Mesothelioma in USA

There are an estimated 2000-3000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year. Approximately 7-13 per one million male patients with a history of asbestos exposure contract mesothelioma. Diagnosis usually occurs 20-40 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos on the job are at risk. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases.

Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Both union and non-union workers have been affected. An increased risk of developing mesothelioma has been established among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople.

New research going on for the treatments of mesothelioma

Dear readers as the mesothelioma menace is something whose 100% perfect treatment is still not available in this age og modern sciences, but still researchers are doing a lot of studies to find the perfect treatment for this epidemic.
Researchers are attempting to increase the validity of mesothelioma treatments among patients suffering from the fatal condition by testing the highest dosage levels that can be administered to patients without resulting in toxicity levels among individuals.

The dosage levels of medicinal treatments for mesothelioma patients are being studied by physicians and researchers in Boston in order to acquire more suitable treatments for patients suffering from the fatal lung cancer.

Researchers are using two methods of treatment known as intraoperative intracavitary hyperthermic cisplatin perfusion along with amifostine, to assist in preventing cisplatin toxicity, to patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma, which is often deemed the most severe and fatal diagnosis among mesothelioma patients.

So far the study has found that the use of single dose amifostine does "not protect adequately against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity," meaning that if higher doses of the chemotherapy treatment cisplatin are used, then "additional cytoprotective strategies are needed" to protect a patient from developing toxic levels of medication in addition to their painful mesothelioma side effects.

Discussing mesothelioma with a qualified medical professional will ensure that a proper diagnosis and treatment begins for patients of the deadly disease. However, it will still be important for a patient to know and recognize the following mesothelioma signs and symptoms as well. Currently, there are two main types of mesothelioma commonly affecting the lining of the lungs and the internal organs: abdominal and lung. The Mayo Clinic reported the following

symptoms for both conditions:

shortness of breath

painful breathing

painful coughing

chest pain under the rib cage

unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest

unexplained weight loss

dry cough

abdominal pain

abdominal swelling

change in bowel habits

lumps of tissue in the abdomen

If ,God forbid, you develop any of the above side effects, it is imperative that you receive immediate attention from a doctor. Unfortunately, there is a high rate of death linked to a mesothelioma diagnosis, which is commonly due to the fact the disease remains dormant for several years.

Support For Mesothelioma Victims

Mesothelioma sufferers face many challenges as a part of their diagnosis. However, receiving the most appropriate treatment methods can assist a victim in decreasing pains commonly associated with the condition.

Additionally, it may be necessary to receive details about the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit from an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Constructing a mesothelioma lawsuit will likely assist a victim in receiving monetary compensation, which can pay for the expensive mesothelioma treatments associated with the disease. For the latest on a mesothelioma diagnosis as well as the development of potential litigation, individuals can discuss a mesothelioma lawsuit with a mesothelioma attorney who can provide the most up-to-date news and information on such a case.

Do you know mesothelioma law is changing

Finding out that you have mesothelioma means that you should call your mesothelioma attorney in New York. Because of the cost of treating your mesothelioma symptoms, and to recover some of those costs, you should quickly contact the top mesothelioma lawyer in New York to help settle your case. Mesothelioma law is changing, and you need your attorney to be as up to date as possible to provide you with the best opportunity to get a mesothelioma settlement.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. There are also some other fibers that can produce mesothelioma, as well, but asbestos is the primary cause. These fibers enter into the body - either through the lungs, or by swallowing sputum, and then are passed into the epithelial layer that surrounds the various organs. This layer is called the mesothelium and it is made up of just a single layer of cells. The asbestos fibers pass through the stomach and lungs to this layer and then can become cancerous after many years.

It was known for many years that asbestos could cause cancer, but only recently did more research (1970's) prove it and that brought about governmental intervention on industries that widely used it. Many industries used a lot of asbestos in their products, and this would especially include the auto industry, the shipyards, manufacturing and the railroad industries.

One problem here, though, was that the mesothelioma typically took from 30 to 50 years to surface. This means that if you were exposed to asbestos that long ago, then you might begin to have problems from it now and be starting to show mesothelioma symptoms.

