asbestos cancer - Mesothelioma Treatment & Information
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Getting credible information about the diagnosis of Mesothelioma, is very important for patients and their love ones. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer of the lung, or known as the pleura which may cause a patient to become short of breath because they have been exposed to asbestos. Every case is different and sometimes a patient may not show any symptoms at all. Mesothelioma consists of several forms. Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the forms and are cancer cells found in the lining of the abdominal cavity or found in the lining around the heart. This form of cancer can be painful because it can spread through the entire body and cause the organs to shut down. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos do not all contract Pleural Mesothelioma cancer. This cancer could be related to asbestos exposure and not all asbestos exposure is harmful. Asbestos may already be fixated in the walls not causing the particles to be free in the air, effecting workers.
When there are free particles in the air, the workers are exposed to asbestos and that is harmful to the worker and may cause the worker to contract Pleural Mesothelioma. A second form of the cancer is Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. This cancer is also associated with asbestos exposure and occurs in the tissue lining of the abdominal cavity, which contains fluid that enables the organs to move and work right. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the most common cancer that is related to asbestos exposure because it is the place where the cancer spreads. This cancer can cause severe health problems and complications for a patient. Normally a patient may experience flu symptoms as well as the swelling of the abdomen. Pericardial Mesothelioma caused from asbestos is another form of cancer, which is also rare affecting the lining surrounding the heart. Pericardium are the cells that produce lubricating fluids which protects the heart allowing the heart to move freely when pumping blood into the other parts of the body. This can cause a patient to have cancer spread through the tissues in the lining of the heart. At this stage, treatments may not be effective and may lead to fatal circumstances.
It may take a patient a long time after being exposed to asbestos, before he or she recognizes symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems and a continuous cough. Being diagnosed is the first step and even though it can be extremely difficult to detect Mesothelioma symptoms because they are similar to so many other types of cancers your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your exposure to asbestos. Several tests will be done, including chest x-rays, MRI scans or CT scans to determine any abnormal changes. A tissue sample may be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and if your doctor has concluded that you are a patient of Mesothelioma your next step is treatment. Therapy is a form of treatment and there are several kinds of therapies to choose from. Do not be afraid, you are not alone; support is out there to help you fight the cancer and get the treatment you deserve. Please visit www.mesothelioma-treatment-2day.com for more information on mesothelioma and treatment options.
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Webmaster of Mesothelioma Treatment & Information
Labels: asbestos cancer
posted by cat pats @ 1:25 AM,
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asbestos cancer - Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. The cells that form a protective lining over the lungs are called Mesothelioma cells. This form of cancer is caused by a previous exposure to asbestos. The cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium).
Causes
It mainly caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. People who have worked in places where they have inhaled asbestos particles or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products have the chances of suffering from mesothelioma. About 3000 cases of mesothelioma are found every year. This number is expected to increase to 300,000 cases before 2030. The life span depends on what stage the cancer is detected, the health of the patient and other factors, however it generally 24 months after diagnosis. Anyone who knows they were exposed to loose asbestos fibers should be tested regularly for mesothelioma.
Types of Mesothelioma There are two types of Mesothelioma. They are Pleural and Peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma It is the cancer of the Pleura, a sac that lines the lungs. Pleuron is a membrane that lines the pleural cavities surrounding the lungs. When we inhale, asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pleura causing lesions and scarring. Mesothelioma forms as a result of the damage caused by the asbestos fibers. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the cancer caused by asbestos in the abdomen. Peritoneal is a sac that lines the abdomen in the same as the pleura lines the lungs. Asbestos fibers reach the peritoneal membrane either by being swallowed or migrating from the pleura. Symptoms
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are
-shortness of breath -persistent coughing -pain in chest
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma are
-weight loss -abdominal swelling -pain in abdomen -fatigue -bowel obstruction -blood clotting abnormalities -anemia -fever
Diagnosis
Since the symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other conditions, diagnosis of mesothelioma is difficult. The diagnosis begins with the review of the patient's medical history with a focus on any history of asbestos exposure. The medical practitioner prescribes a series of tests involving chest X-ray, lung function tests, CT (CAT) scans, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). ). In case Mesothelioma is suspected, a physical biopsy of the suspect tissue will be used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. . The doctor may perform a thoracoscopy if the cancer is in the chest and a laparoscopy, if the cancer is in the abdomen.
