Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Multi-Modality Treatment

Combining surgery, localized chemotherapy and gamma-interferon-1b, and radiation can increase survival for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, according to a recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Currently, no standard treatment exists for peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the abdominal lining (peritoneum). Because the disease is typically confined to the abdomen, treatment usually consists of local therapies such as surgery or chemotherapy. In the current study, researchers investigated whether combining surgery with locally delivered chemotherapy, biological therapy (gamma-interferon-1b), and radiation might slow the progression of the disease and improve survival.

The study involved 27 patients (average age, 53) with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. All of the participants underwent surgery in which doctors removed all traces of visible disease—a time-intensive procedure known as debulking.

“If you open the abdominal cavity, the cancer will form a pattern of salt-and-pepper sprinkled throughout the abdomen. It’s hard to take out because it doesn’t grow in discrete masses,” explains Mary Hesdorffer, MS, APRN, nurse practitioner with the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, and medical liaison for the Mesothelioma Foundation. “Surgery is normally an eight or nine hour operation in which the surgeon painstakingly removes all of these little bits and pieces of disease to prepare for chemotherapy.”

After surgery, patients received chemotherapy and then biological therapy with gamma interferon-1b delivered directly into the peritoneal space. Then they had a second surgery to remove whatever cancer remained, followed by radiation to the abdomen and pelvis.

Patients who underwent this treatment lived for an average of nearly six years and had a three-year survival rate of 67%, a lifespan that is particularly significant considering that patients with the disease typically survive only six to nine months. Patients with epithelial form of the disease had the best odds of treatment success (a three-year survival rate of 78%), while those with the sarcomatoid form of the disease fared worst (all four patients in the study died within 11 months).

Seven patients in the study had no evidence of disease after more than seven years of follow-up—a promising outcome, although Hesdorffer is hesitant to label it a “cure.” “We can say that they’re in a substantial remission, but I don’t know if we can say cure yet because “cure” hasn’t yet been defined in this disease,” she says.

Still, the results suggest that the combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation should be “considered the standard of care for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma,” says Hesdorffer. She says it’s important for doctors to be aware of the outcome of studies such as this one, because they are often reluctant to aggressively treat patients they believe to have a poor overall prognosis. “Most doctors tell them to go home and prepare to die.”

The best way to target this disease is to enroll patients in clinical trials at centers specializing in peritoneal mesothelioma, according to Hesdorffer.

Source:
Hesdorffer ME, et al. Combined resection, intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and whole abdominal radiation for the treatment of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Am J Clin Oncol. 2008;31:49-54

PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA (ABDOMINAL MESOTHELIOMA)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma accounts for approximately twenty percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually. There are only several hundred cases of mesothelioma of the peritoneum, and associated abdominal mesothelioma diagnosed each year. When asbestos is breathed in, the small fibers enter the deep recesses of the lung. Some asbestos fibers remain in the lung tissue (known as the lung parenchyma) where they can cause scarring (asbestosis) or primary lung cancer. However, when fibers move from the lung to other areas of the body, including the peritoneum, this may cause abdominal mesothelioma from asbestos. The peritoneum is the lining of the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum supports the abdominal organs and assists in blood flow and with the lymph system. The peritoneum consists of two layers: the parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum. In a healthy person, a fluid known as "serous" fluid allows these two layers of the peritoneum to slide freely and facilitate abdominal functions including digestion. The formation of cancerous tumors on the peritoneum is known as peritoneal mesothelioma, which is often characterized by excessive fluid-build up in the abdomen. Also, the tumor itself is commonly spread out in "sheets" on the peritoneal surface. A person with advanced peritoneal mesothelioma may visibly appear to have a distended stomach.

All types of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos, including abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma. Studies have shown that short thin asbestos fibers, particularly the chrysotile variety are most prevalent in cases of mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

Mesothelioma surgeons have performed different types of surgeries on patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. One of the most common types of surgery for abdominal mesothelioma is a surgical debulking followed by post-surgical intraperitoneal chemotherapy. With this procedure, a heated chemotherapy agent is directly administered into the peritoneal space immediately after the debulking portion of the surgery. (See Feldman et al., Analysis of Factors Associated with Outcome in Patients with Malignant Mesothelioma Undergoing Surgical Debulking and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 24, 2003). This new approach to treating peritoneal mesothelioma is also referred to as cytoreductive surgery (debulking) plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Hundreds of patients have now undergone this procedure and results have been reported by the National Cancer Institute (USA); The Washington Cancer Institute; The Columbia University Mesothelioma Center; and the National Cancer Institute (Italy). Asbestos litigation affords victims of abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma the opportunity to retain a experienced mesothelioma cancer attorney and obtain monetary compensation from the companies responsible for causing this disease.

Things You Can Do To Prevent Mesothelioma And Asbestos Cancer.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium or the sac like protective covering of internal organs. The main cause is exposure to asbestos. Therefore the best possible prevention is to avoid exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma takes about thirty to fifty years for making itself prominent. People above the age of sixty five have shown an increased tendency to develop asbestos cancer. The mesothelioma is more common in men than women.

Asbestos is a mineral that is very commonly used. Due to increased health risks the use of asbestos has been reduced according to government regulations. In spite of all the regulations asbestos is being used in many manufacturing industries where it is mandatory for production. The most effective prevention method is to limit the exposure.

Working in a company which uses asbestos is not safe. Looking for alternate employment would be the safest option. The companies have asbestos related safety precautions and one can ensure they are being followed. The commonly seen jobs that pose the highest risk of mesothelioma are:

1-Insulation manufacturing and installations.

2-Mining

3-Railroad workers

4-Workers in the factories

5-Asbestos manufacturing companies

6-Ship yard workers

7-Automotive repairs

8-Manufacturers of gas masks

Many old homes contain traces of asbestos. If you suspect your home to contain materials made of asbestos they can be tested in the laboratory. There are agencies dealing with asbestos removal and they can be contacted for removing asbestos from your home. Though it can be done by yourself it is safer to let an asbestos abatement or removal contractor perform the procedure.

Asbestos that is not disturbed is not considered a health hazard. But if there is flaking, friable ceilings and plumbing and if the building is built before the 1980s then there are chances that they contain asbestos and have to be removed safely. Public buildings like schools, office buildings, libraries, theatres etc are all prone to this hazard. The problem should be brought to the city authorities' notice. Living near someone who works near asbestos also exposes you to the mineral.

Asbestos can be transported through clothing, skin and hair. Even a few strands of asbestos can sometimes lead to mesothelioma.

Once you have been exposed to asbestos and have not yet been diagnosed with the fatal condition, there is still hope for you. If care is taken you might not even develop it. Blood tests can be done annually to confirm that you are well. There are other diagnostic tools that can be performed annually on asbestos exposed individuals to reconfirm their health status. These tests also aid in early detection when the condition is curable and can be controlled.

Smoking should be stopped since smokers are more susceptible to the onset of the condition if they have asbestos exposure history. Prevention is the best way out in mesothelioma since it is fatal if not diagnosed early.

To Your Health!

By: James S. Pendergraft

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Florida Abortions Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Medical Abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women's Center. Abortions Clinic.

Mesothelioma Lawyer, Treatment, And Support Information

Mesothelioma is a medical term refers to the development of cancer cells in the mesothelial tissue due to inhalation of asbestos fibers. This is a severe form of cancer that can be caused uniquely by asbestos fibers. Depending on the organ affected and its severity, mesothelioma is classified in:

• Pleural Mesothelioma , which affect the pleural cavity , thin layer of tissue covering the lungs;
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma , affecting the peritoneum, tissue that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities;

• Benign Mesothelioma , the less severe of mesothelioma characterized by occurrence of noncancerous tumor cells in the pleura

Although severe, mesothelioma is still a rare type of cancer. About one person in a million is affected. In 2004, it was estimated that around 15 individuals to 1,000,000 were victim of the disease in the United States. No one knows for sure the percentage of this year, 2008, since the number is increasing. However, about 200,000 individuals die each year from cancers causing by carcinogenic workplaces, including job sites containing asbestos fibers, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Are the causes of mesothelioma are well known?

