Monday, March 30, 2009

3 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatments Explained

There are two main types of cancer non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Of the two, NSCLC is much more widespread representing 80% of cases. It begins when the cells of the lung start to expand and multiply rapidly and uncontrollably. Over time this can cause a malignant (cancerous) tumour to develop in the lungs which then kills the surrounding cells as it grows. Although this condition is potentially fatal there are a number of treatments that can be used depending on how advanced the cancer has become. In this article I will be discussing three of these NSCLC treatments.

1) SURGERY:- Surgery is normally used to treat cancers that have not spread beyond the lungs. There are two main types of surgery that are used to treat non-small cell lung cancer. Where possible one of the lobes of the lung is removed in a surgical process called a lobectomy. However, if the cancer has spread beyond the lobe then the entire lung may have to be removed in a process called a pneumonectomy.

2) CHEMOTHERAPY:- Chemotherapy involves using medications that kill cancer cells to treat the NSCLC. It is often used when the cancer has become more advanced and surgery is no longer a viable option. However, it may also be used before surgery (to shrink the cancer cells and make the procedure easier to perform) or after surgery (to kill off any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence). Unfortunately, chemotherapy is not a perfect treatment and has a number of unpleasant, associated side effects including feelings of sickness, a poor appetite and hair loss. However, in most cases these symptoms disappear when the course of chemotherapy ends.

3) RADIOTHERAPY:- Radiotherapy involves using high doses of radiation to destroy cancerous cells. It can be either internal (where radioactive implants are placed inside the malignant cells) or external (where radioactive rays are aimed at the cancerous tumour from outside the body). Like chemotherapy, this type of non-small cell lung cancer treatment is normally used when the cancer has spread beyond the lungs and surgery is not possible. However, it may also be used pre and post surgery to make it easier to perform and reduce the chances of the NSCLC coming back.

Cancer is a terrible disease and learning that you have developed non-small cell lung cancer can be very unpleasant. However, you need to remember that it can be treated especially when it is discovered in the early stages. I hope this article has given you an overview of the possible NSCLC treatments but to get the full picture you should go see your doctor. They will be able to provide you with professional advice and offer you the most suitable treatment.

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

Tom Parker

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


Saturday, March 28, 2009

What is Asbestos Cancer?

Exposure to a constant and high level of asbestos can often times lead to cancer. Mesothelioma and lunch cancer are to of the most common asbestos cancers reported today. Gastrointestinal cancer and colorectal cancer have also been highly reported due to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a highly hazardous chemical that was commonly used in homes and buildings starting in the 1930's. Asbestos was used as insulation in walls as well as the backing for flooring. What makes this chemical so harmful to people is that when dry, the small shards of asbestos break off and become airborne which then creates the chance of inhaling the chemical. If asbestos is inhaled on a consistent basis, the shards attach onto the lunch tissue and in the breathing airway. After a while of continuous exposure, shards become inflamed which can lead to the growth of cancerous tumors.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that unfortunately is extremely difficult, if not impossible to cure. It attacks the thin lining of the lungs, abdomen and heart and typically affects 2,000-3,000 people every year. The link between Mesothelioma and asbestos was not originally known as most types of this cancer have not progressed to a cancerous form for 20-50 years after exposure. However, scientists who have researched for decades on the link have found that the two are directly related to each other.

Lung cancer, another commonly diagnosed cancer caused by asbestos is equally as dangerous as Mesothelioma, but this cancer can be linked to other issues such as smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke and not just asbestos exposure. Some of the symptoms of lung cancer are chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic coughing, a change in color of sputum or blood in your sputum. Other symptoms include chronic fatigue, headaches and weight loss. Contact your physician immediately if you are concerned that this cancer may have been caused by a constant level of asbestos.

Since Asbestos cancer takes such a long time to come out of dormancy, and the signs and symptoms are so subtle, that a trip to your physician is not warranted until it is too late. In cases of cancer caused by asbestos, many times these cancers are incurable because they were not aware of the sickness to begin with.

