Patients with non-epithelial mesothelioma and lymph node involvement are poor candidates for the extensive surgical procedure known as extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), according to a new study.
That’s the finding of a new article published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology. Researchers from the Baird Institute for Applied Heart and Lung Surgical Research in Sydney, Australia analyzed the current literature on EPP for malignant pleural mesothelioma. They examined the patient selection process and overall survival of surgical patients in major referral centers where EPP is performed.
The most serious of the asbestos cancers, mesothelioma tends to spread quickly and is notoriously resistant to standard treatments. Clinical trials across the globe have confirmed that the best mesothelioma outcomes are seen in patients who undergo EPP, followed by adjuvant therapies such as chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
In the new review article, seventeen studies from 13 institutions were found to offer the most complete and up-to-date information for analysis. The authors report that “a number of quantitative, clinical and treatment-related factors were identified to have significant impact on overall survival.”
While the researchers found marked differences in the way different institutions select mesothelioma patients for surgery, they found that, across the board, patients who had sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma did not fair as well after surgery as those who had the epithelioid type. Likewise, mesothelioma patients whose cancer had spread to their lymph nodes also did not do as well after surgery as patients whose tumors were confined to the mesothelium. In their conclusion, the researchers suggest that these patients be excluded from consideration for EPP.
EPP, which involves removing not only the cancerous tissue but, often, a lung or portion of a lung, carries serious risk of complication or even death. Careful selection of mesothelioma surgical candidates, say the study’s authors, not only improves outcomes for the right patients, but protects those who are not good surgical candidates from undergoing a risky operation for limited benefit.
Sources:
Cao, C et al, “Summary of Prognostic Factors and Patient Selection for Extrapleural Pneumonectomy int eh Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma”, April 22, 2011, Annals of Surgical Oncology.
Source 2 : http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/news/view.asp?ID=001076
Showing posts with label 2011 mesothelioma. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 mesothelioma. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Rehabilitation of Mesothelioma patients
Cancer is a serious issue and many cancer surviving patients persists to rise, and many have rehabilitation needs. Cancer rehabilitation deals with both biomedical and psychosocial aspects. The scope of rehabilitation is described as: “a process aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and/or social functional levels…” by the World Health Organization (WHO).
A number of people are living with malignant mesothelioma and fighting the disease as best they can. There is a great contribution by many professionals, hospital physicians and general practitioner in cancer rehabilitation. Successful rehabilitation requires efficient organization. The highest priority for the people diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura) or the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), is finding a reliable source of information about the disease itself and the medical options available for it. The mesothelioma rehabilitation centers help you to take the necessary steps to find the options that are best suited to your individual needs. They deal with mesothelioma patients and their family members, and provide the service that is always with appreciation for the difficult time they are facing.
As said by Samuel Smiles -“Hope is the companion of power, and the mother of success; for who so hopes strongly, has within him the gift of miracles.” Rehabilitation centers provide every patient with a boost of hope that helps patients to fight and develops a willingness to survive. They discuss ways to find specialists who treat mesothelioma and give some advice on choosing the best doctor.
They also help the patients to find places to stay near the treatment facilities and keep them updated with the mesothelioma medical journals. These centers help the patients to find peace of mind and help them and their family feel secure in the weeks, months and years ahead. They provide them with the information on financial assistance, compensation, and legal options. Mesothelioma rehabilitation centers are a ray of hope in the life of the patients. They provide patients with the best possible information and researches on mesothelioma.
The more knowledge you gain, the more empowered you feel. This is the key factor to the recovery of a patient. All this is provided by the mesothelioma rehabilitation centers and so opting for this is the best idea.
A number of people are living with malignant mesothelioma and fighting the disease as best they can. There is a great contribution by many professionals, hospital physicians and general practitioner in cancer rehabilitation. Successful rehabilitation requires efficient organization. The highest priority for the people diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura) or the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), is finding a reliable source of information about the disease itself and the medical options available for it. The mesothelioma rehabilitation centers help you to take the necessary steps to find the options that are best suited to your individual needs. They deal with mesothelioma patients and their family members, and provide the service that is always with appreciation for the difficult time they are facing.
As said by Samuel Smiles -“Hope is the companion of power, and the mother of success; for who so hopes strongly, has within him the gift of miracles.” Rehabilitation centers provide every patient with a boost of hope that helps patients to fight and develops a willingness to survive. They discuss ways to find specialists who treat mesothelioma and give some advice on choosing the best doctor.
They also help the patients to find places to stay near the treatment facilities and keep them updated with the mesothelioma medical journals. These centers help the patients to find peace of mind and help them and their family feel secure in the weeks, months and years ahead. They provide them with the information on financial assistance, compensation, and legal options. Mesothelioma rehabilitation centers are a ray of hope in the life of the patients. They provide patients with the best possible information and researches on mesothelioma.
The more knowledge you gain, the more empowered you feel. This is the key factor to the recovery of a patient. All this is provided by the mesothelioma rehabilitation centers and so opting for this is the best idea.
New approaches to malignant mesothelioma
Nowadays new approaches to treat malignant mesothelioma are being tested. They merge traditional treatments or include something entirely new. These new treatments include angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis drugs. Although development has been made in the early detection of cancer and improved treatment options, mesothelioma can not be cured and remain difficult to treat effectively. Researchers have shown how cancer cells differ from normal cells. Certain drugs used in chemotherapy have severe side effects on your body. Anti-angiogenesis drugs have no side effects and they target the tumor itself sparing the body’s normal cells.
Immunotherapy is another type of mesothelioma treatment. It is also called as biological therapy. This therapy uses the body’s own immune system to protect itself against disease. Immune system is able to identify the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells. It is also able to eliminate the cells that become cancerous. Immunotherapy is intended to restore, stimulate, or enhance the immune system’s natural anticancer function.
Biological response modifiers (BRMs), one of the substances used in immunotherapy, alter the interaction between the body’s immune defenses and cancer, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to combat disease. These BMRs enhance the immune system to fight cancer cell growth, alter cancer cell’s growth patterns to behave like normal cells, make cancer cells more susceptible to destruction by the immune system, block or reverse the process that changes a normal cell into a cancer cell and prevent a cancer cell from spreading to other sites. Currently many BRMs such as interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, colony-stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies, and cancer vaccines are being used.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of cancer treatment based on single-celled organisms. Certain photosensitive drugs are used in this treatment. PDT abolishes cancerous cells by using this fixed frequency light to trigger photosensitizing drugs which have accumulated in body tissues. This photosensitizing drug is administered intravenously.
Gene therapy disables the fatal disease, corrects it at the DNA level and compensates for the abnormal genes. Replacement gene therapy keeps the cell growth and division under control. Knockout gene therapy aims at the oncogenes, which is a gene that can induce tumor formation, and make them inactive to reduce the cell growth. Some alternative medicines include the use of herbs, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and Far Eastern medicine to treat health conditions. These conventional medicines treat the whole patient physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Immunotherapy is another type of mesothelioma treatment. It is also called as biological therapy. This therapy uses the body’s own immune system to protect itself against disease. Immune system is able to identify the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells. It is also able to eliminate the cells that become cancerous. Immunotherapy is intended to restore, stimulate, or enhance the immune system’s natural anticancer function.
Biological response modifiers (BRMs), one of the substances used in immunotherapy, alter the interaction between the body’s immune defenses and cancer, thereby enhancing the body’s ability to combat disease. These BMRs enhance the immune system to fight cancer cell growth, alter cancer cell’s growth patterns to behave like normal cells, make cancer cells more susceptible to destruction by the immune system, block or reverse the process that changes a normal cell into a cancer cell and prevent a cancer cell from spreading to other sites. Currently many BRMs such as interferons, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, colony-stimulating factors, monoclonal antibodies, and cancer vaccines are being used.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a type of cancer treatment based on single-celled organisms. Certain photosensitive drugs are used in this treatment. PDT abolishes cancerous cells by using this fixed frequency light to trigger photosensitizing drugs which have accumulated in body tissues. This photosensitizing drug is administered intravenously.
Gene therapy disables the fatal disease, corrects it at the DNA level and compensates for the abnormal genes. Replacement gene therapy keeps the cell growth and division under control. Knockout gene therapy aims at the oncogenes, which is a gene that can induce tumor formation, and make them inactive to reduce the cell growth. Some alternative medicines include the use of herbs, homeopathy, therapeutic massage, acupuncture, and Far Eastern medicine to treat health conditions. These conventional medicines treat the whole patient physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Pleural mesothelioma and its treatment options
Mesothelioma is a critical and fatal cancer. It is caused by direct exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma cancer is categorized into three categories: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. This destructive cancer damages the mesothelium which is a membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities like the pleural (thoracal cavity), peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (heart sac).
