Surgical Options for Mesothelioma Patients

By James Witherspoon

Mesothelioma is a devastatingly aggressive cancer that can form in the epithelial cells lining the heart, lungs, abdomen, and testes. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure, although the tumors may not form until 10 to 20 years after the initial exposure. Also, because this cancer is difficult to detect, it may have spread too far for you to heal completely. Instead, you can rely on surgery to help extend your life in the face of this disease.

Although mesothelioma can form in many different areas of your body, it is most common in the lining of the lungs. This is because microscopic asbestos fibers can become lodged in your lung tissue if you accidentally inhale them. Frustratingly, the body cannot dissolve the fibers, instead forming dense tissue nodules around them. Asbestos is a known human carcinogen, so over time these nodules can turn into cancerous tumors.

First, one of the most common side effects of mesothelioma in the lungs, or pleural mesothelioma, is the buildup of fluid in the space around the lungs. This pressure can hinder you from taking full, deep breaths. Some noninvasive surgeries, such as pleurodesis or thoracentesis, involve placing a long, thin needle into the fluid-filled cavity and draining the liquid. While this can help you breathe easier for a while, the fluid can build up again and again.

Next, you can undergo conventional lung surgeries such as pneumonectomy, lobectomy, or wedge resection. With these surgeries, doctors remove either an entire lung, a lobe of the lung, or a piece of the lung, respectively. However, tumors from mesothelioma are often widespread, which may prevent doctors from getting all of the tumors with one of these surgeries.

Lastly, there are two new surgery options for mesothelioma patients in an attempt to remove all of the diseased tissue. With a pleurectomy, doctors remove the layer of cells that line the lungs, called the pleura. This is often done only as a palliative treatment rather than a way to completely eradicate your cancer.

Another radical surgery option is an extrapleural pneumonectomy. This process involves removing the epithelial cells, or lining, from the lungs as well as those of the heart and diaphragm. If the tumors have gone deeper into your lungs, doctors may remove these masses during the process as well. Additionally, they can replace the lining with synthetic materials. This surgery can be difficult for weak patients, but it can also dramatically extend your lifespan.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to understand all of your treatment options and their risks before you decide on a treatment plan.

To learn more about mesothelioma treatment, please visit the Mesothelioma Resource Center today.

James Witherspoon

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Books

• 100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition
• Principles and Practice of Lung Cancer: The Official Reference Text of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) (Pass, Lung Cancer)
• Johns Hopkins Patients' Guide to Lung Cancer
• How to Survive Lung Cancer - A Practical 12-Step Plan
• Be A Survivor: Lung Cancer Treatment Guide
• Lung Cancer
• QuickFACTS Lung Cancer
• Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know

Mesothelioma Is A Rare and Growing Form of Cancer in the Lungs

By Rod Bird

About Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. It also can affect the heart and abdomen. Usually after diagnosis, a patient will only live up to one year or less. According to several studies, there are about 2,000-3,000 cases of Mesothelioma each year. The International Labor Organization has estimated about 100,000 to 140,000 workers from around the world die of Mesothelioma each year. There has been a future prediction that this type of cancer will cause 5-10 million deaths from now into the future.

This type of rare cancer is from being exposed to asbestos-usually found in older buildings or structures. An individual unknowingly inhales the fibers that then become lodged into human tissue which cause an infection. Asbestos was widely used during the 20th century, but then the hazards of this material began to become public within the 1970's.

It is hard to detect Mesothelioma in its early stage because there are hardly any noticeable symptoms-which is why most of the time it isn't detected until it is too late. If a person believes that he or she has been exposed to asbestos, then it is important that he undergo a chest X-ray or pulmonary function tests to check for signs of asbestos inhalation.

Noticeable symptoms of Mesothelioma include

• A persistent or raspy cough,

• Coughing up blood

• Difficulty when swallowing

• Night sweats,

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• A frequent pain in the chest or rib area

• Shortness of breath

• Lumps under the skin on the chest

There are a few ways to treat Mesothelioma once it has been diagnosed. Doctors must first find out which stage before considering which treatment to use. Some of the forms of treatments include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Each case is unique and will depend on the situation and stage of the cancer. As Mesothelioma is being researched, and more cases are coming to surface, there are some patients who are surpassing their one year life expectancy. With more research, new cases and treatments, perhaps more of those diagnosed can hope for the better and have a chance to survive this rare, yet rising Cancer.

