is a rare type of cancer in the general population. However, in individuals that were exposed to asbestos, it is not as rare. There are experts that have speculated on other causes. There are incidences of Mesothelioma with no known asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer. Smoking does not cause it. It is a cancer of the mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma
Causes of Mesothelioma
The only known, established cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. The asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines that encases the lung. The pleura, produces a special lubricating fluid that facilitates the ability of the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the cells, which causes the Mesothelioma. This is known as pleural Mesothelioma. Less common is peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
An individual with Mesothelioma experiences chest pain usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the pleural space called an effusion and shortness of breath. Since many doctors may not have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, at first, to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis can thus be established. A history of the individual’s occupational exposure shall be taken. Since there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos, even brief, low level exposures may be enough to cause Mesothelioma.
Occurrence of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and its incidence is actually increasing day by day. There is presently no known cure for Mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult and eventually it becomes increasingly more challenging for the victim to engage in normal activities and enjoy life.
Treatments of Mesotheliomá
A number of treatments have been established to help contain the spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove the lung and pleura are among the options that have been explored by the treating physician.
Prevention is better than Cure
Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the corporations that manufacture and make profit from the sale of asbestos-containing products are aware of the hazards of asbestos. Alternative fibers are available that could be used instead of asbestos. But asbestos is cheap, and available, and is a good filler and binder.
Mesothelioma Support
Mesothelioma can be devastating news for a person even if they suspected it might develop sometime in their life. Maybe they worked at a diner that catered to asbestos miners, or maybe they were miners themselves.
Either way, they have been exposed and know the chances are high of getting this type of cancer. It is not just hard on the person who has it but their entire network of family and friends. There are many places to get support from others who have mesothelioma or have had experience with it.
Many towns have cancer support groups that meet on a weekly basis to share their experiences and offer hope to others. This is a great way to reach out and get the support you need from others in the same situation.
Family members are often encouraged to attend so they can express their feelings as well. Though often skipped, this is a very useful tool and the people who attend these meetings often know specialists in the field and can offer great advice.
Mesothelioma websites and message boards are also a great option. If you feel fatigued and don't want to leave the house, this the place to go. You can join forums, get information, and find out all the latest news you need to know on the Internet.
Smaller towns may not have an "in-person" option when it comes to support groups and the Internet is full of sites dedicated to just what you are looking for. You can also find a ton of information about lawyers if needed.
Mesothelioma- Are You At Risk?
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare type of cancer that occurs when cancerous cells grow in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective lining that is on most of your internal organs. Typically, mesothelioma is attributed to asbestos exposure when someone inhales particles and they become lodged in the lungs.
To be in the "at risk" category, odds are you had to have come into contact with asbestos at one time or another. Asbestos is a mass of flexible fibrous material that is naturally found in the Earth.
For many years it was used in common goods such as shingles, brake pads, cement, flooring, and insulation. The mining process as well as the plants that manufactured products containing asbestos are the top contributors to mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, many more people come into contact than just the laborers. Their families are at great risk because the particles come home on clothing and can get all over the place. Laundry is a big factor. Anyone who has handled the clothing of the workers is at risk as well. This includes commercial laundry facilities as well as homes.
Asbestos was almost completely banned in 1989 but it has been in use since the late 1800s and peaked with World War II. Mesothelioma takes anywhere from 20 to 50 years to show up so many people today are feeling the effects of the 40s, 50s, and 60s. An X-ray, CT scan, or MRI can tell you if you have mesothelioma. If you have ever been around asbestos, it's a good idea to mention that to your physician.
Pleural Mesothelioma Stages
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the outer lining of the lungs and is associated with exposure to asbestos earlier in life. This exposure could come from old buildings, factories, and from mining asbestos.
Asbestos particles effect more than just those that mine or work with it. It also can come home with them and be inhaled by family members and even people at a business close to a mine or factory. Pleural mesothelioma is categorized in four distinct stages.
The most common system to determine the stage mesothelioma is called the International Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) system and is based on the TNM system used in other types of cancer.
Stage one is when the cancer is beginning to affect the outer layers of the lung or chest wall on one side and may be on the diaphragm. This only applies when the mesothelioma is on one side of the chest.
Stage two is when the mesothelioma is in both the inner and outer layers of the lung and a tumor has started to grow.
In stage three it may have spread to the chest wall or possibly the pericardium or the sac that covers the heart and its main arteries and blood vessels. It could also be spread to the lymph nodes as well.
Stage four is when the tumor has grown too large to be successfully removed with traditional surgical methods. It could have spread to other organs, lymph nodes on both sides of the chest, or above the neckline.
Each stage has a variety of treatment options available.
Mesothelioma Surgery
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to have one of many different types of surgery to help out in different ways.
There are various procedures that you may have to undergo and they can usually be classified in three ways.
There are diagnostic procedures, palliative procedures, and curative procedures.
Diagnostic procedures are basically the step after you are suspected to have mesothelioma and you have fluid buildup or what could be a tumor growing in either the inner or outer lining of your lungs.
A common procedure is called a thoracoscopy. This procedure is used to get an absolute diagnosis and sometimes to check how large a tumor may be.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery is also an option while in the diagnostic stage. A small camera is inserted into the chest so the pathologist can get a good look at what is going on and also get a sample of tissues.
Palliative surgery is intended to treat one or more symptoms of mesothelioma but doesn't actually stop the progression of the disease. A chest tube to drain excess fluid build-up is one of the first symptoms and can be persistent. Occasionally, a small catheter may be used for continuous drainage.
Curative procedures, though not 100% effective, seek to eliminate the entire tumor and hopefully cure the disease without using chemotherapy or radiation. If the tumor can't be removed, sometimes the entire lung may have to be excised. This is called pneumonectomy. This procedure is also used in peritoneal mesothelioma also.
To Sum up
The varied and non-specific symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis The cancer has a very long latency period, which means that it could be thirty years or more before the person even realizes that they have contracted the cancer .The onset of symptoms can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested the lifespan of the person can be as short as several months. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors.
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Wishing you the best of health,
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Disclaimer: The entire contents of this post are based upon the research and opinions of the publisher, unless otherwise noted.The information in this post is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of the author. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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