After the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma you can opt for several mesothelioma treatment options. The factors like the patient’s age and history, location of the tumor, and stage of the cancer are to be noted while treating the patient. The different treatments available for the pleural mesothelioma are radiation, chemotherapy, pneumonectomy, and palliative therapies. Pneumonectomy means removing the cancerous lung or parts of the diaphragm where the disease has spread. In this treatment parts of chest and surrounding tissue which may be affected by the cancerous cells are also removed. This treatment can be carried out depending on the patients overall health, the amount of asbestos inhaled and the spread of the disease.
The next form of treatment is radiation. In this treatment the area affected by the cancer is exposed to the radioactive source. These radiations destroy the cancerous cells. Radiation therapy do not cause any harm to the healthy cells. Chemotherapy is one of the common treatments for pleural mesothelioma. In this treatment high power drugs are given to the patients either by injecting it or in the forms of pills. These drugs may cause some side effects such as vomiting, hair loss, nausea, weight loss and fatigue. The disadvantage in this treatment is that the drugs administered have to make their way to the cancerous cells, unlike radiation therapy where the radiation is directly targeted to the affected area. This may cause harm to the healthy cells as well.
Palliative therapies involve extracting extra fluid by needle and suction from the affected areas. In order to keep fluid accumulation under control, drugs are used. Researches are being performed to find new ways to treat this deadly cancer and so you should always keep yourself updated with these treatments and researches.
Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is one of the most common forms of mesothelioma. More than 75% of victims fall in this category. This cancer affects the outer lining of the lungs and the chest cavity and makes it thicket. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are very common like difficulty in breathing, pain in the chest, fatigue, swelling of the face and neck, trouble when swallowing, cough and weight loss. These symptoms are shown by other diseases also and hence it becomes difficult to diagnose this cancer. Lining of the lungs are made up of two layers, parietal which covers the chest wall and visceral which covers the lungs. Mesothelium cells grow and produce a tumor which enlarges the space, causing it to fill with fluid. This extra thickness in layers is known as pleural effusion which leads to discomfort and pain in the chest. The pain may also be felt in the arms and the shoulders.After the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma you can opt for several mesothelioma treatment options. The factors like the patient’s age and history, location of the tumor, and stage of the cancer are to be noted while treating the patient. The different treatments available for the pleural mesothelioma are radiation, chemotherapy, pneumonectomy, and palliative therapies. Pneumonectomy means removing the cancerous lung or parts of the diaphragm where the disease has spread. In this treatment parts of chest and surrounding tissue which may be affected by the cancerous cells are also removed. This treatment can be carried out depending on the patients overall health, the amount of asbestos inhaled and the spread of the disease.
The next form of treatment is radiation. In this treatment the area affected by the cancer is exposed to the radioactive source. These radiations destroy the cancerous cells. Radiation therapy do not cause any harm to the healthy cells. Chemotherapy is one of the common treatments for pleural mesothelioma. In this treatment high power drugs are given to the patients either by injecting it or in the forms of pills. These drugs may cause some side effects such as vomiting, hair loss, nausea, weight loss and fatigue. The disadvantage in this treatment is that the drugs administered have to make their way to the cancerous cells, unlike radiation therapy where the radiation is directly targeted to the affected area. This may cause harm to the healthy cells as well.
Palliative therapies involve extracting extra fluid by needle and suction from the affected areas. In order to keep fluid accumulation under control, drugs are used. Researches are being performed to find new ways to treat this deadly cancer and so you should always keep yourself updated with these treatments and researches.
Treat Mesothelioma with Palliative Therapy
Palliative care is a contemporary and advanced method of treating and helping the patients diagnosed with fatal diseases. This treatment endeavor to ease the psychological problems related with the illnesses.
Palliative treatment help the patients deal with the disease by various modes of treatments such as medication, cognitive and behavioral therapy. This therapy is used in conjunction with other forms of traditional treatment for mesothelioma like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Palliative therapy comprises of pain management course like pain killers, stress management, meditation and massage therapy. To optimize the patient care there is an open communication for the patient and his family. This therapy takes the traditional role for the patient in the last stage of the cancer.
The common palliative procedures for the treatment of mesothelioma are Chest Tube Drainage and Pleurodesis, Pleuroperitoneal Shunt, Alcohol injection, Palliative radiation therapy and Pain medications. In Chest Tube Drainage and Pleurodesis the fluid built-up due to pleural effusion, one of the symptoms of mesothelioma, is drained out of the chest cavity with the help of chest tube. The pleural space is closed by use of talc slurry or other agent which yields an adhesion.
Pleuroperitoneal Shunt plays a partial role in palliation. It involves placement of a catheter run under the skin from the pleural to the peritoneal cavity. Alcohol injection eases the pain caused during the surgery. This inactivates the nerves that pass the message of pain from the affected area to the brain. Pain medications include strong pain-killing drugs which reduce pain. This also includes narcotic drugs, which are non addictive.
Palliative radiation therapy reduces the pain using radiation therapy as it kills the cancer cells. In this therapy, patients are given larger doses of radiation over a period of several weeks. Many patients have experienced good results with this treatment. These are some of the palliative treatments to be considered during the treatment procedure of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a slow growing disease and cannot be diagnosed in the early stages. The symptoms are also very common which are to be mistaken with some other disease. But with the time the symptoms too become severe. Palliative treatments treat mesothelioma using measures that reduce symptoms. This treatment is not capable of curing the cancer but definitely improves the quality of life. It helps in psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This form of treatment is also known as comfort care, supportive care or symptom management.Palliative treatment help the patients deal with the disease by various modes of treatments such as medication, cognitive and behavioral therapy. This therapy is used in conjunction with other forms of traditional treatment for mesothelioma like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Palliative therapy comprises of pain management course like pain killers, stress management, meditation and massage therapy. To optimize the patient care there is an open communication for the patient and his family. This therapy takes the traditional role for the patient in the last stage of the cancer.
The common palliative procedures for the treatment of mesothelioma are Chest Tube Drainage and Pleurodesis, Pleuroperitoneal Shunt, Alcohol injection, Palliative radiation therapy and Pain medications. In Chest Tube Drainage and Pleurodesis the fluid built-up due to pleural effusion, one of the symptoms of mesothelioma, is drained out of the chest cavity with the help of chest tube. The pleural space is closed by use of talc slurry or other agent which yields an adhesion.
Pleuroperitoneal Shunt plays a partial role in palliation. It involves placement of a catheter run under the skin from the pleural to the peritoneal cavity. Alcohol injection eases the pain caused during the surgery. This inactivates the nerves that pass the message of pain from the affected area to the brain. Pain medications include strong pain-killing drugs which reduce pain. This also includes narcotic drugs, which are non addictive.
Palliative radiation therapy reduces the pain using radiation therapy as it kills the cancer cells. In this therapy, patients are given larger doses of radiation over a period of several weeks. Many patients have experienced good results with this treatment. These are some of the palliative treatments to be considered during the treatment procedure of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma and its Stages
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It arises due to the inhalation of asbestos or coming in contact with it. In mesothelioma a malignant tumor develops in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen. A number of people are not aware of this deadly disease. Many people and even the physicians are not able to diagnose its symptoms as they are analogous to the symptoms of other diseases. It takes decades to develop mesothelioma, almost forty to fifty years. This cancer is already in the advanced state, when the symptoms are evident. According to the stages of cancer the treatment choices differ. The extent of the disease and its different stages must be known to the patient.
Pleural mesothelioma (lungs) includes two stage systems: TNM system and Brighan system. These systems are commonly used in other kinds of cancers. TNM system is also used in Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdominal) as this cancer has no definite staging system. Tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis are three variables of TNM system. In stage I of mesothelioma, the malignant mesothelioma cells begin to grow on one layer of pleura. Pleura are the membrane that encircles the lungs and outlines the wall of the chest cavity. In some cases, in this stage the pericardium membrane and the diaphragm cover are already affected.
In stage II of mesothelioma, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by the cancerous cells. In this stage only one side of the body is affected. Pleura generates a small amount of lubricating fluid. This fluid allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The extra fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels. In the second stage, this fluid gets filled in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall that leads to pleural effusion. This results in problems like shortness of breathing and chest pain. It may also lead to dry and persistent cough.
