Chemical substances that can cause cancer

You know the type of plastic cups that are usually only used single-use only. In the manufacture of glass are often referred to stereofoam the use of a chemical called styrene.

Styrene is one of the types of chemicals that must be minimized its use in human life because it has carcinogenic properties or cause cancer.

In addition to styrene, according to the U.S. Department of Health, there are other chemicals that are carcinogens that tungsen carbide-cobalt, captafol, o-nitrotulene, and also riddelline.

The use of styrene for various items needed in daily life has been so wide ranging from fiberglass, automotive parts, pipe and plastic beverage containers are also disposable.

People affected by exposure to styrene role in the larger high risk for leukemia and lymphoma cancer attacks. In addition, there is also a fact that shows the danger to humans because styrene can cause cancer of the pancreas and esophagus.

In addition to styrene is so terrible dangers, there are other substances that are not less risky as formaldehyde are commonly used as preservatives in many textile products and plastics.

Other substances asritolochic acid is widely used in many herbal products to treat gout, inflammation and arthritis, you should also watch out because it is quite likely to cause cancer.

However, this explanation does not mean that these chemicals can cause cancer directly, there are many factors that also contribute significantly as the vulnerability of each person, the size of the amount of chemical exposure, and so forth.

In another study conducted in 2009 entitled Occupational and Environmental Medicine stated that there is a chemical used in rubber factories that have the potential to cause cancer in people exposed continuously.

Chemicals known as MBT with the chemical formula 2-mercaptobenzothiazole is an ingredient that causes cancer (carcinogens). People affected by this MBT have an increased risk of colon cancer and multiple myeloma is higher compared with those who were free from exposure to MBT.

The danger perfluorocarbon

Perhaps you do not realize that the various appliances in the kitchen contains a chemical called perfluorocarbon (PFC). Why and what is PFC? PFCs are chemicals that are widely used in nonstick pans products and food packaging that is water repellent and fat.

Usually these substances enter the body through food, vapor or dust around the room of the house so you definitely will not even notice. According to the study, exposure to PFCs in the human body, especially among women is closely associated with accelerated aging or menopause earlier.

In research conducted by the West Virginia Univesity PFC U.S. reinforces the high regard with menopause in women. Results were obtained from blood samples of U.S. women some 26,000 people. The research found that the highest PFC levels found in women over the age of 42 years.

In addition, women containing PFCs in their bodies had significantly lower estrogen content. Because the PFC dangerous for your health to make some sort of well-known companies 3M and DuPont had agreed to stop using PFC in its products. 3M has stopped the use of PFCs in production since 2002 ago, while DuPont has gradually do so and will not use the total PFC in 2015.

So be careful when you are going to use an item, especially items that are used intensively in everyday life. So also for the workers who work in companies that make products using chemicals such as those mentioned above is inappropriate to consider the sustainability of jobs compared to the risks that must be faced in the future.

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Danger of Asbestos on Human Health

In industrialized countries, lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death of all cancer deaths. Lung cancer is the most common by those aged 40 to 70 years. Smoking is one risk factor for lung cancer and 80% of cases of lung cancer in smokers. Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace is also clearly associated with the development of lung cancer.

Incidence rate of lung was increased in workers exposed to some form of nickel, chromium, and asbestos. Asbestos is widely used as materials for roofing (tile) and insulation, asbestos cement, brake linings, electrical devices, and fire-resistant materials and packaging materials. Asbestos is the common name of a group of natural silicates which will split into flexible fibers. Exposure can come from natural sources and industrial use. There are two types of fiber flcksibel, krisotil and krosidolit. Krisotil (3MgO.2SiO, .2 H2O) is a species of great importance in world trade and 90% of it consists of asbestos. Krosidolit (blue asbestos) is composed of rod-shaped fibers are short and more dangerous than krisotil fiber.

System disease caused by exposure to asbestos exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Other cancers associated with exposure to asbestos is a cancer of the larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon-rectum, and possibly pancreatic cancer.

Asbestosis is pulmonary fibrosis that develops slowly due to high concentrations of asbestos dust inhalation or due to long exposure. Its severity depends on the time span between the onset (initial) exposure and its intensity, and asbestosis is often associated with advanced lung cancer, especially among smokers.

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Increased incidence of mesotheliomas associated with inhalation of asbestos fibers in the workplace. Although a little early symptoms, mesothelioma can be cured if successfully diagnosed. The time between first exposure to asbestos and the appearance of signs of tumors ranging from 20 to 50 years, specifically mesothelioma. A rise in the incidence of mesothelioma is also seen in people who, although not exposed to occupational, he lived at home with asbestos workers or living near a strong source of asbestos emissions Although asbestos is no longer used as an insulator, this substance is still in the spotlight because of the danger that comes from building its use of asbestos insulation.

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Asbestos and Lung Cancer

Lung cancer can indeed be experienced by men and women. The cause of this cancer are smoking and other factors such as genetics and environment.

Environmental factors that can trigger the formation of cancer cells is an unhealthy lifestyle, unbalanced eating more fat and less fiber, and air pollution in the surrounding area.

"Different causes of lung cancer is multifactorial, not because of one reason only. There are smoking very often for years, but not lung cancer. Maybe he did not have the talent of cancer, no genetic factors. But there is already a talent , no smoking, healthy lifestyle, but it could be due to an unhealthy environment, "said Dr. Ronald Hukom SpPD-KHOM, a cancer specialist in adults from, Dharmais cancer Hospital.