Get instant information on Asbestos Cancer at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com - Asbestos Cancer


Matt Murren

Thursday, March 26, 2009

The Harm of Asbestos Exposure

If you think you have had any asbestos exposure, you should contact a doctor immediately. Inhaling the small, sliver-like shards of this mineral, used in insulation in older homes and businesses can be extremely hazardous to your health, especially after prolonged exposure.

If you have only had one or two short exposures to this mineral, you should be able to breath easy, however, if you work in an office or have lived in a home that has been ridden with asbestos for decades, you may have already done some serious harm to yourself. Asbestos easily becomes airborne, especially friable asbestos. When inhaled, these small shards attach themselves onto the lining of your lungs and into your lung tissue as well as in your airways. Over time, with continuous asbestos exposure, these imbedded shards can become inflamed and turn into cancerous tumors called Mesothelioma or lung cancer. Both cancers are very difficult cancer to treat.

Clean up can occur to cease any more asbestos exposure. Companies are available that specialize solely in the removal of asbestos. This is a pricey conquest and certainly not an easy task, but it will prove to be invaluable when you are no longer subjecting yourself or others to this dangerous chemical. When a company comes in to remove the asbestos, it generally requires the removal of the insulation itself, which means tearing down the drywall.

The proper protective gear is worn during this time as well as well ventilated breathing masks. Most people employed by asbestos removal companies are asked to not have facial hair to lessen the risk of any asbestos "clinging" onto the hair and risking the chance of inhalation. It is imperative that the material remains wet at all times as friable asbestos, when dry, is the worst asbestos exposure. Once the asbestos is removed, it is placed inside a protective container and taken to a landfill that accepts asbestos disposal. Many landfills do not accept this chemical, so make sure to call ahead. It is possible to take on the task of removing the asbestos yourself, but trusting a reliable company to do the work for you will ensure that it is done correctly and will lessen your risk of asbestos exposure if you do not do it right the first time. Your health is not anything to play around with and it is important not to take any risks, especially when hazardous chemicals are involved.

Get instant information on The Harm of Asbestos Exposure at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com - Asbestos Exposure

Matt Murren

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The Ins and Outs of Asbestos Laws

Asbestos laws are laid out to protect those who have unknowingly been exposed to this harmful and hazardous chemical (at the awareness of another party). These laws were put into place to help those exposed to asbestos, who have suffered because of this exposure seek compensation.

When you are exposed to a serious level of asbestos, you are greatly risking your chance of contracting lunch cancer, Mesothelioma or a whole other slew of long-term health issues such as breathing difficulties and problems in your peritoneum. You are also at risk of contracting a disease that is called asbestosis which is a long-time build-up of scar tissue in the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos on a regular basis. This build-up is what leads to lunch cancer or Mesothelioma. If left untreated, it can have an end result of death. This is why asbestos laws are in place.

Many buildings built as early as 1930 contain a large level of asbestos. Many have had the asbestos removed, eliminating the risk for exposure. However, there are many dishonest business owners out there who have been made aware of the underlying issues with asbestos in their building and choose to keep quiet, possibly because of the high cost of removing the asbestos, or their lack of education in how harmful and hazardous asbestos truly is. Not making your employees aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure can land a business owner in serious hot water. Asbestos laws have been created to bring about lawsuits to companies and individuals who have been negligent on their inability to remove the asbestos from their work environment. Many people who have lost asbestos lawsuits have been forced to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in retribution pay.

The best thing that you can do is to follow and obey the asbestos laws. Clean up and dispose of any asbestos problems you may have in your business or home and make your employees aware that you have done so will create a healthier and a more respectable and forthright working environment. By making your employees aware that you have addressed the asbestos situation will protect you from any further risk of lawsuits brought on by different individuals.

Get instant information on The Ins and Outs of Asbestos Laws at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com, Asbestos Laws

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Getting Justice in Asbestos Litigation

If you have been exposed to a large amount of asbestos in your place of employment and have been experiencing a significant amount of symptoms, you may qualify for a lawsuit. Asbestos litigation was set in place to protect those exposed to asbestos. Lawsuits have been successfully won when an employer failed to make their employees aware of the potential threat of asbestos poisoning, while still exposing their employees to the hazardous chemical. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis or other cancer related issues, you may qualify for a hefty lawsuit.