In stage III Mesothelioma, the malignant cells multiple rapidly and reach to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient suffers severe pain around the parts affected. Mesothelioma may reach to the fourth stage if the patient is not treated immediately. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is dreadful. At this stage the mesothelioma cells enter into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain.
Brighan staging system verifies whether the mesothelioma cells can be removed surgically or not. It also finds out whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. The lymph nodes are not affected in the first stage and the patient can still get well through surgery. In stage II, surgery can be done but some lymph nodes are already affected by the cancer cells. Surgery cannot be done in stage III and stage IV, as the heart and chest wall are already affected. The patient in the final stage i.e. stage IV, has a time span of four to twenty months to live.
Pleural mesothelioma (lungs) includes two stage systems: TNM system and Brighan system. These systems are commonly used in other kinds of cancers. TNM system is also used in Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdominal) as this cancer has no definite staging system. Tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis are three variables of TNM system. In stage I of mesothelioma, the malignant mesothelioma cells begin to grow on one layer of pleura. Pleura are the membrane that encircles the lungs and outlines the wall of the chest cavity. In some cases, in this stage the pericardium membrane and the diaphragm cover are already affected.
In stage II of mesothelioma, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by the cancerous cells. In this stage only one side of the body is affected. Pleura generates a small amount of lubricating fluid. This fluid allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The extra fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels. In the second stage, this fluid gets filled in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall that leads to pleural effusion. This results in problems like shortness of breathing and chest pain. It may also lead to dry and persistent cough.
In stage III Mesothelioma, the malignant cells multiple rapidly and reach to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient suffers severe pain around the parts affected. Mesothelioma may reach to the fourth stage if the patient is not treated immediately. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is dreadful. At this stage the mesothelioma cells enter into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain.
Brighan staging system verifies whether the mesothelioma cells can be removed surgically or not. It also finds out whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. The lymph nodes are not affected in the first stage and the patient can still get well through surgery. In stage II, surgery can be done but some lymph nodes are already affected by the cancer cells. Surgery cannot be done in stage III and stage IV, as the heart and chest wall are already affected. The patient in the final stage i.e. stage IV, has a time span of four to twenty months to live.
Mesothelioma symptoms visibility
Mesothelioma Patients suffers from chest pains, difficulties in breathing, anemia, bowl problem and various other problems. Doctors always suggest a regular health checkup. But due to the fact of sophisticated lifestyles we live in, we simply can not make that commitment. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which is caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma patients are most probably worked in an asbestos environment, or inhale asbestos deadly fiber. People were not aware of the deadly effect asbestos cause, but when scientists found the dramatic result, they banned the thing.
Basically, mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, which forms malignant cells in the layers of internal organs such as lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. However there is no connection of smoking with Mesothelioma. But smoking can stimulate other asbestos induced cancers. Mesothelioma is known as very aggressive cancer in which the cells in stars to divide uncontrollably and starts to invade and destroy other cells of the organs. Nearly 3000 people are diagnosed by Mesothelioma each year in American alone.
Doctors explain the symptoms are likely to get seen after many years. Therefore, people should do total health checkup once a year. With X-ray and CT scan, the detection of many diseases including mesothelioma is possible, although the prognosis is very poor. The life expectancy of the mesothelioma patients is from four months to eighteen months. However if the mesothelioma patient is below the danger stage, the life expectancy can be increased from two years to five years. Even though the doctors have not yet any conclusive reasons to prove how exactly asbestos causes mesothelioma, they have concluded that working in asbestos is very hazardous and cause mesothelioma.
Treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are mostly practiced for treating mesothelioma patients. Out of which, chemotherapy is held as the best to increase the life expectancy which depends on the age and the stage of the disease.
Basically, mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, which forms malignant cells in the layers of internal organs such as lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. However there is no connection of smoking with Mesothelioma. But smoking can stimulate other asbestos induced cancers. Mesothelioma is known as very aggressive cancer in which the cells in stars to divide uncontrollably and starts to invade and destroy other cells of the organs. Nearly 3000 people are diagnosed by Mesothelioma each year in American alone.
Doctors explain the symptoms are likely to get seen after many years. Therefore, people should do total health checkup once a year. With X-ray and CT scan, the detection of many diseases including mesothelioma is possible, although the prognosis is very poor. The life expectancy of the mesothelioma patients is from four months to eighteen months. However if the mesothelioma patient is below the danger stage, the life expectancy can be increased from two years to five years. Even though the doctors have not yet any conclusive reasons to prove how exactly asbestos causes mesothelioma, they have concluded that working in asbestos is very hazardous and cause mesothelioma.
Treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are mostly practiced for treating mesothelioma patients. Out of which, chemotherapy is held as the best to increase the life expectancy which depends on the age and the stage of the disease.
Mesothelioma is a killer disease
Caring for mesothelioma patients can be very overwhelming because of emotional drama and family crisis that anyone was not expecting to experience. But it has happened and one got to deal with it and take the maximum care of mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by the harmful fiber called asbestos which are used in many industries and factories. People who worked under such environment suffered from mesothelioma cancers, and soon after scientists found the cause, Government banned that stuff from using them anywhere.
Nearly 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer each year in America. Things are quite worst in other countries as well. However, many mesothelioma patients have no history of smoking or chewing tobacco. So this concludes that smoking is not the only reason for mesothelioma cancer but the core reason behind this is the killer asbestos.
Mesothelioma patients go very dramatically weak, and emotionally alone, sad and very depressed. During such time family and friends need to coup with the situation, be there with the patients, talk to them, and create a happy atmosphere all around. In addition to this, the treatments such as Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery are available to the mesothelioma patients. All these treatments, however, depend on the situation of patients’ health, their age, and the stage of the cancer. Generally, if the mesothelioma cancer is in its first stage and early second stage, the survival rate is very high. But the mesothelioma patients never know they have cancers until they do some special detection process by MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and do the bronchoscope. The symptoms are very rare, but they start to slowly appear in the patients. Symptoms like chest pain, difficulties in breathing, sudden weight loss, fatigue, continuous cough and others. These symptoms may or may not be visible once the cancer starts to spread. It takes years, maybe decade for symptoms to show up.
Nearly 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer each year in America. Things are quite worst in other countries as well. However, many mesothelioma patients have no history of smoking or chewing tobacco. So this concludes that smoking is not the only reason for mesothelioma cancer but the core reason behind this is the killer asbestos.
Mesothelioma patients go very dramatically weak, and emotionally alone, sad and very depressed. During such time family and friends need to coup with the situation, be there with the patients, talk to them, and create a happy atmosphere all around. In addition to this, the treatments such as Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery are available to the mesothelioma patients. All these treatments, however, depend on the situation of patients’ health, their age, and the stage of the cancer. Generally, if the mesothelioma cancer is in its first stage and early second stage, the survival rate is very high. But the mesothelioma patients never know they have cancers until they do some special detection process by MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and do the bronchoscope. The symptoms are very rare, but they start to slowly appear in the patients. Symptoms like chest pain, difficulties in breathing, sudden weight loss, fatigue, continuous cough and others. These symptoms may or may not be visible once the cancer starts to spread. It takes years, maybe decade for symptoms to show up.
Hope for Mesothelioma patients
Mesothelioma patients have normally the option of three treatments. First one is Surgery, Second Chemotherapy and Third Radiation therapy. All of these treatments may or may not be that successful for the patient. But it has been seen in some cases when mesothelioma patients have longer life rate with the treatments. Besides the treatments, it is also about psychological treatment. Family and friends should take a great care of mesothelioma patients because during this dark hour, friends and family can create a light of hope to brighten up that hour.
Generally speaking, the symptoms in mesothelioma patients are breathing problem, chest paint, weight loss, fatigue, bowl problem, anemia and others. These symptoms may or may not be seen at the early stage in the patients. Scientists have already found that mesothelioma cancers are caused by constant inhale of the deadly fiber called asbestos which were used in many industries in twentieth century. Now the use of asbestos is completely banned. However, the smoking is not related to mesothelioma cancers but it may trigger to form cancer cells induced by asbestos.
People, who work in asbestos environment, are more likely to get this cancer. Although scientists are not yet able to find how exactly asbestos creates the formation cancerous cells in the internal organs, they have found that as soon as asbestos reached inside the lung by respiration, the development of mesothelioma cancer starts aggressively. Mesothelioma patients have very slim rate of survival, and the average rate of survival is not more than eighteen months. The treatment like chemotherapy is considered best to prolong lifespan to certain extent. There is always a hope, always a miracle waiting to happen. Mesothelioma patients should never give up and fight it back psychologically. There are many stories where mesothelioma patients fight it back, and lived more than ten years.