Yes. Whether it is pleural, peritoneal, or benign mesothelioma, it is caused by exposure to asbestos, an airborne mineral made of microscopic bundles of fibers according to US Environmental Protection Agency. Once enters your lungs, asbestos damage silently the tissue affected. The damaging effects can continue for years without any obvious medical signs. Usually, you start seeing or feeling symptoms 20 to 30 years after you were exposed to the pathogenic fiber.

Where asbestosis can be found?

In rare cases, you can be affected indirectly by asbestos contamination through your friends or family members who brought the fiber to the house from work in their clothes, hair or on their skin. However, the inhalation is, most of the times, the result of direct contact to the fiber in workplaces. Companies that are susceptible to have asbestos include:

• Extraction units: mines for instance

• Industries that manufacture asbestos products: textiles, friction products, insulation, certain building materials, etc.

• Places where asbestos is used as protection against heat

• Certain industries that specialize in shipbuilding, steel, foundry, glass manufacturing, etc.

• Construction industry, during renovation or demolition, or particularly during removal of asbestos, according to U.S. Department of Labor

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is often considered a silent killer because it is completely asymptomatic at early stage. When they finally emerge, symptoms are not specific and are similar to other respiratory diseases and digestive tract infection, which makes the diagnosis difficult.

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include abdominal pain and swelling, nausea or vomiting, intestinal obstruction and unreasonable weight loss. As the disease progresses, you may have other medical symptoms such as pleural effusion (accumulation of excess fluid in your pleural cavity).

Is there any treatment or vaccine against mesothelioma?

So far, there is no preventive vaccine against mesothelioma. However, there are therapies your physician may consider to treat your mesothelioma to help you cope with the disease. Earlier you have the treatment, better chance you have to be recovered. If you suspect you or a family member was exposed to asbestos, it is vital that you see a health care provider for early diagnosis; do not wait for symptoms.

Conventionally, mesothelioma is treated by surgery, chemotherapy or/and radiotherapy. Because mesothelioma is a life-threatening illness, you should thoroughly discuss each option with your physician before deciding a treatment. Make sure you have information about risk factors of the surgery; potential side effects of the chemotherapy and radiotherapy. You can also ask question about the prognosis; although mesothelioma prognosis is often heart breaking.

In case the diagnosis reveals you have mesothelioma, can you be compensated?

Yes. It is illegal in the United States to use asbestos in any industry. “The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set a maximum exposure limit and include provisions for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labeling, recordkeeping, and medical exams.” If due negligence, these requirement are not met in a company, and you become a victim of mesothelioma, you need to contact a lawyer for compensation.

Selecting a lawyer to represent your case should not be a negligible decision. You need an experienced mesothelioma attorney, one who has a record in helping asbestos cancer victims, who can help you get the financial compensation you disserve.

However, your health is worth more than silver and gold. The wise thing to do is avoid exposure or inhalation of asbestos.

Is there a center of support for mesothelioma victims?

Yes. In the United States, there are many groups and centers for mesothelioma Victims. In addition, there are qualified attorneys who can fight to help you receive the highest mesothelioma award. Do not deal with a so-called attorney who will refer you to another law firm; contact your attorney directly to discuss your case. To learn more, visit of mesothelioma

By: Raphael

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Raphaelo is a nutritionist who loves to help others in their health decision. To learn more, Please visit his of mesothelioma website

Mesothelioma New Cures On The Horizon For Asbestos Causing Cancer

Mesothelioma and Asbestosis exist without a cure. Singular methods of chemotherapy and radiation have gone through medical scrutiny only to be declared potentially ineffective. The secret to extending the longevity of life in mesothelioma patients, and reducing the searing pains of cancer and asbestosis, may be found in the magical mix of the next array of clinical trials and experiments involving combination drugs.

Mesothelioma is a disease with little hope. Scientific studies have shown that chemotherapy, radiation or surgery alone often have little value over choosing no treatment. A rare disease appearing late in life, experiments and trials for this cancer haven’t undergone the funding and urgency of the well-known cancers of the masses - yet research for treatment does exist. Pharmacies, hospitals, health professionals and scientists that are dedicated to curing mesothelioma and reducing its painful side effects continue to conduct scientific studies on treatment efficacy for mesothelioma and asbestosis, and strive to develop new treatment options that can improve the quality of life for asbestos diseased patients.

Killing a tumor isn’t easy, and mesothelioma does not regress like other cancers, even after lung surgery. Just as a mix of the right individual talents can produce a powerful team, so can a mix of the right medications and treatment produce a powerful solution. Elementary science best demonstrates this with baking soda and vinegar. Each product has their unique properties that serve product-specific purposes, but when mixed together they can produce a volcanic effect. Finding the synergistic effect from combination drugs and therapies that can debilitate or conquer asbestos related diseases is the goal of mesothelioma and asbestosis clinical trials.

A 2007 medical study added on three months to the lives of mesothelioma patients who participated in clinical trials that used the vitamin supplements of B12 and folic acid along with Emetrexed and Cisplatin, when compared to mesothelioma patients that received Cisplatin without any supplements. Three months may not seem long to a person embraced in the rush of life, but it is a gift of life to the cancer sufferer facing imminent death.

Doxorubicin, a cancer drug for asbestos disease that’s been around for a while, is now being combined with Onconase. Doxorubicin damages the cancer cells, but the cancer cells can heal. Onconase is a drug that goes in and blocks the healing process. A similar clinical study is being done with Pemetrexed disodium, a drug classically prescribed for mesothelioma, combined with Gemcitabine or Carboplantin to determine the better combination. This would compare the results of two powerful drugs that block cancer cell growth versus a combination of one of those drugs with a drug that damages cancer cells.

Mesothelioma and its close relative Asbestosis are expected to reach higher diagnosis rates in the future. Asbestos use has been regulated in many countries, but its wide-spread use still remains. Hundreds of clinical trials for these asbestos diseases exist that will provide help, and maybe even a cure, for the asbestos-induced sufferers of the future. There is a light at the end of the long dark tunnel of mesothelioma. With continued medical research and clinical trials, the light will become brighter and brighter - until hopefully, mesothelioma will be left behind to become a part of the distant past.

By: Avi Solutions

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comAsbestosis-Mesothelioma website provides www.asbestosis-mesothelioma.com”>Asbestosis, www.asbestosis-mesothelioma.com”>Mesothelioma and www.asbestosis-mesothelioma.com”>asbestos treatments news, care tips and many other useful information.

Who is at Risk for Mesothelioma?

by Robert Linebaugh

Mesothelioma, the deadly disease which has topped news headlines for the last decade, is contracted through exposure to airborne fibers of asbestos. Sadly, the under-regulation of asbestos usage in years past, and arguably still today, exposed millions to airborne fibers and as a result thousands contracted the disease.

It can be safely said that almost everyone in the world has been exposed to asbestos in varying degrees. Because of the unique nature of the disease, even those who have suffered only minimal exposure are at risk of contracting the disease. In effect, virtually everyone has some risk of contracting Mesothelioma.

But this sort of statement perhaps oversteps the bounds of rationality. While it is certainly true that individuals who have been exposed to small amounts of asbestos for relatively short periods of time have contracted the disease, this is a rarity rather than a regularity. In fact, the vast majority of Mesothelioma cases involve individuals who were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers for intense and extended periods of time.

The industries most in danger of prolonged exposure and thus of contraction are shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, textile manufacturing, insulation work in construction, and brake repair personnel. There are, however, some other minor factors which can affect the likelihood of contracting the disease. Among these is radiation exposure. There have been causes in which individuals who were exposed to radiation have subsequently displayed signs of and ultimately contracted mesothelioma. However, empirical studies to attempt to verify this correlation have not proven out this claim very strongly.

Another more certain cause of the disease was the taking of the Polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963. Some batches of this vaccine were contaminated with Simian Virus 40 which has been detected in a host of rare cancers including Mesothelioma.

Those involved in construction or who lived in homes in the Cappadocian region of Turkey are also particularly at risk. In this region, homebuilders used Erionite, which is a type of zeolite silica stone. Exposure to the fibrous strands of this building material have led to an annual death rate of roughly 1% of the population which dies of mesothelioma each year in Turkey.

