As the number of victims affected by mesothelioma is constantly on the rise, it has become more important than ever to carry out extensive research into this cancer as well as carry out alot of orientation programs so as to increase people's awareness about the disease. As there is currently no long-term theraphy available to mesothelioma sufferers, all that victims can do is hope that some day a breakthrough will be made by researchers and medical experts. However, this research works are both time consuming and at the same time are capital intensive, and without appropriate funding can be very difficult.
This is where mesothelioma foundations come in. These organizations exist to help the victims of mesothelioma as well as work towards eliminating the disease . Government funding for mesothelioma barely scratches the surface – only a few million dollars have been allocated to mesothelioma research over a period of several years.And as such many of these charitable organisations rely heavily upon public donations.
Mesothelioma foundations carry out excellent work, although they clearly have to work within the limitsofbudgetary provisions. They work towards funding trials and research into treatment of this cancer; they help to support and educate patients as well as offering them advice with regards to treatment; and they aim to provide quality information that helps sufferers and their families.
Many breakthroughs have been made thanks to the dedication and hard work of the professionals at mesothelioma foundations. Treatments that offer a life extension of several months have been discovered, blood tests that help to speed up the diagnosis of the cancer have been developed and medication that can help to shrink the tumour is being investigated. With more substantial funding, these foundations could support even more research giving the world a better chance of finding an effective long term treatment or cure for mesothelioma.
. For those interested in helping mesothelioma organizations to reach their goals, there are several ways in which you can help:
The first one is the most obvious, and that’s by making a charitable donation to your local foundation. This can be in the form of a check, in cash, or if you prefer to donate on a regular basis many foundations can set up a direct debit or standing order so that the money goes directly from your account each month.
Perhaps you’d like to do a little fundraising yourself, in which case doing something like a sponsored run – or anything for which people would sponsor you – could prove effective. You could raise a littleamount of money which could ultimately help to change the lives of millions of people.
Another way of helping is by volunteering to assist the foundations in one of a number of ways, which could include anything from helping with research to providing support and friendship to patients.
Mesothelioma foundations will benefit from all the additional support that they can get, whether it is financial or otherwise. If you feel you can assist in any of these ways, you should contact your local mesothelioma foundation and ask about making a contribution of applying for a volunteer’s position.
Whichever way you decide to show your support, you will be helping in the vital quest to eliminate this deadly cancer which exhibit the prospects of wiping off a nation.
Omoluwabi Oluwaseyi is a peritoneal resource personnel. Want to access hot bits of valuable information about this easily preventable menace of a disease? Good!!!! Visit http://perimesoth-magic.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Omoluwabi_Oluwaseyi
sobota, 3 listopada 2007
Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma is the growth of malignant cells in mesothelium, the thin membrane covering the body’s internal organs. This mesothelium lining covers the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities. Pleura is a membrane covering the lungs and it is the most common location where mesothelioma cancer occurs also known as pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneum, the protective covering that lines the abdominal cavity may also develop malignant tumors and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest cancers in the world that is caused only by exposure to asbestos. Its exposure can be direct, by inhalation of asbestos or indirect exposure in which the asbestos particles are inhaled from the clothing, hair, equipment or other articles that were previously exposed to asbestos.
Causes of Mesothelioma Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined in different parts of the world due to its wide utility in various industries. However, it is a deadly carcinogen too and a mojor cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Asbestos fibers are known to cause cancer of the mesothelium. Asbestos is the fibrous form of several minerals and hydrous silicates of magnesium found under ground. There are 3 types of asbestos, the blue one, the while one and the brown one. Of all these 3 types, the blue one also called amphibole, long and thin in structure is more carcinogenic than white or chrysolite asbestos or the brown one known as amosite.
However, in some cases the brown asbestos has also been found to cause mesothelioma. And it is for this reason that people exposed to asbestos even for a short period are vulnerable to the disease.
Pleural Mesothelioma Asbestos fibers are very fine and easily make their way to the lungs where they settle down in the parenchyma of the lung and penetrate the pleura that later develops malignant mesothelial plaques.