Asbestos that is in the home or building objects contained in the work environment was the potential to trigger lung disease and cancer.

"According to the study epidiomologi, usually the ceiling that uses of asbestos materials, especially if you are a smoker, the risk of lung cancer increases," he explained.

Asbestosis is a lung disease caused by many substances are inhaled asbestos lung, causing severe damage. In some cases of asbestosis can occur with lung cancer.

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7 Tips to Reduce Cancer Risk

Cancer is the conviction that most do not want to be heard by anyone. So far, the disease known as cancer of the most difficult to overcome. Ranging from cancer-causing gene to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Made some changes in your lifestyle will certainly have a major impact on health. If you want to avoid this deadly disease, you should think to change your unhealthy lifestyle. Follow the 7 steps below to reduce the risk of cancer.

Do not consume tobacco
Smoking has long grab the various types of cancers such as lung, kidney, bladder, and cervix. Even for those who do not eat them, inhaling smoke from active smokers can increase cancer risk.

Eat Healthy Foods
Healthy foods can lower cancer risk. Options menu you can take should consist of a variety of fruits and vegetables, low-fat foods, and if you consume alcohol, consume within the allowable limits.

Keeping Weight Loss and Exercise Routine
Keeping the weight can lower the risk of various cancers. To be able to maintain weight, reduce the size of the meal is not enough. In maintaining a healthy weight reduce the size of the meal must be balanced with regular exercise. Regular exercise for 30 minutes can reduce the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.

Protect Yourself From the Sun
Skin cancer is a common type of cancer. But skin cancer is one of the many kinds of cancer is very easy to prevent. Prevention of skin cancer can start from protecting the body from the sun at midday. The sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you have to go out during the day to bring sunglasses and a hat are the appropriate steps to protect themselves from the sun. Cover the sun-exposed body using light and dark colored clothing to reflect ultraviolet light. Or protect the skin from the sun using a sunscreen.

Vaccine
Some cancers are caused by viruses. Eg liver cancer caused by hepatitis B. Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given to infants on a regular basis, but the vaccine is also recommended for adults who are at risk, namely those who engage in sexual activity more than one partner, gay, and workers in direct contact with blood or body fluids of a person. Vaccine for the virus HPV virus that causes cervical cancer is now also available.

Avoid Risky Habit
More and more couples in bed then you have increased your risk of getting cancer. HPV for example, this virus causes cervical cancer, anus, penis, and vagina. Alternate use syringe can also increase the risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C, of ​​course, lead to cancer.

Early Detection
Manual examination as to feel a lump in the breast or detection by physicians such as pap smears and others will help you to see if you have cancer or not. Treatment for early-stage cancers tend to be more successful. So early detection is essential to the success of the treatment if there is a cancer that attacks your body.

On cancer prevention is to reduce the risk. Do it now and the results you can enjoy for life.

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Asbestos dust is harmful to workers

Asbestos dust particles are considered as harmful to the human respiratory tract. A total of 100. 000 workers in Asia allegedly died per year due to inhaling asbestos dust.

Sugiyo Furuya, Secretary General of Anti-Asbestos in Japan and Asia, said Asia is one continent that consumes substantial asbestos in the world.

"Inhalation of asbestos dust constantly will cause serious disease in respiratory distress due to the contamination of air and asbestos fibers in concentrations high enough," he said, on the sidelines of the Declaration on the Prohibition of Use of Asbestos Network Indonesia, yesterday.

Of these, only a small proportion of workers in Japan who receive compensation from the company. While they are not compensated, there are more.

In Indonesia, he said, until now there has been found in cases of worker deaths caused by this asbestos dust.

However, it is possible, it could happen considering that Indonesia is one country with a considerable industrial area and the frequent use of asbestos as insulation material and construction.

In addition, Indonesia is also estimated to have consumed Asbestos since 1959. A total of 60,000 tons of products containing asbestos are used per year.

He expects the Indonesian workers to be more active in voicing their rights, especially the problem of the use of products known as mineral water, which affects their health.

According to him, it's important for them to emphasize the health problems caused by the use of hazardous materials. "Workers are entitled to sue the company if the government and harmed the health standpoint," he said.

Therefore, it is currently heavily anti-asbestos movement by opening a network in various countries in Asia, including Indonesia to support the ban on asbestos use.

Sugiyo said, by opening the anti-asbestos networks in Indonesia is the first step of prevention of the dangers of asbestos to humans, especially the people of Indonesia.

It also criticized the international trade that legalizing the trade of asbestos to developing countries like Indonesia.

He said there were already 10 organizations in Indonesia to support anti-asbestos movement is. They consist of various organizations such as trade unions, union Health and Safety (K3), and NGOs.

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Why You Need an asbestos lawyer

If you have been diagnosed with a condition associated with asbestos exposure, a lawyer familiar with the laws surrounding asbestos and compensation can be one of your most valuable allies. An asbestos lawyer can help you recover medical expenses and compensation for pain, loss and suffering you and your family are going through. An experienced asbestos attorney can work with you to prove that your condition is caused by asbestos, and identify people who are the cause of your illness so that they can take charge of your illness and loss. Although they know that work around the former asbestos can cause lung and some cancers, they said no. Instead, the executives of companies actively conspired to conceal the danger rather than provide their workers with safety equipment that will reduce their exposure and risk of esophageal cancer and other deadly diseases.

Companies that used asbestos in their products or products made out of asbestos since the 1920's that asbestos was a killer. They were told by their own doctors and researchers that asbestos causes lung disease.

