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Archive for the ‘Cancer’ Category

Is Mesothelioma Of Great Concern To You?

27 Jun.
Posted by rdokoye in Cancer | Comments Off

The two places in which mesothelioma can develop are the lungs and the abdomen, but it is most commonly found in the lungs. None of these treatments seem to be highly effective in curing patients, but like other types of cancer, research is being done to try and find a treatment that will successfully heal Mesothelioma patients. If you have been affected by this disease your quality of life may have, or will in the future suffer by having being infected with Mesothelioma.

Should I consider Mesothelioma Litigation? If you have mesothelioma, the employer or organization that put you into contact with asbestos is at fault and you deserve compensation. You can also browse the Internet for mesothelioma-related information, mesothelioma pictures, more information on asbestos, etc.

The classic histopathology of the mesothelioma is a biphasic tumor with both an epithelioid and sarcomatoid or spindle cell component. What is really unique about this new mesothelioma treatment study is the fact that this is the first trial to investigate the use of chemotherapy before surgery and radiation. Usually, patients with pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial malignant mesothelioma are treated with radiation or chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the disease, the patient’s age, and his/her overall health.

Pharmaceutical companies are conducting trials to come up with the right combination of drugs that can produce better results for treating pericardial mesothelioma. Radiation therapy, as applied to malignant mesothelioma uses the same basic technology as other forms of medical radiation insofar as the technique employs high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. Even acute symptoms of mesothelioma may be mistakenly associated with other diseases.

Find a mesothelioma lawyer today. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos without sufficient protection. Malignant mesothelioma is graded upon the extent they have spread.

In 1968, there were 153 deaths caused by mesothelioma but in 2003, statistics shows 1874 deaths. The necessity for the evolution of alternative ways to treat patients suffering from mesothelioma arises because of the complex nature of different types of cancers, and because patients respond differently to various types of medical care. Even today, there are around 3,000 cases of mesothelioma being diagnosed in the United States every year.

One rare cancer that affects the lungs is Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, which is inflicted by exposure to asbestos most frequently used in industrial and residential places till the late seventies. What Jobs Are Associated With Mesothelioma: Asbestos was used in a lot of occupations.

While no blood tests confirm a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, there are certain blood abnormalities that suggest the presence of a cancer. Just a couple of months of exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma 30 years later. It is also known that the major cause for pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

You see the only way to contract Pleural Mesothelioma is by being exposed to Asbestos. Although there is no current cure, pleural mesothelioma can be treated in a number of ways including: chemotherapy (and other drug-type therapy), radiation, intra-operative photodynamic therapy, and surgery. As the time passes and the disease grows older, the symptoms of all the three types of Mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal and pericardial start appearing in more vigorous form.

Should we expect mesothelioma lung cancer increases not only from asbestos exposure after another 20 – 30 years? A well specialized lawyer who deals with mesothelioma cases can help you maximize your compensation. However, in general mesothelioma has a latency period of 35-40 years from the time of exposure to asbestos to the actual development of symptoms.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of http://www.insightempire.com

For more information and resource links on mesothelioma visit: http://www.insightempire.com/mesotheliomacalifornialawyer.html

What You Should Know About Mesothelioma

27 Jun.
Posted by rdokoye in Cancer | Comments Off

It is important to stress that once you start experiencing the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma (shortness of breath, chest pains, coughing up blood, and palpitations) you should immediately seek specialized help.

The traditional treatments for mesothelioma include surgery if the tumor has spread out and is beyond radiation-curable radiation therapy (external and internal radiation), and chemotherapy, which includes using a pill or needle to insert anti-carcinogen drugs into the body. This treatment is generally used along with other treatments to strengthen the mesothelioma patient’s immune system.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of carcinoma of the membrane that lines numerous cavities of the body, including the lungs, abdomen and heart, and has been associated with exposure to asbestos dust. When exposed to asbestos, people can suffer from various diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plagues, etc. So much so, that an entire breed of lawyer has been born that specializes in, you guessed it, mesothelioma cases.

