Mesothelioma shares many symptoms that other diseases
may have so it can be impossible to determine if you
have mesothelioma by the symptoms alone. You may not
even have any symptoms at all for as long as 50 years
after initial exposure to asbestos.
The early symptoms are non-specific so you might not
get diagnosed correctly for years. The symptoms can be
very similar to viral pneumonia if you have pleural
mesothelioma and can include shortness of breath,
chest pains and a cough that just doesn't seem to go
away.
One of the more common symptoms of pleural
mesothelioma is something called pleural effusion.
This occurs when fluid builds up between the inner and
outer linings of the lungs.
These linings always produce a little bit of fluid so
your lungs slide along the inside of your chest
smoothly but if too much fluid is being produced,
complications can arise. When this is happening, you
will have a dry cough, chest pains, and shortness of
breath. An X-ray can be used to detect pleural
effusion.
To determine if this is happening, you will have to
have a biopsy after your initial scans. The biopsy
lets a pathologist get a good look at what cells are
there and what they are doing.
After you are sure you have mesothelioma, your doctor
can discuss the varied treatment options that are
available and you can decide on the one that sounds
the best for your situation. You may be entitled to
damages if a company you worked for has been involved
in a lawsuit relating to your situation.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma makes up over 60 percent of all
mesothelioma cases worldwide. It is often talked about
in the media and has garnered worldwide attention in
the past few decades. This particular type affects the
outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity which is
known as the pleura.
The pleura is composed of two distinct parts which are
the parietal and visceral pleura. The parietal pleura
is the lining on the wall of the chest and the
diaphragm and the visceral pleura is the inner lining
of the lungs themselves.
Asbestos is very fibrous and these tiny fibers can get
into even the tiniest passages in the lungs. Once it's
in there, it has a reaction with cell development that
isn't quite understood but the cells begin to divide
in an unusual manner.
This can lead to pleural thickening which greatly
decreases the capacity of the lungs and can accumulate
fluid as well. This can be seen in X-rays pretty
easily. CT scans and MRIs also can detect any
abnormalities in the lungs.
Smoking can cause long term symptoms similar to
pleural mesothelioma so it can be difficult to
diagnose. The best way is to tell your doctor if you
have ever been around anyone who worked with asbestos
or if a building you frequent has been shown to have a
lot of asbestos in it. Many lawsuits are filed every
year and you may even be entitled to free medical care
or compensation if you meet certain requirements.
mesothelioma cases worldwide. It is often talked about
in the media and has garnered worldwide attention in
the past few decades. This particular type affects the
outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity which is
known as the pleura.
The pleura is composed of two distinct parts which are
the parietal and visceral pleura. The parietal pleura
is the lining on the wall of the chest and the
diaphragm and the visceral pleura is the inner lining
of the lungs themselves.
Asbestos is very fibrous and these tiny fibers can get
into even the tiniest passages in the lungs. Once it's
in there, it has a reaction with cell development that
isn't quite understood but the cells begin to divide
in an unusual manner.
This can lead to pleural thickening which greatly
decreases the capacity of the lungs and can accumulate
fluid as well. This can be seen in X-rays pretty
easily. CT scans and MRIs also can detect any
abnormalities in the lungs.
Smoking can cause long term symptoms similar to
pleural mesothelioma so it can be difficult to
diagnose. The best way is to tell your doctor if you
have ever been around anyone who worked with asbestos
or if a building you frequent has been shown to have a
lot of asbestos in it. Many lawsuits are filed every
year and you may even be entitled to free medical care
or compensation if you meet certain requirements.
Pleural Mesothelioma Stages
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in
the outer lining of the lungs and is associated with
exposure to asbestos earlier in life. This exposure
could come from old buildings, factories, and from
mining asbestos.
Asbestos particles effect more than just those that
mine or work with it. It also can come home with them
and be inhaled by family members and even people at a
business close to a mine or factory. Pleural
mesothelioma is categorized in four distinct stages.