For more information on How Mesothelioma can affect you or a loved one please visit.
http://www.Siteso.com

Rod Bird Author and Master Craftsman has been building professionally since 1999 For Mesothelioma information, Articles and links Please visit
http://www.Siteso.com

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Books

• Advances in Surgical Pathology: Lung Cancer
• Letters from the Land of Cancer
• Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options
• Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages. What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
• Beating Cancer with Nutrition, book with CD
• Lung Cancer: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbook (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbooks)
• What to Eat if You Have Cancer (revised): Healing Foods that Boost Your Immune System
• The Doctor Who Cures Cancer
• Dx/rx: Lung Cancer (Dx/Rx Oncology)

Radiation Treatment for Mesothelioma

By James Witherspoon

Mesothelioma is a devastating, aggressive type of cancer that can develop in your lungs, abdominal cavity, heart cavity, or even testes. It is primarily the result of asbestos exposure. Because mesothelioma can form ten, fifteen, and even twenty years after asbestos exposure, it has often progressed into later-stage cancer by the time doctors recognize and diagnose your problem. However, in some cases it can still be treated or managed with treatment options like radiation.

Radiation is a powerful form of energy that travels in the form of waves or particles. It is naturally present in a number of different places, such as sunlight and even sound waves. Tiny amounts of radioactive particles in the earth can also give off what is called background radiation. Thus, many people are exposed to minimal amounts of radiation throughout their lives.

Mankind has harnessed the power of radioactive material to use it as things like a clean energy source and medical diagnostic equipment such as x-rays. In a more intense form, it can be used as radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation is one of the three conventional cancer treatments. Although radiation is dangerous in high doses, it can be targeted and controlled to help kill cancerous cells in a person with mesothelioma.

Once you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and have devised a treatment plan including radiation, doctors will decide on the form of radiation treatment that is best for you. You can undergo external radioactive therapy, where beams of this energy form are shot at your tumors from outside of your body. Internal radiation therapy involves placing radioactive materials inside tumors to kill them from within. Lastly, you can also receive injections of radioactive material to help fight cancer.

Because mesothelioma typically forms many small tumors, internal radiation is a popular form of treatment for this cancer. Recent studies have shown that radioactive gold and chromic phosphate can help with mesothelioma, although your body may respond differently to the treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you have all of the information you need regarding this disease before you make a decision about treatment.

To learn more about mesothelioma, please visit the Mesothelioma Help Center today.

James Witherspoon

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Books

• Lung Cancer: Myths, Facts, Choices--and Hope
• The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Lung Cancer (Cleveland Clinic Guides)
• 100 Questions & Answers About Lung Cancer, Second Edition
• Principles and Practice of Lung Cancer: The Official Reference Text of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) (Pass, Lung Cancer)
• Johns Hopkins Patients' Guide to Lung Cancer
• How to Survive Lung Cancer - A Practical 12-Step Plan
• Be A Survivor: Lung Cancer Treatment Guide
• Lung Cancer
• QuickFACTS Lung Cancer
• Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know

Mesothelioma - The Confusing Relationship With Asbestos

By Thomas Ajava

We often see articles and news reports where Mesothelioma and asbestos are discussed as though they are the same thing. In truth, there is a big difference between Mesothelioma and asbestos.

As a society, we tend to generalize terms that we use frequently. I am as guilty of this as anyone. I order a coke every time at a drive through or restaurant. Why is this weird? Well, I use the term to cover the general area of a soda. I do this even though I prefer Pepsi to Coke. In fact, I prefer Dr. Pepper to both of them, but I will still just order a "coke".

The Mesothelioma-asbestos scourge is so devastating that it is easy to fall into the same pattern. Most people can't pronounce Mesothelioma. I certainly could not when I started out. Given this, it is probably not much of a surprise that the cause and health results all now seem to be categorized as the "asbestos problem". This is a massive simplification of a complex issue and sure not accurate. Let's take a look.

So, what is the difference between Mesothelioma and asbestos? The answer is simple. Asbestos is a toxic material. When a person is exposed to it in its fibrous form, the person may breathe it into their lungs and suffer subsequent health problems. These problems vary, but can include a nasty form of cancer known as Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma gets its name from the part of the body the cancer tends to start out in - the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a lining that runs around the trunk cavity and all major organs. It acts as a buffer between the organs. It is comprised of two layers of "skin" that have lubrication between them. This allows organs like the lungs to expand and retract without harming the organs around them or building up heat from friction. Regardless, Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in this area. It grows very slowly, but is extremely difficult to detect.

What is the difference between Mesothelioma and asbestos? One is a cancer and one is the material that causes it.

Thomas Ajava writes about Mesothelioma asbestos difference and other Mesothelioma issues for MesotheliomaAttorneyAssistance.com.

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Books

• How to Survive Lung Cancer - A Practical 12-Step Plan
• Be A Survivor: Lung Cancer Treatment Guide
• Lung Cancer
• QuickFACTS Lung Cancer
• Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know
• Advances in Surgical Pathology: Lung Cancer
• Letters from the Land of Cancer
• Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options
• Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages. What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
• Beating Cancer with Nutrition, book with CD

How Does Chemotherapy Work?