They chose to ignore the warnings rather than spending a few cents of their profits to protect their employees. The internal memos and communications from the companies that have been brought out in court that they were dreadful in the cavalier attitude of a few cents to put profit above the lives of their workers and their customers.

Why You Need an asbestos lawyer

Because of the long latency period, it can be difficult to identify when and where you are exposed to asbestos. Company that works for you might have changed their names or go out of business. You may have been exposed to asbestos from various sources. There are statutes of limitations that must be considered, and jurisdictional issues that will affect where you can file your lawsuit. The whole field of asbestos law is constantly changing as the courts and the government is trying to deal with a large number of people injured by asbestos industry action.

An experienced asbestos lawyer will do far more than going to court for you. Because of their experience in the field, asbestos lawyers have access to records and materials that can help you identify the source of asbestos exposure. They understand the stress that you live with and can help you find ways to deal with them. An asbestos lawyer may have access to information about your illness and the resources that will help you financially and emotionally, while your case is delayed.

As a worker, you may not know that you're working with asbestos, but given the names of your employer, an experienced asbestos attorney can often find names and suppliers of the products you use in your work and link them to specific companies which can be responsible. If no, he can give you the option to file a lawsuit against the company and negotiate with them to get you the settlement that is in your best interest.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos-related disease, call the local asbestos lawyer to find out how they can help you get the help you need.

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Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen.

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Although rare, mesothelioma, cancer is no longer considered rare. The main cause and risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos.

A correct diagnosis of mesothelioma is very difficult for doctors, because the disease often with symptoms that mimic other common diseases. There is no known cure for mesothelioma, but treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy have improved the prognosis of mesothelioma typical.

Pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lungs, the protective lining of the chest cavity) is about three quarters of all mesothelioma incidence. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal cavity and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the heart chamber, constitute the rest. Testicular cancer, mesothelioma is extremely rare and is usually presented with peritoneal metastasis of diversity. There are three types of mesothelioma cells recognized. Between 50 and 70% of cases of mesothelioma of the epithelial variety. Although the prognosis is generally poor, there will be less aggressive than the sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic mesothelioma, which comprise the remaining diagnoses cell type.

The cavities within the body including the breast, stomach, heart, and are surrounded by a membrane of cells known mesothelium. Mesothelial cells in general to support organ function. The mesothelium is particularly important in organs that are often moving, such as the expansion or contraction of the lungs, stomach or heart. The lubrication of mesothelial cells allows free movement within the body. The mesothelium of the chest, abdomen, and heart chambers are the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium, respectively. Each of these groups of mesothelial cells are extremely critical for the functions of body structures that compose them.

Malignancies (cancerous tumors) that are membranes in mesothelial cells as malignant mesothelioma, mesothelioma, or simply unknown. Benign tumors of the mesothelium are known to occur, but are much rarer than the most common malignant cancer.

Although tumors of the mesothelium were the first to the late 18th century realized it was not until the mid 20th century century, that this cancer has been studied in more detail. It was at that time, the suspicion of cancer, the causal relationship with asbestos exposure were more substantiated. A research joint venture by the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the University of Witswater and / Johannesburg General Hospital in South Africa has provided the most convincing evidence of the relationship between asbestos exposure and the development of pleural mesothelioma.

The incidence of mesothelioma is still quite rare, with only 2500 to 3000 diagnoses in the United States each year. There was an increase in diagnoses reported 1970-1984, based on the latency period between diagnosis and the level of radiation exposure, which is about 40-60 years were assigned to have occurred before that date. The exhibition was common in almost all industries, but was particularly common in World War II era of the military-industrial cycle, including shipyards.

Although this cancer is more common in men over the age of 60 (largely due to industrial exposure to male-dominated industries) mesothelioma in women and children, as has been well described. Mesothelioma causes for diagnosis in women and children are mainly due to secondary exposure to asbestos, because it was not uncommon for men to return to asbestos in the house on his body or clothing when was the appropriate cleaning facilities are not on the site.

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Prognosis of Mesothelioma

About 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Once the patient is diagnosed, your doctor will likely discuss their prognosis. The best way to avoid the bad prognosis of mesothelioma is through early detection. Pembasan factors related to the prognosis of mesothelioma in Jevuska blog will be described further below.

What are the factors that influence the prognosis of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is generally not diagnosed until late stages of development. In addition, symptoms of mesothelioma are very common and often resemble less serious conditions, which may make it difficult to diagnose cancer. As a result, the prognosis for most patients is lacking, but many doctors may recommend a mesothelioma treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to help fight the disease.

Mesothelioma cancer, there are several stages, from stage one to stage four. Unfortunately, once the mesothelioma cancer has reached stage three or four, not only treatment options become more limited, but also less effective.

In addition to cancer stage and patient age, other factors that affect prognosis include:

1. Types of mesothelioma - pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma or mesothelioma testis
2. tumor size
3. Mesothelioma tumor location and whether it can be done with surgery
4. Levels of other symptoms, including fluid in the lungs or stomach
5. Is the patient a smoker or not
6. Malignant mesothelioma cancer is usually diagnosed in individuals over 55 years, although there are exceptions of course. Some patients have had some medical problems caused by old age, making treatment more difficult and increase the mesothelioma prognosis is worse in patients.

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Mesothelioma and Radiation exposure

In recent decades it was assumed that the only cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. While asbestos is indeed responsible for most cases of mesothelioma cancer. But gradually there arises the possibility of several other risk factors for this disease.