Pleura, which anchors lungs to the chest cavity, is itself a double-layered membrane. The inner layer called visceral pleura surrounds the lungs, while the outer one, known as parietal pleura, forms the lining of the pleural or chest cavity. The two pleural layers are filled with a fluid that helps them to slide over each other as we breathe. As the disease progresses, the delicate pleural membranes thicken and press the lungs. A fluid secreted by the malignant cells, pleural effusion, may also collect between visceral and parietal pleurae that causes problem in breathing and other complications.
Peritoneum Mesothelioma The asbestos fibers may also cause cancer in the peritoneum, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. This leads to thickening of the membranes surrounding abdominal organs and collection of a fluid, ascites in the abdominal cavity making it swell.
Though it is yet not clear how peritoneal mesothelioma develops, it is believed that from lungs, the asbestos fibers are transported to abdomen and its organs by the lymphatic system or they may be deposited in the gut through saliva contaminated by the asbestos fibers.
Pericardial Mesothelioma This is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer that comprises of only 5% of all the mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma cancer, pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers. The lining of the chest cavity which protects the heart is known as pericardium. It is provided with a natural fluid or mucous that provide continuous lubrication to the heart so that it can work properly and perform its functions.
As the asbestos particles settle further into the lining of the chest or pericardial, the cancer spreads in the body. It destroys the heart tissues and muscles that is very hazardous to life and proves fatal for the patient.
Laura Russell is a professional health writer having expertise in the field of Mesothelioma Cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest cancers in the world that is caused only by exposure to asbestos. Its exposure can be direct, by inhalation of asbestos or indirect exposure in which the asbestos particles are inhaled from the clothing, hair, equipment or other articles that were previously exposed to asbestos.
Causes of Mesothelioma Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined in different parts of the world due to its wide utility in various industries. However, it is a deadly carcinogen too and a mojor cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Asbestos fibers are known to cause cancer of the mesothelium. Asbestos is the fibrous form of several minerals and hydrous silicates of magnesium found under ground. There are 3 types of asbestos, the blue one, the while one and the brown one. Of all these 3 types, the blue one also called amphibole, long and thin in structure is more carcinogenic than white or chrysolite asbestos or the brown one known as amosite.
However, in some cases the brown asbestos has also been found to cause mesothelioma. And it is for this reason that people exposed to asbestos even for a short period are vulnerable to the disease.
Pleural Mesothelioma Asbestos fibers are very fine and easily make their way to the lungs where they settle down in the parenchyma of the lung and penetrate the pleura that later develops malignant mesothelial plaques.
Pleura, which anchors lungs to the chest cavity, is itself a double-layered membrane. The inner layer called visceral pleura surrounds the lungs, while the outer one, known as parietal pleura, forms the lining of the pleural or chest cavity. The two pleural layers are filled with a fluid that helps them to slide over each other as we breathe. As the disease progresses, the delicate pleural membranes thicken and press the lungs. A fluid secreted by the malignant cells, pleural effusion, may also collect between visceral and parietal pleurae that causes problem in breathing and other complications.
Peritoneum Mesothelioma The asbestos fibers may also cause cancer in the peritoneum, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. This leads to thickening of the membranes surrounding abdominal organs and collection of a fluid, ascites in the abdominal cavity making it swell.
Though it is yet not clear how peritoneal mesothelioma develops, it is believed that from lungs, the asbestos fibers are transported to abdomen and its organs by the lymphatic system or they may be deposited in the gut through saliva contaminated by the asbestos fibers.
Pericardial Mesothelioma This is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer that comprises of only 5% of all the mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma cancer, pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers. The lining of the chest cavity which protects the heart is known as pericardium. It is provided with a natural fluid or mucous that provide continuous lubrication to the heart so that it can work properly and perform its functions.
As the asbestos particles settle further into the lining of the chest or pericardial, the cancer spreads in the body. It destroys the heart tissues and muscles that is very hazardous to life and proves fatal for the patient.
