What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of
cancer that grows on the mesothelium, the membrane or
protective sac that surrounds the various organs of the
body. It guards the organs by producing a special type
of fluid to promote mobility of the organs. In the case
of the lungs, mesothelium fluid allows ease in the
movement when taking in air. Mesothelioma tumor can
start on any area of the mesothelium which can be
benign or cancerous. Known to be the cause of
Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos is a heat resistant fibrous mineral used in
the industry as the main material in making roofing,
gasket compounds, floor tiles and patching compounds.
Its versatility makes it a component of various
products in the market but it is extremely dangerous
once inhaled no matter how small the quantity may be.
Inhaled asbestos fiber can pass through the air
passages which can come in contact with linings of the
lungs which can injure the cells and result to pleural
Mesothelioma. Swallowed asbestos on the other hand can
affect the fibers lined up on the abdominal cavity
resulting to peritoneal Mesothelioma. There are also
evidences that link Mesothelioma with Thorotrast, a
component used for X-rays but its usage has been
stopped for a long time.
The symptoms and signs of Mesothelioma can be very
common that is why the patient may just take it for
granted. The symptoms may happen from two to three
months before Mesothelioma is detected. Pleural
Mesothelioma is the commonly occurring type which takes
part in almost two thirds of the total detected
Mesothelioma cases. The linings of the lungs and chest
called pleura are the affected regions of Pleural
Mesothelioma. Common signs are weight loss but not
related with shift in diet, extreme tiredness,
difficulty in swallowing, raspy or hoarse voice,
constant shortness of breath, cough that have lasted
for a long time, pain the chest or back, extreme
sweating and recurring fever. For Peritoneal
Mesothelioma, commonly affected organs of the body are
bowel, liver and spleen with signs that are similar to
bowel related diseases. Early symptoms include pain on
the belly area, recurring constipation or diarrhea,
increase in the waist area, nausea, vomiting, fever and
even anemia. Anyone who encounters these symptoms that
have been exposed to asbestos can better consult their
doctor for diagnosis to prevent further Mesothelioma
complicated problems.
Prevention of Mesothelioma can be best done by avoiding
contact with asbestos which is proven to be its main
causing agent. Asbestos is found almost everywhere may
it be at home, at work or in any public buildings.
Workers involved with it must take extra care and
precautions to avoid contact through inhalation or
swallowing. Low rates of Mesothelioma cases are
detected for the past 20 years but nowadays, the number
of affected individuals has been growing to a large
degree. In United States almost 2,000 new cases are
detected each year. It occurs mostly with men since
they are commonly the ones involved in business and
cases that involve the use of asbestos. Factory
workers, miners, railroad laborers, gas mask makers,
insulation workers and ship builders are the commonly
asbestos related victims.
The patients or the individuals affected with
Mesothelioma can file lawsuits against asbestos makers,
manufacturers and employers since they have the duty to
protect their workers from the negative effects of
asbestos including Mesothelioma. Several law firms and
lawyers are now available to help the sufferers fight
for their right and to attain the justice that they
deserve.
Author: David Arnold Livingston
Showing posts with label abdominal cavity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label abdominal cavity. Show all posts
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
:: Malignant mesothelioma ? The cancer of the mesothelial cells ::
Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and also produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the internal organs of the body to move around. Malignant Mesothelioma can be defined as the cancer of the mesothelial cells which become abnormal and start dividing without any order. Majority of the mesothelioma patients have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.
Types of malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma or simply Mesothelioma can be divided into 3 main types namely
- Epithelioid
- Sarcomatoid
- Mixed/biphasic
Of these, Epithelioid is the most common (50% to 70% cases) and stands the best chance of recovery. Sarcomatoid type is seen in 7% to 20% cases whereas mixed/biphasic type is seen in 20% to 35% cases.
Approximately, ? of the total cases of Mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The cancer affecting the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called the peritoneal mesothelioma and that affecting the "sac like" space around the heart (pericardial cavity) is called the pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma at times also affects the covering layer of the testicles. However, the last two types of cases are quite rare.
Diagnosis of malignant Mesothelioma
The tumors of the mesothelium can either be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So whenever there are symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in chest/abdomen or swelling in the abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately.
After the initial X-rays and scans, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity (in case of pleural tumor) with an instrument called thoracoscope and the test is called thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the doctor may go for peritoneoscopy with the help of a tool called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is done, whereby a piece of the unnatural tissue is cut out and placed under microscope for examination.
After the confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma it is also essential to ascertain its stages i.e. whether it is in localized stage or in advanced stage. In the localized stage, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity or in the diaphragm or the lung. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma can again be divided into 3 stages namely stage II, III and IV. In stage II, the cancer spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes and in stage III it spreads into chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. The final or the fourth stage is the one in which the cancer has already spread to distant organs.
