Archive for the ‘malignant mesothelioma’ Category

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The History of Asbestos-Related Mesothelioma

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Asbestos is a fiber that was once used in construction as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos fibers are small and toxic, easily entering the body through the lungs and causing a number of health problems. Exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the meosthelium or protective lining that covers the body’s internal organs, most notably the lining of the lungs and chest, known as the pleura. While mesothelioma can be caused by other factors, the majority of cases are linked to asbestos exposure.


Asbestos-related mesothelioma first gained attention in 1929 when the first lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers was filed. Both sides settled and agreed to avoid pursuing similar cases in the future, and asbestos harmful effects yet again dropped off the radar.


In 1960, however, asbestos and mesothelioma were in the news again. In a paper published by Wagner et al, asbestos was declared as the official cause of mesothelioma. The paper cited more than 30 cases of mesothelioma in people who were either working in asbestos mines or spent a good deal of time in proximity to asbestos. Two years later, an Australian asbestos worker was diagnosed with the first case of malignant mesothelioma. He worked in the asbestos mines in Wittenoom, Australia for just two years before developing the disease.


Wittenoom would eventually become a mesothelioma nightmare. A mining town that revolved around the asbestos mills, the mines asbestos waste had an affect on many who lived there, whether or not they worked in the mines. Toxic levels of the mines asbestos were found on playgrounds, and cases of mesothelioma began to crop up in mine workers and non-mine workers alike. Mining in Wittenoom lasted from 1943 to 1966 despite the existence of proof that asbestos caused mesothelioma and other serious medical conditions.


The mines were owned and operated by CSR Limited, a company that produced aluminum and construction materials including asbestos insulation. The company didn’t take proper safety precautions to control the exposure of individuals to asbestos from the mines.


In fact, during the period that CSR Limited Wittenoom mines were in operation, thousands of mine workers, their families, and visitors were exposed to lethal amounts of asbestos. There were regulations in place at the time as to how to control asbestos exposure for mine operators; CSR Limited simply didn’t follow them.


The Western Australia Health Department issued several warnings to CSR, but they failed to make any changes to protect the miners and townspeople, even after many cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases began to spring up.


In the late 1970’s the Western Australian government began shutting down the town of Wittenoom because it was no longer safe to live there. Asbestos levels were far too toxic, and, eventually, at least a third of those exposed to asbestos in Wittenoom would be diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.


In 1979, suits were brought against CSR Limited, and they were found to have shown conscious negligence and disregard for the safety of the mine workers and the town. Even now, new cases of mesothelioma related to the Wittenoom tragedy are being diagnosed, costing CSR Limited millions of dollars in settlements.


Asbestos is still widely used in many products today, despite its toxicity. Attempts to legislate a ban on asbestos, so far, has been overturned by the courts. The EPA has resources available to provide you with information about asbestos, asbestos-related products, and how to control your asbestos exposure.

Wittenoom : http://www.asbestosdiseases.org.au/asbestosinfo/wittenoom_tragedies.htmCSR Limited :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CSR_LimitedMesothelioma : http://www.asbestosnews.com/html/lung-cancer.html

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What is Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Pericardial mesothelioma is a form of mesothelioma that affects the lining of the heart,

(pericardium).

Mesothelioma affects various body organs and therefore has several forms including pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the lungs) and peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the stomach). However, pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the heart, is the rarest form of mesothelioma.


How Common is Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is the most rare form of mesothelioma, found in less than 10% of Mesothelioma cases (about 200 new cases yearly). Because it is so rare, little research has been conducted to better understand the symptoms of this disease and how it progresses.


How Pericardial Mesothelioma Affects the Body

In pleural mesothelioma, tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodge in the lungs. However, it is not clear how these tiny fibers reach the lining of the heart. One theory is that the asbestos pieces that are inhaled and lodged in the lungs break down and are carried through the bloodstream, lodging in the heart lining. Once this occurs, chronic inflammation leads to the development of cancerous tissue.