Laura Russell is a professional health writer having expertise in the field of Mesothelioma Cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
Mesothelioma Symptom Info
The main causes of mesothelioma is the inhaling of asbestos particles or the exposure to asbestos dust and fibre. It is the most severe form of cancer and up to now there has been no cure for this deadly disease. The nature of this form of cancer is the development of malignant cells in the protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. This protective lining is also called the mesothelium.
The most common area in the body where it develops is the outer lining of the lungs and is called the pleura. Chest pains is a common mesothelioma symptom, accompanied with frequent shortness of breath, chronic coughing, tiredness, pneumonia, hoarseness, anemia, fluid covering the lungs and coughing up blood being the harshest mesothelioma symptom. Sometimes in very serious cases the person might have numerous tumor masses which will cause the lungs to collapse. This tumor masses will then usually spread to other parts of the body such as the abdominal cavity. Symptoms of this being abdominal pain, weight loss, fluid in the abdomen and problems with bowel functioning.
The diagnosis is often difficult due to the fact that most mesothelioma symptom signs are similar to that of other conditions such as pneumonia etc. A medical history check usually gets done to see if the patient hasn't had any exposure to asbestos in the past. Treatment of the disease by using traditional therapies has proved unsuccessful and patients usually have an average survival time of 6 to 12 months prior to presentation. Treating mesothelioma is extremely costly and because of this many people file lawsuits to cover the expenses of the treatment.
Patients of mesothelioma are able to claim for compensation by the government through the help of an attorney. Victims can also sue the companies they worked for, for not being considerate towards their employees health and only caring about the profit of the company.If you work on a job or perhaps worked on a job where you had to handle materials consisting of asbestos and you have frequent problems with your chest, then the chances are good that you might have mesothelioma.
For more info on mesothelioma go to http://www.mesothelioma-symptom-information.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Siebrits
The most common area in the body where it develops is the outer lining of the lungs and is called the pleura. Chest pains is a common mesothelioma symptom, accompanied with frequent shortness of breath, chronic coughing, tiredness, pneumonia, hoarseness, anemia, fluid covering the lungs and coughing up blood being the harshest mesothelioma symptom. Sometimes in very serious cases the person might have numerous tumor masses which will cause the lungs to collapse. This tumor masses will then usually spread to other parts of the body such as the abdominal cavity. Symptoms of this being abdominal pain, weight loss, fluid in the abdomen and problems with bowel functioning.
The diagnosis is often difficult due to the fact that most mesothelioma symptom signs are similar to that of other conditions such as pneumonia etc. A medical history check usually gets done to see if the patient hasn't had any exposure to asbestos in the past. Treatment of the disease by using traditional therapies has proved unsuccessful and patients usually have an average survival time of 6 to 12 months prior to presentation. Treating mesothelioma is extremely costly and because of this many people file lawsuits to cover the expenses of the treatment.
Patients of mesothelioma are able to claim for compensation by the government through the help of an attorney. Victims can also sue the companies they worked for, for not being considerate towards their employees health and only caring about the profit of the company.If you work on a job or perhaps worked on a job where you had to handle materials consisting of asbestos and you have frequent problems with your chest, then the chances are good that you might have mesothelioma.
For more info on mesothelioma go to http://www.mesothelioma-symptom-information.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darren_Siebrits
Mesothelioma Types and Their Symptoms
Mesothelioma, or the cancer of mesothelium, is a fatal tumor that affects pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium – linings around lungs, abdomen, and heart respectively. It is a fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral.
Mesothelioma cancer be benign, i.e. it can be non-cancerous and non-spreading or it can be malignant i.e. cancerous and spread to other parts of the body leading to death. Its primary cause is prolonged exposure to asbestos and it has a latency period of about 30 to 50 years.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be classified into three types depending on the area of body affected by it. There are 3 common types of mesothelioma:
1. Pleural Mesothelioma
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common form of mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma (cancer of pleura) is a tumor of the protective lining around the lungs. It can be either benign or malignant.
