Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium of the body. mesothelium is a protective covering for the body. It covers various organs, including lungs. mesothelium consists of two thin layers. When cancer develops in the mesothelium that is between the layers. Narrow space makes it very difficult to diagnose mesothelioma in early stages.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is difficult to treat. Once the diagnosis of mesothelioma was made, the majority of patients will not live longer than eighteen months. There are various reasons for this, including the nature of disease after being diagnosed and the lack of an effective surgical method to remove the tumor.
While most cases of mesothelioma occur around the lungs, can also occur in the abdominal mesothelium, called the peritoneum, or pericardium. While mesothelioma is most common in the lungs, it is important to distinguish between mesothelioma and lung cancer. They are two very different types of cancer and requires different types of treatment are different.
Mesothelioma signs and symptoms may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
MesotheliomaTanda and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause signs and symptoms as follows:
* Chest wall pain* Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung* Shortness of breath* Fatigue or anemia* Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough* Blood in the sputum (fluid) cough (hemoptysis)
In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. Individuals can develop pneumothorax or lung collapse. This disease can spread, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at the final stage. Symptoms include:
* Abdominal pain* Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen* Mass in abdomen* Problems with intestinal function* Weight
In cases of severe disease, the following signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma can be present:
* Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis* The spread intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs* Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin* Low blood sugar levels* Pleural effusion* Pulmonary embolism, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs* Severe ascites
I had so little exposure about Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma signs and symptoms that may be useful for us all.

10 best methods in treating mesothelioma-powerpoint

Treating mesothelioma _10_best_methods_in_treating_mesothelioma

View more documents from Desmond Okosi

1. 10 The best method in treatingMesotheliomaBy U. Desmond OkosiAs with any cancer, treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, which progressionof disease, age and health condition is patient.It oncologist who specializes in diseases that will decide the line of treatment. The isdifficult disease to treat and in most cases the prognosis is poor.Treatment options include: 1. If the diagnosis is done in the early stages surgery may be recommended to remove tissue allcancerous. This means thoracoscopy, barrels or video assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy (used for staging), or laproscopy. Often, doctors will recommend palliative procedures like chest tubes drainageand pleurodesis, thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, pleuroperitonial shunt, or pleurectomy, which treat mesothelioma than disease.2 thesymptoms. Aggressive radiation prescribed for mesothelioma patients and is often given incombination with surgery or to control symptoms, palliatively. Research using radiationtherapy using implants or UV light therapy is ongoing as traditional radiation therapy tissue.3 damagessurrounding healthy. Chemotherapy is an option and about 12-20% of patients respond to drugs.Anti-cancerous cells to destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. In mesothelioma, chemotherapy for curative notconsidered. The aim is to prevent the spread of disease, shrink tumors before surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy, to destroy all remnants of the tumor in the body after surgery, and torelieve pain and other discomforts, palliative chemotherapy. Experts recommend prescribing premetrexedalong with cisplatin. This drug has shown positive results and this is now standard forMesothelioma treatment can not be treated by surgery.4. Biological therapy using interleukin 2.5. Immunotherapy in which the immune system is stimulated to fight disease.Biological response modifiers, BRMs, are used in treatment. It improves the function of these immunesystem; regulate metabolic reactions that lead to cancer growth; alter cancer cell division; orreverse process blocks that cause cancer formation, and prevent the spread of Article cancer.This Is Brought To You By http://www. asbestos-mesothelioma-help.info

2.Gene therapy, where attempts are made to improve the gene sequence that causes thecancer. It is of two types, gene replacement therapy and gene knockout therapy.7. Administration of lovastatin, cholesterol lowering drug.8. Photodynamic treatment where a photosensitive drug is activated by using lasers. Thisis done during the surgical removal of cancer tissues.9. Draining of fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity followed by the introduction of drug intothe cavity to prevent fluid accumulation carried out for patients who have uncontrolled fluid accumulation andintense discomfort derived from it.10. Trimodal combination therapy or therapy which means surgery accompanied by radiationand chemotherapy.Often, complementary medicines are also used. Called to be a holistic type of treatment focuses on apatient being.In physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual-treated cases of Mesothelioma one can opt for clinical trials of new treatments which arein progress in several research laboratories and centers. The best advice to wouldbe line treatment recommended by oncologists or physician.If you or family members or friends looking to start a Lawsuit Mesothelioma Asbestos Mesothelioma