Symptoms

Once cancer tumors begin to develop, the tissue expands and fluid accumulation occurs, resulting in:

· Irregular heartbeat

· Chest pain

· Shortness of breath

· Persistent cough

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer, difficult to diagnose, and poorly responsive to treatment. By the time symptoms appear and the cancer is diagnosed, the disease is often advanced. The average survival time is about one year. However, if the cancer is found early and treated aggressively, almost half of the patients reach the two-year mark, and about 20% survive five years.

 

If you live in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware or Tennessee and have suffered from exposure to asbestos, please visit the website of The Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos today.

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Mesothelioma: Beware the Dangers of Asbestos

Saturday, March 20th, 2010


Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the thin tissue layer coating many of your organs. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 2,000-3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.

There are three types of mesothelioma cancer. Each is classified based on where it occurs in your body:

· Pleural malignant mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your lungs. It is the most common form of the disease.

· Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue around your abdomen.

· Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your heart.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the region of your body affected by the cancer. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

· Shortness of breath

· Painful breathing

· Painful coughing

· Chest pain near the rib cage

· Lumps of tissue under your chest skin

· Weight loss

· Dry cough

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

· Abdominal pain

· Abdominal swelling

· Change in bowel habits (frequent diarrhea or constipation)

· Lumps of tissue in abdomen

· Weight loss

· Nausea

· Vomiting

Causes of Mesothelioma

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a harmful fiber used as insulation. People who have a high exposure to asbestos are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. This exposure most commonly occurs in the workplace. Frequently, blue collar jobs in mines, ship yards, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and railway facilities place people at greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

If asbestos dust is breathed or swallowed, the fibers can settle in your lungs or stomach, resulting in an irritation that ultimately causes mesothelioma. People with very high levels of exposure to asbestos are at greater risk of contracting mesothelioma than people with lower levels of exposure. It can take as long as 30 to 40 years for the disease to develop.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Over the years, many lawsuits have been filed and won on behalf of people exposed to asbestos at work. If you have been diagnosed with this rare cancer, you should consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney at once to see if you have a valid claim.

It is important to choose an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma claims. This is a highly complex area of the law, and you should not trust your case to someone lacking the proper experience. Several factors complicate many of these claims, including:

· The long delay between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma

· The widespread use of asbestos in many common products

· The ability to develop mesothelioma from second-hand exposure to asbestos

These factors can often make it difficult to prove precisely where you were exposed to this dangerous fiber. You will need a lawyer who can skillfully work with these factors and still help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are most likely looking at a lifetime of pain, medical expenses, and lost earning capacity. You should be compensated for your injuries. Why trust your mesothelioma claim to someone who is not an expert?

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in the Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Delaware area, please contact the law offices of Peter G. Angelos, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with an experienced mesothelioma attorney.

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A Look at Some Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Cancer

Friday, March 19th, 2010

Mesothelioma cancer is malignant mesothelioma and this means that cells found in the lining of various organs like heart, lungs and abdomen, grow abnormally retaining fluid. This disease has been around for a long time and it was first discovered in 1887 and then ignored. It was until 1970s that companies and governments started to recognize that it is a serious disease. This is mainly because it is caused by a mineral that can manufacture up to 3,000 products. The mineral occurs naturally on the earth and it is usually mined and is commonly called asbestos. This is a unique substance for apart from causing a deadly disease, it defies fire and cannot be burnt. Mesothelioma cancer affects the lining referred to as the mesothelium and exposure to asbestos could have happened during childhood. It takes over 30 years for the symptoms to start showing.

The disease has not been very common although the number of new cases has increased by a little percentage. Men will suffer from the disease more often than women and people of all ages can be affected. The people who are at a higher risk of getting the disease work closely with asbestos and they include shipyard workers, asbestos mine workers and so many other workers. They can expose their families with their cloths. Safety measures have now be put in place to protect industry workers and protective cloths and equipment have been introduced. Workers can also take a shower and change cloths before they leave their work premises. Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer differ with the particular organ the disease affects. Some of the most common symptoms include the following.