One of the most influential factors affecting Mesothelioma contraction is genetics. Some individuals who have been exposed to long periods and high quantities of asbestos have not contracted the disease. As a result, doctors have concluded that genetics play a major role in determining whether or not patients contract the disease. Unfortunately, the gene variability which offers some resistance to the disease also means that some are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

Robert Linebaugh writes about health issues, and focuses on mesothelioma. Learn more at http://www.justmeso.com .
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What You Should Know About Mesothelioma

by bizwiz

Let me make this clear at the outset. I'm not a doctor. And the word mesothelioma is some kind of a tongue-twister to me.

This article is an ofshoot of my web site - mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com - that lists all the resources about this disease, and includes useful articles, symptoms, treatments and mesothelioma lawyers.

But let me start off with this article with a definition of the term from Wordweb.

Mesothelioma is " a rare form of carcinoma of the mesothelium lining lungs or abdomen or heart; usually associated with exposure to asbestos dust."

So there you are. Mesothelioma and asbestos have a common denominator. Asbestos is the root cause of a disease widely known as mesothelioma. In fact, those who breath asbestos dust have high probability of acquiring this disease.

The most common form of mesothelioma is known as pleural mesothelioma, which affects the membrane that lines the chest cavity and the lungs.

There are about 2,000 cases of mesothelioma that are reported yearly in the United States alone.

The sad part is that mesothelioma symptoms may not appear until about 30 years from first exposure to asbestos. The use of asbestos was as wide and common as late as thirty years ago, and those that have recently manifested their mesothelioma symptoms got exposed to asbestos from the 1950s to the 1970s.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is usually found among people with long exposure to asbestos. Because asbestos had been widely used for industrial and construction applications until thirty years ago, those affected by the disease were those that have worked in the manufacturing and construction industries.

By the way, not all reported cases of mesothelioma had worked in either manufacturing or construction industry. Some mesothelioma cases were reported from those who at one time or another were exposed to clothing materials that had asbestos dust on them.

Unlike the AIDS virus, mesothelioma takes a very long time to manifest itself. Most people are diagnosed with the cancer 30 to 50 years from first exposure to asbestos. Evidence of mesothelioma cancer is difficult at the start, because it has the same signs as pneumonia.

Other symptoms of the disease include cough, loss of weight, pain in the abdomen, anemia, fever, and shortness of breath. Check out mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com for a comprehensive information on mesothelioma symptoms.

Fighting the Disease

Mesothelioma treatment usually starts with a physical examination, including x-rays, CT scan, MRI, and biopsy.

If the cancer is detected, the extent of the cancer is determined. Like any form of cancer that is earlier diagnosed, mesothelioma cancer can be cured. Treatment includes surgery and chemotherapy, among others. For a comprehensive information of mesothelioma treatment, please refer to mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

There has been an increasing number of lawsuits involving mesothelioma cases during the last few years. Lawyers specializing in mesothelioma cases usually demand higher fees from complainants, because they demand higher damages from defendant industrial, construction and eering firms.

Get yourself equipped with a comprehensive information on mesothelioma attorneys from the website, mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com.

Rick Tanzo enjoins you to learn more about mesothelioma by visiting his web page at http://mesothelioma.googlingprofit.com.
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Diffuse Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, or DMM, is a rare but highly aggressive type of cancer. It occurs in the thin layer of tissue, the pleura, lining the chest cavity and lungs. Once diagnosed with DMM, most patients do not survive beyond one year. This cancer is more common in men than in women, and in older people.

Most people with DMM have a history of exposure to asbestos; however, if they are not aware that such exposure occurred, they may be unaware that they are at risk. A patient with DMM typically has one or more of the following signs and symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, or a cough. An x-ray usually shows that the pleural tissue around the lungs has thickened due to the development of a number of nodules or small cancerous growths. Sometimes, there may be a single large growth. When a biopsy of the cancer tissue is done, the types of cells that make up the cancer may be epithelioid, mixed, or sarcomatoid. People with epithelioid cell cancers tend to survive somewhat longer; those with sarcomatoid cancers usually have the shortest survival.

DMM is always treated as aggressively as possible. The type of treatment depends on the dominant cell type the cancer is made of, the extent of spread of the cancer, and the overall health of the person undergoing treatment. Surgery is a preferred option where the bulk of the cancer can be removed. Many anti-cancer drugs are being tried to treat DMM, with varying levels of short-term success. Radiotherapy may also be an option. A number of clinical trials are currently underway to try and find a treatment that may improve the outlook for DMM patients. However, only seven percent of people with DMM survive beyond five years.

Malignant Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, malignant mesothelioma lawyer and more. Malignant Mesothelioma is the sister site of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.

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Harmful Consequences Of Exposure To 09

Pericardial Mesothelioma Treatment

Pericardial Mesothelioma is an extremely difficult cancer to treat and presently, all treatment methods used have a poor success rate. The chances of a patients survival depend largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. If pericardial mesothelioma is treated when it has fully matured and developed then the chances of survival are very slim and the prognosis for a patient could be only a couple of months.

The latency period of pericardial mesothelioma (30 50 years), and its symptoms which are ordinary of other more common diseases such as pneumonia, make it extremely difficult to diagnose and therefore difficult to treat in its early stages. In this way, a lot of pericardial mesothelioma treatments do not aim to cure patients but instead focus on reducing the symptoms.

Before a patient is treated, a doctor will evaluate him or her, and afterwards decide which treatment method is most suitable for the patients situation. The patients age, medical history, general well being and even weight are taken into account before the doctor will decide which of the three treatments are most appropriate. These treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Surgery

There are two different types of surgery that can be used one of which is called aggressive surgery. This is the most dangerous of all the treatment methods available and only the fittest of people are deemed strong enough to undergo this. Aggressive surgery consists of removing large chunks of cancerous cells from inside the patient. This is extremely dangerous in the case of pericardial mesothelioma seeing as the cancerous cells are in extremely close proximity to vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Extremely skilled surgeons are needed to perform this operation.

The second type of surgery is palliative procedures and this type of surgery is used only for the purpose of reducing the symptoms of the cancer. Palliative procedures are performed when pericardial mesothelioma is in its latest stages and is practically impossible to cure.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most well known cure of cancers and involves using drugs to kill of cancerous cells. However, many of the drugs used do not have a high success rate although researchers are discovering new combinations of drugs that work more effectively. Many pharmaceutical companies are also endeavouring to find new drugs. Researchers predict that they will soon discover a drug with a significantly improved success rate.

Radiation Therapy

This form of treatment uses doses of radiation to kill cancerous cells. However, in the case of pericardial mesothelioma this is extremely difficult because as well as damaging cancerous cells, the radiation also damages vital organs such as the heart and lungs. This makes using radiation therapy most effectively extremely difficult. The dose of radiation is usually too weak to make a significant impact on curing pericardial mesothelioma.

Dual Therapy

Dual therapy is just a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This consists of using surgery to remove the majority of the cancer cells and then using chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill off any remaining cells. This has proved to be an effective treatment method however also very dangerous. Only the fittest young people are able to undergo this treatment.

For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to:

http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

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Effective Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Most great cases of mesothelioma are either in pleural or peritoneal form. Mesothelioma is not such a forgiving disease. Many people that contract the disease have been known to live for only a a year and not more.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is rare and quite different from the other type of mesothelioma, its said to affect the abdominal lining(peritoneum). Peritoneal mesothelioma take up only 30% of all the mesothelioma cases reported.

The disease takes such a long time to develop and with symptoms that are quite similar to many other less serious types of ailments. When a person is diagnosed their chances of surviving the disease are very small. The disease is said to be so lethal to the point that survival chances are limited to just a few months. But fortunately peritoneal mesothelioma is treatable and the treatment largely depends on the cancer stage, Age and overall health of the patient. But of course if detected in its early stages treatment can increase your survival chances ten fold.

Treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma include>

Surgery> surgery is the most common form of treatment option for malignant types of mesothelioma. The Doctor removes part of the lining for the abdomen and some of the tissue around it. Surgery depends largely on the extent the cancer has spread in the body.