Different types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of rare cancer which is unfortunately not rare anymore and affects people who have been affected and exposed to asbestos in some way or the other. This form of exposure can be direct or indirect. Thus someone who is coming into daily contact with someone who is being or has been exposed to asbestos in some way or the other stands a very good chance of contracting mesothelioma as well. Mesothelioma gets its name from the areas in the body which it affects. The cancerous cells are developed in the mesothelioma and the latter is a protective lining which covers most of the vital internal organs of the body.

There is many types of mesothelioma depending on which part of the body, or rather which organ and its protective lining has been affected. Here are the major types of mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma: this is the most common among all the kinds of mesothelioma that do occur in the world. About 75 percent of all the mesothelioma patients in the world are suffering from pleural mesothelioma. Here, the cancerous cells are formed in the pleura which is the lining covering the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma quickly takes over the pleural lining and thus as a result. There is a massive build up of fluid within that cavity. Due to the fluid build up there is a lot of pain which comes along with the development and spread of mesothelioma. When someone inhales a lot of these asbestos fibers, these objects get stuck in the pleura and mutilate the lining and so cause irreparable damage to the organ. As a result, cancer is caused out of the mutations that are created because of the intrusions of these foreign bodies. This form is caused through inhalation of asbestos particles.

Pericardial Mesothelioma: this is the rarest form of mesothelioma that can ever be found among all mesothelioma patients. This kind of cancer affects the lining of the heart which is called the pericardium. Less than 10 percent of mesothelioma patients have this form of mesothelioma. Here again, cancerous tumors are formed around the heart and also there is a fluid build up. This fluid obstructs the natural and normal functioning of the heart. As of now, there is very little information as to how asbestos particles can enter the heart cavity and affect the lining.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: this is a relatively commoner form of mesothelioma than the previous one. About 10 to 20 per cent of the mesothelioma patients today are of this kind. The lining of the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum. There is another form of peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the male testicles and this diseases is a very rare one. The cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is the ingestion or the consumption of asbestos fibers which then travel through the length of the body and end up in the gut. Here the cancerous mutations are caused in the abdominal cavity which causes a lot of pain and discomfort as a result.

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

The most common treatment for mesothelioma is chemotherapy, which literally means treating an illness with chemicals. Because cancer cells reproduce much more quickly than healthy cells, chemotherapy involves administering drugs that attack rapidly reproducing cells. These drugs are intended to kill off the cancer cells, halting the growth and spread of cancerous tumors.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs often kill healthy cells that are meant to reproduce quickly, in addition to cancerous cells. This is the cause of most side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss, nausea, and a weakened immune system. If you or a loved one is facing chemotherapy for mesothelioma, you need a realistic image of what to expect and how to treat common side effects.

Important Facts about Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

If you are considering the option of chemotherapy for mesothelioma, or will be helping a family member through the process, you need to be fully informed about the treatment. Consult the following pages for a review of basic facts concerning:

• Chemotherapy Drugs: Oncologists use several different kinds of drugs to treat mesothelioma; the right one for you will depend on the progression of the disease and your body’s reaction to different drugs. Fortunately, new chemotherapy drugs are being developed every day with greater effectiveness and less severe side effects.
• Heated Chemotherapy: This is a relatively new treatment option for patients with peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma. This involves a procedure through which chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the peritoneum, the portion of the mesothelium that lines the abdomen. Because it is a delicate procedure, it has not been approved for pleural or pericardial mesothelioma.
• Chemotherapy Side Effects: Chemotherapy is notorious among doctors and patients for its harsh side effects, such as nausea and lack of appetite. This is not a reason for patients to panic, however, as these symptoms can be managed in a variety of ways.
• Chemotherapy Diet: You may not always feel like eating during the course of treatment, but nutrition is a vital component of an effective cancer treatment. Researching recipes that are recommended for mesothelioma patients can help you remain strong and well-nourished.
• Dealing with Chemotherapy: While chemotherapy may be your best chance at beating mesothelioma, it can also be a draining process. It may help to try some strategies for dealing with the medical and emotional difficulties that chemotherapy can cause.