Treatment
Depending on the stage of the cancer, its location and the health, age and medical history of the patient, 3 types of treatments are mated out to malignant Mesothelioma patients ? surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation therapy (application of high energy rays) and chemotherapy (usage of combination of drugs). This apart, if there is any accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, then the doctor needs to drain it out and the process is regarded as thoracentesis and paracentesis respectively.
So be aware of the disease, such that you can prevent it at the very onset.
Author: Fred Lindell
Types of malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma or simply Mesothelioma can be divided into 3 main types namely
- Epithelioid
- Sarcomatoid
- Mixed/biphasic
Of these, Epithelioid is the most common (50% to 70% cases) and stands the best chance of recovery. Sarcomatoid type is seen in 7% to 20% cases whereas mixed/biphasic type is seen in 20% to 35% cases.
Approximately, ? of the total cases of Mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The cancer affecting the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called the peritoneal mesothelioma and that affecting the "sac like" space around the heart (pericardial cavity) is called the pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma at times also affects the covering layer of the testicles. However, the last two types of cases are quite rare.
Diagnosis of malignant Mesothelioma
The tumors of the mesothelium can either be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So whenever there are symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in chest/abdomen or swelling in the abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately.
After the initial X-rays and scans, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity (in case of pleural tumor) with an instrument called thoracoscope and the test is called thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the doctor may go for peritoneoscopy with the help of a tool called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is done, whereby a piece of the unnatural tissue is cut out and placed under microscope for examination.
After the confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma it is also essential to ascertain its stages i.e. whether it is in localized stage or in advanced stage. In the localized stage, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity or in the diaphragm or the lung. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma can again be divided into 3 stages namely stage II, III and IV. In stage II, the cancer spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes and in stage III it spreads into chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. The final or the fourth stage is the one in which the cancer has already spread to distant organs.
Treatment
Depending on the stage of the cancer, its location and the health, age and medical history of the patient, 3 types of treatments are mated out to malignant Mesothelioma patients ? surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation therapy (application of high energy rays) and chemotherapy (usage of combination of drugs). This apart, if there is any accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, then the doctor needs to drain it out and the process is regarded as thoracentesis and paracentesis respectively.
So be aware of the disease, such that you can prevent it at the very onset.
Author: Fred Lindell
:: Mesothelioma: Facts about Mesothelioma ::
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the body. These are the cells that make up the outer lining for the body"s major organs, such as the heart, lungs and stomach. These linings are referred to as the mesothelium and this is how the cancer got its name.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The pleura is the tissue that covers and lines the lungs. These are referred to by the medical community as pleural membranes. The pleura are fibrous membranes and the space between them is the pleural space. The pleural protect the lungs by producing a lubricant that fills the pleural space. This lubricant also allows the lungs to move easily within the chest cavity as we inhale and exhale.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease. Since the lungs are so close to the heart, it is almost always affected. The pericardium is the lining found on the outside of the heart and allows it to move freely within the heart cavity.
The Peritoneum
The peritoneum is the tissue lining the abdomen. Its job is to protect the abdomen"s contents. It produces a fluid that acts as a lubricant so organs within the abdomen may move freely. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. This form of mesothelioma is more rare than pleural mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused by unprotected exposure to asbestos and affects those who were put at risk for the last 50 years.
Who Gets Mesothelioma
The disease is most common in males who are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old. These men were constantly exposed to asbestos dust and fiber, which caused the mutation of the mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma takes years to develop, which means early diagnosis is almost impossible.
Others at risk for mesothelioma are those who lived in the same household with someone who was constantly exposed to asbestos. Men carried asbestos dust and fibers into their homes on clothing. It was then breathed in by family members. This put them at risk of contacting mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos years after the fact.
Treatment
The success of treatment for mesothelioma isn"t high. The final stages of the disease are fatal. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.
If you or a member of your immediate family has ever been constantly exposed to asbestos in the workplace, be sure to contact your health care professional to find out exactly what your options are. You may be tested for the disease and get a clear bill of health.
Author: Daniel Bell
Pleural Mesothelioma
The pleura is the tissue that covers and lines the lungs. These are referred to by the medical community as pleural membranes. The pleura are fibrous membranes and the space between them is the pleural space. The pleural protect the lungs by producing a lubricant that fills the pleural space. This lubricant also allows the lungs to move easily within the chest cavity as we inhale and exhale.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease. Since the lungs are so close to the heart, it is almost always affected. The pericardium is the lining found on the outside of the heart and allows it to move freely within the heart cavity.
The Peritoneum
The peritoneum is the tissue lining the abdomen. Its job is to protect the abdomen"s contents. It produces a fluid that acts as a lubricant so organs within the abdomen may move freely. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. This form of mesothelioma is more rare than pleural mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused by unprotected exposure to asbestos and affects those who were put at risk for the last 50 years.
