
Unfortunately, the hazardous influence of asbestos exposure was recognized much earlier than any efforts were made to look after people exposed to asbestos. Thousands of Americans without knowledge as to the risks that they were facing had been in contact to asbestos during the twentieth century.
Therefore, manufacturer that produced asbestos-including goods or used these products on a daily basis are legally responsible for their carelessness in failing to shield their employees.
You may be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation for suffering in addition to repayments for medical expenses and lost income if you or a member of your family has developed mesothelioma or a different asbestos-connected disease as a result of asbestos exposure.
Your may choose to file a claim against the corporation accountable for your asbestos contact this will not only bring justice to the corrupt asbestos industry, it will also grant you the option to be compensated for the costs, as well as harm and despair, associated with asbestos-induced illnesses. Here is the list of the costs for which you can anticipate compensation:
- Lost income
- Medical receipts
- Funeral costs
- Fees not covered by health insurance
- Group support for you and your family
- Transportation costs relating to medical treatments
It's a good idea to hire an experience and knowledgeable attorney specialising in mesothelioma cases who can reassess even more costs that could be covered under your court case, since each situation is unique. Therefore, you should collect all medical and financial invoices associated with your asbestos-related disease for this purpose.
SOURCEThe major problem in treating mesothelioma is due to the fact that it remains hidden in the body as long as fifty years and typically isn't discovered until the last minute. One of the main reason why is its resembling symptoms to less severe illnesses.
The procedure for finding typically starts with a collection of the victim's complete health check and job history together with any contact with asbestos. After a careful medical assessment is done and if a trouble is suspected, many more investigative tests will be following.
Most of the time medical imaging tests such as x-ray or CT and MRI scans, plus biopsy procedures that test samples of fluid and tissue for the presence of cancer cells. This also allow to determine how advanced is the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma legal issues & your legal rights
Unfortunately, the hazardous influence of asbestos exposure was recognized much earlier than any efforts were made to look after people exposed to asbestos. Thousands of Americans without knowledge as to the risks that they were facing had been in contact to asbestos during the twentieth century.
Therefore, manufacturer that produced asbestos-including goods or used these products on a daily basis are legally responsible for their carelessness in failing to shield their employees.
You may be eligible to file a claim and seek compensation for suffering in addition to repayments for medical expenses and lost income if you or a member of your family has developed mesothelioma or a different asbestos-connected disease as a result of asbestos exposure.
Your may choose to file a claim against the corporation accountable for your asbestos contact this will not only bring justice to the corrupt asbestos industry, it will also grant you the option to be compensated for the costs, as well as harm and despair, associated with asbestos-induced illnesses. Here is the list of the costs for which you can anticipate compensation:
- Lost income
- Medical receipts
- Funeral costs
- Fees not covered by health insurance
- Group support for you and your family
- Transportation costs relating to medical treatments
It's a good idea to hire an experience and knowledgeable attorney specialising in mesothelioma cases who can reassess even more costs that could be covered under your court case, since each situation is unique. Therefore, you should collect all medical and financial invoices associated with your asbestos-related disease for this purpose.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Second Hand Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma in Women
A woman who had never been directly exposed to asbestos, but who may have come into contact with it in her own home, has died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma. Linda Sinnett, 58, was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which affects the membrane that lines and protects the abdominal cavity.
Most cases of mesothelioma affect the lungs and chest cavity, but all forms of the cancer can usually be traced back to exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral which has frequently been incorporated into building materials and insulation products. Most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in individuals who have suffered this exposure at the workplace, but it’s also been known to occur in their loved ones as well, as a result of secondhand exposure.
When the microscopic asbestos fibers are disturbed, they become airborne and can be either inhaled or ingested. They can also cling to clothing, hair and other material, meaning that they can be transported from one location to another. Sinnett’s family assumes that she ingested the asbestos fibers after her father, Ronald, who was a carpenter for the Great Western Railway Works, brought asbestos home on his overalls. The laundry room where Sinnett’s mother would wash the overalls and other clothes was adjacent to the kitchen, and so it’s believed that the fibers contaminated the food and food preparation areas.
Sinnett was survived by a husband, John, 57, and their daughter Kerry Mills, 38.
Asbestos is no longer used as extensively as it once was, although it does remain in use in some limited capacities. It is also still in place in a number of older buildings and structures, so it continues to pose a hazard to anyone who works with or around the material without using the proper safety gear, such as protective clothing and respirators.
Mesothelioma is an unusual disease in that it can take decades to fully manifest and become symptomatic. Even then, the symptoms often resemble those of more common respiratory ailments, and are therefore often ignored or misdiagnosed. By the time an accurate diagnosis is made, the mesothelioma has progressed to a late stage and is usually inoperable.
Although radiation and chemotherapy can be given to reduce symptoms and alleviate pain, most patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have a life expectancy of less than two years.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Pericardial MESOTHELIOMA
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for roughly 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that grows on the lining of the heart. The lining of the heart is extremely important because it plays an important role in protecting the heart from damage and so pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely serious condition. Pericardial mesothelioma becomes a terminal illness if not treated aggressively in its early stages.
Cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Like all other forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs. From the lungs, the fibres can either pass into the lymphatic system and then be transported to the lining of the lungs or they can gradually move across to the lining of the heart over a long period of time. Over a long period of time, asbestos fibres can accumulate on the lining of the heart and this is when pericardial mesothelioma becomes a likelihood. Due to the fact that asbestos is still present in many public buildings, the possibility of pericardial mesothelioma is a reality for everyone, although for most, very unlikely.
Those with the highest chance of having mesothelioma are those who have been in constant contact with mesothelioma for a length of time as short as a few months. These are people like construction workers and asbestos manufacturers. Those who are in contact with people who are constantly exposed to asbestos are also at risk due to the fact that asbestos fibres can stick to clothes and hair and so can be carried around.
Presently, cases of mesothelioma are increasing including pericardial mesothelioma. Elderly men who are approaching 60 - 70 years of age are just starting to suffer from pericardial mesothelioma due to its long latency period (amount of time the symptoms take to show) of 30 - 50 years. They are suffering because this was the generation who worked with asbestos and amongst asbestos when asbestos was an extremely popular building material in the 1950s – 1970s. These men are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to the dangers of asbestos.
Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma has a number of symptoms but these only start to take effect in the cancer’s latest stages when it is almost fully matured and developed. These symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains and palpitations. Other symptoms typical of all types of mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss. What often makes pericardial mesothelioma so difficult to treat is that its symptoms are typical of many other more common diseases such as pneumonia. To be treated effectively, pericardial mesothelioma needs to be treated aggressively in its early stages and so many patients’ treatments are given too late because of a delay in diagnosis.
Treatments for Pericardial Mesothelioma
Treatments for pericardial mesothelioma are very limited and as yet, success rates for curing pericardial mesothelioma are very low. The chances of a patient’s survival depend largely on how early the cancer is treated and how aggressively. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to try to kill off cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses radiation to try to kill off cancerous cells although this is extremely difficult in the case of pericardial mesothelioma because too much radiation can badly damage the heart.
Dual therapy is a combination of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery comes in two different types, aggressive surgery and palliative procedures. Aggressive surgery is only used on the strongest of patients such as young and healthy men and consists of removing a large portion of the cancer and attempts to gain control over the cancer. Palliative procedures are a more passive way of dealing with pericardial mesothelioma and just attempts to relieve the patient of the symptoms.
To read the full article, click Pericardial Mesothelioma
Cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Like all other forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs. From the lungs, the fibres can either pass into the lymphatic system and then be transported to the lining of the lungs or they can gradually move across to the lining of the heart over a long period of time. Over a long period of time, asbestos fibres can accumulate on the lining of the heart and this is when pericardial mesothelioma becomes a likelihood. Due to the fact that asbestos is still present in many public buildings, the possibility of pericardial mesothelioma is a reality for everyone, although for most, very unlikely.
Those with the highest chance of having mesothelioma are those who have been in constant contact with mesothelioma for a length of time as short as a few months. These are people like construction workers and asbestos manufacturers. Those who are in contact with people who are constantly exposed to asbestos are also at risk due to the fact that asbestos fibres can stick to clothes and hair and so can be carried around.
Presently, cases of mesothelioma are increasing including pericardial mesothelioma. Elderly men who are approaching 60 - 70 years of age are just starting to suffer from pericardial mesothelioma due to its long latency period (amount of time the symptoms take to show) of 30 - 50 years. They are suffering because this was the generation who worked with asbestos and amongst asbestos when asbestos was an extremely popular building material in the 1950s – 1970s. These men are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to the dangers of asbestos.
Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma has a number of symptoms but these only start to take effect in the cancer’s latest stages when it is almost fully matured and developed. These symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains and palpitations. Other symptoms typical of all types of mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss. What often makes pericardial mesothelioma so difficult to treat is that its symptoms are typical of many other more common diseases such as pneumonia. To be treated effectively, pericardial mesothelioma needs to be treated aggressively in its early stages and so many patients’ treatments are given too late because of a delay in diagnosis.
Treatments for Pericardial Mesothelioma
Treatments for pericardial mesothelioma are very limited and as yet, success rates for curing pericardial mesothelioma are very low. The chances of a patient’s survival depend largely on how early the cancer is treated and how aggressively. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to try to kill off cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses radiation to try to kill off cancerous cells although this is extremely difficult in the case of pericardial mesothelioma because too much radiation can badly damage the heart.
Dual therapy is a combination of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery comes in two different types, aggressive surgery and palliative procedures. Aggressive surgery is only used on the strongest of patients such as young and healthy men and consists of removing a large portion of the cancer and attempts to gain control over the cancer. Palliative procedures are a more passive way of dealing with pericardial mesothelioma and just attempts to relieve the patient of the symptoms.
To read the full article, click Pericardial Mesothelioma
Friday, October 16, 2009
Possible Genetic Predisposition To Mesothelioma
Medical researchers in North Carolina have announced a new study to investigate the possibility of a genetic predisposition to the development of mesothelioma. The Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston Salem, NC and FirstHealth Carolinas, has undertaken research to better understand why only some individuals exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma.
Dr. Jill Ohar of Wake Forest University, the study’s principal investigator, has spent more than 20 years studying mesothelioma. Her previous work includes research into understanding why some people and families appear more susceptible to developing the disease and whether such susceptibility could be inherited.