Below are 2 of the surgical procedures administered to peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Pleurectomy: A surgery is conducted to remove the abdomen lining and and some of the tissue surrounding it. This procedure is performed for a variety of disorders including pleural effusion, malignant pleural mesothelioma, and trauma.

Pleurectomy/decortication: A surgery is conducted to remove a a part of the abdomen lining(peritoneal) and as much of the tumor mass as possible. This procedure can be performed to reduce pain caused by the tumor mass. This form of surgery can be generally aimed at relieving symptoms, such as recurrent ascites or bowel obstruction.

Chemotherapy: This type of treatment is administered to help kill the cancerous cells. Chemotherapy can be taken in the form of pills or through syringes. Chemotherapy is also known as systematic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Radiotherapy: This form of treatment is administered in the form of High-energy x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources of radiation are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Studies have shown that using only a single one of the treatments listed above have listed to fail to improve the conditions of the patients. Instead combining all of the above options has been known to improve the patents chances of surviving.

Get to learn more about ... peritoneal mesothelioma treatment and how you can diagnose it. Plus get to learn about the stages the disease takes as this is very important especially when it comes to treating the disease.

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Everything You Need To Know About

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining and is a rare form of malignant cancers affecting lesser number of people than pleural mesothelioma. The peritoneum is made up of two parts such as visceral peritoneum that covers the internal organs and parietal peritoneum that covers the abdominal cavity. The cells in these two layers secrete fluid that helps in the movement of organs inside the abdomen. However, if the cells become malignant it overproduces causing excess fluid in the abdomen. It is widely believed that, risk factor associated with peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos. Asbestos particles make their entry into the body either through ingestion or inhalation and reaches peritoneum through the lymphatic system causing malignancy of the cellular lining of abdomen.

The early signs of Peritoneal Mesothelioma include:

* Increased weight loss due to low intake of food

* Night sweats often accompanied with fever

* Increased abdominal girth coupled with bouts of abdominal pain and indigestion

* Extreme fatigue, fever and anemic condition

Tests and Diagnoses:

Based on symptoms doctors cannot ascertain presence of peritoneal mesothelioma but goes for medical investigations ranging from x-rays to CT scans to MRI. These imaging tests and studies help in the detection of the disease and also aids in knowing the stage and metastases of the cancer.

But, it is the biopsy that ultimately confirms the disease- either a fluid aspiration biopsy or a tissue biopsy. If the cancer is detected early it helps to cure it faster because as the cancer advances to diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma the cancer cells invade other body parts as well.

Treatment Methods:

The disease is very difficult to diagnose at early stages. One of the approaches is intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. In this method of treatment, following surgery, drugs are induced directly into the abdomen. In some cases, radiation therapy is done to shrink the tumors before surgery is done.

But, it is the cytoreductive surgery called debulking that is done. Although surgery is considered to be the first line of treatment yet it is not done for all patients. If the patients' physical health is failing, a surgical operation is enervating. In these cases, it is the palliative approach that works best. This therapy, simply works to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patients with chemotherapeutic drugs.

High-energy radiation is also used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma, but is not used alone. Radiation therapy is mostly followed by surgery and use of palliative

Chemotherapy drugs.

Latest Advancements:

There are ongoing clinical trials and experiments such as immunotherapy, gene therapy and usage of antiangiogenesis drugs for treating the cancer. Multi-modality approach often proved to be useful in certain cases and intracavitary chemotherapy and radiation therapy are subjects of further research and tests.

I am a health care professional who writes about mesothelioma at Mesothelioma Striaght My latest post is here: Mesothelioma Details and Findings

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment and Information - A Different Type

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining and is a rare form of malignant cancers affecting lesser number of people than pleural mesothelioma. The peritoneum is made up of two parts such as visceral peritoneum that covers the internal organs and parietal peritoneum that covers the abdominal cavity. The cells in these two layers secrete fluid that helps in the movement of organs inside the abdomen. However, if the cells become malignant it overproduces causing excess fluid in the abdomen. It is widely believed that, risk factor associated with peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos. Asbestos particles make their entry into the body either through ingestion or inhalation and reaches peritoneum through the lymphatic system causing malignancy of the cellular lining of abdomen.

The early signs of Peritoneal Mesothelioma include:

* Increased weight loss due to low intake of food

* Night sweats often accompanied with fever

* Increased abdominal girth coupled with bouts of abdominal pain and indigestion

* Extreme fatigue, fever and anemic condition

Tests and Diagnoses:

Based on symptoms doctors cannot ascertain presence of peritoneal mesothelioma but goes for medical investigations ranging from x-rays to CT scans to MRI. These imaging tests and studies help in the detection of the disease and also aids in knowing the stage and metastases of the cancer.

But, it is the biopsy that ultimately confirms the disease- either a fluid aspiration biopsy or a tissue biopsy. If the cancer is detected early it helps to cure it faster because as the cancer advances to diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma the cancer cells invade other body parts as well.

Treatment Methods:

The disease is very difficult to diagnose at early stages. One of the approaches is intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. In this method of treatment, following surgery, drugs are induced directly into the abdomen. In some cases, radiation therapy is done to shrink the tumors before surgery is done.

But, it is the cytoreductive surgery called debulking that is done. Although surgery is considered to be the first line of treatment yet it is not done for all patients. If the patients' physical health is failing, a surgical operation is enervating. In these cases, it is the palliative approach that works best. This therapy, simply works to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patients with chemotherapeutic drugs.

High-energy radiation is also used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma, but is not used alone. Radiation therapy is mostly followed by surgery and use of palliative

Chemotherapy drugs.

Latest Advancements:

There are ongoing clinical trials and experiments such as immunotherapy, gene therapy and usage of antiangiogenesis drugs for treating the cancer. Multi-modality approach often proved to be useful in certain cases and intracavitary chemotherapy and radiation therapy are subjects of further research and tests.

I am a health care professional who writes about mesothelioma at Mesothelioma Striaght My latest post is here: Mesothelioma Details and Findings

Mesothelioma And Asbestos Diseases
Mesothelioma And Asbestos Diseases

Mesothelioma is one of the less common types of cancer affecting around 2000 people in the UK each year. It develops when the linings of the lungs or the abdomen start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. This condition is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos and because of this it is often nicknamed asbestos cancer. If it affects the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) it is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. In this article I will be outlining three potential symptoms for this type of cancer and discussing the steps you should take if you notice any of these.

The peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) actually has two layers; the inner (visceral) layer which is beside the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which is next to the abdominal wall. One of the functions of the peritoneum is to secrete a lubricating fluid to allow the abdominal organs to move against one another. When peritoneal mesothelioma occurs it leads to both of these layers becoming thicker. This can then lead to a number of undesirable symptoms that are discussed below:

1) ASCITES:- As the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum become thicker, lubricating fluid can become trapped in this area. This can then lead to a build up of fluid which is referred to as ascites. Ascites can lead to swelling in the abdomen and also cause abdominal pain as the build up of fluid causes the peritoneum to press against the abdominal organs.

2) ABDOMINAL PAIN:- As peritoneal mesothelioma develops and the tumour increases in size it can start to press against the abdominal organs. This often causes abdominal pain and discomfort. As discussed above ascites (another peritoneal mesothelioma symptom) can also lead to abdominal pain.

3) POOR BOWEL FUNCTIONING:- As the tumour increases in size or the ascites cause further swelling the intestines can become blocked. This can make it difficult to excrete waste from the body and also lead to further bowel problems.

If you notice any symptoms similar to those discussed above you should consult your doctor immediately. Upon seeing your doctor you should inform them of the symptoms you have experienced and also tell them if you have previously been in contact with asbestos. Once your doctor has this information they will be able to perform the required tests and determine whether you have peritoneal mesothelioma. Following this they can then discuss the relevant treatment options with you if necessary.

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of cancer. In most cases these symptoms will turn out to be something much less serious. However, by seeing your doctor you can get a professional opinion on whether you have mesothelioma or not. If you have had persistent abdominal pains, your abdomen has become swollen or you have had regular bowel problems go see your doctor straight away.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about mesothelioma and how improving your fitness can help prevent cancer by visiting his Free Fitness Tips Blog.