Because asbestos is so strongly linked to mesothelioma, regulations have been created to set limits on the amount of exposure to asbestos a worker can have in a workplace. In the past 20 years mesothelioma cases have shot up. Some of the procedures commonly used for the diagnosis of the peritoneal mesothelioma include peritoneoscopy, thoracoscopy, and biopsy.

Since Mesothelioma is primarily a personal injury occurring from the work place, those injured should be able to take action against irresponsible businesses that exposed its employees to this cancer-causing material. Learning about the stage of mesothelioma is a critical factor that helps physicians to decide the treatment plan.

In treating Mesothelioma, the anti-cancer drugs are usually given to the patient through intravenous injection (within the vein). Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack these three different regions. Epithelial mesothelioma is most common.

But at present, there are various Mesothelioma law firms which are established in many countries of the world especially in those places where there is high percentage of mesothelioma, a cancer which is the result of high exposure to asbestos. A great deal of research is afoot to discover better management procedures for pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients seek immense psychological and social support through such treatment forums.

Even short term asbestos exposure will cause mesothelioma generally; the probability of developing this form of cancer is directly related to the length of time you are exposed to asbestos. When fibres are inhaled they become lodged in the alveoli of the lungs and over a period of time these fibres make tissue and cells abnormal and cause mesothelioma cancer. An asbestos attorney can be consulted for further litigation if the person is adversely affected by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a serious malignant tumor that affects the torso of the human body. The mesothelioma prognosis is determined through physical examination and the results of a number of medical tests designed to evaluate the rare asbestos cancer. This exam will test a tissue sample for the presence of malignant and/or pleural mesothelioma.

Usually, a biopsy of the tumor is required to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma, however, sometimes only an effusion sample is needed. Once a mesothelioma prognosis is finally determined, then treating this aggressive and rare cancer can begin. If sufficient fibers are inhaled, this can lead to another type lung cancer called mesothelioma.

Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma.

Uchenna Ani-Okoye is an internet marketing advisor and co founder of http://www.insightempire.com

For more information and resource links on mesothelioma visit: http://www.insightempire.com/mesotheliomacalifornialawyer.html

Liver Cancer – Incidence, Symptoms, Causation, Treatment and Prognosis

21 Jun.
Posted by rhysbern in Cancer | Comments Off

Liver cancer also known as primary or metastatic hepatic carcinoma is a fairly rare form of cancer in the western world (1% of all cancers) but much more common in Africa and parts of Asia (10% to 50% of all cancers).It is much more prevalent in men and incidence increases with age. Liver cancer is rapidly fatal, usually within 6 months from gastrointestinal hemorrhage, hepatic failure or metastasis.

TYPES OF LIVE CANCER
Most primary liver tumors are known as hepatomas (hepatocellular carcinoma and primary lower cell carcinoma). Some primary liver cancers originate in the bile duct and these are known as cholangiomas.Some rare liver cancers include Kupffer cell sarcoma and hepatoblastomas (which occur almost exclusively in children and are usually respectable and curable). Metastatic liver cancer is 20 times more common than primary liver cancer and after cirrhosis this is the leading form of liver related death.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Liver cancer does not normally cause symptoms until it is in an advanced stage.
Clinical effects of advanced liver cancers include:
1. A mass in the right upper side.
2. Tender, nodular liver on palpation
3. Severe pain in the epigastrium or upper right side
4. Weight loss, anorexia, weakness, fever
5. Occasional jaundice or ascites (fluid in the abdomen)

CAUSATION
The exact cause of liver cancer is unknown in adults but in children it may be a genetic disease. Adult liver carcinomas may result from environmental exposure to carcinogens such as mold, contrast media (no longer in use), androgens and oral estrogens, the hepatitis B virus or by damage to the liver due to cirrhosis caused by too much prolonged imbibing of alcohol.

DIAGNOSIS
Liver cancer is difficult to diagnose in the presence of cirrhosis, but several tests can help identify it: The combination of an imaging study (ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans) and an elevated blood level of alpha-fetoprotein will most effectively diagnose liver cancer, electrolyte studies may indicate increased sodium retention, a liver biopsy can make a definitive diagnosis.