“Over years of research, we have determined that there is a strong tendency for mesothelioma to run in families and it tends to be associated with a family history of cancer, which suggests a genetic susceptibility,” Ohar said in a prepared statement about the current study released by FirstHealth Carolinas.
Compared to other groups who were exposed to asbestos, Ohar’s previous research has found that individuals who developed mesothelioma shared certain traits, such as an increased risk of cancer among relatives, according to an article on the research in the March 2007 issue of the medical journal Respiratory Medicine.
Similarly, the current study examines associated environmental factors and genetic markers of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma to determine the particular genetic factors that make some families more susceptible than others to mesothelioma and other forms of cancer.
Chris Miller, director of clinical trials at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, said the current study presented an exciting opportunity to increase understanding about the causes of mesothelioma.
“The FirstHealth Clinical Trials staff is excited about this opportunity to assist one of our state’s medical research institutions further the knowledge about this deadly disease and the factors that cause it,” Miller said.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas is a private, non-governmental, not-for-profit health care network serving 15 counties in the mid-Carolinas.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Forms of MESOTHELIOMA
There are three common forms of mesothelioma:
1. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the chest cavity (after breathing the particles) before spreading to other areas.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma starts in the abdomen (after swallowing the particles) and accounts for about 10-20% of Mesothelioma patients.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the cavity that surrounds the heart.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early on because the symptoms are often mistaken for those of other, less serious ailments. To make matters worse, it often takes many years for the symptoms to show up after the contact with asbestos takes place. Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Even a small exposure to this cancer-causing material can result in malignant mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has a latency of up to thirty-forty years, and many individuals previously exposed to asbestos are now displaying symptoms. This means the average age of mesothelioma patients is between 50 and 70 years. Men are typically affected more, because of the common presence of asbestos in industrial settings. There are three major types of malignant mesothelioma. Epithelial, sarcomatoid, and mixed. Epithelial mesothelioma is most common. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to respiratory distress, a lasting cough, and pneumonia. In addition, symptoms are often mistaken for less serious ailments, and many patients do not show any signs at all.
Individuals with pleural mesothelioma may amass some fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity. This can be detected through a chest x-ray, as well as CT scans.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is based on a biopsy. This exam will test a tissue sample for the presence of malignant and/or pleural mesothelioma.
To read the full article, click Understanding and Recognizing The Symptoms of Mesothelioma
1. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the chest cavity (after breathing the particles) before spreading to other areas.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma starts in the abdomen (after swallowing the particles) and accounts for about 10-20% of Mesothelioma patients.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the cavity that surrounds the heart.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early on because the symptoms are often mistaken for those of other, less serious ailments. To make matters worse, it often takes many years for the symptoms to show up after the contact with asbestos takes place. Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Even a small exposure to this cancer-causing material can result in malignant mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has a latency of up to thirty-forty years, and many individuals previously exposed to asbestos are now displaying symptoms. This means the average age of mesothelioma patients is between 50 and 70 years. Men are typically affected more, because of the common presence of asbestos in industrial settings. There are three major types of malignant mesothelioma. Epithelial, sarcomatoid, and mixed. Epithelial mesothelioma is most common. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to respiratory distress, a lasting cough, and pneumonia. In addition, symptoms are often mistaken for less serious ailments, and many patients do not show any signs at all.
Individuals with pleural mesothelioma may amass some fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity. This can be detected through a chest x-ray, as well as CT scans.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is based on a biopsy. This exam will test a tissue sample for the presence of malignant and/or pleural mesothelioma.
To read the full article, click Understanding and Recognizing The Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Monday, October 5, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Phases, Benefits, and Risks of Clinical Trials for MESOTHELIOMA
Phases of Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma clinical trials are normally done in three phases:
1) Phase I trial: This trial involves only very few people. It is used to test the effectiveness of the new drugs or new type of treatment.
2) Phase II trial: This trial involves a larger group of subjects. The drug’s side effects, safety, dosage and effectiveness are tested using this trial.
3) Phase III trial: This trial involves a huge amount of people from various cancer treatment Centers simultaneously. This is a comparative trial in which the new medicine or type of treatment is compared to the existing ones. The comparative risks, benefits and effectiveness are analyzed.
Benefits of mesothelioma clinical trials
There are many benefits of taking part in a mesothelioma clinical trial. Some of these benefits are listed below:
1) The patients who participate in mesothelioma clinical trials have easy access to the latest drugs and treatments that have been invented. These are not available for the other non-participants.
2) Normally, the new drugs and treatments are invented after much research and experiments. So, they are more effective and work well than the current drugs and treatments. So, the volunteers would highly benefit from these new drugs and treatments.
3) The medical research personnel and doctors consider a participant in a mesothelioma clinical trial a very special person. So, the volunteer gets lots of special and close medical attention on all aspects of the treatment.
4) Every clinical trial helps medical science advance one more step. This will define the medicines and treatments of the future. The destiny of millions depends on these advancements.
5) The volunteers for mesothelioma clinical trials are contributing to a huge social cause. It is because of them that many find their life during the disease more comfortable.
The above are the various benefits for volunteers taking part in mesothelioma clinical trials.