Worldwide, a number of cases of mesothelioma with no causative link has been diagnosed with asbestos. As one of fact, a study of patients in 1980 (McDonald and McDonald) in the U.S. and Canada determined that the amount of between 25 percent to 33 percent of all cases not associated with asbestos exposure. The doctor who discovered initially at a loss to explain. However, with some in-depth research and study of some scientists and medical professionals can determine that some pleural mesothelioma patients have other similar factors are exposure to radiation.

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Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

There are several types of mesothelioma, but researchers have narrowed the list to three basic types, as follows:


Mesothelioma Pleural:

Pleural mesothelioma is a tumor in which the lining of the lung, pleura or lung, will be affected by malignant cells. The pleura is a soft protective tissue that surrounds the lungs in the chest cavity. This helps the lungs in breathing (respiration) by producing a serous fluid that lubricates the pleural surfaces to avoid disturbing the lung against the chest wall. Malignant cells, so entering the pleura, began to spread and affect the organs and surrounding tissues. This leads to further complications so that pain and symptoms. Severe pleural mesothelioma affects two categories: distributed or malignant (cancerous): This is a serious form of pleural mesothelioma that affects the pleura lining the lungs and surrounding organs.

Local and benign (non-cancerous): This is a non-cancerous form of mesothelioma, which does not affect all parts of the body except pleura. However, constricts the lungs causing shortness of breath, and in some severe cases, pneumothorax (lung failure)

Mesothelioma Peritoneal:.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a tumor of the peritoneum or membrane lining of the stomach, affecting many organs in the abdominal cavity include the stomach. Form of mesothelioma cancer is less common than the pleural form but is more aggressive, so the severe symptoms and short life expectancy. Like other cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma can also be either malignant or benign mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Pericardial:

Pericardial or Pericardium Mesothelioma is the rarest form of cancer, accounting for less than 10% of cases of mesothelioma. In this form of cancer, fluid will accumulate in the sac that encloses the heart. The main cause of this disease is the inhalation of asbestos fibers for. Regarding the scarcity of the disease, doctors and researchers have not clearly understand how asbestos fibers enter the heart lining or pericardium. The only logical explanation so far about this form of cancer is a possibility of asbestos fibers, is converted into small pieces, transported from the lungs to the heart through the blood circulation.

Once the asbestos fibers into the hearts, they expand the network in the chest cavity and the pericardium with fluid overload, affect the heart and cause chest pain with breathing disorders. Each year, about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed. On some limit their lives, patients with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos which then causes horrible cancer mesothelioma. If you are, in some limits of your life, have worked in the asbestos rich environment or the use of asbestos material, you should contact your doctor for a diagnosis of mesothelioma is right and best treatment options available.

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Mesothelioma and Smoking

Smoking causes a sharp increase in cases of mesothelioma lung cancer in smokers. But smokers who have been exposed to asbestos carry a higher risk of more serious illness and even cancer is a malignant mesothelioma that affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and difficult to treat.

Exposure to asbestos has been identified as the main cause of mesothelioma cancer. This disease occurs when a person inhaling asbestos fibers are sharp and then lodged in the lungs. Smoking according to the Centers for Disease Control can weaken the lungs and lower the body's ability to eliminate asbestos fibers. Furthermore, cigarette smoke irritates the airways and causes them to produce more mucus which in turn block the air passages in removing the fiber.

According to various studies have been conducted during the last two decades, while smoking alone is not cause mesothelioma. The risk of asbestos-exposed smokers approximately 50 to 84 times more likely to develop lung cancer to asbestos. And experts agree at least argue that smokers are twice as likely to develop mesothelioma in the body.

Mesothelioma risk factors is higher for those who have suffered from asbestosis disease who have severe disease that is associated with asbestos but still manageable. With smoking one pack a day for patients with asbestosis, the higher the chance of developing aggressive cancer. Therefore those who have suffered from asbestosis should stop smoking. According to a study conducted by the National Cancer Institute stated that quitting smoking can reduce up to 50 percent risk of mesothelioma are diagnosed in about five years since quitting smoking. Figures are encouraging for smokers with early asbestos disease.

Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos and have not stopped smoking, should be willing to perform routine medical examination to determine the health of their lungs. Tests to monitor the formation of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma such as chest x-ray or pulmonary function tests. Moreover, it may also need a simple blood test known as the test Mesomark to smokers who suffer from asbestos exposure to detect the presence of mesothelioma.


Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Health Consequences of smoking: a report of the Surgeon General. Atlanta: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2004.

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Erionit and Mesothelioma Cancer

Although less known than the mineral asbestos, erionite is a naturally occurring carcinogen when mengekpos in a long time and repeatedly can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and other deadly diseases. Erionit more mainstream exposure occurs in the environment. Someone who has mesothelioma from exposure to erionite usually live near the mineral deposits in significant numbers.

Through laboratory tests on animals show that exposure to erionite has been shown to have a higher risk of lung cancer development than other minerals such as mesothelioma, including asbestos tested. Mesothelioma caused by exposure to light erionit faster growing than the exposure to asbestos.

Erionite exposure

Erionite is asbestiform mineral that is naturally high in fiber from guning volcanic mineral with similar properties to asbestos. Erionit is a zeolite mineral like serpentine or amphibole asbestos. Ijijnkan Erionit not in the United States in wide commercial use as many other asbestos minerals.

Usually the trace amounts of erionite has been found in other zeolite products such as water softeners or water purification systems. Nevertheless erionit more exposure comes from zeolite mines or through exposure to natural environments. Erionit trail in the zeolite products may cause exposure to the low level, although it is unknown whether these products can cause mesothelioma.