Generally speaking, the symptoms in mesothelioma patients are breathing problem, chest paint, weight loss, fatigue, bowl problem, anemia and others. These symptoms may or may not be seen at the early stage in the patients. Scientists have already found that mesothelioma cancers are caused by constant inhale of the deadly fiber called asbestos which were used in many industries in twentieth century. Now the use of asbestos is completely banned. However, the smoking is not related to mesothelioma cancers but it may trigger to form cancer cells induced by asbestos.
People, who work in asbestos environment, are more likely to get this cancer. Although scientists are not yet able to find how exactly asbestos creates the formation cancerous cells in the internal organs, they have found that as soon as asbestos reached inside the lung by respiration, the development of mesothelioma cancer starts aggressively. Mesothelioma patients have very slim rate of survival, and the average rate of survival is not more than eighteen months. The treatment like chemotherapy is considered best to prolong lifespan to certain extent. There is always a hope, always a miracle waiting to happen. Mesothelioma patients should never give up and fight it back psychologically. There are many stories where mesothelioma patients fight it back, and lived more than ten years.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Defining Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, which is a protecting layer surrounded to the majority internal organs involving the lungs, stomach and heart. There are two forms of Mesothelioma called benign and malignant. Though, less than 10% of incidences are benign. At least three known causes for Mesothelioma are there, which includes.
2011 Mesothelioma
1) Foremost cause is asbestos exposure, involving direct and indirect dealings.
2) Thorotrast that is Thorium Dioxide, employed in specific X-ray tests in the past.
3) A silicate mineral normally found in soil in Turkey’s Anatoli region called as Zeolite.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma, particularly in the early stages, is the complicated proposition since the symptoms will reflect ordinary pains and aches are generally ignored until the disease has developed. Three main areas get affected by the malignant mesothelioma- lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. Those are categorized as follows:
1) Most common form which affects the lungs is Pleural Mesothelioma.
2) Second is the Peritoneal Mesothelioma which affects the abdominal cavity.
3) Third is the most rare form that affects the heart is Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Each type shows its own unique symptoms, the majority of them remain undetected until the cancer has achieved deadly levels. Patients suffering through Pleural Mesothelioma can face chest pains, weight loss, fever, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough and swelling of the face and neck. Also in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, a few will experience nausea, weight loss, abdominal pains, and vomiting. Difficulties involves anemia, blood clotting problems, and bowel obstruction. Pericardial Mesothelioma causes short breathing, a persistent cough, chest pains, and heart palpitations. Similar in all three forms of the disease, the signs develop more serious with time and so far can still dodge diagnosis by being chalked up to other diseases with identical symptoms.
Whereas Mesothelioma is a widespread exhortation in the personal injury law ground today, victims and the legal system have been combating for rights, and compensation since the 1920′s. Companies with low moral values and even lower levels of consideration, having awareness of the dangers of asbestos, enforced numerous workers to work in dangerous, severe environment, without promoting defensive clothing, masks, or other safety measures or the advantage of notifying them of the dangers they experienced on a every day basis.
In USA, laws have been passed, for example The Clean Air Act, and the Toxic Substance Control Act, so as to offer more safety to workers, and citizens, generally from contact to Asbestos. Although Asbestos was banned worldwide, though, it would take decades or longer prior to the risks of constricting Mesothelioma would be let down.
2011 Mesothelioma
1) Foremost cause is asbestos exposure, involving direct and indirect dealings.
2) Thorotrast that is Thorium Dioxide, employed in specific X-ray tests in the past.
3) A silicate mineral normally found in soil in Turkey’s Anatoli region called as Zeolite.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma, particularly in the early stages, is the complicated proposition since the symptoms will reflect ordinary pains and aches are generally ignored until the disease has developed. Three main areas get affected by the malignant mesothelioma- lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. Those are categorized as follows:
1) Most common form which affects the lungs is Pleural Mesothelioma.
2) Second is the Peritoneal Mesothelioma which affects the abdominal cavity.
3) Third is the most rare form that affects the heart is Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Each type shows its own unique symptoms, the majority of them remain undetected until the cancer has achieved deadly levels. Patients suffering through Pleural Mesothelioma can face chest pains, weight loss, fever, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough and swelling of the face and neck. Also in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, a few will experience nausea, weight loss, abdominal pains, and vomiting. Difficulties involves anemia, blood clotting problems, and bowel obstruction. Pericardial Mesothelioma causes short breathing, a persistent cough, chest pains, and heart palpitations. Similar in all three forms of the disease, the signs develop more serious with time and so far can still dodge diagnosis by being chalked up to other diseases with identical symptoms.
Whereas Mesothelioma is a widespread exhortation in the personal injury law ground today, victims and the legal system have been combating for rights, and compensation since the 1920′s. Companies with low moral values and even lower levels of consideration, having awareness of the dangers of asbestos, enforced numerous workers to work in dangerous, severe environment, without promoting defensive clothing, masks, or other safety measures or the advantage of notifying them of the dangers they experienced on a every day basis.
In USA, laws have been passed, for example The Clean Air Act, and the Toxic Substance Control Act, so as to offer more safety to workers, and citizens, generally from contact to Asbestos. Although Asbestos was banned worldwide, though, it would take decades or longer prior to the risks of constricting Mesothelioma would be let down.
The dread substance: Asbestos
Asbestos is the substance that operates behind mesothelioma, the disease that you have been diagnosed with. Therefore you should know what it is all about and why asbestos, of all things should lead to the development of such malignancy within your substance. Remember that awareness is always the first step towards the solution to any issue whatsoever.
Asbestos is a mineral which is extremely toxic. Rather it is a group of minerals that occur in nature as a mass of strong fibers which can be separated into separate thinner fibers. It is an industrial substance and is used in products like cement. Brakes, roof shingles and insulation, among other things. Asbestos particles are airborne and are usually inhaled or consumed. So if you have unknowingly inhaled asbestos particles, then they have probably traveled through your lungs to reach the pleura or the lining of your lungs. This leads to the growth of the malignant growths there. Also, asbestos particles can also enter your body after being mixed with your saliva. Blue asbestos particles are much more cancerous than white asbestos fibers.
The shape and the size of the asbestos particles make it easier for them to penetrate the human system. This causes inflammation and intense damage to the cells in the body. Then these particles embed themselves in the lining of the organs, whichever that maybe. Since asbestos particles are generally inhaled, they usually lodge themselves in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos also interferes with the genetic structure of your body. It facilitates the easy penetration of foreign DNA (genetic material) into the cells which are to be affected. With the entry of such alien substances there are many mutations that occur within the cells. All cellular processes are modified and cellular secretions are contaminated within your body. Though asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, there are certain exceedingly rare cases where mesothelioma occurs due to irradiation, intra pleural thorium dioxide which is also called Thorotrast. It can also occur due to inhaling other fiber based substances, especially silica based minerals like erionite.
Asbestos is a mineral which is extremely toxic. Rather it is a group of minerals that occur in nature as a mass of strong fibers which can be separated into separate thinner fibers. It is an industrial substance and is used in products like cement. Brakes, roof shingles and insulation, among other things. Asbestos particles are airborne and are usually inhaled or consumed. So if you have unknowingly inhaled asbestos particles, then they have probably traveled through your lungs to reach the pleura or the lining of your lungs. This leads to the growth of the malignant growths there. Also, asbestos particles can also enter your body after being mixed with your saliva. Blue asbestos particles are much more cancerous than white asbestos fibers.
The shape and the size of the asbestos particles make it easier for them to penetrate the human system. This causes inflammation and intense damage to the cells in the body. Then these particles embed themselves in the lining of the organs, whichever that maybe. Since asbestos particles are generally inhaled, they usually lodge themselves in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos also interferes with the genetic structure of your body. It facilitates the easy penetration of foreign DNA (genetic material) into the cells which are to be affected. With the entry of such alien substances there are many mutations that occur within the cells. All cellular processes are modified and cellular secretions are contaminated within your body. Though asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, there are certain exceedingly rare cases where mesothelioma occurs due to irradiation, intra pleural thorium dioxide which is also called Thorotrast. It can also occur due to inhaling other fiber based substances, especially silica based minerals like erionite.
Diet for Mesothelioma patients
Mesothelioma is such a disease for which it is of vital importance that the patients should take care not to aggravate their intensely delicate condition by consuming anything that should harm their system. Most of the cures for mesothelioma have chances of relapse and some are purely palliative in nature. As of such, there is no cure that guarantees a complete removal of the disease from your system. Therefore patients must strive to keep themselves healthy in all other ways possible. One of the best things is to eat well.