The next step in diagnosis of the disease is finding the stage of the disease. If it is found only where it is originated it is described as localized and if it has spread to other organs, beyond the membrane surface it is described as advanced.
Once a patient is confirmed to be suffering from mesothelioma, the doctor will discuss the available treatment options. Many newer treatments promise to improve patient's quality of life and add several years of life.
About the Author
Joushua James - Mesothelioma
Labels: asbestos cancer
posted by cat pats @ 1:23 AM,
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Choosing an Asbestos Cancer Attorney
Many, if not all people feel devastated if they learn that they have cancer because of something trivial like invisible fibers given off by their concrete walls. Still others will want justice for what they have experienced through no fault of their own.
If you are someone who has gotten ill with cancer because some company used asbestos in their products, then you need to seek the help of an attorney. Mainly, people want those responsible for their pain to own up to the fault. There is a huge difference between justice and revenge. Although some people looking for asbestos cancer attorneys start off by wanting revenge, in the end, they may just wish to see justice served. A great asbestos attorney may be able to help you make sure that the people at fault will own up to the responsibility of what has happened to you.
There is a reality which some people may not care to admit but sooner or later you have to face that the court does not always make the right decisions. If you choose to litigate, there's a slight chance that the company will prevail. After all, in the world today, money does talk. It is also a known fact that a cornered person will fight the fiercest. If you have a company by the throat because of what that company did or did not do, then you can be sure that the company will do everything in its power to combat your actions. Only the great skill of an experienced asbestos cancer attorney will be able to help you.
Now that you know how an asbestos cancer attorney may be able to help you, you need to know how to choose the attorney for your needs. As you may well know, the number of people involved in asbestos litigation keeps rising and some attorneys will just do anything to get a part of the money involved. Here are some things you should ask when looking for a great asbestos cancer attorney:
1) Is the attorney experienced? Before you hire an asbestos cancer attorney, you need to know just how much experience he has. This does not refer to the number of years that he has been practicing law but rather, to the number of cases which he has experienced. Some attorneys attempt to impress future clients by saying that they have been practicing law for so-and-so years. Do not be blinded by this statement. During the long time that he or she has been practicing law, how many times has that so-called asbestos cancer attorney encountered a case like yours?
2) What does the attorney know? Experience needs knowledge in order to form a truly lethal combination in an asbestos cancer attorney. Just how knowledgeable is the lawyer you are talking to in the field of asbestos litigation? As you may know, knowledge can be very powerful if used against the weakness of an opponent. You need to find an asbestos cancer attorney who would act as a dagger - sharp and able to find its way into the smallest of places. Knowledge is the main reason why people actually hire attorneys. People hire attorneys because they know what to do when faced with difficult situations. You will be paying for the skill.
3) How much will it cost and how much do I pay? Many people who hire asbestos cancer attorneys are very worried about the costs that they might incur. Before you hire an asbestos cancer attorney, you should definitely talk about fees. How much will the asbestos cancer attorney charge for taking on your case? You should also ask about the various fees that you will encounter during the extent of the lawsuit. This will help you better understand the enormity of the situation that you find yourself in. You need to make sure that each fee can be properly explained. Many people are put off by the complicated-sounding words, but if you do not speak up then you might end up getting flimflammed. You might think that your situation is too pitiful to be abused, but you have no idea just how low some people will go for money.
On the other hand, you can actually find an asbestos cancer attorney with whom you might be able to work something out. You can actually work out a payment scheme which won't add to your burdens. In fact, a lot of asbestos cancer attorneys today are willing to put-off their fees until you have won the case. In cases like this, it still would be wise not to let your guard down, though.
About the Author
For more complete information on mesothelioma please go to: http://freemesotheliomalawyer.com/choosing-an-attorney/ http://freemesotheliomalawyer.com
www.drnathaliefiset.com
Asbestos Cancer
Labels: asbestos cancer
posted by cat pats @ 1:20 AM,
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