Mesothelioma and the challenge it poses

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer,which presents a difficult challenge for medical science as well as humanity.The more information that are derived cancer leads to a fact that the only way this disease can be fought,it is the earlier diagnosis so that effective treatment could be carried out.And that is where the challenge lies.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to the mineral called asbestos.Once these mineral finds its way into the mesothelial cells leads to the development of this dreaded cancer.Mesothelium is a membrane that forms a protective film to SAC the internal organs of the human body.There are different names,depending on which body is responsible for.There are basically five types of mesothelioma,the pleural mesothelioma,peritoneal mesothelioma,pericardial mesothelioma,mesothelioma serosal uteri of Tunica and Tunica vaginalis mesotheliomas of the testis.The majority of reported cases are from the pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

When this asbestos particles find their way into the mesothelium, they lead to the development of cancer cells,mesothelial cells.The challenge,mesothelioma presents for medical scientists is that the asbestos particles remain dormant in the mesothelium for a very long time.Sometimes up to 50 years.As a result of the time when the patients with the diagnosis of mesothelioma,the cancer has already given its later stages.At that stage the best thing the doctor can do is to the remaining years of the patient as pain free as possible.Mesothelioma is a cancer that must be treated with utmost attention.

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Survival Rate after Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a new form of cancer induced by asbestos in lungs,heart and abdomen.Anyhow if anybody inhales the particles of asbestos,they stick to the external lining of internal organs and induce cancer there.This is very complicated form of cancer because it reaches to advanced stage until the patient comes to know about his illness.Therefore,it has very less survival rate.Studies on mesothelioma survival rate have shown that only one person survive out of ten after diagnosed with the disease till three years and only one person survive till five years out of twenty after diagnosed with this new form of cancer.

Symptoms of this cancer do not appear till 40 to 45 years after being infected with asbestos and therefore,the average age of the people diagnosed with this disease is 61 years.The major problem with the diagnosis of mesothelioma is that,its symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases and therefore,it takes long to declare a person suffering with this life threatening disease.This all leads it to less survival rate.This is called life threatening because still no permanent cure could be found for it.There are some treatments but,they just can extend the life of the patient.

Some factors on which survival rate of mesothelioma is based on are- the size of the tumor, stage in which the patient is,the quantity of fluid in the abdomen and chest,duration it took to diagnose the disease,and whether the tumor can surgically be removed completely or not.Still the studies are being performed on this disease and a permanent treatment to increase the survival rate of the patients.The treatments known to this disease are very expensive but they can be made affordable by asking for compensation money.For that a lawyer,good at pleading for mesothelioma is to be found.Lawyer helps to get more and more amount as compensation money.Therefore,after coming to know about disease not only a doctor but also a lawyer should be contacted to get the amount and compensation you deserve.

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4 Important Steps in the Early Detection of Mesothelioma

Asbestos-related diseases incubate for many decades before they start to show symptoms,and early detection is critical for proper treatment.People who worked in many industries such as construction,shipbuilding,and manufacturing are at high risk of developing these diseases.The subtle nature of mesothelioma and a wealth of common symptoms makes detection to rest greatly on associating the proper symptoms with the proper diagnosis.Those with previous exposure to asbestos should readily inform the doctor of their past work history,so that the doctors suspicion about mesothelioma will be quickly aroused.Early and constant screenings are paramount for those who have suffered asbestos exposure.
The different steps in screening are:

-Step 1:
The first test a doctor will most likely run will be a thorascopy.The doctor will use an instrument called a thorascope.The instrument is introduced through a small incision made on the chest wall and it is used to visualize the chest cavity, samples of the lung tissue are also taken for biopsy testing in the laboratory.This procedure is done in a hospital under local anesthetic and usually causes little pain.

-Step 2:
This step involves the use of a peritoneoscope ,an instrument that looks inside the abdomen and is used to collect tissue samples.It can also be used to check for the presence of accumulation of fluids which can be drained to relieve pressure and pain.

-Step 3:
More advanced tests such as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan give a three dimensional X-Ray of the tissue in question.This shows the potentially damaged areas before they manifest symptoms.

-Step 4:
Another option is called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan,or MRI.An MRI gives uses high energy magnetic fields to take cross-section pictures of internal structures to distinguish healthy tissues from malignant tissues.These two scans allow doctors to recognize dangers long before the patient feels any symptoms.