Risks involved in participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial
A mesothelioma clinical trial is only an experimental study of new drugs and new types of treatments. These may be advantageous or disadvantageous. The main risks associated with taking part in a mesothelioma clinical trial are as follows:
1) The new medicine or new method of treatment may not be better than the current one. Sometimes, it may even worsen the condition.
2) Mostly, medical researchers and doctors are not aware of the exact side effects and consequences of the new medicines or types of treatment invented by them. So, there may also arise to be risky side effects because of the clinical trial.
3) The clinical trial treatments may not be covered by health insurance. So,
It is always better to find out about this before going in for the mesothelioma clinical trial.
4) A clinical trial involves much more interaction between the doctor and the patient. So, the patient will have to go to the hospital more often. These frequent visits may be tiresome and irritating during an uncomfortable illness like mesothelioma.
5) If the patient gives a complete free hand to the doctors and researchers, then they may not have any choice in the treatment, which they will receive. This may be difficult and risky for the patient.
To read the full article, click Analyzing Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Mesothelioma clinical trials are normally done in three phases:
1) Phase I trial: This trial involves only very few people. It is used to test the effectiveness of the new drugs or new type of treatment.
2) Phase II trial: This trial involves a larger group of subjects. The drug’s side effects, safety, dosage and effectiveness are tested using this trial.
3) Phase III trial: This trial involves a huge amount of people from various cancer treatment Centers simultaneously. This is a comparative trial in which the new medicine or type of treatment is compared to the existing ones. The comparative risks, benefits and effectiveness are analyzed.
Benefits of mesothelioma clinical trials
There are many benefits of taking part in a mesothelioma clinical trial. Some of these benefits are listed below:
1) The patients who participate in mesothelioma clinical trials have easy access to the latest drugs and treatments that have been invented. These are not available for the other non-participants.
2) Normally, the new drugs and treatments are invented after much research and experiments. So, they are more effective and work well than the current drugs and treatments. So, the volunteers would highly benefit from these new drugs and treatments.
3) The medical research personnel and doctors consider a participant in a mesothelioma clinical trial a very special person. So, the volunteer gets lots of special and close medical attention on all aspects of the treatment.
4) Every clinical trial helps medical science advance one more step. This will define the medicines and treatments of the future. The destiny of millions depends on these advancements.
5) The volunteers for mesothelioma clinical trials are contributing to a huge social cause. It is because of them that many find their life during the disease more comfortable.
The above are the various benefits for volunteers taking part in mesothelioma clinical trials.
Risks involved in participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial
A mesothelioma clinical trial is only an experimental study of new drugs and new types of treatments. These may be advantageous or disadvantageous. The main risks associated with taking part in a mesothelioma clinical trial are as follows:
1) The new medicine or new method of treatment may not be better than the current one. Sometimes, it may even worsen the condition.
2) Mostly, medical researchers and doctors are not aware of the exact side effects and consequences of the new medicines or types of treatment invented by them. So, there may also arise to be risky side effects because of the clinical trial.
3) The clinical trial treatments may not be covered by health insurance. So,
It is always better to find out about this before going in for the mesothelioma clinical trial.
4) A clinical trial involves much more interaction between the doctor and the patient. So, the patient will have to go to the hospital more often. These frequent visits may be tiresome and irritating during an uncomfortable illness like mesothelioma.
5) If the patient gives a complete free hand to the doctors and researchers, then they may not have any choice in the treatment, which they will receive. This may be difficult and risky for the patient.
To read the full article, click Analyzing Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
Monday, September 28, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Early Signs and Symptoms of MESOTHELIOMA
Symptoms of mesothelioma take many years to become apparent. In other words it has a long latency period. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. The person may repeatedly visit the doctor with the symptoms but more often considered as respiratory infections. The non-specific symptoms make it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. Even people exposed to asbestos start showing the manifestation late in their life. By the time, mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is already widespread. However, the awareness of mesothelioma has made people detect it in early stages.
Manifestation of mesothelioma largely depends upon the location size and nature of the tumor. Sign and symptoms also depend upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign type of mesothelioma usually does not manifest itself. On the other hand, malignant type of mesothelioma has severe symptoms. It is mostly due to the pressure exerted on surrounding soft tissues. The malignancy may invade surrounding tissues or may result in pericardial or pleural effusion. Invasion of the chest wall may lead to chest pain.
The early symptoms to watch out for are:
Pleural mesothelioma
Dyspnoea or shortness of breath along with chest pain is common manifestation of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion caused by collection of fluid between the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. On chest radiography a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion may be evident indicating viral pneumonia.
The less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:
A majority of patients do not show any sign and symptoms until late.
Manifestation of mesothelioma largely depends upon the location size and nature of the tumor. Sign and symptoms also depend upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign type of mesothelioma usually does not manifest itself. On the other hand, malignant type of mesothelioma has severe symptoms. It is mostly due to the pressure exerted on surrounding soft tissues. The malignancy may invade surrounding tissues or may result in pericardial or pleural effusion. Invasion of the chest wall may lead to chest pain.
The early symptoms to watch out for are:
- Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum
- A cough or a change in cough pattern
- Dysphagia or Difficulty in swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Significant Weight loss.
Pleural mesothelioma
Dyspnoea or shortness of breath along with chest pain is common manifestation of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion caused by collection of fluid between the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. On chest radiography a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion may be evident indicating viral pneumonia.