The pleura is a sac-like membrane made of two layers between which the pleural fluid is released. This fluid in turn acts like a lubricating agent and helps the lungs to function smoothly during breathing.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Pain in the rib cage
Other symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma, for both benign and cancerous forms, include:
• Fluid build-up in the lung lining
• Hoarseness
• Coughing up blood
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Sensory loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Another common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma or cancer of the peritoneum that causes tumor in the abdominal lining. Like pleural it can be benign or malignant.
The peritoneum is the membrane that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity and also includes:
• Tunica Vaginalis Testis (mesothelial tissue lining the male internal reproductive organs)
• Tunica Serosa Uteri (mesothelial tissue lining the female reproductive organs).
Symptoms
The fluid released in the peritoneum helps in the smooth functioning of these organs. When the peritoneum is affected, some common symptoms experienced are:
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hernia
• Bowel obstruction
• Fluid in the abdominal cavity
If the cancer spreads beyond the abdominal cavity, additional symptoms can be found, such as:
• Anemia
• Blood clotting abnormalities
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of neck, face or arms
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma or the cancer of pericardium is a tumor of the protective sac-like lining around the heart.
Pericardium protects the heart by:
• Smoothening its motion against surrounding organs
• Limiting its motion so that it stays in the chest cavity
• Preventing it from over-expansion during excess influx of blood
Symptoms
When pericardium’s function is affected by mesothelioma, the following symptoms may occur:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid accumulation in the lining
If the mesothelioma cancer spreads to other organs of the body, it can affect their normal functioning and cause painful symptoms. Thus, it is important that mesothelioma cancer is diagnosed on time and proper treatment is given to save the patient’s life.
Laura Russell is a professional Health Writer having expertise in the filed of Mesothelioma Cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
Mesothelioma cancer be benign, i.e. it can be non-cancerous and non-spreading or it can be malignant i.e. cancerous and spread to other parts of the body leading to death. Its primary cause is prolonged exposure to asbestos and it has a latency period of about 30 to 50 years.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be classified into three types depending on the area of body affected by it. There are 3 common types of mesothelioma:
1. Pleural Mesothelioma
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common form of mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma (cancer of pleura) is a tumor of the protective lining around the lungs. It can be either benign or malignant.
The pleura is a sac-like membrane made of two layers between which the pleural fluid is released. This fluid in turn acts like a lubricating agent and helps the lungs to function smoothly during breathing.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Back pain
• Pain in the rib cage
Other symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma, for both benign and cancerous forms, include:
• Fluid build-up in the lung lining
• Hoarseness
• Coughing up blood
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis
• Sensory loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Another common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma or cancer of the peritoneum that causes tumor in the abdominal lining. Like pleural it can be benign or malignant.
The peritoneum is the membrane that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity and also includes:
• Tunica Vaginalis Testis (mesothelial tissue lining the male internal reproductive organs)
• Tunica Serosa Uteri (mesothelial tissue lining the female reproductive organs).
Symptoms
The fluid released in the peritoneum helps in the smooth functioning of these organs. When the peritoneum is affected, some common symptoms experienced are:
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Hernia
• Bowel obstruction
• Fluid in the abdominal cavity
If the cancer spreads beyond the abdominal cavity, additional symptoms can be found, such as:
• Anemia
• Blood clotting abnormalities
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of neck, face or arms
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma or the cancer of pericardium is a tumor of the protective sac-like lining around the heart.
Pericardium protects the heart by:
• Smoothening its motion against surrounding organs
• Limiting its motion so that it stays in the chest cavity
• Preventing it from over-expansion during excess influx of blood
Symptoms
When pericardium’s function is affected by mesothelioma, the following symptoms may occur:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid accumulation in the lining
If the mesothelioma cancer spreads to other organs of the body, it can affect their normal functioning and cause painful symptoms. Thus, it is important that mesothelioma cancer is diagnosed on time and proper treatment is given to save the patient’s life.