When pursuing a lawsuit, it must first be determined that you were exposed to asbestos from the designated place of origin. If it is found that asbestos does or did exist during the time of your exposure, you will qualify for the lawsuit. It must be said, however, that a tremendous amount of "unfounded" asbestos lawsuits are holding up the court, pushing back severe cases for many years. You can expect a much larger amount if your health issues are advanced. Some companies have been forced to file bankruptcy due to unnecessary payouts to plaintiff's whose problems are not severe enough to warrant a lawsuit. This scenario is unfortunate because there are many legitimate cases of asbestos exposure victims who may never get their chance to be heard due to other frivolous lawsuits.

Since the start of asbestos litigations, companies have paid out over $70 billion dollars in claims are costs related to the claims. Many lawyers are filing frivolous claims on behalf of their clients "pain and suffering" who show little or no physical impairment at all. The unfortunate part of these lawsuits is that those who are really suffering from terrible ailments such as cancer and asbestosis are being pushed to the wayside due to lack of funds and time. The Supreme Court has been repeatedly asked to put an end to these frivolous types of lawsuits, making those who truly need it, get the compensation that they deserve.

Get instant information on Getting Justice in Asbestos Litigation at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com, Asbestos Litigation

Matt Murren

Friday, March 20, 2009

Asbestos Regulations in Homes and Buildings

Asbestos was a common mineral used for years many decades ago in homes and buildings to be used in insulation and flooring among other things. In recent years, it has been discovered that exposure to asbestos is extremely hazardous to your health and has been known to cause Mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as several other severe breathing problems. These cancers and health problems are caused by the dry fibers of the asbestos to become airborne and when inhaled, it attaches onto your lung tissue or breathing airway.

With the discovery of the hazards of it, new asbestos regulations have been put in place for buildings and homes that are being demolished as well as any of these locations that are being remodeled or repaired. Disrupting the balance of the asbestos can cause the shards to quickly become airborne, exposing those nearest to be put into harms way.

Due to relatively new laws, federal regulations require any building of a certain age to be surveyed and tested to check for the presence of asbestos. If it is detected, it must be cleaned up and removed before the demolition can take place. If this is not done, the permits will not be granted and a fine will ensue. It is imperative that you do not try to remove the asbestos yourself. This can be dangerous to not only you, but those around you. There are professional companies who are highly trained in the removal of asbestos in the quickest and safest way, keeping the asbestos exposure to a minimum.

Because of homeowner's private rights, most residential homes are exempt from following any asbestos regulations. Although the removal of asbestos is highly recommended to a homeowner, because it is a private resident, it is not required to oblige the law. Commercial businesses, public works or domain projects are required to report the detection of asbestos and have it certified upon completion once the asbestos has been removed. Following asbestos regulations may be time consuming, but overall, it is for the health and well being of many and should be taken extremely seriously.

Get instant information on Asbestos Regulations in Homes and Buildings at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com - Asbestos Regulations

Matt Murren

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

How to Test For Asbestos

If you live in an older home (built before 1980), there may be a strong chance that you are being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was once used as insulation and floor backing in homes and places of business until researchers came up with the realization that when airborne and inhaled, asbestos can be extremely hazardous to your health, causing a gamut of health problems such as breathing difficulties, asbestosis and even more severe health issues such as lung cancer and Mesothelioma. By having an asbestos test done, you can eliminate the worry of wondering whether or not you are exposing yourself or your family to this harmful chemical.

There are several different ways that you can test your home to see if you or family is being exposed to asbestos. You can contact a company who specializes in the detection, clean up and removal of asbestos. If you choose to go with one of these companies, make sure that they are licensed and bonded and come with a list of referrals to ensure that you are going with a company who puts their client's health and safety first.