The less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:
- Chest pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Muscle weakness and sensory loss
- Swelling of the face and arms
- Hoarseness of voice
- Coughing up blood
A majority of patients do not show any sign and symptoms until late.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
It involves structures like abdomen, stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel. The origin of peritoneal mesothelioma is usually abdomen, from where it spreads to adjoining organs. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
The symptoms are a consequence of pressure exerted by the growing mass. This growing tumor can also cause breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma in peritoneum, owing to its space occupying tendency may give rise to bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting.
It involves structures like abdomen, stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel. The origin of peritoneal mesothelioma is usually abdomen, from where it spreads to adjoining organs. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Bowel obstruction
- Anemia or swelling of the feet
- Abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
- Swelling of the feet
- Fever
- Impaired bowel function
The symptoms are a consequence of pressure exerted by the growing mass. This growing tumor can also cause breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma in peritoneum, owing to its space occupying tendency may give rise to bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting.
Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very uncommon form affecting the pericardium. Pericardium is the cavity between the linings of the heart. The tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding heart tends to spread from there. Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations. Involvement of the membrane around the heart (pericardium) may cause heart rhythm disturbances.
The symptoms for all types of mesothelioma become more acute and obvious with the progression of the disease. In spite of it, it can be mistaken as other disease condition. The only differentiating feature is the history of exposure of asbestos. Therefore, it is critical to investigate one's exposure to asbestos. Symptoms like pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue and weight loss may be very common, but the doctor should elucidate the history of asbestos exposure to rule out the presence of tumor.
To read the full article, click Mesothelioma Cancer: Early Recognition of Symptoms is Key to Successful Treatment
Monday, September 21, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Screening MESOTHELIOMA
Regular doctor appointments are crucial to ensure proper health, but exposure to asbestos presents added urgency to routine examinations. Asbestos-related diseases incubate for decades, and early detection is critical for proper treatment. People who worked in many industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing are at particular risk of contracting these conditions.
Even the most talented and skilled doctors often mistake early symptoms of asbestos-related diseases for other, less hazardous conditions. Combined with the subtle nature of mesothelioma and a wealth of common symptoms, detection rests greatly on associating the proper symptoms with the proper diagnosis. Those with previous exposure to asbestos should alert their doctor to their medical history, so that doctors know what to look for and what tests to use.
How Mesothelioma Screening Works:
* Step 1: The first test a doctor will most likely run uses a device called a thorascope in a procedure called a thoracoscopy. Through a small incision in the chest, a small sample of lung tissue is taken for biopsy to determine whether or not it is cancerous. This procedure is done in a hospital under local anesthetic and usually causes little pain.
* Step 2: A doctor may also use a device called a peritoneoscope that looks inside the abdomen to collect tissue samples. Doctors also check for an excess amount of fluid and can elect to drain it to ease pressure and relieve pain.
* Step 3: Should these tests prove inconclusive, more advanced tests such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan gives doctors a three dimensional X-Ray of the tissue in question. This allows doctors to view potentially damaged areas before they manifest symptoms.
* Step 4: Another option is called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan, or MRI. An MRI gives uses high energy magnetic fields to take cross-section pictures of internal structures to distinguish healthy tissues from malignant tissues. These two scans allow doctors to recognize dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.
To read the full article, click Mesothelioma Screening
Even the most talented and skilled doctors often mistake early symptoms of asbestos-related diseases for other, less hazardous conditions. Combined with the subtle nature of mesothelioma and a wealth of common symptoms, detection rests greatly on associating the proper symptoms with the proper diagnosis. Those with previous exposure to asbestos should alert their doctor to their medical history, so that doctors know what to look for and what tests to use.
How Mesothelioma Screening Works:
* Step 1: The first test a doctor will most likely run uses a device called a thorascope in a procedure called a thoracoscopy. Through a small incision in the chest, a small sample of lung tissue is taken for biopsy to determine whether or not it is cancerous. This procedure is done in a hospital under local anesthetic and usually causes little pain.
* Step 2: A doctor may also use a device called a peritoneoscope that looks inside the abdomen to collect tissue samples. Doctors also check for an excess amount of fluid and can elect to drain it to ease pressure and relieve pain.
* Step 3: Should these tests prove inconclusive, more advanced tests such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan gives doctors a three dimensional X-Ray of the tissue in question. This allows doctors to view potentially damaged areas before they manifest symptoms.
* Step 4: Another option is called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan, or MRI. An MRI gives uses high energy magnetic fields to take cross-section pictures of internal structures to distinguish healthy tissues from malignant tissues. These two scans allow doctors to recognize dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.
To read the full article, click Mesothelioma Screening
Monday, September 14, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the old standby for many cancer treatments, and mesothelioma is no different.
1. Why use radiation?
High dose radiation is used to directly kill cancerous cells in the body. The radiation destroys cancer cells at the molecular level, and keeps them from replicating. Radiation is usually combined with chemotherapy and surgery to form a total front against cancer.
2. Where does radiation come from?
In previous years, radiation from high energy X-Rays, photons, neutrons, cobalt or other radioactive sources were concentrated on the tumor, and this radiation would kill the cancer cells and prohibit them from growing and spreading. This radiation would come from a machines and radioisotopes, but technology has developed several promising new advances.