The most common system to determine the stage
mesothelioma is in is called the International
Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) system and is based
on the TNM system used in other types of cancer.
Stage one is when the cancer is beginning to affect
the outer layers of the lung or chest wall on one side
and may be on the diaphragm. This only applies when
the mesothelioma is on one side of the chest.
Stage two is when the mesothelioma is in both the
inner and outer layers of the lung and a tumor has
started to grow.
In stage three it may have spread to the chest wall or
possibly the pericardium or the sac that covers the
heart and its main arteries and blood vessels. It
could also be spread to the lymph nodes as well.
Stage four is when the tumor has grown too large to be
successfully removed with traditional surgical
methods. It could have spread to other organs, lymph
nodes on both sides of the chest, or above the
neckline.
Each stage has a variety of treatment options
available.
the outer lining of the lungs and is associated with
exposure to asbestos earlier in life. This exposure
could come from old buildings, factories, and from
mining asbestos.
Asbestos particles effect more than just those that
mine or work with it. It also can come home with them
and be inhaled by family members and even people at a
business close to a mine or factory. Pleural
mesothelioma is categorized in four distinct stages.
The most common system to determine the stage
mesothelioma is in is called the International
Mesothelioma Interest Group (IMIG) system and is based
on the TNM system used in other types of cancer.
Stage one is when the cancer is beginning to affect
the outer layers of the lung or chest wall on one side
and may be on the diaphragm. This only applies when
the mesothelioma is on one side of the chest.
Stage two is when the mesothelioma is in both the
inner and outer layers of the lung and a tumor has
started to grow.
In stage three it may have spread to the chest wall or
possibly the pericardium or the sac that covers the
heart and its main arteries and blood vessels. It
could also be spread to the lymph nodes as well.
Stage four is when the tumor has grown too large to be
successfully removed with traditional surgical
methods. It could have spread to other organs, lymph
nodes on both sides of the chest, or above the
neckline.
Each stage has a variety of treatment options
available.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a specific type of cancer that is
directly related to asbestos. Mesothelioma develops in
the mesothelium which is the lining that encapsules
many of the body's organs but is the most common in
the lungs and chest cavity.
Mesothelioma is hard to detect because you may not
have symptoms for many decades after you are exposed
to asbestos. Some of the common symptoms are shortness
of breath, fluid surrounding the lungs, fatigue, and a
harsh cough that may have blood in it.
Mesothelioma also has symptoms similar to a myriad of
other conditions such as Tuberculosis and other types
of lung cancer. The only way to be sure is to have
X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs performed.
Luckily, the odds of developing mesothelioma now are
pretty rare as measures are being taken by most
federal and state programs that make sure asbestos
isn't used in common building materials and older
buildings are being thoroughly checked and rebuilt if
necessary. Asbestos commonly was wrapped around water
pipes in old buildings and used in ceilings.
Though it is naturally occurring, asbestos is
relatively hard to just stumble upon. It was used in
concrete, brake pads, and in many different fire-proof
materials for a very long time.
Miners and their families developed mesothelioma by
working in the mines, washing miner's clothing, and
having a lot of it in their environment. In 1989, a
full ban on asbestos was issued by the Environmental
Protection Agency and work began to stop producing
materials that used it.
directly related to asbestos. Mesothelioma develops in
the mesothelium which is the lining that encapsules
many of the body's organs but is the most common in
the lungs and chest cavity.
Mesothelioma is hard to detect because you may not
have symptoms for many decades after you are exposed
to asbestos. Some of the common symptoms are shortness
of breath, fluid surrounding the lungs, fatigue, and a
harsh cough that may have blood in it.
Mesothelioma also has symptoms similar to a myriad of
other conditions such as Tuberculosis and other types
of lung cancer. The only way to be sure is to have
X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs performed.