TREATMENT
Treatments for primary liver cancer depend on the extent (stage) of the disease, age, overall health, feelings and personal preferences. Surgery is the most effective treatment for primary liver cancer, but this is not always possible due to the size or position of the tumor. Radiofrequency ablation is an option for people with small, unresectable hepatocellular tumors and for some types of metastatic liver cancers. During this procedure, the hepatic artery (the artery from which liver cancers derive their blood supply) is blocked, and chemotherapy drugs are injected between the blockage and the liver. Cryoablation may be an option for people with inoperable primary and metastatic liver cancers. Removing the whole liver and replacing it with a liver from another person is another possible form of treatment for primary liver cancer.

Even when treatments fail to provide much improvement in the liver cancer itself, pain and other signs and symptoms caused by liver cancer can be aggressively treated to improve quality of life. In general, the treatments available for children are the same as for adults, and the best approach depends on the stage and type of cancer as well as the child’s age and overall health.

PROGNOSIS
Prognosis is poor when cancer is advanced, but for small tumors that are confined to the liver, ablative therapies are palliative and surgical resection or liver transplantation is sometimes curative.

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry.He ran clinical trials in numerous countries and founded a number of private health related businesses.He runs a several health related sites which can be found at http://www.healthinnovationsnonline.com

Stomach Cancer, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prognosis

18 Jun.
Posted by rhysbern in Cancer | Comments Off

Stomach cancer is common throughout the world and affects all races, it is more common in men than women, and has its peak age range between 40 and 60 years old. Stomach cancer mortality is higher in Japan and Chile, presumably because of the different diets in those countries where they are less dependent on red meat.

Over the last 25 years the incidence of stomach cancer in the western world has decreased by 50% and the resulting death rate is less than a third of what it used to be but in less developed countries it is still a major cause of death, probably because in these countries by the time the disease is diagnosed (usually by means of a Barium meal) the stomach cancer is at a very advanced stage.

TYPES OF STOMACH CANCER
There are several different types of stomach cancer, some of which are very rare. The most common types of stomach cancer start in the glandular cells of the stomach lining (adenocarcinomas), this is where stomach acid and digestive enzymes are made, and where most stomach cancers start. When the stomach cancer becomes more advanced, it can travel through the bloodstream and spread to organs such as the liver, lungs, and bones. Stomach cancers that start in the lymphatic tissue (lymphoma), in the stomach muscular tissue (sarcoma) or in the tissues that support the organs of the digestive system (gastrointestinal stromal tumors) are less common and are treated in different ways.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Early clues to stomach cancer are chronic dyspepsia and epigastric discomfort, followed in later stages by weight loss, anorexia, a feeling of fullness after eating, anemia and fatigue. Blood in the stools may also be present and if the Cancer is in the Cardia (top) vomiting may occur.

CAUSATION
The exact cause of stomach cancer is unknown although the presence of the Helicopter pylori bacterium seems to be a major factor. Predisposing factors include environmental influences such as smoking and high alcohol intake. Because stomach cancer is more common amongst those with a family history and with people with type A blood, genetic factors are also implicated. Dietary factors, particularly methods of food preservation such as pickling, smoking or salting also have an influence on the prevalence of stomach cancer.

DIAGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is diagnosed through an examination that may include an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series; endoscopy or gastroscopy where a thin flexible tube is passed down the throat so the doctor can see into the stomach, esophagus and upper part of the bowel Barium meals and Barium swallows. Because stomach cancer can spread to the liver, the pancreas, and other organs near the stomach as well as to the lungs, the doctor may order a CT scan, a PET scan, an endoscopic ultrasound exam, or other tests to check these areas.

Stomach cancer can spread (metastasize) to the esophagus or the small intestine, and can extend through the stomach wall to nearby lymph nodes and organs. Metastasis occurs in 80-90% of individuals with stomach cancer, with a five year survival rate of 75% in those diagnosed in early stages and less than 30% of those diagnosed in late stages.