You will experience swelling of various organs, pain, weight loss, bowel obstruction, blood clotting, anemia and so many other symptoms. When you suspect you have the illness, do not conclude that it is mesothelioma cancer you have to go through a series of tests first before you conclude whether your illness is malignant or cancerous. You will have x rays performed and even a biopsy and when the doctor finds conclusive evidence of the disease, this is not the end. The symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are so similar to other diseases and it is therefore very difficult to diagnose the disease. You have very many treatment options and they can manage your condition depending on how bad it is. If the doctor recommends a certain treatment, like surgery, you can consult and make sure that it is the best decision for you available. Radiation and chemotherapy options are also available.

There are other treatment options that have not been concluded and you will find so many resources on this topic. Getting the right knowledge is vital to help you know what to expect if you are affected by the problem. You will be in a position to help others when the opportunity arises. Patients can sue for compensation if they feel that they need justice to be done. Good mesothelioma lawyers are available and it is upon you to find a lawyer who can represent you to win the case.

Peter Gitundu Is A Web Administrator And Has Been Researching And Reporting On Mesothelioma For Years. You Can Post Your Views On this Article On My Blog Here

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Treatments of Mesothelioma Cancer

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

There are treatments for all patients with malignant Mesothelioma. However, the treatment option that is chosen for a particular patient depends on a number of factors such as the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, patient’s age and general health, the extent of the damage, etc. treatment is generally of three kinds,

1. Surgery in which case the cancerous portion is removed from the body.
2. Radiation therapy (using x-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells).
3. Chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer).

Surgery
Surgery is the physical way of treating Mesothelioma in which the cancerous cells are physically removed. Surgery is a common way to treat malignant Mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. Sometimes, if the cancer has spread widely, a lung can be totally removed in a surgical procedure called a pneumonectomy. Along with the lung, part of the diaphragm, is also sometimes removed, diaphragm is the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing. This will temporarily solve the problem of difficulty in breathing.

Radiation Therapy
In radiation therapy high-energy x-rays are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. There are two kinds of radiation therapy, external radiation therapy and internal radiation therapy. When the radiation comes from a machine outside the body it is called external radiation therapy. When materials that produce radiation, are put inside the body through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found, it is called internal radiation therapy.

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracocentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. In Mesothelioma, chemotherapy may be put directly into the chest (intrapleural chemotherapy).

Treatment options for people with Mesothelioma have improved significantly. This is more so in cases where the diagnosis has been early and treatment has been aggressive. Many people are treated with a combination of the above-discussed therapies and this is known as multimodal therapy. Mesothelioma is a fatal disease and so far no cure has been found for the disease. However, treatments can reduce pain and improve lung function. Easily administered pain killers are now used to control pain.

Rob Mellors helps people find out about mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatment

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Herbal Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

Mesothelioma cancer is one of the cancer which occurs to the chest and lung cavity. It is the rare cancer which is found. Is you or someone suffering from it? Want to get rid from it then here is the accurate cure for it with no side effects.
More information meets: dr jack
Mesothelioma cancer is one the rare form of cancer in which the cells are found in the chest or the lung cavity. In this disease the cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. This cancer cells spread to the nearby tissues and organs of the nearby parts of the body. This is the disease caused as a result of malignant cancerous cells lining the patient’s body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is very difficult to assess consistently due to the great variability in time before diagnosis and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma.

The people who are exposed to asbestos that is their working area or the environment in which they are living are at higher risk of getting this cancer. This disease in many cases does not occur for decades after the exposure to the cancer causing substances. It is also said that all of us are exposed to this disease that is in the air we breath, water we drink, from the natural deposits in the earth and the asbestos products around us.