Laura Russell is a professional Health Writer having expertise in the filed of Mesothelioma Cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Russell
What Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the name given to the cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen.This type of cancer is caused by ABESTOS exposure and it affects the linings that protects the contents of the abdomen and which also provides a lubrication to enable the organs to move and work effectively. This disease is sometimes referred to as DIFFUSE PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA and this is where the cancer has spread out.Accountable for around 10% of mesothelioma cases, this type of abestos related cancer is the second most common(after PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA).
There are a number of symptoms for these disease. However like all other types of MESOTHELIOMA, there is a very long latency period and symptom may not become evident for decades after exposure. This means that by the time the symptoms have begun,it is often already too late to offer any real constructive treatment. Further delay may be caused due to the fact that the symptoms are generally non specific and could therefore be attributed to a number of more common ailments.Unless your doctor is aware of the fact that you have been exposed to abestos in the past,he or she is likely to consider other options before even contemplating mesothelioma.It is therefore important to let your doctor know of any exposure to abestos as the case may be.
The symptoms of this disease include pain and weakness,weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction. However depending on the location of the tumor, additional problems can be experienced such as breathing problems and severe pains.
Omoluwabi Oluwaseyi is a peritoneal resource personnel. Want to access hot bits of valuable information about this easily preventable menace of a disease? Good!!!! visit http://perimesoth-magic.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Omoluwabi_Oluwaseyi
There are a number of symptoms for these disease. However like all other types of MESOTHELIOMA, there is a very long latency period and symptom may not become evident for decades after exposure. This means that by the time the symptoms have begun,it is often already too late to offer any real constructive treatment. Further delay may be caused due to the fact that the symptoms are generally non specific and could therefore be attributed to a number of more common ailments.Unless your doctor is aware of the fact that you have been exposed to abestos in the past,he or she is likely to consider other options before even contemplating mesothelioma.It is therefore important to let your doctor know of any exposure to abestos as the case may be.
The symptoms of this disease include pain and weakness,weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction. However depending on the location of the tumor, additional problems can be experienced such as breathing problems and severe pains.
Omoluwabi Oluwaseyi is a peritoneal resource personnel. Want to access hot bits of valuable information about this easily preventable menace of a disease? Good!!!! visit http://perimesoth-magic.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Omoluwabi_Oluwaseyi
Types of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. There is a long time gap, sometimes even up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease. It is also very difficult to diagnose this disease because the symptoms are very similar to other benign diseases like pneumonia.
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.
There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.
The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.
Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:
§ A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
§ A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
§ Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
§ Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.
Pericardial mesothelioma:
The most rare form of mesothelioma is the pericardial mesothelioma; it affects the mesothelium linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death.
The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.
In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like
• Shipyard workers
• Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
• Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
• Construction site workers.
• Fire poof materials manufacturers
• Cement mixers
• Painters
Not only the above groups of people are having a high chance of contracting the disease but also their families run a risk of contracting this disease. The workers when they return home carry the asbestos dust and asbestos fibers in their clothing and their families may be exposed to the disease. The workers should take the following precautionary measures:
1. They should wear protective clothing to work.
2. They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
3. An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.
The writer is a research expert at a medical research firm. http://www.rarehope.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Archana_Sarat
Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.
There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.
Pleural Mesothelioma:
Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.
The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.
Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:
§ A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
§ A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
§ Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
§ Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.
Pericardial mesothelioma:
The most rare form of mesothelioma is the pericardial mesothelioma; it affects the mesothelium linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death.
The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.
In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like
• Shipyard workers
• Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
• Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
• Construction site workers.
• Fire poof materials manufacturers
• Cement mixers
• Painters
Not only the above groups of people are having a high chance of contracting the disease but also their families run a risk of contracting this disease. The workers when they return home carry the asbestos dust and asbestos fibers in their clothing and their families may be exposed to the disease. The workers should take the following precautionary measures:
1. They should wear protective clothing to work.
2. They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
3. An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.
The writer is a research expert at a medical research firm. http://www.rarehope.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Archana_Sarat
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