This is because as we all know, the nutrients from the food we eat enhance our immunity and equip our body to fight diseases. Therefore a balanced diet containing all the nutrients in the right proportions is vital. The diet of a mesothelioma patient should have whole grains, proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. This will keep the body going against all the weakening forces that the cancer brings along with it.
Since there are different ways of treatment, some of which are often experimental, the drugs used during these procedures not only kill the cancerous cells but some of the healthy cells as well. This leads to a weakening of the body. There are also numerous side effects that patients often experience during the course of the treatment. These could be anything from nausea to diarrhea. Therefore in such times, one must eat mild food like whole grain toast which will not affect the stomach and will reduce vomiting. If there is constipation then one should have a lot of fibrous food like apples, oatmeal or broccoli. Proteins should form an important part of the diet as well. There should be egg whites, beans, milk and lean meat as part of daily consumption.
Radiation therapy is a major part of the mesothelioma treatment and causes vomiting, appetite loss, which subsequently lead to a loss of energy. Thus patients should eat calorie rich food to keep standing. One should consume very limited amounts of alcohol, salt as well as caffeine. The best course of action is to take help from a doctor or a dietician who can offer informed advice as to what can be eaten and what should not be during the course of the treatment.
This is because as we all know, the nutrients from the food we eat enhance our immunity and equip our body to fight diseases. Therefore a balanced diet containing all the nutrients in the right proportions is vital. The diet of a mesothelioma patient should have whole grains, proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. This will keep the body going against all the weakening forces that the cancer brings along with it.
Since there are different ways of treatment, some of which are often experimental, the drugs used during these procedures not only kill the cancerous cells but some of the healthy cells as well. This leads to a weakening of the body. There are also numerous side effects that patients often experience during the course of the treatment. These could be anything from nausea to diarrhea. Therefore in such times, one must eat mild food like whole grain toast which will not affect the stomach and will reduce vomiting. If there is constipation then one should have a lot of fibrous food like apples, oatmeal or broccoli. Proteins should form an important part of the diet as well. There should be egg whites, beans, milk and lean meat as part of daily consumption.
Radiation therapy is a major part of the mesothelioma treatment and causes vomiting, appetite loss, which subsequently lead to a loss of energy. Thus patients should eat calorie rich food to keep standing. One should consume very limited amounts of alcohol, salt as well as caffeine. The best course of action is to take help from a doctor or a dietician who can offer informed advice as to what can be eaten and what should not be during the course of the treatment.
Alternative cures to Mesothelioma
There is no standardized cure to any form of mesothelioma. Most of the cures are still in the evaluatory stage and until now no permanent cure has been discovered as yet. The different forms of treatment are mostly palliative in nature. Thus it is time to look for other avenues through which mesothelioma patients can lead a better and more comfortable life. These ways of alternative medicine do not reduce the amounts of asbestos in the body but they do help in improving the quality of life for the patients who try them. Often medicines cannot work and this is where the most unconventional cures step in to do their bit.
Firstly, there is acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine. This is a very popular alternative cure today and involves the use of needles in the particular pressure points on the body. This is said to improve the balance and the Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood according to the ancient Chinese tradition. This provides relief from pain, inflammation and stress. Acupuncture is one of the most common alternative treatments for mesothelioma patients.
Aromatherapy uses lovely fragrances to influence the mental and subsequently the physical well being of the body. Liquids called essential oils are used and these contain concentrated oils from different plants. There are massages as well, using these oils.
Massages help to regulate the flow of blood and lymphatic flow as well. It also helps to relax the muscles, cure pain and benefit the nervous and digestive systems. Massaging also goes a long way in reducing stress levels.
Then there is the TENS Therapy. This is Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation. This is similar to acupuncture. However, in this procedure the body points are stimulated, not by using needles like acupuncture but mild electrical shocks. In TENS therapy, electrodes are used. Electrodes are used as an agent of stimulation. TENS Therapy is among the only alternative therapies that has been approved by the FDA. This basically implies that TENS has been certified to be a safe theory according to the regulations laid down by the FDA and is therefore recognized by insurance policies. However this does not make it a determined form of a cure.
Firstly, there is acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine. This is a very popular alternative cure today and involves the use of needles in the particular pressure points on the body. This is said to improve the balance and the Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood according to the ancient Chinese tradition. This provides relief from pain, inflammation and stress. Acupuncture is one of the most common alternative treatments for mesothelioma patients.
Aromatherapy uses lovely fragrances to influence the mental and subsequently the physical well being of the body. Liquids called essential oils are used and these contain concentrated oils from different plants. There are massages as well, using these oils.
Massages help to regulate the flow of blood and lymphatic flow as well. It also helps to relax the muscles, cure pain and benefit the nervous and digestive systems. Massaging also goes a long way in reducing stress levels.
Then there is the TENS Therapy. This is Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation. This is similar to acupuncture. However, in this procedure the body points are stimulated, not by using needles like acupuncture but mild electrical shocks. In TENS therapy, electrodes are used. Electrodes are used as an agent of stimulation. TENS Therapy is among the only alternative therapies that has been approved by the FDA. This basically implies that TENS has been certified to be a safe theory according to the regulations laid down by the FDA and is therefore recognized by insurance policies. However this does not make it a determined form of a cure.
Different ways to help Mesothelioma patient
There are many ways that can help mesothelioma patients lead a relatively pain free and healthy life. These alternatives do not cure the disease and are purely palliative in nature. These do not involve the use of any medicine and largely focus on mental well being as being the key to physical fitness.
Meditation has always been one of the most popular ways to combat stress and other psychological issues. It can cut down depression levels, a common affliction for cancer patients. Now it has been seen that at times meditation can even combat chronic pain and even slow down growth of the malignant tumors.
A healthy diet is essential for a mesothelioma patient as the treatments often involve side effects and can be energy sapping indeed. Thus dietary enhancements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and proteins can be very helpful. Some times when our natural diet can provide all the nutrients that our body requires, dietary supplements like extra proteins and vitamins are needed. Herbs can be very useful as well. For example, flaxseed, ginseng and garlic can be instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. But make sure that your doctor knows the supplements that you are consuming along with the medicines that have already been prescribed to you.
Yoga is an ancient therapy which has originated in the Indian subcontinent and is recognized as a form of exercise that can be both mentally and physically palliative. There are numerous yoga techniques that can help you to calm down your mind and lead to a general improvement in health as well. There are breathing techniques as well as certain asanas or postures that improve flexibility.
Lastly there is something called pet therapy. This is also called Animal Therapy. Here the patients are made to interact with different animals in an effort to make them feel happier. To display love and affection towards animals and in turn, to receive unconditional love from them, can make patients feel much happier. To take a dog for a short walk, or to play with a cat… all these ways of interaction are a part of Animal or pet therapy. There are certain scientific reasons behind this as well. Interaction with animals also involves a small amount of physical activity. This physical activity can go a long way in helping a patient recover from infirmities which might be plaguing him.
Meditation has always been one of the most popular ways to combat stress and other psychological issues. It can cut down depression levels, a common affliction for cancer patients. Now it has been seen that at times meditation can even combat chronic pain and even slow down growth of the malignant tumors.
A healthy diet is essential for a mesothelioma patient as the treatments often involve side effects and can be energy sapping indeed. Thus dietary enhancements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and proteins can be very helpful. Some times when our natural diet can provide all the nutrients that our body requires, dietary supplements like extra proteins and vitamins are needed. Herbs can be very useful as well. For example, flaxseed, ginseng and garlic can be instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. But make sure that your doctor knows the supplements that you are consuming along with the medicines that have already been prescribed to you.
Yoga is an ancient therapy which has originated in the Indian subcontinent and is recognized as a form of exercise that can be both mentally and physically palliative. There are numerous yoga techniques that can help you to calm down your mind and lead to a general improvement in health as well. There are breathing techniques as well as certain asanas or postures that improve flexibility.
Lastly there is something called pet therapy. This is also called Animal Therapy. Here the patients are made to interact with different animals in an effort to make them feel happier. To display love and affection towards animals and in turn, to receive unconditional love from them, can make patients feel much happier. To take a dog for a short walk, or to play with a cat… all these ways of interaction are a part of Animal or pet therapy. There are certain scientific reasons behind this as well. Interaction with animals also involves a small amount of physical activity. This physical activity can go a long way in helping a patient recover from infirmities which might be plaguing him.