Asbestos remains around you in many places. In many cases, though, it is not harmful if it is left undisturbed. In fact, it is not even recommended that you test it yourself, but get an asbestos professional to do the testing for you. If asbestos is exposed where you live - in an apartment building, or on pipes, etc., then you should also immediately contact a professional and have it checked and sealed - if necessary. You may also want to take pictures to present later if any evidence might be needed.

Your top mesothelioma attorney in New York can help you to discover if your mesothelioma has a cause from asbestos. He or she is very familiar with the products and industries that regularly used asbestos. When a lawsuit is filed with your top mesothelioma attorney in New York, it will be necessary to show a connection proving that you were actually exposed to it.

A mesothelioma diagnosis, unfortunately, means that you will have to come up with a lot of money to cover your medical expenses. The truth is that the lifetime of someone with mesothelioma is about a year - unless the doctors prescribe a very aggressive attack on it with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Regardless, in most situations you will not be able to afford the treatments needed.

A mesothelioma lawsuit, guided by your mesothelioma attorney in New York, will be needed to help you to recover some of your expenses because of it. If you had a loved one that has already passed away due to mesothelioma, then you also may be able to recover some of your expenses, as well. Your top mesothelioma attorney in New York will be glad to provide you with a consultation and then help you with a mesothelioma settlement to recover expenses of those who helped financially.

Since asbestos fibers can stay in the human body for a long time before any mesothelioma symptoms may be experienced, it is important that you have a physical as soon as possible if you start to experience problems that may be related. If there should be a mesothelioma diagnosis, then you should contact your mesothelioma attorney quickly to see what legal options are available to you.

Mesothelioma is not always caused by asbestos, but most of it is - about 80% and possibly more. It also seems to be that the smaller the fibers are, the greater the likelihood of mesothelioma to develop. Receiving a mesothelioma settlement in time to help recover some of your medical expenses, means that you need to talk to your top mesothelioma attorney in New York quickly. Current estimates are that the medical expenses typically run between $400,000 and $800,000 for the costs of medicine, oxygen, and more. Talk to your mesothelioma attorney today to see what can be done to help you.

What are available treatments for mesothelioma

Treatment of malignant mesothelioma can be very difficult for a wide variety of reasons. First and foremost, mesothelioma can be difficult to correctly diagnose and may not show up in a patient for decades. This can create problems for treatment because with mesothelioma, as with all cancers, treatment is more difficult the longer the disease has been allowed to progress. In addition to the difficulties created by delayed treatment of mesothelioma, the disease often does not respond to traditional cancer treatments, further complicating treatment. Also, the organs that are involved in mesothelioma cannot be partially or wholly removed usually, which means that surgical options can be extremely limited. Lastly, the fact that the majority of mesothelioma patients are men of advanced age, usually over 50, means that some more radical treatment approaches cannot be used because of declining health due to old age.

Altogether, this can mean that even mesothelioma patients that have been recently diagnosed can be given a fairly negative prognosis from their doctos. Statistics are hard to come by, but British scientists suggest that 10% of newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients will live for at least three more years; Only 5% will live five years or longer. For patients in the first stage, 50% live for at least two more years. However doctors can be mistaken, and a diagnosis of mesothelioma is in no way always tantamount to a death sentence. In one famous case, scientist Stephen Jay Gould survived with peritoneal mesothelioma for almost twenty years. Eventually, he died from another kind of cancer.

There are four stages of malignant mesothelioma, which measure how far the disease has progressed. How a patient's mesothelioma is treated depends largely on which stage he or she is in when the disease is found.

* Stage I: Localized mesothelioma that exists only in the lungs, the diaphragm or the pericardial lining.

* Stage II: Advanced mesothelioma that has spread into the lymph nodes of the chest.

* Stage III: Advanced mesotheioma that has spread into the wall of the chest, the center of the chest, the lining of the heart and the diaphragm. Stage III malignant mesothelioma may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes.

* Stage IV: Advanced mesothelioma that has spread far from the chest and abdomen into other organs.