The manufacturers of this asbestos product owners were prosper as they got much income to them. But the workers who worked for it had to ultimately suffer for it. Though the government took actions against this asbestos production and banned the usage of these products but yet it is still used, imported and making the people to get higher risk at their lives. So, to stop the people to getting addicted from this disease it is an urge need that the awareness should be given to the people about this asbestos and the effects of it as it turns them to the attack of mesothelioma cancer.

Smoking is also one of the risk for contracting mesothelioma cancer in the people. This also is one of the cause for the development of cancer in the body. We cannot find any of the earliest symptoms are less serious illness and they are neglected. In some cases this cancer does not show the signs of the sickness in the early stages of the development of the disease.

The most common symptoms are dyspnea, pleuritic pain, lasting cough, fatigue, shortness or difficult in breath, chest pain, chronic or persistent coughs and weight loss. This disease is more found in men than women. This occurs in the people who are above the age of 30 years that is after the initial exposure to asbestos. But it should be treated in its initial stage as early as possible so that it may not go deeper.

The major cause of this disease is the people working with asbestos. During the production of the asbestos products if the tiny particles of it are inhaled or swallowed then this causes serious health problems which in turn lead to mesothelioma cancer. But there are few cases that are reported without any known exposure to asbestos. If we are more exposed to asbestos then this can lead us to lung cancer, chronic lung ailment, other cancers like larynx and kidney.

The faster you consult the doctor or the specialist it would be better to get specialized care for getting better and coming out of it to lead a normal life. So, it is the primary or the basic need to get more information and cure the disease. Many cancer treatment options are not very effective in treating mesothelioma. But at our center we provide you the treatment to reduce the cancer and free you from the suffering from our specialist with the medication which are natural and no side effects.
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Dr Jack is a Conventionally Trained Western Medical Doctor from India and fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). He is also trained in traditional supplements since the age of 5 years to practice complimentary alternate supplements.
More information: dr jack

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Main Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

Mesothelioma cancer has an extremely low survival rate, with an expected life expectancy of only eight to twelve months after a mesothelioma diagnosis. The sooner one is able to discover the cancer the longer the amount of time one may have. Also, specialists in treating malignant mesothelioma can give you more valuable time.


Since mesothelioma symptoms often occur after the disease had evolved into its deadly form, it is important to get a mesothelioma diagnosis before the onset of any signs.


Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, cough, fever, weight loss and chronic fatigue. People who can catch the disease early enough have even experienced a five-year survival rate – but time is of the essence.


Who should attempt to get a mesothelioma diagnosis?


Anyone who has been around asbestos for prolonged period of time.


This includes workers, manufacturers, and family members who came in contact with the clothing or individuals who worked around the hazardous material.


If mesothelioma symptoms lead you to the doctor’s office and ends up in a positive mesothelioma diagnosis, you do have some treatment options at your disposal.


Below are three kinds of treatment options for patients with malignant mesothelioma diagnosis:


1) Surgery to take out the cancer

2) Chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs to abate the cancer

3) Radiation Therapy – high does x-ray or high energy ray cells kill the cancer cells


Two or more treatments can be used to fight the invading cancer cells but as stated above, one usually doesn’t have much time let after mesothelioma symptoms develop and a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed.


Even with all the aid you can receive, more often than not, you only have a few years left. Your remaining time could be fraught with pain and worry over your family’s future. A mesothelioma attorney could be the answer to your problems.


With a mesothelioma attorney to represent you, you will be able to get compensation for medical bills and make sure your family is financially secure. With the right attorney at the helm, you can concentrate on the things that are most important to you and your family. This is also important, as stress can make or break your fragile health.


Worry can rob you of precious moments after a mesothelioma diagnosis – a good mesothelioma attorney will fight on your behalf, allowing you to spend time with family, loved ones and people who matter.

