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!

Mesothelioma Pain and Problems

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused due to exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma mainly affects the mesothelium which is a protective lining covering all internal organs of the body. Mostly, it originates in the pleura, which is between the outer part of the lungs & the chest cavity. Mesothelioma may also attack in or the lining of abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or the sac which surrounds heart (that is, pericardium).

It has been observed that person having Mesothelioma must have worked on a job where he may have inhaled asbestos particulates, or he might have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in any other way. It might be caused just by washing cloths of some family member handling asbestos regularly. But, unlike lung and oral cancer, there exists no link between mesothelioma & smoking. It is an unbelievable fact that an exposure of 1 or 2 months could result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 yrs later and for some, as much as seventy years later. People exposed in the 1960s and '70s are now diagnosed of mesothelioma due to the long latency of asbestos deposit.

On suffering from Mesothelioma, patient may have breathlessness, slight pain in the chest and cough, while peritoneal mesothelioma causes patient to lose weight and pain in the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes obstruction in bowel-area, abnormal blood clotting, anemia, and may also cause fever. In case the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause pain, troublesome swallowing, or swelling in neck and face. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed from biopsy by pathological examination If further examination is warranted, more tests may be done. Mesothelioma has three kinds of treatments. First one involves surgery, that is, to take out the cancer. Secondly, the deadly radiation therapy to kill cancer causing cells. The third is the chemotherapy, in which drugs are inserted in body to fight cancer.

Detailed Information on Types of Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Malignant mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma cancer is a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lung (pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the lining of the heart (pericardium). The most familiar type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, while pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are less frequent. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, although other factors such as smoking may result in additional complications. 

Smoking modern cigarettes does not seem to enlarge the risk of mesothelioma. Simian virus 40 (SV40) may act as a cofactor in the development of mesothelioma. There are five common types of mesothelioma. Four of are malignant cancers, and one is a benign condition. Pleural Mesothelioma type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma. Pericardial Mesothelioma form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. 

Testicular Mesothelioma is the infrequent type of malignant mesothelioma; to date, there have been less than 100 proof cases. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles. Benign Mesothelioma benign form of mesothelioma most commonly develops in the pleura. This is the only form of mesothelioma for which full cure and recovery is a probable outcome, though it may be a precursor of future asbestos-related problems. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. 

Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may comprise bowel obstruction, blood clotting irregularities, anemia, and fever. Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the sites of the cancer, the phase of the disease, and the patient's age and normal health. Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed. Radiotherapy may be used as part of treatment to try to cure mesothelioma.

How To Get Mesothelioma Cancer Treated, Everything About Mesothelioma

First off, you should understand how mesothelioma attacks the body. The main cause of mesothelioma cancer is certain materials called "Asbestos", these materials have very dangerous effects on the body. Asbestos were used in the past in many manufacturing company.

The mesothelioma cancer is one of the most dangerous cancers discovered till now, it can attack some places in the body like the pleura, the abdomen and the pericardium. According to the affected area, mesothelioma cancer can be classified to three types, the pericardial mesothelioma that attack the pericardium area, the pleural mesothelioma that attack the pleura area and the peritoneal mesothelioma that attack the pericardium area.

The main problems with diagnosis process is the very long time for symptoms to appear, they take about 45 years to appear. After they appear, they will be very similar to other disease that make the diagnosis process more harder.

The main cause of mesothelioma cancer was discovered, they are the asbestos, the asbestos materials are material that was used in the past in some manufacturing fields such as the cement and textile manufacturing fields. Asbestos are the main cause of mesothelioma cancer.

The main types of treatment should be, the surgery method, the chemotherapy method and the radiation method. The surgery method in which the doctor can remove the affected area with the tumors. The chemotherapy option in which the doctor give the mesothelioma patient some powerful chemical drugs that can kill the cancer cells instantly. The radiotherapy is also another treatment option for mesothelioma that can be combined with the other two options.

For mesothelioma litigation and compensation, the mesothelioma victim can make a litigation to have a suitable compensation from the manufacturing company that let him/her to deal with Asbestos. The mesothelioma settlement can reach millions of dollars.

There are other alternative medicine treatment by using some herbal drugs or by the other famous alternative medicine options. Finally, you must consul your doctor that can decide which treatment option should be more suitable than the other.