If you feel up to the task, you may also test for asbestos exposure yourself with a do-it-yourself kit. You can get these from a number of sources. Many of them are mail-in tests what will provide you with all of the necessary items you need to conduct the asbestos test. You start testing for asbestos by using the proper respiratory protection such as a mask and body suit (make sure that all hair, including facial hair) is not exposed as asbestos easily clings to hair, risking further exposure. Wearing proper gloves, completely wet the sample you are going to take with a spray bottle to eliminate the chance that any part of the insulation will go airborne. Using a razor knife or chisel, section out the desired piece of wall or flooring for sampling. Make sure to get all layers of flooring or wall to ensure you gather all traces of asbestos. Then place your sample in one of the sealed bags and send to the proper location. These tests generally run approximately $30 and you will have your results in as little as two weeks time.

Get instant information on How to Test for Asbestos at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com - Test for Asbestos

Matt Murren

Monday, March 16, 2009

The Problems With Mesothelioma Litigation

40 years ago when the first Mesothelioma litigation happened, the payoff, for that time period, was great. A few decades later when more lawsuits transpired due to a heightened awareness of Mesothelioma cancer due to asbestos exposure, the lawsuits became significantly larger. Today, however, lawsuits are being drawn up for "victims" of asbestos exposure who show little to no signs of any physical ailments, blocking the way for legitimate cancer sufferers from getting their due justice.

The reasons for the increase in Mesothelioma cases is not entirely sure, but most feel as though it is "easy money" where so-called victims who show little to no signs of any medical impairment try to eek out a cash settlement from companies. Another reason for the increase in these litigation cases could be possibly because many people who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or lung cancer due to asbestos exposure do not even realize when or where they were exposed to this hazardous chemical, making it difficult and extremely time consuming to find the exact culprit of the exposure.

The Supreme Court is trying to put a law in place that will end frivolous lawsuits in Mesothelioma cases or in asbestos exposure complaints. If this law passes, it clear the way for more legitimate cases to be heard by the courts and leave companies more willing and financially able to compensate those who are truly victims of asbestos exposure. Because the law has not been legalized, more and more Mesothelioma litigation cases are tying up the court system. Many companies named in these lawsuits are compelled to do a pay-out before the cases reach the court; however, with the increasing number of litigation cases, more companies are becoming bankrupt after the amount of payoffs surpass their insurance cash holdings.

Most states have a time limit in effect that requires you to file a lawsuit motion within a 12-24 month period of time from the date of your medical diagnosis. If you have a loved one who has passed away due to Mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, you will have the same time limit of 12-24 months to place your claim. This does not give you a tremendous amount of time if you do not know where the asbestos exposure came from which could mean that your Mesothelioma litigation will not happen in the time limit required.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Pleural Asbestosis - Treatment for Mesothelioma Symptoms

An October 2005 report states that a new method that assists diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is to measure the presence of osteopontin in blood. Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more.

Treatment of pleural mesothelioma is limited and as yet there is no proper cure. Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more. Pleural Mesothelioma is a serious ailment that affects the thoracic cavity. It is a rare form of cancer that is mostly associated with exposure to asbestos. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs. They all come to the same conclusion - the disease is almost always fatal. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases.

Symptoms

During the early stages of Mesothelioma, the. One of the characteristics of mesothelioma is that symptoms can appear very late, sometimes 50 years following first contact with asbestos. In fact, the first signs of abdominal asbestos mesothelioma may not be noticeable until 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Moreover, the symptoms can vary, depending on several factors, such as the specific type of mesothelioma a patient has and his length of exposure to asbestos. Besides, exhaustion, weight loss and appetite loss are some of the other contributing symptoms. The person who has developed mesothelioma has to be diagnosed immediately when these symptoms are seen. The symptoms and signs of Mesothelioma can be incredibly common that is why the patient may just take it for granted. Diagnosing mesothelioma (within the framework of western medicine) can be challenging, because the symptoms are quite similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.