3. What does using radiation to treat mesothelioma accomplish?
Radiation is very useful against cancer of cells that divide quickly, like mesothelioma, because it kills cells that replicate fast. When patients undergo radiation therapy, they receive several successively higher doses of radiation, which shrink the tumor to a manageable size. Radiation relieves a great deal of pain, and victims of pleural mesothelioma suffer reduced instances of shortness of breath.
Unfortunately, radiation cannot kill all of the cancerous cells without causing significant damage to the patient.
4. What kinds of mesothelioma radiation therapy are available?
There are two main types of radiation therapy: internal and external
1. Why use radiation?
High dose radiation is used to directly kill cancerous cells in the body. The radiation destroys cancer cells at the molecular level, and keeps them from replicating. Radiation is usually combined with chemotherapy and surgery to form a total front against cancer.
2. Where does radiation come from?
In previous years, radiation from high energy X-Rays, photons, neutrons, cobalt or other radioactive sources were concentrated on the tumor, and this radiation would kill the cancer cells and prohibit them from growing and spreading. This radiation would come from a machines and radioisotopes, but technology has developed several promising new advances.
3. What does using radiation to treat mesothelioma accomplish?
Radiation is very useful against cancer of cells that divide quickly, like mesothelioma, because it kills cells that replicate fast. When patients undergo radiation therapy, they receive several successively higher doses of radiation, which shrink the tumor to a manageable size. Radiation relieves a great deal of pain, and victims of pleural mesothelioma suffer reduced instances of shortness of breath.
Unfortunately, radiation cannot kill all of the cancerous cells without causing significant damage to the patient.
4. What kinds of mesothelioma radiation therapy are available?
There are two main types of radiation therapy: internal and external
- Internal radiation therapy (also known as brachytherapy) injects small amounts of radioactive material directly into the cancerous tissues, usually through tubes, wires, catheters, and needles. This allows higher does of concentrated radiation over a shorter time frame on more entrenched tumors.
- External radiation therapy is the standard type of radiation therapy. Over the course of a day, weeks, or months, radiation is delivered into a patient to stop the spread of cancer throughout the body.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma
Treating mesothelioma patients with immunotherapy relies on helping the body's immune system to recognize the difference between healthy cells and cells that have become cancerous.
To understand how immunotherapy works, it is first important to understand how the immune system recognizes the difference between body cells and foreign cells. The immune system does this by recognizing and reacting to antigens. Antigens are molecules that are present on the surface of all cells, whether human, bacterial, or viral. A normal immune system can react to and destroy cells that produce antigens that are foreign, but cannot react to cells that produce "self" antigen (an antigen produced by the body).
Immunotherapy, therefore, is geared towards making the immune system recognize antigens on cancer cells as being foreign, allowing the immune system to destroy those cells.
Active Immunotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma
Active immunotherapy treatments are designed to stimulate the immune system to fight disease. Vaccines, for example, are a type of active immunotherapy. Cancer vaccines are slightly different in that they are designed to fight diseases that already exist in the body, whereas most other vaccines are administered to prevent disease.
Mesothelioma vaccines may be created by removing cancer cells from a mesothelioma patient. This is usually done in a laboratory by using either whole cancer cells or antigens removed from cells. The cells or antigens are modified in a laboratory so they can be recognized by the patient's immune system and are then injected back into the patient.
Active immunotherapy treatments for mesothelioma are highly specific treatments made with cells from the patient's own body. Thus, a different vaccine is created for each patient who receives active immunotherapy treatment.
Passive Immunotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma
Passive immunotherapy treatments are those which use components that are created outside the body. These types of treatments differ from active immunotherapy in that passive treatments do not attempt to force the immune system to actively destroy cancer cells.
One example of a passive immunotherapy treatment is monoclonal antibody therapy, which is currently the most widely used immunotherapy for treating cancer. Antibodies are molecules the immune system produces to help fight infections. In an immune system that is functioning normally, antibodies are produced that recognize and bind to foreign antigens present on foreign cells, which effectively targets foreign cells for destruction by other parts of the immune system.
Monoclonal antibody therapy involves removing cancer cells from a patient, which are then grown together in a laboratory with other cells that produce antibodies in response to antigens on the cancer cells. During this process, identical antibodies are produced that recognize the same antigen (hence the termed monoclonal).
The next stage of the treatment involves injecting the patient with the monoclonal antibodies. Once inside the body, the antibodies recognize and bind to tumor cells, as the tumor cells possess the specific kind of antigen that the antibodies were created to identify. If the cancer treatment is successful, the immune system will recognize the monoclonal antibodies and destroy the cancer cells.
As with active immunotherapy, passive immunotherapy treatments are typically specific to an individual patient because cancer cells from the patient's own body are used.
To read more the full article, click Mesothelioma Immunotherapy
Treating mesothelioma patients with immunotherapy relies on helping the body's immune system to recognize the difference between healthy cells and cells that have become cancerous.
To understand how immunotherapy works, it is first important to understand how the immune system recognizes the difference between body cells and foreign cells. The immune system does this by recognizing and reacting to antigens. Antigens are molecules that are present on the surface of all cells, whether human, bacterial, or viral. A normal immune system can react to and destroy cells that produce antigens that are foreign, but cannot react to cells that produce "self" antigen (an antigen produced by the body).