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3 Potential Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is one of the less common types of cancer affecting around 2000 people in the UK each year. It develops when the linings of the lungs or the abdomen start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. This condition is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos and because of this it is often nicknamed asbestos cancer. If it affects the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) it is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. In this article I will be outlining three potential symptoms for this type of cancer and discussing the steps you should take if you notice any of these.

The peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) actually has two layers; the inner (visceral) layer which is beside the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which is next to the abdominal wall. One of the functions of the peritoneum is to secrete a lubricating fluid to allow the abdominal organs to move against one another. When peritoneal mesothelioma occurs it leads to both of these layers becoming thicker. This can then lead to a number of undesirable symptoms that are discussed below:

1) ASCITES:- As the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum become thicker, lubricating fluid can become trapped in this area. This can then lead to a build up of fluid which is referred to as ascites. Ascites can lead to swelling in the abdomen and also cause abdominal pain as the build up of fluid causes the peritoneum to press against the abdominal organs.

2) ABDOMINAL PAIN:- As peritoneal mesothelioma develops and the tumour increases in size it can start to press against the abdominal organs. This often causes abdominal pain and discomfort. As discussed above ascites (another peritoneal mesothelioma symptom) can also lead to abdominal pain.

3) POOR BOWEL FUNCTIONING:- As the tumour increases in size or the ascites cause further swelling the intestines can become blocked. This can make it difficult to excrete waste from the body and also lead to further bowel problems.

If you notice any symptoms similar to those discussed above you should consult your doctor immediately. Upon seeing your doctor you should inform them of the symptoms you have experienced and also tell them if you have previously been in contact with asbestos. Once your doctor has this information they will be able to perform the required tests and determine whether you have peritoneal mesothelioma. Following this they can then discuss the relevant treatment options with you if necessary.

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of cancer. In most cases these symptoms will turn out to be something much less serious. However, by seeing your doctor you can get a professional opinion on whether you have mesothelioma or not. If you have had persistent abdominal pains, your abdomen has become swollen or you have had regular bowel problems go see your doctor straight away.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about mesothelioma and how improving your fitness can help prevent cancer by visiting his Free Fitness Tips Blog.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
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What is pericardial mesothelioma?

by Nkeno Kapya

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the epithelium that lines the lungs, the abdomen, or the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the cancer of the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium, hence the name pericardial mesothelioma.

This rare form of mesothelioma accounts for small percentage of all cases, roughly 5%. The pericardium has an extrememly important role as it protects the heart from any damage. Should an individual become afflicted with this cancer, they should take it very seriously and seek specialized medical attention. If left untreated during the early stages of diagnosis, it can become a terminal illness with a very low survival rate.

As with all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos. Those who are most at risk are construction workers and asbestos manufacturers. The wearing of a protective mask can help to minimize the inhalation of asbestos dust in to the lungs (since the asbestos fibres get lodged in the lungs). If you have noticed, the majority of workers aren't properly protected when working on construction sites - even in industrialized nations such as the United States. One would expect to see otherwise, thinking that companies follow OSHA directives. That isn't the case all the time.

During the middle of the 20th century (roughly between 1950-1970) asbestos was one of the most popular building materials, and scores of young men were exposed to it. Now, in the 21st century (some 50 years later - the latency period of pericardial mesothelioma), these young men who are now over 60 years of age are beginning to exhibit the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. As a result, multi-million dollar lawsuits are being filed against the companies that employed them.

The problem with pericardial mesothelioma is that its symptoms only start appearing in the cancer's latest stages, making it even more difficult to treat. The main symptoms are shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pains and a persistent cough. Other symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include nausea, weight loss and loss of appetite. Another problem with these symptoms is that they are similar to those of pneumonia (shortness of breath), and this tends to lead to the wrong treatment being administered to an individual afflicted with pericardial mesothelioma.

Treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and dual therapy. The survival rate is extremely low, and it is important to stress that one's chances of healing are increased should treatment commence in the early stages of diagnosis.

Nkeno Kapya owns http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.info
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Caring For a Mesothelioma Patient

It is estimated that approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Because the latency period (the period of time between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma) is long, people who were exposed to asbestos even decades ago are currently developing the disease. Another variable that is extremely important to a patients out look is his or her overall health at the time of diagnosis. Generally the healthier a patient is, the better he or she will react to cancer treatments, and the greater the chances of longer survival. It may take some time for the diagnosis to be made.

A mesothelioma patient is an individual who has been exposed to toxic asbestos fibers in the last fifty years. Workers in the factory, construction, custodial, automotive, railroad, and shipyard industries are all at risk for developing mesothelioma.

As a mesothelioma patient, you will confront medical costs and related financial demands in addition to the emotional and physical problems of having a serious disease. Diagnosing and treating mesothelioma is expensive. There are a number of changes that are expected to occur in a mesothelioma patient. A lung transplant is a possible treatment option for a mesothelioma patient whose respiratory health has deteriorated to a level at which doctors predict that the patient will not live long without a healthy replacement lung. However, lung transplant surgery is a major undertaking.

Some doctors and medical centers have extensive experience with treating mesothelioma patients. Some cancer centers have experience with all types of cancer. Most often, the hospice care is provided to a mesothelioma patient at his or her home, allowing patients to spend their last days in the comfort of their homes their families present.

For the caregiver of a mesothelioma patient, life will change drastically. This person will not only work tirelessly to physically tend to the mesothelioma sufferer, but will also be involved in numerous decisions about this person and their disease. Most reports indicate that the average age of a mesothelioma patient is 60.

There are groups available to support loved ones of mesothelioma patients. Consult with your doctor to find the best support groups for you and your loved ones.

Learn more about Mesothelioma and Asbestos related disease here Asbestos Related Disease as well as Mesothelioma Patient.

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Early Diagnosis Is Critical For Effective Treatment of Mesothelioma

Cancer is one of the most fatal diseases nowadays. It doesnt choose its victims. Men and women alike, old and young die of cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, specifically the Pleura (membrane that surrounds the lungs) and the Peritoneum (membrane surrounding the abdomen). Both Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneum Mesothelioma are primarily caused by the inhalation or exposure to asbestos, an incombustible fibrous mineral of impure magnesium silicate used in various industrial products. About 30 to 50 per cent of the total Mesothelioma cancer patients had not been exposed to asbestos, yet they have acquired the disease. Cancer specialists continue to study this rare kind of cancer so as to provide the public clear and exact information with regard to its cause, nature and cure.

Like many other forms of cancer, Mesothelioma has different stages. The earliest stage is still curable since only one layer of the pleura is affected. Surgery is the number one option for patients with Stage I Mesothelioma. The doctor removes the part of the lining of the lungs or chest (in case of Pleural Mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdomen (in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma). In Stage II Mesothelioma, surgery can still be executed although some lymph nodes may have already been infected by the malignant Mesothelioma cancer cells. The diaphragm may also be removed; in severe cases, the Mesothelioma patient has to sacrifice one of his lungs.

Usually, surgery comes with systemic treatments, which include radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Through radiotherapy, Mesothelioma cancer cells are killed; however, only the cells in the treated area die. High energy rays used in radiotherapy or radiation therapy may either come from an external machine or from thin plastic tubes positioned into the tissues where Mesothelioma cancer-stricken cells are found. Inside the plastic tubes are radiation-emitting materials that kill the malignant cells. The use of an external machine is called external radiation therapy while the other is called internal radiation therapy. Also, a radioactive substance such as radiolabeled monoclonal antibody is circulated around the body during radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill the malignant cells. In treating Mesothelioma, the anti-cancer drugs are usually given to the patient through intravenous injection (within the vein). Oncologists are still studying the possibility of treating Mesothelioma through intracavitary chemotherapy (within the chest or abdomen). Some Mesothelioma patients also undergo Photodynamic therapy, a kind of cancer therapy that combines the use of drug (photosensitizer) with a specific kind of light. The photosensitizing agent when exposed to the light produce oxygen that destroys nearby malignant cancer cells. The drug is injected into the bloodstream and is absorbed by the cells.