By James Witherspoon

Chemotherapy treatment is practically synonymous with cancer treatment. Chemotherapy, commonly shortened to chemo, is one of three main, conventional methods of cancer treatment. While this powerful drug can help you eradicate cancer or at least keep it at bay, its potency can also affect other healthy areas of your body.

Chemotherapy consists of drugs that can be administered orally or through an injection. Regardless, the drugs reach your bloodstream, where they travel throughout your body fighting cancerous cells. Because chemo is actually a whole-body treatment, it is also called systemic medication.

It is difficult for your body's immune system to attack and fight cancerous cells because these cells come from within your own body. They carry special "self" tags that the immune system recognizes as harmless cells. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, simply attacks all cells that grow and divide rapidly, one of the signs of a cancerous tumor. At the same time, however, the chemo can also target your body's cells that grow and divide at this same rapid rate, like hair follicles, gastrointestinal cells, and others. This is why a person who goes through chemo treatment often experiences hair loss, nausea, and vomiting after a round of chemotherapy.

Because not all tumors grow at the same rate, doctors and oncologists can customize your chemo cocktail with drugs that target specific growth rates or growth patterns. However, as with traditional chemo, each of these drugs will also harm your body's own cells that fit the same patterns.

With chemo, it is important for you to eat healthy and remain strong because its side effects can actually leave you weaker than before treatment. Besides hair loss, nausea, and vomiting, other side effects of this powerful treatment include:

• Fatigue


• Low white blood cell count


• Decreased red blood cell count


• Low platelet count

One danger of decreased white blood cell count is an increased risk of infection. Because white blood cells help you fight pathogens, chemotherapy can interfere with your body's ability to protect itself from infections. Your doctor must carefully devise a chemo regimen that hits cancerous cells as hard as possible while still trying to protect your own healthy cells.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that often requires chemotherapy due to the abundance of tiny tumors that it can form. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to understand all of your treatment options before agreeing to a treatment regimen. For more information regarding this deadly disease, please contact the Mesothelioma Help Center today.

James Witherspoon

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Books

• Advances in Surgical Pathology: Lung Cancer
• Letters from the Land of Cancer
• Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options
• Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages. What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
• Beating Cancer with Nutrition, book with CD
• Lung Cancer: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbook (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Handbooks)
• What to Eat if You Have Cancer (revised): Healing Foods that Boost Your Immune System
• The Doctor Who Cures Cancer
• Dx/rx: Lung Cancer (Dx/Rx Oncology)

Understanding Mesothelioma and Its Types

By Nayab Sh

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by direct or indirect asbestos exposure. It is characterized by the formation of cancerous tumors on mesothelium membrane which is made up of mesothelial cells and protects internal body organs. In mesothelioma this protective lining gets damaged by the formation of cancerous cells and causes ultimate death to that person. Once these cells produce on mesothelium, they start to proliferate rapidly to assume the form of cancerous tumors. This disease shows its symptoms too lately when it becomes almost impossible for doctors to save patient's life.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma occurs in three forms including:

1- Pleural Mesothelioma

2- Peritoneal Mesothelioma

3- Pericardial Mesothelioma

1- Pleural Mesothelioma

In this type of cancer the protective lining around chest cavity (including lungs) called pleura gets damaged due to the proliferation of cancerous cells. It is the most common type of mesothelioma. Its symptoms include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, coughing up blood (hemoptysis) and night sweats etc.

2- Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In this type of mesothelioma, the protective lining around abdominal cavity is affected by the formation of cancerous cells. This protective covering is called peritoneum. Its symptoms include abdominal pain, unusual weight loss, nausea, fatigue and anemia etc. It makes 10% to 20% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed till today.

3- Pericardial Mesothelioma

In pericardial mesothelioma the pericardium which protects our heart gets damaged by cancerous cell rapid proliferation. Though it is the rare form of mesothelioma and accounts only for 6% of total cases diagnosed till today but it pauses extreme threat to person's life as compared to other types of mesothelioma cancer. Its symptom resembles with that of other heart diseases therefore it is very hard to diagnose it correctly and timely.

If you want to get more information on various health and science issues then visit http://www.info-scienceworld.blogspot.com now to learn in detail.

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Books

• How to Survive Lung Cancer - A Practical 12-Step Plan
• Be A Survivor: Lung Cancer Treatment Guide
• Lung Cancer
• QuickFACTS Lung Cancer
• Help Me Live: 20 Things People with Cancer Want You to Know
• Advances in Surgical Pathology: Lung Cancer
• Letters from the Land of Cancer
• Lung Cancer: Making Sense of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Options
• Lung Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages. What You Need to Know About Lung Cancer
• Beating Cancer with Nutrition, book with CD