Where are generally associated with asbestos exposure in which a person engages in the manufacture, handling or installation of asbestos products. Then came repeated inhalation of asbestos particles that have the potential of developing cancer mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers. But in erionit exposure, the majority caused by environmental exposures related to where a person living near or around the sediment erionit.

Known throughout the world there are deposits of erionite in Germany, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, Kenya, Turkey and Italy. In the United States most of the erionite deposits located in the West, especially in Oregon, Arizona, Nevada, California, Wyoming, North Dakota and Utah.

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What Is Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium of the body. mesothelium is a protective covering for the body. It covers various organs, including lungs. mesothelium is composed of two thin layers. When cancer develops in the mesothelium that is between the layers. Narrow space makes it very difficult to diagnose mesothelioma at an early stage.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is difficult to treat. After a mesothelioma diagnosis is made, the majority of patients will not live longer than eighteen months. There are various reasons for this, including the nature of disease after diagnosis and the lack of an effective surgical method to remove the tumor.

While most cases of mesothelioma occur in the lungs, can also occur in the abdominal mesothelium, called the peritoneum, or pericardium. While mesothelioma is most common in the lungs, it is important to differentiate between mesothelioma and lung cancer. They are two very different types of cancer and require different treatment of different types.

Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

For approximately 3,000 people each year suffer from mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos.

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Although rare, mesothelioma cancer is no longer considered rare. The main causes and risk factors for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Make a correct diagnosis with mesothelioma is very difficult for physicians because the disease often appears with symptoms that mimic other common diseases. Have not found a cure for mesothelioma, but treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy have helped improve the prognosis of typical mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma (affecting the protective layer of the lungs in the chest cavity) represents about three-quarters of all mesothelioma incidence. While peritoneal mesothelioma that affects the abdominal cavity and pericardial mesothelioma that affects the heart cavity, representing the rest of mesothelioma incidence. Testicular mesothelioma is rare and usually looks typical with peritoneal metastases from various.

There are three types of mesothelioma cell types that have been identified. Between 50 and 70% of all mesotheliomas are of this type of epithelium. While this outlook is still considered to be less aggressive than the sarcomatoid mesothelioma and biphasic mesothelioma, which covers the rest of the diagnosis of cell type.

Although cancer is more common in men over the age of 60 (mostly caused by exposure to the industry in an industry dominated male workers), mesothelioma in women and children have been described may also occur. Mesothelioma in women and children mainly causes of associated with secondary exposure to asbestos. Because it has often occurred to male workers brought asbestos into the home through their body or clothing if proper cleaning facilities are not available in the workplace.

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Side Effects of Treatment

Most of the cancer patients claim that the after effects of the treatments are more difficult to bear rather than the cancer itself. Mesothelioma is one of the cancers whose treatment side effects are awfully painful and difficult to endure. Because of this reason, I have gathered some resources that explain you the some most common side effects associated with the treatment, it surely will help you.

Pain Management

The most critical and important part of a patient care plan is pain dependency and management. The pain tolerance and pain itself varies with their experience. The first step is to assess where is the origin of pain? Where is the pain coming from? When is the pain start? Is it chronic or is it acute? Whether the pain has changed from acute to chronic? What relieves the pain? If the pain changes from acute to intolerable or chronic pain it means that cancer is advancing. You have to report immediately to your physician.

The most common and helpful practice for pain management is to maintain a daily pain journal where you can note down the origin of pain, variation or fluctuation of pain and what alleviates the pain.

Pain Clinics

In United Sates there are many clinics located for the pain management. They are assisting people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other cancer. So, that they can learn different strategies to manage the pain effectively and can experience a piece of mind with comfort. There are number of clinics which offer in-home or in-hospital consultations, they will check the pain regularly and also assist family members that how they can administrate pain medicines.

Sleep Apnea or Sleep Disorders

The disturbance in sleep may delay the effectiveness of mesothelioma treatment. So how can you combat this issue? First you have to keep up with a very positive attitude. Then to promote a sufficient sleep the following actions must be taken:

•   A couple of hours before going to bed have a high protein snack.
•   Avoid caffeine.
•   Wear comfortable clothes when going to sleep like pajamas.
•    Before bedtime have a massage and back rub for relaxation and to ease the pain.
•   Sleep on your own pillows, sheets and blankets.
•   Set up a schedule for bedtime and wake up time to train your body.
•  Avoid night time visitors and also limit the number of visits of nursing staff to check the blood pressure.

Anorexia and Cachexia

Cancer treatment routines are linked with loss of appetite and reduction in strength and vitality of mind and body. To prevent anorexia is to set up good nutrition and eating habits. A patient must be check by a nurse or nutritionist during meals and should strictly follow the diet plan. Additionally, a patient may be prescribed by anti-depressants and may attend support group meetings with the people who are suffering from anorexia.

Hair Loss

After chemotherapy treatment hair loss is a very common side effect. For most of the cancer patient it is really painful especially for women watching their hair falling day by day in large clumps, as indeed our hair is part of our identity. Therefore, many people take destiny into their hands and shave their head. If, on the other hand you didn’t choose to shave your head then during chemotherapy you should treat your hair gently. Washyour hair when necessary will slow down the hair fall. Avoid chemicals and sprays as your scalp becomes more exposed. To cover thinning of hair and baldness you can also wear a wig. When taking a step to buy a wig, you will find different types of wigs according to your need. While shopping for the wig you can find Synthetic wig which is light-weight, comfortable and really simple to take care and the other type is made up of real human hair which can be washed and conditioned just like real hair but you have to follow the manufacture’s instructions. If you do not feel comfortable in wearing a wig, you can cover your head by a cotton or silk scarf, some sort of hat or it can be soft turban too.