Legal issues concerning Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused due to direct or indirect exposure to the mineral called asbestos. This was formerly used as an industrial product and therefore thousands of workers and their families have died due to exposure to asbestos. Issues about the cancerous effects of asbestos were revealed as early as the 1930s. That basically meant that most of the owners of the companies were aware of the bad effects of asbestos and yet did not bother to take any measures to protect their employees. If you are a victim of such an inhuman atrocity then the law states that you can start litigation and file a complaint against such individuals in a court of law.
2011 Mesothelioma
Any case concerning mesothelioma or asbestos exposure works on the principle of contingency. This basically means that the lawyer defending the mesothelioma victim does not get paid any fees in advance. The lawyer or the law firm is paid a certain fraction of the settlement that is awarded to the victim by the guilty individuals. It is best to select a mesothelioma specialty law firm or an asbestos attorney. As the names suggest, they specialize in fighting such cases only. Once you have your choice the firm or the attorney will start documenting your case. This is done to prepare a motion which is the centre point of the entire proceedings concerning asbestos.
The entire concept of asbestos litigation is very controversial and there are many different ways in which efforts have been made to bring an end to this entire process of mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. For example, in New York a ruling had been passed to create a multimillion dollar fund to help mesothelioma patients. But this was a step intended to reduce asbestos litigation. Also, the Congress involved itself in a reform which would even end the asbestos victims to sue. This would basically mean that all future asbestos cases would be stopped and only the existing ones allowed to continue. The Congress is trying to get this passed.
Thus if you think you have been unfairly victimized and have the proof as such then do not waste time in seeking legal counsel to start litigation proceedings. As of now, the future seems very uncertain and there might come a time when you might not be legally entitled to stand up anymore. The prominent industries are trying to influence the entire matter about asbestos litigation and by the looks of it, governmental authority might just cave in to such plutocratic pressure.
2011 Mesothelioma
Any case concerning mesothelioma or asbestos exposure works on the principle of contingency. This basically means that the lawyer defending the mesothelioma victim does not get paid any fees in advance. The lawyer or the law firm is paid a certain fraction of the settlement that is awarded to the victim by the guilty individuals. It is best to select a mesothelioma specialty law firm or an asbestos attorney. As the names suggest, they specialize in fighting such cases only. Once you have your choice the firm or the attorney will start documenting your case. This is done to prepare a motion which is the centre point of the entire proceedings concerning asbestos.
The entire concept of asbestos litigation is very controversial and there are many different ways in which efforts have been made to bring an end to this entire process of mesothelioma and asbestos litigation. For example, in New York a ruling had been passed to create a multimillion dollar fund to help mesothelioma patients. But this was a step intended to reduce asbestos litigation. Also, the Congress involved itself in a reform which would even end the asbestos victims to sue. This would basically mean that all future asbestos cases would be stopped and only the existing ones allowed to continue. The Congress is trying to get this passed.
Thus if you think you have been unfairly victimized and have the proof as such then do not waste time in seeking legal counsel to start litigation proceedings. As of now, the future seems very uncertain and there might come a time when you might not be legally entitled to stand up anymore. The prominent industries are trying to influence the entire matter about asbestos litigation and by the looks of it, governmental authority might just cave in to such plutocratic pressure.
Asbestos Exposure in Homes in 2011 May Cause Mesothelioma in 2050
Unbeknownst to the majority of Americans, asbestos exposure continues to this day even in our homes. This exposure will likely cause mesothelioma until exposure is stopped. Exposure that occur today, because of the long latency period , will likely be responsible for mesothelioma in 2050.
Perhaps the most significant source of residence based exposure today occurs through the renovation of older homes. Much attention in the past has been focused on asbestos on piping and boiler components. This asbestos is easily identified and tested. A much more dangerous and insidious source of asbestos exposure, however, is that which results from demolishing or altering the drywall board panels that are ubiquitous throughout the United States. From the early 1960s through 1977, a large percentage of walls and ceilings constructed in homes and offices used asbestos containing joint compound to fill the seams or joints between wall board panels. In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finally outlawed the use of asbestos in spackle and joint compound. According to the CPSC “inhalable asbestos in the household from consumer patching compounds…presents a great risk due to the presence in the household of persons, such as children, who may be particularly vulnerable to carcinogens.”
Even after the ban was announced, however, companies manufacturing the spackle or joint compound made decisions to sell off the entire remaining product rather than recall it from the shelves of retailers and safely dispose of it. No effort however was made to address exposures that would occur as a result of asbestos already installed. The amount of asbestos in homes built with drywall “jointed” with asbestos containing spackle or joint compound during these two decades is incalculable. Its legacy is not. Every time a wall is demolished or altered, asbestos fibers released from the activity will contaminate the home. This contamination will likely produce numerous mesothelioma well into this century.
Read more : http://www.mesotheliomalegalblog.com/2011/03/asbestos-exposure-in-homes-in-2011-may-cause-mesothelioma-in-2050/
Perhaps the most significant source of residence based exposure today occurs through the renovation of older homes. Much attention in the past has been focused on asbestos on piping and boiler components. This asbestos is easily identified and tested. A much more dangerous and insidious source of asbestos exposure, however, is that which results from demolishing or altering the drywall board panels that are ubiquitous throughout the United States. From the early 1960s through 1977, a large percentage of walls and ceilings constructed in homes and offices used asbestos containing joint compound to fill the seams or joints between wall board panels. In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finally outlawed the use of asbestos in spackle and joint compound. According to the CPSC “inhalable asbestos in the household from consumer patching compounds…presents a great risk due to the presence in the household of persons, such as children, who may be particularly vulnerable to carcinogens.”
Even after the ban was announced, however, companies manufacturing the spackle or joint compound made decisions to sell off the entire remaining product rather than recall it from the shelves of retailers and safely dispose of it. No effort however was made to address exposures that would occur as a result of asbestos already installed. The amount of asbestos in homes built with drywall “jointed” with asbestos containing spackle or joint compound during these two decades is incalculable. Its legacy is not. Every time a wall is demolished or altered, asbestos fibers released from the activity will contaminate the home. This contamination will likely produce numerous mesothelioma well into this century.
Read more : http://www.mesotheliomalegalblog.com/2011/03/asbestos-exposure-in-homes-in-2011-may-cause-mesothelioma-in-2050/
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Mesothelioma Patients - 3
As more and more people are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the lawsuits against these corporations are increasing as well. Mesothelioma litigation started increasing in the late 1900s as all the people who had worked with asbestos since its entrance into industry in the late 1880s started displaying the symptoms. Today, it has reached its peak as not only workers, but even their families are being diagnosed with this condition. Billions and billions of dollars are being generated in the lawsuits that are being filed against these companies. Mesothelioma litigation has become a branch of legal specialization in itself. There are mesothelioma law firms and mesothelioma attorneys and lawyers who use their legal expertise in guiding mesothelioma patients to sue companies or individuals for the deliberate damage caused by asbestos exposure. This is a very lengthy and tedious process and often takes years and years to resolve since mesothelioma is such a delayed condition. Obviously the companies do not like being incriminated in such cases and they use their expansive pool of both financial and legal resources to fight the cases. So if you want to take legal action, do not delay. Make sure you get a competent mesothelioma law firm and begin your crusade.
Look for inspiration in Stephen Gould who was a world famous evolutionary biologist in his time. He was diagnosed with abdominal mesothelioma. When he looked up information to see how much time he had, he discovered it to be an average of eight months only. Rather than being depressed he interpreted things in his own way and by virtue of his personality and determination lived much longer. He was diagnosed in 1982. He died in 2000, that is, 18 years after his diagnosis! He stretched his 8 months, to 18 years. That is what a strong mind can do. When Gould asked his friend Sir Peter Medawar, (who incidentally is a Nobel Laureate in immunology) about what is the best way to fight against cancer, he replied, "a sanguine personality." This just goes to show that the heart and the head can prove to be better defenses than even the best form of radiation therapy that you can obtain.
Since mesothelioma is largely incurable, there are many other forms of palliative treatment that mesothelioma patients can opt for. These include aromatherapy, acupuncture, meditation and yoga. While these do not cure you of the condition, they keep you both physically and mentally happy. Another important thing is to eat well. Cancer treatments take a lot out of you and there are many weakening side effects as well. Thus you must have a proper balanced diet, which replenishes your body with all the important nutrients like proteins, vitamins and so on. Also make sure that you do not eat very oily and rich food, because this might lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Do not let yourself succumb to the circumstances, no matter how painful they maybe. The latter is an all important thing that comes into play if you have a terminal condition. While expressions like "you must be brave" and "always think positive" sound clichéd and are very easy to say, it also holds true that having a strong personality and will power does indeed push away the inevitable end. Even if you get the best medicine and treatment available, falling prone to depression will knock away half of your remaining years as well. It has been scientifically proven that mesothelioma patients who have undergone both physical and mental cures have had longer life spans than those who have only gone in for medication.