Surgery

Patients with Stage I or milder Stage II mesothelioma are generally offered one or more of the conventional cancer treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. For early-stage patients, surgery for mesothelioma aims to cure the disease by literally cutting the cancer out of the patient's body. The most common type of surgery for pleural mesothelioma is a pleurectomy/decortication, which is where doctors remove all or part of the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity. If doctors find that they can't remove the cancer without removing the lung underneath those tissues, they may remove one lung as well; this is called a pneumonectomy. A more radical type of surgery for pleural mesothelioma is called an extrapleural pneunonectomy (EPP). In the case of an EPP, surgeons will remove parts of one lung, the pleura, the diaphragm, and the lining of the heart. These are quite dangerous and difficult types of surgery, which will not be recommended lightly by doctors or surgeons.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma -- the kind that affects the abdomen -- may be offered cytoredutive surgery. In this surgery, doctors are trying to remove all of the cancerous tissue they can find in the abdomen and gut. Doctors may also opt for a peritonectomy, in which the entire lining of the abdomen is removed. Again, this is not an easy surgery and may not be possible for everyone, but it has been successful in some patients. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma are not generally offered surgery.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

In addition to or instead of surgery, doctors may offer an early-stage mesothelioma patient chemotherapy, radiation or both. Radiation and chemotherapy are designed to kill the cancer cells without killing the patient. Unfortuantely, in order to kill the cancerous cells, these treatments often kill healthy cells as well. This is why cancer patients often lose their hair, have trouble eating and feel generally weak and sick during treatment. Doctors who prescribe chemotherapy or radiation may also suggest dietary supplements or other measures to control these symptoms.

Chemotherapy is any treatment where patients are given chemical medication specifically designed to attack the cancer cells as the undergo cell division. The drug is swallowed or injected into the bloodstream regularly over a period of weeks or months, in cycles that give a patient some recovery time in between treatments. A patient could stay at home, only requiring visits to a doctor's office for treatments; sometimes, they can even have the treatments at home. In some cases, doctors may choose to apply chemotherapy drugs directly to the cancerous tissue; this requires surgery, so patients must check into a hospital. There are many different kinds of chemotherapy drugs, and scientists are trying to develop better ones every day.

Radiation therapy seeks to kill the cancer cells with high-energy rays of radiation, such as x-rays, that stop them from growing. With external-beam radiation, patients will be subjected to directed rays of radiation directed as specific parts of the body affected by cancer. This treatment lasts about 30 minutes a day and is given in the exact same way each day over a period of weeks. In internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), doctors put a container of radioactive material next to the cancerous tissue, using surgery or an existing body cavity. Some will be left in the body; others will be removed and replaced. Lastly, radiopharmaceuticals are sometimes used to administer radiation treatments, with the drugs being either injected, inserted into a body cavity or swallowed.

Mesothelioma Cancer in Pakistan

Pakistan is a developing country. Though it does not have so many factories but still the use of asbestos is on the rise. According to a recent study Mesothelioma patients are increasing in Pakistan. Mesothelioma cancer in Pakistan is touching new heights. There is no state-of the-art facilities for those patients. So the picture is very dismal.

Although the Pakistani government claims to have done a lot to eliminate this menace, but the fact is that people are desparate to find good doctors, good hospitals where they can admit their loved ones and get some good treatment. So we as pakistanis can only hope that some foreign ad will come and thing will change for the better.

Common Misconceptions about Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Dear readers whenever a particular subject is too much highlighted, so much information regarding that subject is spread, there is always some misinformation or misconception as well. Since 'Mesothelioma' is a hot topic these days, therefore please find below the common misconceptions and myths about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma lung cancer and how to survive them:

-Smoking causes malignant mesothelioma.
With so much mesothelioma information available, you might think that this false conception would already be exposed. Smoking does not cause mesothelioma. Smoking can weaken the lungs and immune system, and when a person has asbestos exposure, the development of mesothelioma lung cancer can occur. Smoking can cause lung cancer, but not asbestos lung cancer.

-Mesothelioma is contagious and genetic.

Mesothelioma is not genetic and it is not contagious. The hereditary myth likely started when fathers and sons developed similar asbestos symptoms without evaluating that they worked together in similar environments. Also, asbestos fibers can be brought home on clothing, skin, and even hair follicles, which in turn expose the family to asbestos. Exposure can cause mesothelioma but it is not contagious and not hereditary. 

-Malignant mesothelioma is not treatable.