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Importance of Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma is important for the mesothelioma patients.Generally mesothelioma patients have some questions about chemotherapy treatment.These include

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma
Generally,chemotherapy involves with one or more anti-cancer drugs taken either orally in pill form, or intravenously,or,in the case of pleural mesothelioma,injected directly into the lungs. These drugs reduce the growth of cancerous cells,but they also damage normal healthy cells as well leading to the development of side effects.Common side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy Side effects of mesothelioma chemotherapy are very common nowadays.The following side effects have been seen with the mesothelioma chemotherapy.

• Hair loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Anemia
• Hemorrhaging

Chemotherapy for mesothelioma also causes many complicated side effects within the cancerous growth.Risks of chemotherapy There is a chance of increasing of toxic reactions in the blood, liver,and kidneys,contributing to the potential fatal nature of chemotherapy treatment.Chemotherapy drugs can be given in two ways,orally or by intravenous (IV) infusion.If chemotherapy is given by infusion,the patient will receive treatment at the hospital or outpatient chemotherapy clinic.Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system by decreasing antibodies in the blood stream,patients undergoing chemotherapy are vulnerable to having common infections and illnesses.What can you do if chemotherapy does not work?If you suffer from mesothelioma and chemotherapy has failed you,then you should consult with a mesothelioma attorney who is experienced in handling asbestos-related litigation.You have a right to pursue legal action to seek justice from those who wronged you.Don't delay,for the laws in your state limit the amount of time you have to collect damages,and these statutes of limitations can end your case before it can begin.Mesothelioma chemotherapy is one of the best mesothelioma treatment options for the mesothelioma patients.If you are the victim of mesothelioma disease then you should go for the Mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment so that you can prevent this deadly disease before its serious.

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Tips for Cancer Patients

Here are some tips to help you with self-care.

1. Healthy Diet and Hydration
Try eating plant proteins (mushrooms,legumes,beans) which are easier to digest than meats.

2. Ask For Help
Hang up your Superwoman suit,because you may not have the energy or stamina to get through treatment alone.You can authorize someone else to pick up your medications at the pharmacy, and ask for help with cooking meals,picking up groceries,and cleaning house.It's okay to ask for medications to help alleviate side effects,and if you have health insurance.

3. Exercise Your Body
Gentle exercise during treatment,such as regular walks,can help you avoid anemia by increasing your oxygen capacity and supporting your red blood cell count.Getting your circulation going may also help with chemobrain,and it can certainly improve your mood and your outlook on life.Try yoga,tai chi,swimming or water aerobics.

4. Getting Away from It All
Treatment for breast cancer is given in cycles, so you can plan on having a break at regular intervals.Having a planned treat will give you something to look forward to when you're recovering from a recent treatment.

5. Get Spiritual Help
You are more than a body with a problem you have feelings,thoughts and a spirit.If you belong to a faith group,do ask for prayers,positive energy,encouraging phone calls or visits,or a pastoral visit when you can't get out.Make your own prayers,or borrow the prayers written by others.

6. Express Yourself
Here's what you can do with the cavalcade of emotions that come with diagnosis and treatment instead of letting them control you,get them out so you can deal with them! Talk out or write out your feelings get a purse-sized spiral notebook and jot down the date

7. Pick Your Battles Carefully
Going through the cancer journey takes lots of energy,and if you're working,raising a family,or pursuing a dream, you already have quite a few challenges.Set some priorities for yourself,put survival near the top.Breast cancer treatment can consume as many hours as a part-time job.

8. Take Care of Your Skin and Hair
Treatment can be very drying to your skin,so take extra good care of it.When bathing,use moisturizing soap, and blot your skin gently with towels (don't rub).Give your skin a treat with moisturizers, especially on your face, before applying makeup foundation.Use extra protection from the sun.If you still have hair,use mild shampoo,and if your hair is coming back in,try using shampoos made for damaged hair

9. Gather Your Posse Get Support
You don't have to go through treatment alone you can ask family,friends,coworkers, professionals,healthcare team,survivors,and other patients for support.Coworkers can help by driving you to the clinic,or taking notes during a meeting you miss,or by listening when you're having a bad day.

10. Keep Records,Be Educated,Ask Lots of Questions
Take control of as much as you can during treatment,understand as much as you can.Ask for copies of your test results,and keep a notebook of all of them.Save receipts from your clinic and hospital visits.learn as much as you can about your diagnosis and treatment.Ask every question that comes to your mind,and keep notes of (or tape record) the answers.

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