Immunotherapy, therefore, is geared towards making the immune system recognize antigens on cancer cells as being foreign, allowing the immune system to destroy those cells.
Active Immunotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma
Active immunotherapy treatments are designed to stimulate the immune system to fight disease. Vaccines, for example, are a type of active immunotherapy. Cancer vaccines are slightly different in that they are designed to fight diseases that already exist in the body, whereas most other vaccines are administered to prevent disease.
Mesothelioma vaccines may be created by removing cancer cells from a mesothelioma patient. This is usually done in a laboratory by using either whole cancer cells or antigens removed from cells. The cells or antigens are modified in a laboratory so they can be recognized by the patient's immune system and are then injected back into the patient.
Active immunotherapy treatments for mesothelioma are highly specific treatments made with cells from the patient's own body. Thus, a different vaccine is created for each patient who receives active immunotherapy treatment.
Passive Immunotherapy Treatment for Mesothelioma
Passive immunotherapy treatments are those which use components that are created outside the body. These types of treatments differ from active immunotherapy in that passive treatments do not attempt to force the immune system to actively destroy cancer cells.
One example of a passive immunotherapy treatment is monoclonal antibody therapy, which is currently the most widely used immunotherapy for treating cancer. Antibodies are molecules the immune system produces to help fight infections. In an immune system that is functioning normally, antibodies are produced that recognize and bind to foreign antigens present on foreign cells, which effectively targets foreign cells for destruction by other parts of the immune system.
Monoclonal antibody therapy involves removing cancer cells from a patient, which are then grown together in a laboratory with other cells that produce antibodies in response to antigens on the cancer cells. During this process, identical antibodies are produced that recognize the same antigen (hence the termed monoclonal).
The next stage of the treatment involves injecting the patient with the monoclonal antibodies. Once inside the body, the antibodies recognize and bind to tumor cells, as the tumor cells possess the specific kind of antigen that the antibodies were created to identify. If the cancer treatment is successful, the immune system will recognize the monoclonal antibodies and destroy the cancer cells.
As with active immunotherapy, passive immunotherapy treatments are typically specific to an individual patient because cancer cells from the patient's own body are used.
To read more the full article, click Mesothelioma Immunotherapy
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy treats cancer with drugs that destroy cancer cells. It may be used to shrink a tumor before surgery (neo-adjuvant therapy), to help destroy cancer cells that may remain after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy), to make radiation therapy or immunotherapy work more effectively, or to help destroy cancer that recurs or has spread from the site of the original tumor. It may also be used as a stand-alone treatment in cases where the patient is not a surgical candidate.
Major research is happening in the field of chemotherapy for mesothelioma patients. A recent article in the journal Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy stated "there has been definite progress in the systemic treatment of this disease within the past 5 years". In addition to standby drugs such as cisplatin, gemcitabine, alimta, and anti-angiogenesis agents such as bevacizumab and endostatin are being vigorously pursued by researchers. Ranpirnase (onconase) is also promising as is coramsine.
Chemotherapy drugs may be given as single agents, but often, two or more drugs are given simultaneously. This is called "combination therapy". Such is the case with the investigational drug, Alimta, (now in an expanded access program for mesothelioma patients), where it is combined with "standard" drugs such as cisplatin or gemcitabine. According to Petr F. Hausner, "other novel chemotherapy combinations are promising e.g. raltitrexed (Tomudex) with oxaliplatin (Fizazi, Doubre et al. 2003)."
When cancer occurs, abnormal cells in the body multiply out of control. Anticancer drugs destroy cancer cells by preventing them from multiplying. Unfortunately, healthy cells can also be harmed, and it is the damage to the healthy cells that may ultimately cause side effects. The cells most likely to be affected are the fast-growing normal cells such as the blood cells forming in bone marrow, and cells in the digestive tract which includes the mouth, stomach, intestines, and esophagus. Hair follicles may also be affected, hence, hair loss during chemotherapy. Some drugs affect cells of vital organs, such as the heart, kidney, bladder, lungs, and nervous system.
Before beginning a chemotherapy protocol, your doctor should...
To read the full article, click Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
Major research is happening in the field of chemotherapy for mesothelioma patients. A recent article in the journal Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy stated "there has been definite progress in the systemic treatment of this disease within the past 5 years". In addition to standby drugs such as cisplatin, gemcitabine, alimta, and anti-angiogenesis agents such as bevacizumab and endostatin are being vigorously pursued by researchers. Ranpirnase (onconase) is also promising as is coramsine.
Chemotherapy drugs may be given as single agents, but often, two or more drugs are given simultaneously. This is called "combination therapy". Such is the case with the investigational drug, Alimta, (now in an expanded access program for mesothelioma patients), where it is combined with "standard" drugs such as cisplatin or gemcitabine. According to Petr F. Hausner, "other novel chemotherapy combinations are promising e.g. raltitrexed (Tomudex) with oxaliplatin (Fizazi, Doubre et al. 2003)."