Who Gets Mesothelioma
The disease is most common in males who are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old. These men were constantly exposed to asbestos dust and fiber, which caused the mutation of the mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma takes years to develop, which means early diagnosis is almost impossible.
Others at risk for mesothelioma are those who lived in the same household with someone who was constantly exposed to asbestos. Men carried asbestos dust and fibers into their homes on clothing. It was then breathed in by family members. This put them at risk of contacting mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos years after the fact.
Treatment
The success of treatment for mesothelioma isn"t high. The final stages of the disease are fatal. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.
If you or a member of your immediate family has ever been constantly exposed to asbestos in the workplace, be sure to contact your health care professional to find out exactly what your options are. You may be tested for the disease and get a clear bill of health.
Author: Daniel Bell
:: Symptoms of Mesothelioma ::
In most cases, people usually ignore the symptoms of Mesothelioma due to their generic nature. This is because the early symptoms of mesothelioma can also be the indication of other common diseases. Furthermore, researches have concluded that a patient with prior exposure to asbestos may develop mesothelioma much later in his/her life, i.e. after 20 to 40 years of asbestos encounter. Thus, many patients disregard the possibility of developing mesothelioma due to something that happened much earlier in their lives.
Mesothelioma is a cancer in which the protective linings of the body’s internal organs get affected by malignant cells. These linings include:
•Pleura: the outer lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity;
•Peritoneum: the lining of the abdominal cavity; and
•Pericardium: a sac holding the heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma affecting these organs can vary due to the special nature and functions of the organs. Some of these symptoms are severe, and also some of the symptoms are rare. It is, therefore, recommended to contact a physician if the symptoms prevail.
Additionally, if mesothelioma is detected at early stages, the chances for a possible cure are high.
Following are the symptoms of mesothelioma, categorized by types:
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:
•Shortness of breath
•Coughing up blood
•Pain in chest
•Pleural effusions (fluid accumulation in the lung lining)
•Back pain
•Hoarseness
•Weakness
•Problem in swallowing
•Loss of appetite
•Weight loss
•Excessive coughing
•Swelling
•Paralysis
•Fever
In severe cases, a pleural mesothelioma patient can develop pneumothorax or lung cancer (lung failure). Nonetheless, some patients may show almost no symptoms.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:
•Swelling or mass accumulation in the abdomen
•Weight Loss
•Abdominal pain
•Bowel obstruction
•Blood clots
•Fever
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Hernia
Pericardium Mesothelioma Symptoms:
•Chest pain
•Shortness of breath
•Cough
•Unusual heart beating
•Irregular breathing patterns
These symptoms of mesothelioma can also be the indications of other minor diseases. However, if diagnosed soon, these symptoms can help the doctors to cure the cancer at a primitive stage. Remember that only a doctor can confirm the presence of mesothelioma by examining medical reports, asbestos exposure history, MRI and/or CT scan. In some cases, a needle biopsy can also be conducted.
Author: Jennifer White
Mesothelioma is a cancer in which the protective linings of the body’s internal organs get affected by malignant cells. These linings include:
•Pleura: the outer lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity;
•Peritoneum: the lining of the abdominal cavity; and
•Pericardium: a sac holding the heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma affecting these organs can vary due to the special nature and functions of the organs. Some of these symptoms are severe, and also some of the symptoms are rare. It is, therefore, recommended to contact a physician if the symptoms prevail.
Additionally, if mesothelioma is detected at early stages, the chances for a possible cure are high.
Following are the symptoms of mesothelioma, categorized by types:
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:
•Shortness of breath
•Coughing up blood
•Pain in chest
•Pleural effusions (fluid accumulation in the lung lining)
•Back pain
•Hoarseness
•Weakness
•Problem in swallowing
•Loss of appetite
•Weight loss
•Excessive coughing
•Swelling
•Paralysis
•Fever
In severe cases, a pleural mesothelioma patient can develop pneumothorax or lung cancer (lung failure). Nonetheless, some patients may show almost no symptoms.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:
•Swelling or mass accumulation in the abdomen
•Weight Loss
•Abdominal pain
•Bowel obstruction
•Blood clots
•Fever
•Nausea
•Vomiting
•Hernia
Pericardium Mesothelioma Symptoms:
•Chest pain
•Shortness of breath
•Cough
•Unusual heart beating
•Irregular breathing patterns
These symptoms of mesothelioma can also be the indications of other minor diseases. However, if diagnosed soon, these symptoms can help the doctors to cure the cancer at a primitive stage. Remember that only a doctor can confirm the presence of mesothelioma by examining medical reports, asbestos exposure history, MRI and/or CT scan. In some cases, a needle biopsy can also be conducted.
Author: Jennifer White
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