TREATMENT
Although stomach cancer may be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, in many cases surgery is the treatment of choice. Even in patients whose disease is not considered surgically curable, resection offers a palliative effect and improves potential benefits from chemotherapy.

The nature and extent of the cancer determines what kind of surgery is most appropriate. Common surgical procedures include, partial and total removal of the stomach.
Antiemetics can control nausea, which increases as the cancer advances. In the more advanced stages, sedatives and tranquilizers may be necessary to control anxiety. Narcotics are commonly necessary to control sever and unremitting pain.
In some cases of advanced stomach cancer, a laser beam directed through an endoscope can vaporize most of the tumor and relieve obstruction without an operation.

PROGNOSIS
Stomach cancer is curable if detected early, but most people do not seek medical help until the disease is quite advanced, possibly because symptoms occur late and are often vague and non-specific. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidant vitamins (such as A and C) appears to lower the risk of stomach cancer. The rate of stomach cancer is about doubled in smokers so the cessation of smoking is essential.

In the United States and most of the Western world, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 5% to 15%. In Japan, where stomach cancer often is diagnosed early, the 5 year survival rate is about 50%. Five year survival rates for more advanced stomach cancers range from, around 20% for those with regional disease to almost nil for those with distant metastases.

Treatment for metastatic stomach cancer can relieve symptoms and sometimes prolong survival, but long remissions are not common. The survival of inoperable stomach cancer is usually only a few months if untreated. With chemotherapy the average survival is about 12 months. If cancer is found before it has spread, the five-year relative survival rate is about 61%.

Dick Aronson has a background of over 35 years in various facets of the Healthcare industry. He ran clinical trials in numerous countries and has founded a number of small private health related businesses. He runs http://www.healthinnovationsnonline.com and http://www.cancerinformation-online.com

Mesothelioma is a Deadly Cancer

18 Jun.
Posted by aprilkerr in Cancer | Comments Off

Mesothelioma is considered to be the most deadly type of cancer that cannot be cured easily and the person who suffers from Mesothelioma do not survive for a long time as the lining of the internal organs like the heart, the lungs and the stomach is affected. This cancer is mainly caused by the exposure to asbestos or materials that contain asbestos. This cancer cannot be detected at an early stage as the symptoms of the disease can be seen only in the developed or the last stage. It is a malignant cancer that is the result of inhaling particles of damaged asbestos in the air which start damaging the lining of the internal organs.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The symptoms of Mesothelioma can be detected after 20 to 50 years of exposure. If the lining of the heart or the lungs is damaged then the most common problem that develops is breathing problem. This is due to the accumulation of fluid in the chest, which is known as Pleural Mesothelioma. The symptoms are totally different if the stomach lining is affected. The patient often complains of stomach ache, loses his appetite and other problems develop like problem in the bowel, frequent fever, anemia and other problems. Most of the people take these symptoms lightly and by the time they go to the doctor it is too late. After the disease is detected in most patients survive between 6 to 12 months.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

An effective treatment of this disease depends on several factors like, in which stage the cancer has been detected, what is the age of the patient, how much the cancerous cells have circulated and the general health condition of the patient, that is whether he is suffering from some other disease or not. It has been observed that chemotherapy is the only treatment available for these patients. It uses medicines, chemicals or drugs in a systematic manner to eradicate the cancerous cells. The medicine is either injected directly in the body or administered in pill forms.

In few cases the medicine is directly injected in chest. This is called intrapleural chemotherapy. If the lining of the stomach is affected then the medicine is inserted into the abdomen which is called intra peritoneal chemotherapy. The direct insertion is done to retard the formation of the cancerous cells. Patients are advised before the surgery and after the surgery to minimize the development of the cancerous cell.

The patient has to bear the pain of chemotherapy treatment to be cured and gain longevity or has to meet his end within 6-12 months. Now it is in the hands of the patient whether he will go for chemotherapy and have full faith of recovery.

April Kerr often writes for website http://asbestosremovaladvice.blogspot.com/ which has articles relating to asbestos and the removal of asbestos.