Nick Johnson is lead counsel with Johnson Law Group. Johnson represents plaintiffs in many states and focuses on injury cases involving Fen-Phen and PPH, Paxil, Mesothelioma, and Avandia. Call Nick Johnson at 1-888-311-5522 or visit http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com

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Mesothelioma Cancer

Monday, March 15th, 2010

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. in this form of cancer, cancer cells are found in the mesothelium (a protective sac covering almost all the bodyâ??s internal organs). Most of the mesothelioma cancer cases are considered to be malignant mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma and malignant mesothelioma are two major types of mesothelioma. These two forms of mesothelioma are related to the mesothelium membrane that surrounds the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is a form which is related to the mesothelium layer covering the organs in the abdominal cavity.

Treatments and therapies for mesothelioma cancer:
The bitter fact is that localized mesothelioma is not curative. Even the most successful therapies such as surgeries and radiotherapy have a restricted role. However chemotherapy is one good treatment through which cancer cells can be reduced, kill and restricted. At times, the treatments and therapies for mesothelioma are given in combinations.

Diagnosis and survival of mesothelioma cancer:
Generally the diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer and its survival rate is poor. Nevertheless there are certain long term mesothelioma survivors who have managed to survive for more than 10 years. There are a number of therapies and treatments but as mesothelioma is a fatal disease therefore rarely anyone can survive it.

Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer:
The major and first symptom of mesothelioma cancer is shortness of breath which is caused due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. Weight loss and abdominal pain are symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Moreover, other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma could be bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and clotting abnormalities. Other symptoms include pain, trouble in swallowing, swelling on the neck or face.

Katie has been working with various Medical & Health organizations providing them reports on Medicines & Cancer diseases particularly focused on mesothlioma. Therefore, she has a great insight over the issues, treatment and cure of the diseases.

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Treating Mesothelioma

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects the serous linings of various internal organs in the human body. Among them, the lungs, heart and the stomach are widely affected.

It is estimated that each year 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed. The patients suffering from this cancerous disease have prior exposure to asbestos, which is considered to be the only known cause of mesothelioma. Mesotheliomic patients are often told of their short survival duration of 6 â?? 12 months, but doctors specialized in treating malignant mesothelioma at leading cancer centers expect more. Though mesothelioma causes immense pain and suffering to the victim, along with short life expectancy, certain treatments have resulted in the successful reduction and removal of the cancerous tumors of mesothelioma.

In this article, we will elaborate on the significant treatments available to patients suffering from the asbestos- related cancer (mesothelioma). Please be advised that only a professional doctor specializing in cancer can diagnose mesothelioma. It is recommended for patients suffering from the symptoms of mesothelioma, to consult a cancer specialist for a possible treatment. After examining medical reports and asbestos-exposure history, the doctor can announce the preliminary diagnosis. The doctor can also conduct a needle biopsy to finalize the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. For more relevant and latest Mesothelioma Information and diagnosing mesothelioma, check out www.mesoblog.org. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the treatment of mesothelioma depends on many factors, including the stage of the cancer, the circulation of the malignant cells, pathology reports determining the nature of the cancer cells and patientâ??s age and health.

Following are the mesothelioma treatment options available to the patients for treating the cancer:

â?¢Surgery

â?¢Chemotherapy

â?¢Radiation or Radiotherapy

â?¢Immunotherapy

â?¢Clinical Trails

â?¢Complementary Therapy

*Nutrition

*Fitness and Exercise

*Meditation and Stress Reduction

Treating mesothelioma is not an easy task. It requires immense pain endurance and patience. Nonetheless, with proper treatment and medications, along with the love and support from the family members and friends, mesothelioma can be controlled.

Jennifer White is a professional Health Writer having expertise in the field of cancer especially Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer. For Her more articles kindly visit the following portal: Mesothelioma Cancer Portal

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What are the Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?

Saturday, March 13th, 2010

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.

Smith Chen is an author and internet marketing consultant. Find more about discover and review page more

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