Look for inspiration in Stephen Gould who was a world famous evolutionary biologist in his time. He was diagnosed with abdominal mesothelioma. When he looked up information to see how much time he had, he discovered it to be an average of eight months only. Rather than being depressed he interpreted things in his own way and by virtue of his personality and determination lived much longer. He was diagnosed in 1982. He died in 2000, that is, 18 years after his diagnosis! He stretched his 8 months, to 18 years. That is what a strong mind can do. When Gould asked his friend Sir Peter Medawar, (who incidentally is a Nobel Laureate in immunology) about what is the best way to fight against cancer, he replied, "a sanguine personality." This just goes to show that the heart and the head can prove to be better defenses than even the best form of radiation therapy that you can obtain.
There are still many gross injustices that are being carried out to stop mesothelioma legislation. The Congress has been trying to pass a bill which will take away mesothelioma patients’ right to sue. A judge has passed a ruling to create a multimillion dollar fund to aid patients. Now at first sight, it seems like a magnanimous gesture, doesn’t it? The fund was actually created so that mesothelioma patients would not sue the companies for funds. All this is being done because these influential and plutocratic corporations are pressurizing the government to save them. Life and society is being ruled by money and people who have it. But I am not saying this to make you lose hope. On the contrary this should make you fight even harder. Do not be intimidated by such formidable capitalist propaganda. Stand up and fight for what is rightly yours and your family’s.
Mesothelioma Patients - 2
By now you must be certainly asking about the ways that this deadly condition can be cured. Well, to cut a long story short, there is no permanent and standardized cure for mesothelioma, and the sole reason for this is the fact that mesothelioma cannot be detected before decades of it has entered into your system. Also, many of the symptoms that are atypical of mesothelioma are not solely mesothelioma centric. Symptoms like shortness of breath, blood in the sputum, pleurisies or fluid in the lungs and so on. All these symptoms can be mistaken for a thousand other conditions. Of course, different forms of mesothelioma have their own specific symptoms, but again, most of them are not mesothelioma centric. For treatment, there is the usual stock of chemotherapy as well as radiation. Surgery is usually performed in the most drastic of situations, but is not that effective as the other two treatments mentioned. With chemotherapy and radiation there is a much higher incidence of being able to increase the patient’s lifespan by five years or more. With surgery that extension rate is much less. Again, there are other treatment methods like immunotherapy that has been making progress in this field as well.
Dr. Paul Sugarbaker has been a pioneer in the field of mesothelioma treatment for years. He has evolved new methods of surgery and ways of treating the carcinogenic cells by using modes of radiation and chemotherapy. He has been able to make immense progress in a field that had once been dominated by hopelessness and despair. He developed these methods at the Washington Cancer Institute. Doctors have also been searching for methods through which the condition can be detected at a much earlier stage, that is, a stage where the mutations will not have taken place yet. Asbestos takes over one’s DNA. Now you know why mesothelioma is rightly called the scourge of the 21st century…
Next comes the question of exposure. Mesothelioma was a rare cancer which is unfortunately losing its position as one, as day by day more and more people are revealed to be suffering from the condition. So how are such staggering numbers of people becoming exposed to such a deadly mineral? And if this mineral is airborne, why is every single person in this world not mesotheliomic by now? To answer these questions, let me take you back into time as history will reveal how many people fell prey to such atrocities and perhaps it is then that you will realize that human atrocities extend far beyond wars and genocide. Veiled by civilization, people and corporations have committed many crimes for materialistic reasons.
Most of us know what the Industrial Revolution was all about in the early days of modern civilization. With the invention of a multitude of machines, there was a sudden boom in industry and production of goods finally attained new levels in terms of both quantity and quality. As a result, requirement for raw material also increased. In the late 1800s, the potential of asbestos as an industrial material was discovered. With the ongoing Industrial Revolution, new inventions in science enabled the maximization of asbestos use in the industry. However, by the early years of the 20th century, different medical organizations in England began to document the deaths of industrial workers who had been exposed to asbestos. By 1917, this information had been passed on to the United States as well. From the 1920s, different medical journals like the British Medical Journal and other research organizations began to publish the results of various experiments that had been conducted to test the hazardous quality of asbestos. The backlash from the big corporations and industries started from the 1930s onward, spearheaded by companies like Johns Manville which was a major asbestos company. Asbestos was being commercially mined and was also being used as a raw material, resulting in huge profit margins. Now, desperate to protect their profits and reputation, these corporations tried to suppress these results which revealed the deadly nature of asbestos. They bribed people, tampered with test results and even released false evidence to prove to their workers and the world in general that "the hazardous nature of asbestos was merely an exaggeration," in spite of blatant medical evidence which proved that workers who were being exposed to asbestos were dying out of conditions like asbestosis, mesothelioma and a variety of other related conditions. To protect their industries and their profits, these corporations would not reveal to their workers that they were being exposed to asbestos, and neither would they implement any safety measures like protective clothing or warning signs as these might scare off the workers. Thus the lives of innumerable workers were being risked at the altar of materialism.
Many corporations could get away with it because the symptoms would not manifest until decades later. Editors were instructed to stop publishing incriminating articles against asbestos, while some articles were modified. Test results which were sponsored by asbestos companies as a so called "goodwill gesture" were tampered or suppressed if they were incriminating. Asbestos was finally banned in 1989, following almost ten years of legislation. But the worst thing is, even though asbestos was banned in 1989, the EWG Action Fund report states that 29 million pounds of asbestos had been imported into the United States for industrial use, in as late as 2001!
This kind of inhuman behavior just shows the level that mankind has sunk to. Men are willing to sacrifice, or rather cold bloodedly ruin the lives of thousands of others, just to protect their own interests. As a result of this atrocity millions of industrial workers and their families have been exposed to mesothelioma. It is not only in the industries that this has occurred. Asbestos has been used in ships and submarines as an insulating material. Therefore thousands of navy veterans who had decided to serve their country during World War II as well as the Vietnam War have been diagnosed with mesothelioma today. And these were the very men who had risked their lives to go and serve their country during times of crisis.
Are you one of these numerous people who has fallen to such a crime? Were you exposed to such a deadly environment for years without even knowing about it? Then it is time for you to stand up for your rights, as clichéd as that might sound. This is to make you aware of what has gone on in corporate conference rooms behind closed doors while you worked for these very people and contributed to their burgeoning profit statistics. Stand up against these people by using methods of mesothelioma litigation because these are the people who should pay for your medical bills, and all the chemotherapy sessions that you need to go in for. They earned those millions of dollars because of your hard work and it is payback time for all of them. I will give you an appalling example to prove my point. The president of the infamous Johns Manville had said that the managers of some the other asbestos companies were fools because they had notified their employees about the asbestos effects! When one of his own managers asked him, "Do you mean to tell me you would let them work until they dropped dead?" The response is reported to have been, "Yes. We save a lot of money that way." This is according to the testimony by Charles H. Roemer, Deposition taken April 25, 1984, Johns-Manville Corp., et al v. the United States of America, U.S. Claims Court Civ. No. 465-83C. Various socially motivated authors have written books exposing the entire "Asbestos Cover Up." These include Barry I. Castleman’s Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects, David Kotelchuck’s "Asbestos: The Funeral Dress of Kings and Others" in "Dying for Work: Workers’ Safety and Health in Twentieth-Century America", ed. by David Rosner and Gerald Markowitz and Paul Brodeur’s Outrageous Misconduct: The Asbestos Industry on Trial.
To Be continued...
Mesothelioma Patients - 1
When we think of tragedy what is the first thing that comes to our mind? For over 90 percent of people all over the world, it is death. Yes, we are all scared of dying, and especially a painful death. In the movie, The Bucket List, Morgan Freeman, one of the main characters, says that when people are asked as to whether they want to know the date of their death in advance, most of them said that they did not want to know. So that is another factor, none of us want to know the day or our death in advance. But what happens if you are unlucky enough to know the fact that your days are, in fact, numbered? What happens then? It probably makes you braver than ever. This is because you do not have to live the rest of your days in fear anymore. Facing the prospect of death can suddenly make one brave. To believe that, look around you and observe the thousands of people who are terminally ill and are still enjoying every moment of whatever they have left.