In order to relieve the symptoms of Mesothelioma such as the pain in the chest or abdomen due to the build up of fluid, a physician drains the fluid by using a needle. The procedure is known as thoracentesis (removal of fluid in the chest) or paracentesis (removal of the fluid in the abdomen). To prevent further accumulation of the lubricating fluid in the membranes of the chest or abdomen, drugs are given through a tube in the affected organ.

Although the said treatments to Mesothelioma have been proven effective, chance of recovery and survival still depends on the size or extent of the cancer. Chances are higher when Mesothelioma is still in its early stages. Surgery is only advisable only up to the second stage of the Mesothelioma cancer wherein only one part or smaller portions of the membranes are affected. A patient diagnosed with stage IV Mesothelioma (diffuse Mesothelioma) has only about 4-24 months to live. Furthermore, the age of the patient and his general health condition is also crucial to his recovery. Older patients do not respond well to certain cancer treatments such as surgery because their tissues, organs and other body parts are more delicate.

David Arnold Livingston is passionate about Health and suggests you visit, as a resource: http://www.newmesothelioma.com/

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What Treatments Are Available for Victims of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is touted as deadly because most of the cases
are diagnosed when in advanced stage and doctors have little
solace to offer by then. Still doctors try to do their best
to relieve the patients from severe pain of mesothelioma
using advanced treatments.

Surgery

Before considering surgery as one of the propositions for
the treatment of malignant cancer, the health of the patient
needs to be carefully evaluated. The tests are performed to
check whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the
body or not. Also evaluation of the patient's lung and heart
functions is done. In case of the former, a mesothelioma
surgery cannot be performed. Both the heart and lungs need
to be properly functioning state for surgery to take place.

Surgery is of two types: aggressive surgery (long-term
control) and palliative procedures (relief of symptoms).
Let's define each of them separately.

Aggressive surgery

Aggressive surgery involves removal of the lung, the pleura,
the diaphragm and the pericardium by a procedure, which is
known as extra pleural pneumonectomy. The intention to
follow this method is to physically remove as much of the
tumor as possible. It is in fact adopting a bold method to
do away with the disease-hence the name is "Aggressive
surgery".

This surgery is extremely complicated and involves high
risk. This is because of the fact that there are possible
chances of death due to the same within a month. Extra
pleural pneumonectomy is therefore normally performed on
younger patients who are in good health and are in a
position to tolerate the surgery.

Palliative Procedures

Palliative procedures are normally performed when the cancer
is in its advanced form. These procedures are performed to
control the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than cure them.
Pleurectomy (also decortications) is the process to
surgically remove the pleura. This method reduces the pain
caused by the cancerous mass and may also prevent the
recurrence of pleural effusion (fluid collection which
causes tremendous breathlessness). For patients suffering
from peritoneal mesothelioma, complete surgical removal of
the entire tumor is not entirely possible. In this case the
surgery aims to extenuate the symptoms, such as ascites,

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the method in which drugs are used to treat
mesothelioma. It has been observed that this method is
partially succesfull. This is because the patient recovers
partially after using drugs or combination of drugs (In fact
the efficacy of this method increases, if combination of
drugs are used at the same time.) Some of these combinations
have proved successful and new drugs are being developed for
the treatment of this cancer.

Radiation Therapy

In this method the tumor is killed by using radiation doses.
However, with the help of this procedure, killing the tumor
cells is quite difficult. This is because of the fact that
it is difficult to specifically locate the malignant cells.
Also the heart, lungs and other organs may surround the
same, and they are at the risk of getting damaged by the
radiation dosage. However lower doses of radiation can be
used to reduce the disease to a certain extent.

Dual Therapy

Both chemotherapy and radiation are used in conjunction
after the performance of the surgery. They both help in
killing any remaining tumor cells that were not removed by
surgery and may also help in relieving symptoms of the
disease like chest pain.

The treatment methods, which are described above, are direct
ways of treating a person suffering from mesothelioma.
However doctors and researchers are always on the lookout
for new ways to treat mesothelioma. The necessity for the
evolution of alternative ways to treat patients suffering
from mesothelioma arises because of the complex nature of
different types of cancers, and because patients respond
differently to various types of medical care.
Some of them are as follows:

Immunoagumentive Therapy (IAT)

The goal of IAT is to strengthen the body's own immune
system. The same is done by balancing four different
proteins found in the blood.

Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy (IPT)

This method of treatment is being used to cure early stages
of mesothelioma in the chest. IPT uses special drugs and
light to kill cancer cells during surgery. A drug that makes
tumor cells more sensitive to light is injected into a vein
several days before surgery. During surgery, a special light
is used to locate the cancer.

Gene Therapy

This is a unique method whereby the researchers either try
to improve the body's natural ability to fight against the
diseases or alternatively make the cancer cells more
sensitive to other kinds of therapy.

Did you know mesothelioma clinical symptoms are hard to detect? Find out why by visiting http://www.mesothelioma-a.com

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Definition of Mesothelioma

There are a lot of definitios for mesothelioma. I have done some research in the web and I found many definitions. And I have chosen these definitions.

Mesothelioma definition

• A tumor of the mesothelium, that can be benign (localized) or malignant (diffusely spread), and that is most commonly caused by the ingestion of asbestos particles.
• Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs (pleura), or around the abdominal organs (peritoneum). It is usually fatal.
• A type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
• (mez-uh-thee-lee-YOH-muh) - A tumor in the lining of the chest or abdomen (stomach area).
• A rare cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium)." (Mayo Clinic, 2007)
• A cancer most often caused by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is a deadly medical condition in which cells mutate to form cancers on the mesothelium (most often of the lungs.
• A kind of cancer that originates in the pleura, that is, the layer of cells that line the outer surface of the lung. This cancer is usually considered a tumor of the pleura and not a type of lung cancer.
• Cancer involving the pleura (the membranes that cover the lungs).
• A cancer of the lining of the lungs, chest and stomach caused by inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers or asbestos exposure
• A cancer of cells similar to those forming the lining of the lungs, heart, the abdominal cavity and its organs.
• A cancer in the tissue lining of certain organs, including the heart and lung, that may be attributed to long-term inhalation of asbestos.
• A malignant tumor covering the lining of the lung and often associated with asbestos exposure.
• A tumor or tumors affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Most cases of mesothelioma are malignant, and are caused by exposure to asbestos. A small number of cases of mesothelioma are benign, or non-cancerous.
• A malignant tumor of mesothelium caused by the inhalation of asbestos
• A tumor in the lining of the lungs. Mesothelioma is linked almost exclusively to asbestos exposure.

Hope that be helpful.

You can also read more about Mesothelioma Settlement

For more information on Mesothelioma, visit Mesothelioma Information Blog.

Everything You Need To Know About
Everything You Need To Know About

This article aims to offer you important information about the causes, signs and symptoms of mesothelioma as well as the type of person who is at high risk of developing this disease.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally in the earth is one of the major causes of mesothelioma. A majority of people who have been exposed to asbestos fibers at some point or the other of their lives develop the disease over time. These could include individuals in the military as well as people who are involved in factory work or involved in companies that manufacture insulation for use in construction.

The exact percentage of people exhibiting symptoms of mesothelioma is likely to keep increasing in the next few years. One of the reasons for this potential rise is the ignorance of the effects of asbestos and its resultant indiscriminate usage. The exposure and expected inhalation of asbestos fibres has been one of the major causes of rampant development of mesothelioma across the world. Making matters worse is the fact that symptoms of mesothelioma typically take about 25 to 50 years to surface. Since early detection is critical to the success rate of the treatment, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, abnormal blood clotting activity, abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, anemia and fever. And there are some other symptoms of mesothelioma, such as chronic cough, and recurring infections of bronchitis and pneumonia. Some people experience pain in the bones, swelling of the neck or face and jaundice. The mere presence of one or two of these symptoms does not necessarily indicate the presence of mesothelioma, but they are still things to watch out for.

Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to several other diseases, it can be rather difficult to diagnose this disease. Complicating things further is the fact that this disease has the ability to remain dormant for many years before any symptoms are even noticeable. Symptoms could sometimes manifest themselves after a period of 50 years.