Mesothelioma lung cancer is treatable and several options are available. Common avenues of treatment include mesothelioma chemotherapy, radiation, and even surgery. With new research and developments coming out all the time, patients can take advantage of experimental treatments. Massage therapy and acupuncture offers alternative ways to treat asbestos symptoms. Malignant mesothelioma is treatable and options are available to provide you with comfortable care and possibilities of surviving this disease. 

-Those with asbestos exposure should only be concerned with mesothelioma.

With the media promoting asbestos lawsuits and concern, fear is being introduced among those who have been exposed to asbestos at one time or another in their life. Any person exposed to asbestos or experiencing asbestos symptoms is at risk for the development of mesothelioma. Those exposed to asbestos should contact their medical provider and follow-up with routine check-ups and visits which require medical testing. If any unusual symptoms occur, your medical provider should be informed right away.

-Patients will not survive mesothelioma because there is no known cure. 

There is no known cure for mesothelioma lung cancer; however, treatment options are available which increase the likelihood of survival and length of days. It is possible to treat asbestos symptoms early on even though symptoms may take years to develop. In the event of asbestos exposure, it is important to keep your medical provider informed.

Some Asbestos Information

During World War II Asbestos was hailed by many as a miracle mineral. Almost anything could be built or manufactured from this mineral. The building and construction industries used it as an additive to strengthen cement and plastics. Asbestos fibers can be separated into thin threads which do not conduct electricity and are not affected by heat or chemicals. 

The four main types of asbestos are: Amosite with brown fibers, Anthophyllite with gray fibers, white Christie, and blue Crocidolite. Chrysotile has curly fibers while the other three have rod like fibers. These fibers break into dust quite easily and drift in the air. They can stick on skin, clothing, and can easily be swallowed or inhaled. 

Use of asbestos skyrocketed during World War II. Shipbuilding used asbestos extensively in freighters and support vessels to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. Asbestos became the miracle construction material as it was easily obtained, processed, and transported. 

After WWII cars used asbestos in break shoes and clutch pads. Asbestos found its way into residential and industrial building materials, water supply, sewage materials, ceiling and floor tiles, and vermiculite garden materials to name a few products. 

In the 1970’s the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in several products that could release asbestos fibers into the environment during use, following the discoveries of the health dangers of asbestos dust inhalation. Regulations governing the use of asbestos and concern of public opinion since 1970 have created a significant drop in the use of asbestos in the United States. 

In 1989 all new uses of asbestos were banned by the Environmental Protection Agency while any old uses before that year were still permitted. The EPA suggested that schools inspect for damaged asbestos and eliminate any exposure or enclose it in protective barriers. Vermiculite, widely used in horticulture, became a concern of the EPA that recommended outdoor use, limiting the amount of dust used, and keeping vermiculite damp. 

Asbestos may create serious health hazards such as coughing, lung damage, shortness of breath, and lung cancer. Most people do not become sick in the early stages of development, but usually need continued exposure, often on jobs such as mining, milling, manufacturing asbestos products, and building construction. Firemen, demolition workers, drywall removers, and any other workers in trades that involve destruction of buildings, ships, and automobiles are also exposed to the hazards and risks of asbestos. 

Over a period of years continual exposure to asbestos can cause very serious health problems, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of carcinoma of the membrane that lines numerous cavities of the body, including the lungs, abdomen and heart, and has been associated with exposure to asbestos dust. In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelioma metastasize and damage adjacent organs and tissues. 

Risk of developing mesothelioma takes a long period of time, often as long as twenty-five or thirty-five years before full blown symptoms appear. Not all workers who have been exposed will develop diseases caused by asbestos, but workers who have been exposed to it may bring fibers on their clothing, hair, shoes, and skin home to their families. To circumvent this risk, most industries require workers to bathe and change their clothing before they leave work. 

Many studies have been conducted involving the risks of diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The results of one such study involving the risks of smoking and exposure to asbestos proved extremely hazardous. 

For further information on asbestos, such as risks, research, lawsuits and disease support groups please visit: 
http://www.asbestos-headquarters.com

Mesothelioma Cancer-explained in a layman's language

Dear readers, many of my friends asked me to explain this deadliest disease in a very simple language or you can say that in a layman's language. I tried to explain it in that way, now you are the judge as to how far I could succeed in doing my job.