When the Asbestos enter the body, they settle on the wall of lungs cause inflammations, those inflammations can cause malignant tumors after many years, it takes very long time for mesothelioma symptoms to appear and this is why the diagnosis process for mesothelioma is very hard.

For treatment processes, mesothelioma cancer can be treated by using one of the following options, the first option is the surgery, the second option is the chemotherapy and the last effective option is the radiotherapy. There are many other options but not effective.

In the surgery option the surgeon will likely remove the malignant tumors from the lungs, in some cases, the surgeon may have to remove the whole lung. The surgery option is the most effective option to treat that cancer, whereas the chemotherapy and the radiation therapy are considered to be assistant treatment options.

The chemotherapy option can be used after the surgery as an assistant method to remove any remaining cancer cells. The radiation therapy is the option of using certain types of radiations that have the ability of destroying the cancer cells, this option can also be used after the surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

Mesothelioma Staging Systems-How Do You Stage Mesothelioma

Most known cancers have various staging systems which have been developed to aid doctors and physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of individual cases of cancer.

Pleural mesothelioma is the only form of mesothelioma that has been successfully staged as it is the commonest type of the disease.There are three different staging systems used to determine the extent of pleural mesothelioma, each one of these three different staging systems measure different aspects of the cancer,including the size of the tumor, the level of spreading(metastases)and the probable involvement of lymph nodes.
The stage of mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis determines to a very large extent the type of treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Butchart System

The Butchart System is the oldest staging system for malignant mesothelioma and is the one most commonly used by doctors and specialists to diagnose and treat the tumor. The Butchart System is based on the tumor size (mass) and divides malignant mesothelioma into four stages:

• Stage 1 - Malignant mesothelioma has affected the right or left side of the chest cavity (pleural lining) and may be seen in the diaphragm.

• Stage 2 - Malignant mesothelioma has been found in the pleura on both sides of the body and may have also moved into the heart, stomach, or esophagus on both sides. Lymph nodes may be affected.

• Stage 3 - Malignant mesothelioma has reached the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Lymph nodes past the chest may be affected.

• Stage 4 - Malignant mesothelioma has reached other organs and has entered the blood stream.

TNM System

The TNM System is a more modern staging system for malignant mesothelioma. The TNM System is based on the extent of the tumor, metastasis, and lymph node involvement. Again, the TNM System divides malignant mesothelioma into four stages:
• Stage 1 - Malignant mesothelioma is present in the left or right chest cavity (pleura) and may have metastasized to the lung, the sac around the heart (pericardium) or the diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes at stage 1 are not involved.

• Stage 2 - Malignant mesothelioma has reached from one side of the chest cavity to a lymph node near the lung area on the same side as the cancer. The cancer has metastasized to the diaphragm, pericardium (sac around the heart), or the lung on the same side as the primary tumor.

• Stage 3 - Malignant mesothelioma has penetrated the chest lining, heart, esophagus, muscle, ribs and vital organs within the chest cavity on the same side as the cancer. Lymph nodes may or may not be involved during this stage.

• Stage 4 - Malignant mesothelioma has metastasized to the pleural area and the lymph nodes on the opposite side of where the cancerous tumor is located. It may also have reached the chest cavities or lungs on both sides, or may have spread to the abdomen.

Brigham System

The Brigham System is the most modern of the three malignant mesothelioma staging systems. The Brigham System looks at different variables such as the involvement of the lymph nodes and the surgical ability to remove a malignant mesothelioma tumor (resectability). For this reason, it is not used very often to stage mesothelioma, as the cancer is rarely operable. The Brigham System divides malignant mesothelioma into four stages:

• Stage 1 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is still resectable (able to be removed surgically) and the lymph nodes are not affected.

• Stage 2 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is still resectable, but the lymph nodes are now affected.

• Stage 3 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is not resectable and the malignant mesothelioma has penetrated the heart, chest wall, abdominal cavity or diaphragm. Lymph nodes may or may not be affected.

• Stage 4 - Malignant mesothelioma tumor is not resectable and has completely metastasized (spread throughout the body).

Process of Staging Malignant Mesothelioma

When mesothelioma is diagnosed by a physician or specialist, they must determine the extent of the cancer and how far it has spread. Most often, they will use imaging procedures to see inside the chest or abdomen to help determine the staging of the malignant mesothelioma. The imaging options physicians may use include:
• Chest X-ray
• CT scan of the chest and/or abdomen
• MRI scan of the chest and/or abdomen
• PET of the chest and/or abdomen