So if you have been exposed to asbestos fibers please keep a watch out for these symptoms. If you are around asbestos, then you should know that you are living or working in a high-risk environment.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, treatment is likely to include radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy. Gene therapy is an alternate treatment option that is available for those individuals with pleural mesothelioma who do not respond well to radiotherapy, surgery or chemotherapy.

The statistics of people recovering from this disease aren't that optimistic, but treatment is still more effective if diagnosis is made early. Signs of Colon Cancer

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What Are Some Coping Strategies Found Useful by Mesothelioma Victims?

Mesothelioma is such a disease that affects not only the
person diagnosed with the disease, but his or her loved
ones, too. The intention to write this article is to offer
some resource for patients and their families who are living
with this disease. Coping with mesothelioma, unlike other
types of cancer, can be significantly difficult. There are
few support groups specifically available for mesothelioma.
These are quite often informal groups of people who reside
in the same area or who occasionally meet each other in
doctors' chambers or hospital waiting rooms. There are
larger and more organized support groups for cancer
sufferers in general but not for mesothelioma sufferers in
specific.

Let's see how this support groups operates.

Support Groups

The main job of the support groups is to help people, deal
with the challenges that they are facing. It is known that
over 20% of Americans have participated in some type of
self-help group. There are mainly two types of support
groups that are available. They are online support groups
and community centred support groups. Nowadays in an era of
internet the number of online support groups is gradually
increasing. It is possible that a support group exists in
your community or on-line that can help to provide you the
required support.

Support groups may provide several benefits:

* A social platform for getting connected with others who
are facing similar situations.

* A platform to know how others have coped with challenges
similar to the ones you are facing presently.

* A safe, non-judgmental atmosphere where one can share
feelings.

* The reassurance that you are not alone, there are other's
too who have either suffered in the past or is undergoing
the same presently.

* A platform where you can reliably share information.

* A source of reliable Support from others who understand
from personal experience what you are going through

Incidentally there are different types of support groups
that are available. This includes groups with strong focus
on a particular disease such as mesothelioma, groups of
caregivers, and family-centered groups.

Some of the Characteristics of a successful group are as
follows:

* A mix of participants from various age groups.

* Honesty of purpose

* A caring atmosphere

* A sense of trust should prevail among members

* A good facilitator

* Members should abide by the group rules, including
confidentiality.

Apart from joining support groups, a patient should be
encouraged by his family members to remain relaxed and try
to focus on the bright side of the life. A patient should
not feel depressed and emotionally drained. The family
members or the caregivers should create a healing
environment and encourage the patient to think positive.
There are lots of inspirational books that tell how people
are fighting mesothelioma and other life-threatening
diseases. Meditation is another way to keep your mind
distracted from morbid thoughts and tension.

Did you know mesothelioma clinical symptoms are hard to detect? Find out why by visiting http://www.mesothelioma-a.com

Mesothelioma And Asbestos Diseases
Mesothelioma And Asbestos Diseases

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that has a resistance to fire, chemicals, and electricity. There are 3 main types of asbestos minerals (chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite) and 6 different varieties. Asbestos was used thousands of years ago by the Greeks who realized these benefits of asbestos. The use of asbestos continued through history and became a very popular product during the industrial revolution in the 1860's.

In 1879 the first development of an asbestos mine was put into motion. Because of the unique properties of asbestos, it has been able to be used for many different products over the years. Asbestos has been used in insulation, pipe coverings, brake pads, cement, ceiling tiles, rugs, paints and a variety of other products. The first recorded death due to asbestos was in 1906, further studies indicated an increase in lung related diseases in people that were around asbestos on a regular basis. Asbestos was later banned in the early 1980's due to the fact that the fibers were causing lung diseases/cancer and death.

Asbestos fibers are very sharp and barbed; it is for this reason that when a person inhales these fibers they become lodged in the lining of the lungs, and stay there. This over time causes asbestosis which is irreversible and can lead to scarring of he lungs. Another common hazard of asbestos is Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. It develops in the thin membranes that line the lungs and abdomen. Unfortunately this type of cancer is often inoperable and fatal. On top of lung related cancers asbestos has also been found to cause cancer of the esophagus, stomach, large intestine, and rectum.

Mesothelioma can sometimes be hard to diagnose as the symptoms are a lot like other lung conditions. On top of that it usually takes between 20-30 years for symptoms to become noticeable. Symptoms often shown by individuals suffering from mesothelioma include:

chest pain
fluid surrounding the lungs
shortness of breath
fatigue
wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
coughing up blood

In some cases if the individual's mesothelioma cancer is severe enough or in the advanced stages it has been documented that the individual could experience a collapse of the infected lung. Mesothelioma can also attack the lining of the abdomen. Individuals with mesothelioma in the abdomen include:

abdominal pain
a buildup of fluid in the abdomen
a mass in the abdomen
problems with bowel function
weight loss

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is often done through a series of tests on the lungs. Diagnosis may start out with a look into your medical history to see if you are at risk for such a conditions. If it is found that you've had a lot of exposure to asbestos fibers your doctor may start out with a physical examination followed by a chest x-ray and then some lung function testing. The x-ray can be used to check for the thickening of the pleural wall, which is often associated with mesothelioma. A cat scan is also taken and if the results show an abnormal amount of fluid, samples of this fluid are taken out via a pleural tap(chest drain), the cells in the fluid are then studied and if no malignant cells are found then although mesothelioma is not completely ruled out, it usually points to another type of condition. If this study of the fluid reveals malignant cells then a biopsy will be needed in order to finish diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Treatment of mesothelioma is very hard as the malignant cells that make up this cancer are very stubborn and do not take well to the different forms of treatment out there for most cancers today. Some of the common practices for treating mesothelioma are an extraction of the chest lining and or the inner chest lining is completely removed. Radiation and Chemotherapy has also been used but the results have not been very successful.

The people at risk for this type of cancer, and related diseases are mostly people who have had to work around products that were made of asbestos. These include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, sanitation workers, roofers, etc. It is estimated that today in America there are approx 800,000 people who suffer from some kind of asbestos related disease. It is also estimated that the deaths due to Asbestosis are on the rise from 127 in 1979 to 825 in 2005. Mesothelioma deaths have gone up from 153 in 1968 to 2037 in 2005 and plan to be at 2450 between 2011 and 2015.

Today for the most part asbestos has been completely taken out of everyday life products, and has been replaced with fiberglass and other less harmful materials. It was also found that through heating of asbestos to temperatures above 2500 degrees Celsius that these fibers are transformed into silicate glass that has been shown to be harmless. Today there are lawyers that specialize in Mesothelioma and asbestosis related cases, and may be able to help get you some compensation for suffering and medical costs.

If you would like more free information on mesothelioma and what you can do to treat it, as well as what you can do to get compensation for you or a loved one suffering with this debilitating disease, do not hesitate to visit my website Health and Fitness Focus for very valuable Free information about this devastating disease.

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The Shocking Truth About Mesothelioma & Asbestos - Men in Big Danger by Not Following H&S Guidelines

All he wanted was to earn more money for his family. To be able to provide a holiday abroad somewhere in the summer and be able to have extra money to do home improvements. He had heard that there was good money to be made in removing asbestos from old buildings. Yes he knew it was dangerous, but today in 2008 the health & safety equipment and training more than compensated for the risk involved.

High measures have been put in place for the specific training to remove asbestos and the protective safety clothing was fool-proof. There was no way anyone could be in danger of contracting mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer with all this in place. Or that is what he thought...

Stephen, my husband, went against my wishes and pleas not to go into the asbestos industry. He was adamant that it was 100% safe and it would bring in good money.

He paid to have a medical at the local hospital. He then paid to go onto the week intensive asbestos training course. He then paid for the health & safety equipment/protective clothing. Altogether he forked out 1,000 in preparation to go into the asbestos industry.

The Shocking Truth

Within his first week of working for Company X, he was shocked and appalled at what he was seeing. You see, one of the main components when removing asbestos is that you spray the asbestos with a water-based chemical. This in turn softens the millions of asbestos molecules and thus will not be released into the air and consequently inhaled by the operative while wearing the protective mask.