Living with chemotherapy is challenging, but it is not impossible. Patients are strongly encouraged to utilize all of the mesothelioma resources available to them and their familie

Living with Mesothelioma

Whether it is you or a loved one who has become sick, a diagnosis of mesothelioma can have a profound impact on almost all areas of your life. All of a sudden, you are being bombarded with obscure medical information, tests, painful treatments, side effects, and possibly a good deal of questions about your future. While you are going through this difficult time, it is important to utilize a variety of personal, medical, and perhaps legal mesothelioma resources.
At the Asbestos and Mesothelioma Resource Center, our mission is to provide mesothelioma patients and their families with a full array of information that can help you cope with this diagnosis. Please follow the links below to learn about legal, medical, and social issues you may be facing over the course of your treatment. We hope you find these pages useful and informative.

Mesothelioma Resources

Living with mesothelioma is challenging in many ways, but with the help of loved ones and professionals, you can make it through this painful period in your life. Some resources that may help you and your family cope include:

• Cancer Centers: The US has some of the most effective and innovative cancer treatment centers in the world. These centers usually provide up-to-date treatment options, social support, and even hotel services for patients visiting from out of town. The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Resource Center can help you find an accessible cancer center that meets your needs.
• Cancer Support Groups: Many mesothelioma patients suffer from a sense of isolation and the feeling that they are being forced to cope with this serious illness alone. Despite not being physically sick, caretakers are also vulnerable to stress and feelings of loneliness. Finding a support group composed of others in your situation can help you gain the guidance and solidarity you need.
• Estate Planning: It can be very uncomfortable to consider one’s own mortality, but making plans for your family’s future is important. Having a will, a living will, and an advanced health directive in place can help your family avoid serious legal and financial complications down the road.
• Legal Options: Tragically, many cases of mesothelioma could have been prevented by corporate responsibility and correct safety protocols. If you or your loved one was exposed to asbestos through an act of business or governmental negligence, you may be interested in learning about your legal options.

Facing the challenge of a mesothelioma diagnosis requires complete information about your circumstances, prognosis, and medical options. We hope you find this web site helpful as you learn more about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

Stages of Mesothelioma

When a person is diagnosed with a cancer like mesothelioma, one of the first tasks for doctors is to determine how far the disease has progressed. The patient’s treatment options and long-term chances for survival will depend largely on the stage of mesothelioma he or she has reached. As with other forms of cancer, mesothelioma progresses through four stages.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you will need a clear understanding of the stage of the disease and the implications this has for your healthcare. Doctors may use slightly different staging techniques, so be sure to talk to your medical team about your diagnosis and how it has been determined. Fortunately, while techniques may vary, the basic criteria remain the same.

The Four Stages of Mesothelioma

Oncologists only stage mesothelioma if it is malignant, meaning that it has the potential to spread to other tissues throughout the body. Most of the methods available today were developed for staging pleural mesothelioma, which affects the protective lining of the lungs. If you are suffering from pericardial or peritoneal mesothelioma, your doctor may modify these criteria somewhat:

• Stage 1 Mesothelioma: Tumors are present in the protective lining over the organs and may have partially spread to the organs (for example, to one lung but not the other). The lymph nodes are not affected at stage 1.
• Stage 2 Mesothelioma: Malignant tumors have been found on both sides of the body (for example, in both lungs) or in more than one organ. Alternatively, the cancer may have spread to a lymph node close to the affected organ.
• Stage 3 Mesothelioma: Tumors have been found in multiple organs within the abdominal cavity, such as the heart, chest wall, or diaphragm. The lymph nodes may also be affected.
• Stage 4 Mesothelioma: The cancer has entered the bloodstream of the lymph system. This allows it to spread throughout the body, affecting multiple organs.

As you can see, the earlier stages are easier to treat and pose less of a danger than the later ones. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, it is important to talk with your doctor to make sure any health problems you may have are caught as early as possible.