Vaccinations for Flu

In mesothelioma patients, immune function is usually compromised. Regardless of type or stage of mesothelioma there is a high risk of catching the flu. Not only for mesothelioma but for all cancer patients, they are at higher risk infecting with flu. That is why flu vaccinations are highly recommended for cancer and mesothelioma patients. In United States swine flu or H₁N₁ has become more common other than risk of influenza is usually associated with mesothelioma. If it is not treated properly it will complicated the ongoing treatment, extend the stay in hospital or even cause death.

The best preventative measure for influenza is vaccination. It is recommended that friends and family members of the patient must take more preventative measure against influenza. The people who are regular in touch with mesothelioma patient must receive a vaccination and can also use nasal spray. The nasal spray is not suggested for mesothelioma patients. The most primary preventive measure is vaccination and other measures may include:

• Wash your hand thoroughly with soap and water
• Avoid contact with family members and friend who have been exposed to flu
• Used tissues should be disposed
• When coughing and sneezing cover your mouth and nose
• Get sufficient rest
•  Keep yourself hydrated
• Wear mask in the presence of the person who is showing symptoms of flu and also while traveling outside.

Memory Loss or Chemo Brain

After going through treatments like chemotherapy, hormone or radiation most of the patients suffer from Chemo brain which includes loss of memory, lack in concentration and difficulty in doing multiple works at a time. Oncologists just have an idea that why this happens? May be it is the disease itself cause a memory loss or it can be due to prescribed anticancer drugs. Generally when the treatment is ended the symptoms of chemo brain are gone but in few cases it is not.  It is really frustrating for a person having these symptoms but it can be managed if he consults with his physician to help him out in this matter. Following steps can be taken to manage these symptoms:

•    Add vegetables in your diet which improve your brain and memory function
•   Record your daily events, appointments, telephone numbers, medication in a daily planner
•  You can also post your daily routine on your room’s door in your hospital to provide reference to your doctor and other staff  
•   Discuss the problem with your team of doctors and ask for help so they can plan your treatment and assist you when you forget something
•  After taking approval from your doctor you can also do exercises to improve your mood, improve functioning of brain and for better sleep

In fact there is no specific treatment for chemo brain but the better way to manage is to discuss your issues with your doctor to find a most appropriate way out.

Physical Intimacy

Most of the cancer patients experience sexual problems after being diagnosed which may include depression, early menopause, erectile dysfunction and issues regarding body image. A patient should not feel embarrassed in facing these problems as it is very common in cancer. If you are having any of these issues you can honestly deals with your spouse through discussion. The most common issue related to sex is image of body. After going through such painful treatments, the body of cancer may have bruises, gain or loss in weight or hair loss. These are the reasons patient usually stay away from being sexually intimate. You can ask your doctor and talk about the issues regarding sexual intimacy. Many doctors consider that sex can be healing force for the patient. You have to think positive, touch, hug, kiss and discover new ways to get close to your partner.

The best way to combat with the disease is to be optimistic! There is no way you won’t succeed.

More about → Side Effects of Treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment

As an individual what will be your treatment options?

When choosing the best treatment option or which is right for you depends on many factors like generally your health condition, age, your cell type (which find out the aggressiveness of cancer), stage of cancer and what is your will. You will have a MDT (multidisciplinary team) of doctors to help you in choosing you the right treatment option for you. These team members comprise a medical oncologist, cardiothoracic surgeon, a pain management specialist, a radiation oncologist and a palliative care specialist, who will study and discuss your case and recommend you the best treatment approach. 

Before making any final decision for your treatment first discuss with your multidisciplinary team of doctors. Although there are so many treatment options for mesothelioma, you should discuss each option with your doctor. You should be well informed about each option which may includes treatment side effects, risk factors, prognosis and quality of life.

Surgery

 

There are two surgical procedures for mesothelioma, pleurectomy/decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy. These surgeries require highly expertise, as not every thoracic surgeon has expertise in these types of surgeries.  Eventually, the intention or aim of these surgeries is to eliminate the disease with keeping in mind that there must be some remaining of the disease is left. Therefore, for the removal of remaining of the disease can be done by adjuvant therapy. Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are the most common types of adjuvant therapy.

Pleurectomy/decortication

Pleurectomy/decortication involves the removal of lining of lungs (pleura), it has nothing to do with the eviscerating the lung. You can say that this type of approach is less radical but in few cases the diaphragm and pericardium are removed, but it depends on the extent of tumor. A patient who cannot bear the extrapleural pneumonectomy(EPP) approach and also the recovery time is far quicker than other procedures are the advantages of this approach. Now when we consider about the disadvantages the first thing should comes in our mind that since, from this procedure the tumor is not completely removed so there may be a chance of recurrence of the disease, and inability to use high amount of adjuvant radiation because of possible damage to the lung.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP)

This procedure involves the eviscerating of lung, the pericardium (lining of heart), pleura (lining of lung) and part of the diaphragm. A Gortex-like material is used during surgery to reconstruct the diaphragm and pericardium. For this surgery only those patients are eligible who are at a certain stage of cancer and can demonstrate sufficient cardiac and pulmonary function so that they can bear the procedure.