That brings us to another element here. What terminal illnesses have you heard of? The common names are cancer, AIDS, leukemia, etc. Hearing these names probably fill you with a sense of dread. However, the world has more in store for us human beings. Welcome to the newest plague or scourge of the modern world. This is not AIDS. It is mesothelioma. The name probably does not strike a bell among all the "famous" diseases that you have heard of. Let us not call them diseases anymore. It sounds crude. These are all conditions that thousands of people suffer from. So, what IS mesothelioma, you may ask? And it isn’t even that widespread, so how can it pose a great threat to humankind at large? There is an answer to all of these questions.
First, mesothelioma is a kind of aggressive cancer that affects people who have been exposed to asbestos for extended periods of time, spanning years and decades. Asbestos fibers enter the body and penetrate the vital lining of various organs including the lungs, the cardiac as well as the abdominal cavities. These fibers penetrate the body, undergo genetic mutations and form new mutated cells which slowly metastasize or spread all over the body. Thus mesothelioma patients have asbestos fibers mingled within their cellular structure. And here you were thinking that genetic mutations only occur to young college kids in comic books who become super heroes after undergoing genetic mutation. This is not the Spiderman story. It is the story of thousands and thousands of people who have been subjected to one of the biggest atrocities in human history, but more of that later. There are three types of mesothelioma that affect people: Pleural (lung), Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (cardiac cavity) mesothelioma. Of these three, most patients usually suffer from the pleural because asbestos particles are usually airborne and enter the system while breathing. This cancer is aggressive, but has a very slow and extended gestation period.
2011 Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually show themselves twenty to fifty years after their exposure to asbestos. Basically the cancer feeds into the system for decades before rearing up its ugly head. Basically children whose parents were exposed to asbestos are becoming afflicted in their late adulthood. Another thing that you should know is the fact that it is extremely contagious, in the sense that even if you have prolonged contact with a person who in turn has had a sustained exposure to asbestos, then you might contract it too. Technically speaking, the person who regularly does the laundry for a mesothelioma patient might contract it too. But as I said, the exposure has to be sustained over a long period of time.
To be continued.....
That brings us to another element here. What terminal illnesses have you heard of? The common names are cancer, AIDS, leukemia, etc. Hearing these names probably fill you with a sense of dread. However, the world has more in store for us human beings. Welcome to the newest plague or scourge of the modern world. This is not AIDS. It is mesothelioma. The name probably does not strike a bell among all the "famous" diseases that you have heard of. Let us not call them diseases anymore. It sounds crude. These are all conditions that thousands of people suffer from. So, what IS mesothelioma, you may ask? And it isn’t even that widespread, so how can it pose a great threat to humankind at large? There is an answer to all of these questions.
First, mesothelioma is a kind of aggressive cancer that affects people who have been exposed to asbestos for extended periods of time, spanning years and decades. Asbestos fibers enter the body and penetrate the vital lining of various organs including the lungs, the cardiac as well as the abdominal cavities. These fibers penetrate the body, undergo genetic mutations and form new mutated cells which slowly metastasize or spread all over the body. Thus mesothelioma patients have asbestos fibers mingled within their cellular structure. And here you were thinking that genetic mutations only occur to young college kids in comic books who become super heroes after undergoing genetic mutation. This is not the Spiderman story. It is the story of thousands and thousands of people who have been subjected to one of the biggest atrocities in human history, but more of that later. There are three types of mesothelioma that affect people: Pleural (lung), Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (cardiac cavity) mesothelioma. Of these three, most patients usually suffer from the pleural because asbestos particles are usually airborne and enter the system while breathing. This cancer is aggressive, but has a very slow and extended gestation period.
2011 Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually show themselves twenty to fifty years after their exposure to asbestos. Basically the cancer feeds into the system for decades before rearing up its ugly head. Basically children whose parents were exposed to asbestos are becoming afflicted in their late adulthood. Another thing that you should know is the fact that it is extremely contagious, in the sense that even if you have prolonged contact with a person who in turn has had a sustained exposure to asbestos, then you might contract it too. Technically speaking, the person who regularly does the laundry for a mesothelioma patient might contract it too. But as I said, the exposure has to be sustained over a long period of time.
To be continued.....
Effects of Mesothelioma Cancer
A layer made up of specialized cells or membrane called mesothelium covers the most of the internal organs. There are two layers of cells in mesothelium. Organs are surrounded by the first one which is surrounded by the second thick layer. Between these two layer a lubricating fluid is concealed which is produced by the membrane itself. This lubricant allows the organs to move smoothly against adjacent organs and structures (for example the expansion and contraction of lungs, beating of the heart etc…
Mesothelioma has different names according to the different location in the body. One of all those is peritoneum which covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. Pleura is the membrane which surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity and tissue called as Pericardium covers and protects the heart.
In a disease known as Mesothelioma or the cancer of the mesothelioma, cells become abnormal and divide enormously and with out any order leading to the development of tumors. The tumors of the mesothelial cells can be non cancerous i.e. benign or cancerous i.e. malignant. As nearly all mesothelial tumors are malignant, cancerous mesothelioma is often just referred to as mesothelioma. They can spread and damage nearby tissues and organs too. Therefore the cancer cells may also metastasize from their parent location to other parts of the body.
The lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body are get affected by the malignant 2011 Mesothelioma. Some major organs in the body such as heart, lungs, abdomen and others are housed by these cavities, known as the serious cavities.
Malignant mesothelioma undertakes 3 forms.
1) Peritoneal Mesothelioma: It is in the Peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen.
2) Pericardial Mesothelioma: It is in the Pericardium or lining surrounding the heart.
3) Pleural Mesothelioma: This the most common form of malignant mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lung cavity.
The majority cases of malignant mesothelioma are related with an earlier experience of fibrous minerals, of which asbestos is the significant. The mineral which occurs naturally like strong and flexible fibers which can be separated in the form of thin threads and can be woven are called as Asbestos. Asbestos has been commonly used in several industrial products, as well as cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Particularly through the manufacturing process, these are simply inhaled or swallowed throughout the manufacturing process as asbestos dust are small particles which hover in the atmosphere.
The time span between developments of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure is 35-40 years. In general people exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time can develop mesothelioma, though few individuals with just brief exposure can also developed mesothelioma as seen. Conversely, people heavily exposed are not developing mesothelioma.
In previous decades of the 1970s, huge amounts of asbestos were utilized in industrial construction and shipbuilding. It’s used was restricted by government, by optional materials making available. Regardless of these changes, asbestos was continued in use.
Professions which content with asbestos and usually related with the inception of mesothelioma afterward in life comprise asbestos production, insulation work, heating trades, shipyard work, and construction.
Mesothelioma has different names according to the different location in the body. One of all those is peritoneum which covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. Pleura is the membrane which surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity and tissue called as Pericardium covers and protects the heart.
In a disease known as Mesothelioma or the cancer of the mesothelioma, cells become abnormal and divide enormously and with out any order leading to the development of tumors. The tumors of the mesothelial cells can be non cancerous i.e. benign or cancerous i.e. malignant. As nearly all mesothelial tumors are malignant, cancerous mesothelioma is often just referred to as mesothelioma. They can spread and damage nearby tissues and organs too. Therefore the cancer cells may also metastasize from their parent location to other parts of the body.
The lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body are get affected by the malignant 2011 Mesothelioma. Some major organs in the body such as heart, lungs, abdomen and others are housed by these cavities, known as the serious cavities.
Malignant mesothelioma undertakes 3 forms.
1) Peritoneal Mesothelioma: It is in the Peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen.
2) Pericardial Mesothelioma: It is in the Pericardium or lining surrounding the heart.
3) Pleural Mesothelioma: This the most common form of malignant mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lung cavity.
The majority cases of malignant mesothelioma are related with an earlier experience of fibrous minerals, of which asbestos is the significant. The mineral which occurs naturally like strong and flexible fibers which can be separated in the form of thin threads and can be woven are called as Asbestos. Asbestos has been commonly used in several industrial products, as well as cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Particularly through the manufacturing process, these are simply inhaled or swallowed throughout the manufacturing process as asbestos dust are small particles which hover in the atmosphere.
The time span between developments of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure is 35-40 years. In general people exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period of time can develop mesothelioma, though few individuals with just brief exposure can also developed mesothelioma as seen. Conversely, people heavily exposed are not developing mesothelioma.
In previous decades of the 1970s, huge amounts of asbestos were utilized in industrial construction and shipbuilding. It’s used was restricted by government, by optional materials making available. Regardless of these changes, asbestos was continued in use.
Professions which content with asbestos and usually related with the inception of mesothelioma afterward in life comprise asbestos production, insulation work, heating trades, shipyard work, and construction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)