However, this is what he learned on his H&S training, but this was not being put into practice. What he saw, with this particular company, was that in order to save time and money they were not spraying the asbestos. This meant that when snapping the asbestos into pieces, the millions of asbestos molecules were flying all around within the atmosphere. Yes they were all wearing their protective masks with clean air-flow, but the masks were overwhelmed by the millions of asbestos making them worthless.

The dry asbestos was being breathed in by the men, into their full-headed cover masks and being inhaled right down into their lungs.

Needless to say that Stephen started looking for another job and within a few weeks he was out of the asbestos industry before it was too late for him.

Now I am not saying that all asbestos operatives do not follow the H&S guidelines, but this company certainly didn't and I bet there are many more across the world who do the same. Just be aware of this one lapse of health & safety which could still lead you to contracting mesothelioma, asbestos related disease - even if you are wearing the full protective equipment.

Beware of one safety technique that is not being carried by some companies / operatives when removing asbestos. The lack of this one single technique is putting hundreds of men's lives in danger of contracting mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer disease.

What you are about to read will probably shock and upset you. I know this first hand as my husband briefly worked in the asbestos removal industry. What he saw socked him and he consequently quit working with asbestos because he wants to see his two young boys grow up.

Some Background Information

If this worries you, then read further information on Claire's Mesothelioma & Asbestos website where incidents like this are addressed and talked about. Visit http://www.guideitcom.com/mesothelioma/

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Mesothelioma Cancer - What is It?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a form of cancer that develops in the cells of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart and the stomach. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that allows for a smooth movement for these tissues. Mesothelioma occurs when malignant or cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium. Cells in the mesothelium may became abnormal and divide without any control. These cancerous cells may be found in the pleura (lining of the chest and lung), the peritoneum (the abdomen) and the pericardium (the space around the heart). Metastasizes occurs when cancer cells spread form the site from where they originated (in the case of mesothelioma from the mesothelium) to other parts of the body. These cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

Mesothelioma is both a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Mesothelioma takes between 20 to 50 years to develop. Because of this it is older individuals that are usually the victims. Because it is a rare disease mesothelioma is usually difficult to diagnose and so to treat effectively. There was a time where oncologists (physicians that specialize in the treatment of cancer preferred to concentrate on other types of cancers where information was readily available. Fortunately nowadays there are a large number of oncologists that are interested to treat the disease. This type of cancer is highly connected with exposure to asbestos.

For more info go to Mesothelioma Cancer

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The Rise of Asbestos Related Diseases

Asbestos has been dubbed as a miracle mineral when people discovered its property to withstand heat. The use of asbestos became more widespread during the industrial revolution when countries started to aim for growth through infrastructures.

Unfortunately, although asbestos has been found to be useful in construction and even in clothing, it has been discovered to be hazardous to health - even the early Greeks recognized asbestos related diseases in the slaves who handled the minerals during that time.

The United States and Canada started to use asbestos for insulation in the 1860s. The very first commercial asbestos mine was built in 1879 at Quebec. Soon, asbestos have been used in so many other household construction applications like:

-Fire retardant coatings
-Concrete
-Bricks
-Pipes
-Fireplace cement
-Heat-, fire-, and acid-resistant gaskets
-Pipe insulations
-Ceiling insulations
-Fireproof drywall, flooring
-Roofing
-Lawn furniture

Asbestos had become a very valuable commodity in a wide range of applications where infrastructure construction is concerned but there are other applications where asbestos is used: brake pads and shoes, clutch plates, stage curtains, fire blankets, interior fire doors, etc.

The hazards of continuous usage of the asbestos has eventually manifested when about 100,000 people in the United States fell sick and died due to asbestos related disease. Many of these victims were exposed to asbestos in their jobs like in ship building for example. During the World War II, tons and tons of asbestos were used in the ships and soon after, thousands of workers started to die of mesothelioma and asbestosis due to their prolonged exposure to the minerals.

Today, many people continue to suffer from a continued over exposure to asbestos.

Suffering from asbestos lung cancer? Pathology Legal Consultations can help you to fight your legal cases with legally defensible medical analysis and opinion. Check us out at http://www.pathcounsel.com to find out how you don't have to suffer in silence when you are afflicted with asbestos related disease.

2009 01 01 Archive
2009 02 01 Archive

After Diagnosing Mesothelioma - The Next Step

Select an attorney with good knowledge about the case, understands the case properly, and knows the ways to get the compensation money from your Mesothelioma case. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused due to exposure to asbestos. Companies or the people using asbestos are responsible directly for causing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma could have been prevented if asbestos was not used by such people. Hire a experienced mesothelioma attorney to file a lawsuit against the companies or people responsible for releasing asbestos in air or even using asbestos. Mesothelioma lawyer will know the technique in reaching a settlement easily and the success of the lawsuit can bring some peace of mind to the mesothelioma sufferers and their family. The money can be used to recover medical bills, take care of other arrangements, and put your life back together if you have lost someone due to Mesothelioma.

Many costs would be linked with mesothelioma, and you shouldn't have to deal with them alone. So getting a mesothelioma attorney is very important. Remember to find a right lawyer and get started as soon as possible. There are many ways to find a right lawyer like internet search, yellow pages, etc. The attorney should be trustable, be in contact with the attorney to know where your case has reached and to get the money that you deserve. Mesothelioma is a dangerous cancer, but you should make the companies pay for their irresponsibility.

Choose a best attorney after doing good research. Mesothelioma attorneys work in large and small law firms in market. A good mesothelioma lawyer will help you handle your lawsuit with the least amount of stress as possible.

The author is an expert in mesothelioma and other asbestos related lawsuits. You can reach him at http://www.findmesotheliomaattorney.com/

2008 11 01 Archive
2008 12 01 Archive

Understanding Mesothelioma Cancer - Causes and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the lining or membrane that protects and covers most of the internal organs in the body cavity. The first layer encircles the organ and the second layer forms a sac for protection. There is a lubricating fluid present between the layers to facilitate movement. The mesothelium is called pericardium when it covers the heart, pleura when covering the lungs and peritoneum when covering the abdominal organs.

In mesothelioma there is uncontrolled cell division which leads to the extra cell masses invading the nearby tissues and organs and causing damage. Mostly it is observed that mesothelioma begins in the pleura or the peritoneum. The cancer then metastasizes to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma occurs mostly due to exposure to asbestos. This is considered to be the major risk factor. 70% to 80% of sufferers have a history of exposure to asbestos. There are exceptions to this and cases have been reported where asbestos exposure was found not to exist. The condition is more common in men as compared to women. It has also been found that risk increases with age.

Mesothelioma is a very rare. Mostly said to be associated with workplace exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that can be made to exist as strong masses of sheets or flexible fibers. It is widely used in industrial products like cement, roofs, flooring products, textiles, brake linings and insulation. Tiny particles of asbestos float in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed by the people exposed to it like the workers in manufacturing companies etc.

Continuous exposure over a period can lead to asbestosis. Exposure to asbestosis increases the risk of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer like that of kidney and larynx. There are acceptable levels of asbestos exposure that have been brought into effect in workplaces using the mineral. Another very interesting aspect of mesothelioma is that family members of people exposed asbestos in their work place show an increased incidence of this cancer as compared to others. This has been attributed to the fact that the remnants of asbestos particles adhering to the clothes, hair etc when brought home can expose the family members to it.

The cancer takes around thirty to forty years to surface. The initial symptoms include shortness of breath, and pain in the chest if it is the pleura that are affected. If the cancer is in the peritoneum then there is weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, bowel obstruction. Fever, anemia and blood clotting irregularities have also been observed. In severe cases there is swelling of the neck and face, trouble swallowing and severe pain.

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is very difficult since there are no specific symptoms. A medical history review would be very valuable since asbestos exposure needs to be determined. X rays of chest, abdomen, lung function tests, scans, MRI are the usual tools that help in confirming the diagnosis. Biopsy is done for the final confirmation and treatment includes chemotherapy and radiations.

To Your Health!

Abortions Clinic

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services and sexually transmitted disease screening and counseling.

Abortions Clinic

Texas Mesothelioma Lawyers 09
2008 10 01 Archive