Luckily, the odds of developing mesothelioma now are
pretty rare as measures are being taken by most
federal and state programs that make sure asbestos
isn't used in common building materials and older
buildings are being thoroughly checked and rebuilt if
necessary. Asbestos commonly was wrapped around water
pipes in old buildings and used in ceilings.
Though it is naturally occurring, asbestos is
relatively hard to just stumble upon. It was used in
concrete, brake pads, and in many different fire-proof
materials for a very long time.
Miners and their families developed mesothelioma by
working in the mines, washing miner's clothing, and
having a lot of it in their environment. In 1989, a
full ban on asbestos was issued by the Environmental
Protection Agency and work began to stop producing
materials that used it.
Mesothelioma Surgery
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be
able to have one of many different types of surgery to
help out in different ways.
There are various procedures that you may have to
undergo and they can usually be classified in three
ways.
There are diagnostic procedures, palliative
procedures, and curative procedures.
Diagnostic procedures are basically the step after you
are suspected to have mesothelioma and you have fluid
buildup or what could be a tumor growing in either the
inner or outer lining of your lungs.
A common procedure is called a thoracoscopy. This
procedure is used to get an absolute diagnosis and
sometimes to check how large a tumor may be.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery is also an option
while in the diagnostic stage. A small camera is
inserted into the chest so the pathologist can get a
good look at what is going on and also get a sample of
tissues.
Palliative surgery is intended to treat one or more
symptoms of mesothelioma but doesn't actually stop the
progression of the disease. A chest tube to drain
excess fluid build-up is one of the first symptoms and
can be persistent. Occasionally, a small catheter may
be used for continuous drainage.
Curative procedures, though not 100% effective, seek
to eliminate the entire tumor and hopefully cure the
disease without using chemotherapy or radiation. If
the tumor can't be removed, sometimes the entire lung
may have to be excised. This is called pneumonectomy.
This procedure is also used in peritoneal mesothelioma
also.
able to have one of many different types of surgery to
help out in different ways.
There are various procedures that you may have to
undergo and they can usually be classified in three
ways.
There are diagnostic procedures, palliative
procedures, and curative procedures.
Diagnostic procedures are basically the step after you
are suspected to have mesothelioma and you have fluid
buildup or what could be a tumor growing in either the
inner or outer lining of your lungs.
A common procedure is called a thoracoscopy. This
procedure is used to get an absolute diagnosis and
sometimes to check how large a tumor may be.
Video-assisted thoracic surgery is also an option
while in the diagnostic stage. A small camera is
inserted into the chest so the pathologist can get a
good look at what is going on and also get a sample of
tissues.
Palliative surgery is intended to treat one or more
symptoms of mesothelioma but doesn't actually stop the
progression of the disease. A chest tube to drain
excess fluid build-up is one of the first symptoms and
can be persistent. Occasionally, a small catheter may
be used for continuous drainage.
Curative procedures, though not 100% effective, seek
to eliminate the entire tumor and hopefully cure the
disease without using chemotherapy or radiation. If
the tumor can't be removed, sometimes the entire lung
may have to be excised. This is called pneumonectomy.
This procedure is also used in peritoneal mesothelioma
also.
Mesothelioma Support
Mesothelioma can be devastating news for a person even
if they suspected it might develop sometime in their
life. Maybe they worked at a diner that catered to
asbestos miners, or maybe they were miners themselves.
Either way, they have been exposed and know the
chances are high of getting this type of cancer. It is
not just hard on the person who has it but their
entire network of family and friends. There are many
places to get support from others who have
mesothelioma or have had experience with it.
Many towns have cancer support groups that meet on a
weekly basis to share their experiences and offer hope
to others. This is a great way to reach out and get
the support you need from others in the same
situation.
Family members are often encouraged to attend so they
can express their feelings as well. Though often
skipped, this is a very useful tool and the people who
attend these meetings often know specialists in the
field and can offer great advice.