But before I do let me tell where the word "Cancer" came from. The word "Cancer" came from the Latin word "cancer" which means a crab (which is also the fourth sign of the Zodiac). This is probably because the appearance of some advanced cancers looks as if they are sprouting out tentacles/claws, somewhat like the general appearance of an entire crab.

Now back to Mesothelioma which is the medical name for cancer of the Lung, Heart and the Abdomen lining. According to The National Cancer Institute, malignant Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the Sac lining of the Chest (pleura), the Abdomen (peritoneum), or the Heart (pericardium).

In other words we can say that Mesothelioma (cancer of the Mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the Mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura{Chest} or peritoneum{Abdomen}.

We can also say that Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) Tumor affecting the lining of the Chest, Abdomen and Heart.

How to help children cope in case of having Mesothelioma Cancer

Telling children about any serious illness or disease is not easy. Same goes with the children whose elder ones like mom or dad has had the horrible disease Mesothelioma cancer. However, the best approach is a direct one as children, even very young ones, often sense that something is not right. Their fears need to be tackled appropriately and honesty is the best policy.

The amount of information you should give them depends on their age and how grown up they are. Being honest is one thing but giving them all the information at once may be too much. Try spreading it out a bit to ease the shock of the inevitable outcome.

Questions can be answered on a 'need to know basis' initially but as more hospital vists are undertaken and the patient is unwell at times then more detail needs to be offered. Getting the same question over and over again from young children can be difficult at times but it should be realised that this is a normal part of their development.

Teenagers may have a particularly hard time as they now have to cope with additional strong emotions and extra responsibilies, as well as the usual emotions which are part of their development into adults. They may need to turn to others outside the family if they find it difficult to talk to family members e.g.family friend, teacher or counsellor.

Grief raises its head everywhere and it is important to reasure children that it is not their fault that this illness has happened. It seems to be common amongst children that they feel they are to blame and these feelings could last for some time.
Additionally, they may need to be put right about what they have heard from friends and other people as it may not be correct.

Children need to be dealt with sensitively but honestly. But manage the communication of information according to age, maturity and circumstances. Here you need a lot of tactice; apply it accordingly and hope for the best. Even if one of the parents is in the final stage of mesothelioma cancer, applying all your tactice plus common sense could help the children understand, cope and accept the harsh reality of this silent killer disease. Take care bye bye.

Mesothelioma Tests

Doctor appointments are critical to make sure you’re staying in proper health. However, exposure to asbestos presents an added urgency for routine appointments. Because asbestos related diseases take decades to form, early detection is critical for proper treatment. People who have jobs in industries like construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing are particularly susceptible of contracting these conditions.

Even the best doctors in the world mistake early symptoms of asbestos related diseases with lesser conditions. Detection of mesothelioma relies mostly on associating proper symptoms with proper diagnosis because it is so subtle. If you have had exposure to asbestos, then you should alert your doctor of your medical history so they know what tests to look for and what tests to use.

Usually, the first mesothelioma test run by a doctor will use a device called a thorascope. The procedure is called thorascopy and is done by creating a small incision in the chest, and taking a sample of lung tissue to see if it’s cancerous or not. This procedure is performed at a hospital using local anesthesia and will cause a small amount of pain. There will also be a check for an excess amount of fluid which may be drained to ease the pressure and reduce pain.

If these tests are inconclusive, there will be more advanced test performed such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan to give doctors a 3D X-ray of the tissues. This will allow the doctors to analyze the potentially damaged areas. Another option is an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging scan). An MRI will take cross-section pictures of internal structures to separate healthy tissues from malignant ones. These two scans will allow doctors to be able and see potential dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.

Even with the best screening techniques available today mesothelioma often can escape diagnosis. The best thing to do is get screened early and consistently, especially if you had exposure to asbestos. Medical technology has breakthroughs every day and eventually a cure will be found for this silent killer. 