Asbestos Cancer

The most preferable option can be of preventive treatment for Mesothelioma. Strict industrial safety measures, proper hygiene, and regular check up of workers exposed to asbestos must form the crucial part of serious Mesothelioma preventive treatment methods. Activities such as washing clothes of a person who has. Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was once widely used in a range of items, from ceiling and wall tiles to insulation and auto brakes. Most reader know that it is possible to buy ads that will be displayed on Search Engine results pages when certain keywords are searched on. The current record high payment for keyword advertising of this type is held by "mesothelioma" and "asbestos cancer". Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops by exposure to asbestos. The person who has been exposed to asbestos can claim the compensation from the asbestos firm as a financial security to fulfill the future needs of their family. The infected person can claim the compensation amount from those irresponsible firms that expose asbestos. The Code of Federal Regulations states that asbestos is to be considered a most hazardous toxic substance and you can immediately claim the legal compensation. They will either die from mesothelioma or sarcoidosis. Which are both asbestos cancers which.

Treatment of Asbestos Exposure

However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. Mesothelioma diagnosis is very important as far as an early treatment is considered. High risk groups such as asbestos and construction workers must undergo frequent check-ups to monitor any conditions leading to mesothelioma. Because this cancer is so deadly, early diagnosis and treatment can help prolong life, but the mortality rate is usually 100% within five years. A Mesothelioma diagnosis can be stressful for anyone and therefore you will have a lot of questions. The following worksheets will guide you in asking the right questions when consulting a doctor about what the right course of treatment is best for you. This tumor as a long lactation period and is often diagnosed 30-50 years after the exposure. The determining factors that needs to be taken into account before the commencement of the mesothelioma treatment are:. These symptoms may also be accompanied by weight loss, fever and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment must be sought immediately. Phase III trials are used to compare a new treatment method with a currently used treatment program. And if a western treatment is chosen as part of the healing protocol, it's important to know what side effects to expect and how to minimize them.

Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, continues to remain a challenge for the medical fraternity. This form of cancer is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. For example, the cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain experienced in pleural mesothelioma is often seen in lung infections such as pneumonia. Typically, once symptoms are more pronounced the cancer is fairly advanced and treatment becomes less effective. The average survival time is approximately one year, and five-year survival is lower than ten percent. Because of this poor prognosis, the cancer is treated as aggressively as the patient's overall physical condition allows, with some combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor found in the mesothelial cells of an organ. Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is in accordance with the length of time you are exposed to asbestos.

Raltitrexed

Raltitrexed Is Related to the Pleural Mesothelioma Drug Alimta®. Raltitrexed is in the class of chemotherapy drugs called antifolates. Raltitrexed is closely related to pemetrexed (Alimta®), another antifolate.

Sometimes a few benign cases are also noticed. Traditional treatment for pleural mesothelioma is not very effective. Pleural Mesothelioma is affiliated with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers. It is a rare form of cancer that is mostly associated with exposure to asbestos. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fast-moving cancer with a median survival time of between one and two years. The organs where this form of cancer is most commonly found are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Pleural Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining and is the most common form of Mesothelioma. The symptoms can occur from both to three months before Mesothelioma is discovered. Pleural Mesothelioma is the ordinarily occurring type which takes part in almost both thirds of the total detected Mesothelioma cases.

For more related information towards Pleural Asbestosis, Asbestosis, Asbestos Fibers Feel free to read these articles, I'm sure they'll help out.


Loz L

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Mesothelioma - Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

Do you know what the most common symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are? Well, the most common symptoms are shortness of breath and pain in the chest. These symptoms occur due to a buildup of fluid in the pleura, what is known as Pleural Mesothelioma. However there are other symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, those may include weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, this is due to an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneal mesothelioma may include other uncomfortable symptoms too, such as bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever. However these symptoms can appear before if malignant cancerous cells have spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, and other symptoms such as trouble swallowing, pain, and swelling of the neck or face may appear.

Mesothelioma or other less serious conditions may caused these symptoms, therefore the importance of going to a doctor if you feel any of these symptoms, because only an expert like him can make a correct diagnosis.