Mesothelioma websites and message boards are also a
great option. If you feel fatigued and don't want to
leave the house, this the place to go. You can join
forums, get information, and find out all the latest
news you need to know on the Internet.
Smaller towns may not have an "in-person" option when
it comes to support groups and the Internet is full of
sites dedicated to just what you are looking for. You
can also find a ton of information about lawyers if
needed.
if they suspected it might develop sometime in their
life. Maybe they worked at a diner that catered to
asbestos miners, or maybe they were miners themselves.
Either way, they have been exposed and know the
chances are high of getting this type of cancer. It is
not just hard on the person who has it but their
entire network of family and friends. There are many
places to get support from others who have
mesothelioma or have had experience with it.
Many towns have cancer support groups that meet on a
weekly basis to share their experiences and offer hope
to others. This is a great way to reach out and get
the support you need from others in the same
situation.
Family members are often encouraged to attend so they
can express their feelings as well. Though often
skipped, this is a very useful tool and the people who
attend these meetings often know specialists in the
field and can offer great advice.
Mesothelioma websites and message boards are also a
great option. If you feel fatigued and don't want to
leave the house, this the place to go. You can join
forums, get information, and find out all the latest
news you need to know on the Internet.
Smaller towns may not have an "in-person" option when
it comes to support groups and the Internet is full of
sites dedicated to just what you are looking for. You
can also find a ton of information about lawyers if
needed.
Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be useful in combating the spread of
tumors and can also shrink them. Though it is not
technically thought of as a curative procedure,
chemotherapy when used in conjunction with other
treatments can be very effective.
Many people mistake the term chemotherapy for
radiation treatment but the two are not the same.
Chemotherapy relies on anticancer agents and drugs to
stop cancerous growths like those caused by
mesothelioma.
There are many different reasons to use chemotherapy
but they all depend on the end goal, stage of cancer,
and how early it is detected. For mesothelioma
patients, chemotherapy is often used in conjunction
with surgeries or in place of them if the patient
isn't fit for surgery.
Chemotherapy is administered through a vein and often
the patient will get a catheter inserted into their
arm. This is so they don't have to get repeated needle
pokes which can be painful and uncomfortable.
Side effects of chemotherapy are fairly common and
occur because the drugs may do damage to normal cells
in addition to the cancerous ones. This can cause
digestive problems, hair loss, and many other types of
side effects that your doctor will advise you of.
Chemotherapy isn't right for every single patient. If
you have caught the mesothelioma very early on, it
could be simply removed by surgery.
Chemotherapy can also be pretty expensive but if the
treatment is needed, you may be able to have some or
all of the costs paid for by whoever exposed you. This
could be a factory or mine and odds are they have paid
out to many people already.
tumors and can also shrink them. Though it is not
technically thought of as a curative procedure,
chemotherapy when used in conjunction with other
treatments can be very effective.
Many people mistake the term chemotherapy for
radiation treatment but the two are not the same.
Chemotherapy relies on anticancer agents and drugs to
stop cancerous growths like those caused by
mesothelioma.
There are many different reasons to use chemotherapy
but they all depend on the end goal, stage of cancer,
and how early it is detected. For mesothelioma
patients, chemotherapy is often used in conjunction
with surgeries or in place of them if the patient
isn't fit for surgery.
Chemotherapy is administered through a vein and often
the patient will get a catheter inserted into their
arm. This is so they don't have to get repeated needle
pokes which can be painful and uncomfortable.
Side effects of chemotherapy are fairly common and
occur because the drugs may do damage to normal cells
in addition to the cancerous ones. This can cause
digestive problems, hair loss, and many other types of
side effects that your doctor will advise you of.
Chemotherapy isn't right for every single patient. If
you have caught the mesothelioma very early on, it
could be simply removed by surgery.
Chemotherapy can also be pretty expensive but if the
treatment is needed, you may be able to have some or
all of the costs paid for by whoever exposed you. This
could be a factory or mine and odds are they have paid
out to many people already.
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