Chemotherapy

 

Anti cancer drugs are used in chemotherapy which helps in stopping the cells of cancer to multiply. Combination of drugs can be used in some cases to boost the effectiveness. Mainly chemotherapy is used to forcefully shrink the size of the tumor and to relieve from the symptoms like pain and breathlessness. Chemotherapy may be supervised as an oral medication, using injection into muscle or vein or may be directly into peritoneal (lining of the abdominal cavity) or pleura. Chemotherapy drugs for mesothelioma may include

•  Gemcitabine
•  Navelbine
•  Paclitaxel
•  Cisplatin
•  Carboplatin
•  Doxorubicin
•  Onconase
•  Cyclophosphamide
•  Pemetrexed

Radiotherapy

 

In radiotherapy high energy x-rays are used to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells. It may be used with the combination of surgery to eliminate the remaining of the disease through which the disease can reoccur and also to treat the pain cause by tumor.  

Clinical Trials

 

The basic idea of the clinical trials is to find a better and new treatment for the disease by involving the patients. There are different objectives of different clinical trials which may comprise comparing a variety of ways to treat a disease or the testing of so many different techniques for cancer prevention, testing of new drugs. There are three phases in clinical trials, which are discussed below:

Phase I Trials

This is the initial phase of clinical trials. In which testing of drugs takes place in the laboratory, that what is the effect of these drugs on cancer cells? In this phase there are few participants are enrolled and are only available at restricted cancer facilities. The objective of this phase is to obtain the utmost tolerated dosage of the drug without getting any severe side effects when treated to humans. If the drug is confirmed to have an effect on cancer at a safe level of dosage, then in Phase II the drug will be tested.

Phase II Trials

In this phase the testing of the safety of drugs carry on, not only that it started to look more precisely at their effectiveness on cancer cells. These trials accommodate more participants than the previous phase and are available at more cancer facilities. Randomly participants are chosen by a computer, rather than by a doctor.

Phase III Trials

In this phase, the comparison between the new procedures or drugs with the existing standard of treatment is being done. Lots of participants are enrolled in this phase. They received a standard treatment or a new treatment. The main objective of this phase trial is to find out that if the cancer slowed or reduced by the drugs. It also determines how the drug is affecting the patient’s quality of life and how long the patient will be stable without the development of the disease?

Palliative Care

 

Palliative care is a procedure that enhances the quality of life of not only the patients but also their families facing the problems related with this life-threatening disease. Palliative care can be given along with the other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy or can be used to control the symptoms in those patients who are not going through or doesn’t want an aggressive treatment. 

There are some patients who are not willing to endure an aggressive treatment, may be because of their age or disease has developed to the point where palliative care is a better option.

At early stage of mesothelioma diagnosis there are two symptoms which are very common can be dealt by palliation:

•         Wound Seeding
•         Pleural effusion

Other symptoms which can also handled by palliative care are:

•         Depression and anxiety
•         Pain
•         Skin problems
•         Dry mouth
•         Loss of appetite
•        Fatigue
•         Breathlessness
•         Gastrointestinal problems

Hospice Care

 

If the palliative measures are taken, it is also referred as hospice care. The training is given for the workers of hospice are same as that of any medical specialty. Hospice care is given to patients as well as to their families too.

The idea of hospice is that it a care for the person which handles his emotional, physical, social and spiritual necessities. Hospice care may include:

•   Symptom relief
•   Pain control
•   Physical therapy
•   Nursing care
•   Mourning services
•   Counseling for the patients and their families

Hospice care provides a good alternative treatment, which helps a person and his family in difficult times who is diagnosed by mesothelioma and make him feel that he is not alone.

A loved one who is diagnosed by mesothelioma creates difficult times not only for him but for everyone who are related to him!

 

More about → Mesothelioma Treatment

Stages of Mesothelioma

When we are talking about the stages of Mesothelioma, it means that these are the evaluation levels which doctors use to find out that how much the cancer extent inside the body. The stages of Mesothelioma are from 1 to 4 according to severeness. For instance, when we are talking about stage 1 mesothelioma is restricted to a particular area and tumor has an impact on a limited area and organ tissues. While when we are talking about another extreme side, the stage 4 at this point mesothelioma is a widespread disease, which has spread far beyond the tumor actually was which has an impact on bone or blood cells and other organ tissues.

The staging categorization only exists for pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of chest and lungs. At diagnosis the stage of cancer is determined with different testing methods or procedures. By using imaging scans the basic stage can be determine, that provides oncologists a visual representation of how much the tumor is extent inside the body. But if the tests are not conclusive or it appears that the disease is not restricted to small area then doctor advice the patient to go through surgical biopsy through which physicians determine how much the tumor have metastasized to the lymph or blood nodes.

Staging Systems of Mesothelioma

 

Now, let discuss three primary staging systems of Mesothelioma. These systems are used to determine the development of cancer at all the four stages of cancer.

1.   The most common and the oldest technique or system use is Butchart staging system. This system only focused on the location of cancer, so it determines only where the tumor is present. It does not determine how big is the tumor and how many cancer cells are present within the body.

2.   TNM Staging System determines the characteristics of tumor, also find out lymph nodes is involved or not and whether the cancer is spread to the other area of the body or not.

3.   Brigham Staging System is very much similar to TNM staging system but in addition it also determines the location of tumor along with its characteristics. It also makes sure the involvement of lymph node and find out how much the cancer is spread within the body. This system also helps to evaluate for the effectiveness of surgery at every stage.