Mesothelioma cancer rate has increased over the past 20 years and although this disease is not as common as other cancer pathologies, the number of new diagnosed cases in the United States has risen up to 2,000 per year.

According to experts the major risk factor for developing Mesothelioma lies in working with asbestos, so if you are a asbestos worker remember following the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations in order to reduce your risk.

In our next article we are going to analyze the different aspects of "Mesothelioma Diagnosis".

Written by Hector Milla. If you want to read more articles about malignant mesothelioma cancer visit http://www.mesotheliomacancercity.com

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Mesothelioma Symptoms

There are different types of Mesothelioma depending on the organ affected and these different types of result in different symptoms. In this article we will consider the symptoms of pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

This affects the lungs and results in chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing. A common symptom experienced by those suffering from Pleural Mesothelioma is also a build up of fluid between the parietal pleura and visceral pleura in the chest. These symptoms are often not picked up early in the disease. This is the most common form of Mesothelioma with 75 percent of the cases.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This affects the stomach and results in abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, bowel problems nausea and fluid retention. This form is not as common as pleural Mesothelioma but the symptoms normally show up quicker after asbestos-exposure than for the pleural type.

Similarities and Differences

Pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma are both malignant cancers that are caused primarily due to exposure to asbestos. The symptoms normally do not show up for many years after this exposure though with the average being 20-30 years after exposure for peritoneal Mesothelioma and 30-40 years for pleural Mesothelioma.

The symptoms of pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma usually occur years after exposure to asbestos and vary depending on the organ that is affected with pleural symptoms being in the chest and breathing related, and peritoneal symptoms relating to the appetite, bowel movements and abdomen. Ultimately both types are malignant and more often than not result in death.

This article was written by Mandy Buchanan. For our full report on What is Mesothelioma click here

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Mesothelioma Symptoms Information

Mesothelioma can be described as a rare type of cancer which is caused due to the exposure of humans to asbestos. In more clear words, mesothelioma occurs when asbestos are inhaled and absorbed into the individuals bloodstream which results in the formation of a cancerous coating on the internal body organs of patients.

Pleural Mesothelioma is considered as the most common type of mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma creates a tumor on the pleura - the sac which lines the chest cavity protecting the human lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is another type of mesothelioma which affects the peritoneum of the human abdominal cavity. There are also several other forms which effect various areas such as the lining of the heart and abdomen.

Causes of Mesothelioma

As mentioned earlier, exposure to asbestos is the main reason for mesothelioma cancer. Asbestos is a heatresistant fibrous mineral which is commonly used for various industrial purposes. Asbestos is widely used as the main object in creating gasket compounds, roofing, patching compounds, and floor tiles. Asbestos dust is injurious to the human body, and may invariably lead to this cancerous condition if exposed to for a longer period of time.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

According to physicians, mesothelioma is common with people working with asbestos. It is reported that the effect of a couple of weeks or even less can result in the risk of mesothelioma. The effect is not immediate and to say an average it takes around 35 to 45 years to develop a malignant tumor. Mesothelioma cancer is mostly seen in miners, factory workers, railroad laborers, ship builders, insulation workers, and gas mask makers.

Some of the main symptoms of mesothelioma cancer include breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and continuous coughing causing chest and stomach pains.

Treatments

With the advancement in science and technology, newer treatment techniques have been introduced, and some of it is looking promising as well.

Today, there are several procedures used for mesothelioma treatment. The type of mesothelioma treatment purely depends on several factors such as the health and age of the patient, location of the cancer, and the stage of the disease.

The main form of treatment for mesothelioma is surgery to remove the tumor and some of the tissue around the infected part. For cancer of the pleura, an operation known as pneumonectomy is usually done to remove a lung. In certain cases, the diaphragm, the muscle just below the lungs which aids in breathing is removed.

Radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, is another method of mesothelioma treatment. In this treatment high energy rays are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumor affected cells.

Another treatment for mesothelioma cancer is chemotherapy. In this treatment anticancer drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the patients body. This treatment involves the administration of the drugs by injection into a vein.

Christian Louis