When cancer occurs, abnormal cells in the body multiply out of control. Anticancer drugs destroy cancer cells by preventing them from multiplying. Unfortunately, healthy cells can also be harmed, and it is the damage to the healthy cells that may ultimately cause side effects. The cells most likely to be affected are the fast-growing normal cells such as the blood cells forming in bone marrow, and cells in the digestive tract which includes the mouth, stomach, intestines, and esophagus. Hair follicles may also be affected, hence, hair loss during chemotherapy. Some drugs affect cells of vital organs, such as the heart, kidney, bladder, lungs, and nervous system.
Before beginning a chemotherapy protocol, your doctor should...
To read the full article, click Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Benign Mesothelioma
What is Benign Mesothelioma?
More recently referred to as a "solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura," benign mesothelioma - as the name indicates - is usually not cancerous, though cancerous forms can occur from time to time.
Appearing more in men than women, these tumors usually start in the tissues under the mesothelium, which is known as the submesothelium. A similar tumor may grow in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. Doctors have appropriately named that disease "solitary fibrous tumor of the peritoneum."
Why is this Tumor Different?
The most important difference between these benign mesothelioma tumors and the cancerous forms is that these tumors do not spread, invading adjacent tissue. On the other hand, malignant tumors often spread quite quickly, making mesothelioma treatment difficult and non-effective.
Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma
Benign mesotheliomas are actually very rare. They account for less than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases worldwide. However, they do occur, usually presenting symptoms that are quite similar to those connected with malignant pleural mesothelioma. As a matter of fact, it is nearly impossible to differentiate between the two without extensive testing or surgical procedures.
The most common symptoms that may indicate the presence of a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura are:
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Chronic cough
The major reason for these symptoms is usually the growth of the benign tumor, which may be pressing on the lungs.
The doctor may also spot a clubbed appearance of the fingers, which is often a sign of such a tumor. With clubbed fingers, the nail bed takes on a distorted angle, which is indicative of a dangerously low level of oxygen in the blood. Clubbing is often associated with both lung cancers and heart diseases as well as cystic fibrosis.
Diagnosing Benign Mesothelioma
The same tests used for diagnosing malignant mesothelioma are used for diagnosing the benign form, because it's impossible to distinguish one from the other without the aid of sophisticated imaging or other procedures. The doctor may first suggest a regular x-ray, followed by a:
* CT scan
Images produced by a machine that consists of an x-ray-generating device that rotates around the entire body. The device, which is connected to a high-tech computer, provides cross-section images (or "slices") of the inside of the body.
* MRI
A diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the head or body. This test has proven especially successful in detecting tumors in or around the lungs, which makes it especially useful for diagnosing mesothelioma.
Though these tests can provide excellent pictures of the lungs and other affected areas, most doctors now opt for an open lung biopsy in order to reach a definitive conclusion. This biopsy involves surgery under general anesthesia, during which a small piece of the lung tissue will be removed and sent to a pathologist for examination.
More recently referred to as a "solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura," benign mesothelioma - as the name indicates - is usually not cancerous, though cancerous forms can occur from time to time.
Appearing more in men than women, these tumors usually start in the tissues under the mesothelium, which is known as the submesothelium. A similar tumor may grow in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. Doctors have appropriately named that disease "solitary fibrous tumor of the peritoneum."
Why is this Tumor Different?
The most important difference between these benign mesothelioma tumors and the cancerous forms is that these tumors do not spread, invading adjacent tissue. On the other hand, malignant tumors often spread quite quickly, making mesothelioma treatment difficult and non-effective.
Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma
Benign mesotheliomas are actually very rare. They account for less than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases worldwide. However, they do occur, usually presenting symptoms that are quite similar to those connected with malignant pleural mesothelioma. As a matter of fact, it is nearly impossible to differentiate between the two without extensive testing or surgical procedures.
The most common symptoms that may indicate the presence of a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura are:
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Chronic cough
The major reason for these symptoms is usually the growth of the benign tumor, which may be pressing on the lungs.
The doctor may also spot a clubbed appearance of the fingers, which is often a sign of such a tumor. With clubbed fingers, the nail bed takes on a distorted angle, which is indicative of a dangerously low level of oxygen in the blood. Clubbing is often associated with both lung cancers and heart diseases as well as cystic fibrosis.
Diagnosing Benign Mesothelioma
The same tests used for diagnosing malignant mesothelioma are used for diagnosing the benign form, because it's impossible to distinguish one from the other without the aid of sophisticated imaging or other procedures. The doctor may first suggest a regular x-ray, followed by a:
* CT scan
Images produced by a machine that consists of an x-ray-generating device that rotates around the entire body. The device, which is connected to a high-tech computer, provides cross-section images (or "slices") of the inside of the body.
* MRI
A diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of the head or body. This test has proven especially successful in detecting tumors in or around the lungs, which makes it especially useful for diagnosing mesothelioma.
Though these tests can provide excellent pictures of the lungs and other affected areas, most doctors now opt for an open lung biopsy in order to reach a definitive conclusion. This biopsy involves surgery under general anesthesia, during which a small piece of the lung tissue will be removed and sent to a pathologist for examination.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Facts About MESOTHELIOMA: Stages of MESOTHELIOMA
In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in stage I Mesothelioma.
In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.
Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.
Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.
To read the full article, click on What Are The Four Stages of Mesotheloma?
In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.
Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.
Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.
To read the full article, click on What Are The Four Stages of Mesotheloma?
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