As noted above, let us discuss now the four stages.

Stage 1 Mesothelioma 

In this stage tumor is restricted, there is no involvement of lymph and the cancer is not spread in the other tissues or organs. The cancer is localized to one side of pleura and through it can be removed easily.

Stage 2 Mesothelioma

In this stage the tumor is larger and has occupied diaphragm or lungs and there is also the involvement of lymph nodes. The cancer is likely to metastasize to both sides of pleura and surgical intervention may be possible.

Stage 3 Mesothelioma

In this stage, the mesothelioma cancer spread in a single area like esophagus, chest wall or lymph nodes and surgical intervention is usually precluded as a successful treatment.

Stage 4 Mesothelioma

In this stage, the cancer is spread out in numerous areas like pericardium, different regions of chest wall. Involvement of Lymph glands is also there and the cancer is metastasizing to other organs. At this stage the surgery is of no use or value.

  

More about → Stages of Mesothelioma

Unusual Facts about Mesothelioma

I am sharing some very unusual facts about that how this cancer can assist in contributing to destruction upon the patient.

• Mesothelioma cancer is almost always linked with the exposure of asbestos. Asbestos is a fire- resistant material that can be integrated into consumer and industrial products. It is made up of tiny fibers that can enter into the body and implant themselves in mesothelium tissues. When the fibers are there, they will trouble the nearby cells, making them to duplicate hysterically and randomly to develop into tumor. Basically the first fact I want to tell about this disease that more or less 70-80% cases have been drew to the exposure of asbestos. While in the rest of cases the exposure of asbestos is suspected but they are not confirmed. The use of asbestos in Unites States has been strongly regulated ever since 80’s.But the asbestos still present in earlier constructed buildings, ships and factories that still causing a problem for the people who are working there.

• Mesothelioma has an exceptionally long latency period. Let me explain what actually is latency period – it is the time between patient’s first asbestos exposure and his/her diagnose. Mesothelioma develop very silently without any noticeable symptoms while other cancers usually develop quickly and make them visible with pain or symptoms, other cancers can easily diagnosed by usual screening or tests. Mesothelioma cancer takes almost 10-20 years to be diagnosed. It is very rare in case of this cancer to be diagnosed at early stages. If truth be told the majority patients of mesothelioma are diagnosed in third or fourth stage when options of treatment are limited. After the diagnosis of the mesothelioma patient, the average life expectancy is 4-18 months.

•  The signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma are vague that is why it is usually linked up with different health problems. Symptoms include breathlessness, persistent cough, weight loss, back pain, chest pain or fatigue. As all these symptoms can be associated with pneumonia, bronchitis emphysema, influenza and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) so a doctor can misdiagnose it.  In fact most of the patients don’t even care to go to the doctor because they think they are just having a simple cold. That is why mesothelioma diagnosed in the later stages.

• Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer. In United States every year about 3,000 people are diagnosed by this disease and the cause is asbestos. On the other hand the use of asbestos in recent years has been faded so we are expecting that consensus may be drop in later years.

• In contrast with other cancers, mesothelioma has an exceptionally bleak diagnosis. Most of the patients died within eighteen months after been diagnosed by this disease. Some lives about 2 years after learning that they are suffering by mesothelioma. A number of people live only few months or even few weeks. Moreover mesothelioma is very less responsive to the treatment unlike other cancers because it is being diagnosed at very advanced stage. At Stage I remedial surgery is possible but it depends on the location of tumor in lungs. Some patients opt for chemotherapy and radiation. At this stage, pain medication is given to the patient, some of them also pursue for alternative treatments like acupuncture and massage to make them relief from the pain.

More about → Unusual Facts about Mesothelioma

Asbestos and its Exposure

The first question may arise in your mind is what actually the asbestos is? Asbestos can generally be described as number of fibrous material which is occurred naturally.

Asbestos are used in these products:

•         Flue pipes
•         Drainage pipes
•         Fibro sheeting
•         Roofing guttering and shingles

All types of asbestos are to be considered as cancer causing (carcinogenic) and continuous exposure to asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. That is why in most of the countries the use and also the manufacturing of asbestos are banned.

We can find Asbestos in workplaces, buildings and dwelling built before 90’s. But some of the workplaces, buildings and dwelling which are made recently may also contain asbestos.

The worst part of Asbestos is that through visually examination it is very difficult to spot or confirm its presence. To be sure enough whether the asbestos is present or not we have to take the sample of the material to the certified laboratory.  

If you have any doubt regarding that the sample of the material may contain asbestos, you should not attempt it as it is very hazardous. It should be done by a qualified contractor.

Do you know that the asbestos is in your home too? There are many things in your house which are made up of asbestos cement:

•    Water pipes
•    Gutters
•    Electrical conduit
•    Domestic roofing
•    Vinyl floor tiles
•    Fence panels
•    Interior and exterior walls

Yes, asbestos is a very common thing use in our home. Now we can come across the health threats due to asbestos. Generally the threats occur when we do not the hazards while working with asbestos and we do not take any proper precautions.

When we breathe in asbestos fibers it leads to three respiratory diseases. All of them are may be fatal:

•  Asbestosis
•  Mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal)
•  Lung Cancer

Now you know which things in your home may contain asbestos and you already know the hazards of asbestos exposure. The first thing you should do, remove the asbestos as early as possible to save your family and have a piece of mind. Just call a qualified and licensed contractor and get it removed from your home and live a healthy life.

More about → Asbestos and its Exposure