Some Mesothelioma Statistics

Mesothelioma statistics are data about mesothelioma – a dangerous cancer that affects the lining of the lungs,  abdomen, heart and reproductive organs too. It is a fatal disease with patients surviving for only one-two years after the diagnosis. Mesothelioma statistics have revealed that nearly seventy to eighty per cent of all cases of mesothelioma have been directly traced to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a frequently used material in construction, railroad, factory, shipyard and automobile industries. Mesothelioma statistics were able to highlight the link between asbestos and cancer nearly sixty years ago. However, unscrupulous industries have chosen to continue using asbestos for profit motives.

Mesothelioma statistics also portray mesothelioma to be a silent killer. This is because the disease lies dormant in the body for periods between ten to fifty years. It is usually diagnosed in patients when they are between fifty and seventy years of age. Normally the diagnosis of mesothelioma is only after the case has reached the last stage and there is very little hope for the survival of the patient.

The sad reality is that mesothelioma has no cure. According to mesothelioma statistics, after diagnosis, the average survival rate is only 12-24 months. Even with early detection and treatment, the survival rate can be stretched out to five years. Mesothelioma treatments are very expensive and usually range – between four hundred thousand and eight hundred thousand dollars. This is the reason why most of the mesothelioma patients have to file lawsuits to recover medical and other costs related to this killer disease.

Mesothelioma statistics reveal only the numbers of patients who have already been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This number is between two to three thousand new cases every year. However, mesothelioma statistics is not able to reveal or predict the numbers of people who continue to slowly develop the cancer inside them. There is no statistical data to provide the probable number of mesothelioma patients in the coming future.

Government regulations make mesothelioma patients eligible for compensation. Mesothelioma statistics can help in providing valuable information about the disease for compensation claims and lawsuits. Moreover, mesothelioma statistics can also help the mesothelioma victims and attorneys to gather valuable information for supporting their compensation claims.

Where did the word "Mesothelioma" come from?

The word "mesothelioma" came from the "mesothelial cells" which are present in all human beings. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial cells around the organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal organs and allows moving organs (i.e. the heart and the lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The names of the three regions of mesothelial cells that provide protective coating are 1) pleura, the sac which surrounds the lungs; 2) peritoneum, the lining which protects the abdominal cavity; and 3) pericardium, the sac which surrounds the heart.

Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack these three different regions.

Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks the pleura surrounding the lungs, this is the most common type of mesothelioma, affecting approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include horseness, fever, blood in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, loss of weight, difficulty breathing, chest pain, weak muscles, and reduced tactile sensitivity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: A cancer of the abdomen which attacks the peritoneum lining the abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one-third of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.
Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium surrounding the heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea, cough, and palpitations.

Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure, a type of building material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. 

Mesothelioma cases significantly increasing in United Kingdom

It is a rare cancer disease with cases that has been increasing significantly in the UK every year. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. A person contracts the disease either through contact with the skin or cloth or, worst, through direct inhalation.It has been diagnosed that it takes years and years before the disease eventually manifests and starts destroying the body. Upon contracting the disease, the malignant cells start lining the chest cavities, abdominal region, and the surrounding areas of the heart.

It takes years - sometimes decades - before the cancer patient shows indications of suffering from mesothelioma. The progression from diagnosis to a chain of eventual degeneration is quiet long and very erratic. This is the reason why experts find it difficult to get accurate data concerning this disease.

Asbestos exposure of one single member in the family can already be detrimental because the disease could quickly contaminate all other household members. No matter how small the contamination is, the percentage of infection would still be very higher. At present, it is reported that about 3000 patients have been confirmed as having the disease and about 1,700 mesothelioma cancer patients die every year.

Smokers are more susceptible to mesothelioma. However, there are those who contract the disease who are declared to be smokers even if they are not. The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are very common. Chances are at the very first time that symptoms manifest, they are ignored or simply dismissed as those of an ordinary illness. The reason why a patient's health could decline quickly is the lack of proper and immediate treatment owing to this.

The typical symptoms that denote the severity of a patient's condition are: dyspnea, pleuritic pain, lingering cough, unreasonable weight loss, frequent collapse of strength. Not all mesothelioma victims exhibit symptoms before the terminal stage is reached. But it is a must that a thorough check up must be done by an expert to get an accurate assessment.

The Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer

One rare form of cancer is called Mesothelioma, a malignant tumor in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen, arising from the inhalation of asbestos. Its rarity is one of the reasons why a lot of people are not aware of this kind of fatal disease. In fact, many people die of Mesothelioma undiagnosed. Although there is now a growing awareness of the hazards of asbestos to health, still many have not heard of Mesothelioma and thus, have not understood its nature, cause, signs and treatment. Even some physicians find it hard to detect Mesothelioma because its symptoms are akin to other diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. Furthermore, it takes decades for a patient who was exposed to asbestos to develop Mesothelioma — fifty years, at most.

Being unaware of Mesothelioma poses higher risks since it deters diagnosis and treatment. A person undergoing treatment must know the different stages of the cancer or the extent of the disease. Chances of recovering from Mesothelioma and the kind of treatment depend on the stage of the illness. There are basically two staging systems used for Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs): TNM system and Brighan system. These staging systems are also used in other kinds of cancers; however, the first is commonly used. There is no established method in determining the stage of the Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer (abdominal) so the TNM system is used.

There are three variables in the TNM system: tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis. In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in stage I Mesothelioma.

In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.

Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.

Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.

New Treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer

There are more new treatment possibilities for Mesothelioma cancer than surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy: the clinical trials. They offer not only benefits, but also risks that cancer patients should know before taking part in one of these research studies.

The U.S. National Cancer Institute sponsors clinical trials, because Mesothelioma cancer is difficult to control. This research is being performed to find out new treatments and better ways to use the current medical procedures.

Clinical trials are performed before the application of any new treatment in human beings, because doctors should know if the treatment is safe for their patients and effective to fight the disease on the stage level in which he is.

Patients with mesothelioma can participate in research programs as a treatment option, because the possibility exists in the United States. People interested in take part in a clinical trial, however, should talk with their doctors before.

There is information about clinical trials in the Cancer Information Service (CIS) of the above mentioned Institute or may call to the toll-free phone number 1–800–4–CANCER to talk to CIS staff who may identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials.

The Web have various information about the subject, such as basic trial information, trial description with a summary and the eligibility criteria, and trial sites and contacts in the U.S.

A Nutrition Guide for Mesothelioma's Patients

At some point during our childhood we have all been told to eat our vegetables. Forcing down tasteless green beans and brussels sprouts were supposed to make us taller and stronger. Well, so it is for mesothelioma patients. Diet is often an overlooked subject for cancer patients, but eating the right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as important as taking the proper medication.

Mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment must follow a special cancer diet devised by their nutritionists. Cancer diets involve eating the correct amounts of protein and calories as well as drinking the right amount of water to keep the ailing body replenished and energized. The body needs plenty of nourishment when it is going through chemotherapy or even when the patient is taking certain medications.

Doctors and nutritionists may also recommend a special cancer diet because many mesothelioma patients tend to lose their appetites due to worry over their condition. Also, those who are undergoing treatment may choose not to eat because of the unpleasant side effects they may experience. Chemotherapy, for example, and even some particular medications may cause an imbalance of nutrients that must be corrected in order to keep the body as strong as possible and to keep the patient from losing an excessive amount of weight. Other side effects of mesothelioma treatment include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, a change in the sense of smell or taste, and/or constipation.

Below are some of the important nutrients patients are encouraged to include in their mesothelioma diet:


Protein is important for any cancer patient because it helps repair tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Protein also helps maintain a strong and healthy immune system, lowering a mesothelioma patient’s risk of infection after aggressive cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing protein in a cancer diet with cheese, milk, ice cream, yoghurt, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, meats and fish.

Fats are an essential part of the cancer diet because they supply the body with the necessary energy it needs while undergoing treatment. The amount of fats (meaning the number of calories) a cancer diet should consist of is dependent on a mesothelioma patient’s age and body size. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing caloric intake with such foods as butter, milk, cheese, honey, sugar, granola and dried fruits.

Water is another essential element of the cancer diet. Without a substantial amount of water, the body will dehydrate. It is important that anyone undergoing cancer treatment receive enough water to keep their bodies hydrated and replenished.

The details of every patient’s mesothelioma diet will vary. Some patients will need to incorporate more fat into their diets, while others may need more protein. It is important that patients devise a cancer diet under the guidance of their doctor and nutritionist to ensure that they receive the proper amount of nutrients to improve their quality of life. Take Care see you next time!