Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer induced by exposure to asbestos. It affects the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the internal organs of the human body and nearly takes 10-50 years to develop. In the nascent stage of Mesothelioma attack, the pleura or peritoneum are affected and then it gradually spreads to the other parts of the body. Mesothelioma is also termed as ‘malignant’ mesothelioma where the lining of the chest, the abdomen and the heart are attacked. There are two types of mesothelioma, one being Pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and the other being Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal cancer).

How you can get affected of Mesothelioma

The inhaling of the fine airborne asbestos dust and fibers causes mesothelioma. It is a proven fact, as 70% to 80% of the case histories of patients state that asbestos exposure in factories or industries leads to mesothelioma. Hence all those working in construction based jobs like shipyards, boilermakers, insulators etc. are susceptible to this fatal disease.

The first step to cure of this disease is to find out all the relevant symptoms. But because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the symptoms come into play even after 30-50 years since the contraction of the disease. Moreover, the symptoms are not conclusive, and are common to most other diseases. This is why the mesothelioma tests are imperative from the doctor’s point of view.

The symptoms

The three most prominent symptoms of Mesothelioma are excruciating pain whilst breathing or coughing, breathing problems and a persistent cough, which could even, lead to bleeding. In addition, tiredness, loss of appetite, loss of weight are some of the other symptoms. Amongst some of the very rare symptoms, husky voice, problem in swallowing, swelling of the face and pain around the rib area are considered.

The diagnosis

It is a daunting task to diagnose the victims of mesothelioma. Normally the average age of the victims at diagnosis is around 50 to 70 years. Surprisingly, the white Americans are victimized more than the African Americans. At the time diagnosis begins, the disease had already spread and seems invincible. A victim would normally survive for only one year when the disease becomes quite ominous. However, the survival time of the patient can be stretched to almost two years if the disease is detected early and given proper treatment.

The treatment

There are many factors, which determine the treatment of Mesothelioma viz., stage of the disease, location of the cancer, patient’s age and general health. Surgeries, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are amongst the basic treatments for Mesothelioma. In the recent past, treatments like removal of the pleural fluid to relieve pain and control breathlessness are being used. Apart from medication, there are a few helpful techniques that can help relieve pain and stress. These involve a balanced diet preferably prescribed by a general physician or a dietitian, conservation of energy on self-initiative as well as therapies such as aromatherapy, relaxation and massage.

In the inference, it would be worthwhile to mention that Mesothelioma is a dreadful disease and its spread can only be shunned if you are willing to know more about the disease. Then again you should also make sure that you take precautionary measures by piecing together all the information that you have garnered today.

Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of
health related issues, for more informative articles go to
mesotheliomaplaza.com mesotheliomaplaza.com

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Tags: chemotherapy, lung cancer, mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma

Skin cancer is another common type of cancer. As the name suggests, skin cancer is a cancerous condition of skin.

Types of skin cancer

There are three types of skin cancers: basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer and the dangerous malignant melanoma. Since skin cancer is very closely associated to skin pigmentation, the fair skinned people are more at risk of developing skin cancer as compared to the dark skinned ones.

The cause of skin cancer

Prolonged contact with direct sunlight is what causes skin cancer. The main culprit in the direct rays of sunlight is the UV radiation (i.e. Ultra violet rays). Thus most of the preventive action against skin cancer is concentrated on avoidance of UV rays.

Protection against skin cancer

Protection against skin cancer is probably easier than the protection against other types of skin cancer. Still, a number of people ignore it and become target of this dreaded disease. Here is a list of things that can protect you from skin cancer:

1. Clothing: Since skin cancer is caused by prolonged contact of UV rays with your skin, the more you cover your skin with clothing, the lesser is your risk of developing skin cancer. Full sleeved clothes, long skirts and trousers, big hats/caps, high necks etc are all helpful in preventing skin cancer.

2. Sun screen lotion: There are a number of skin care products available in markets that offer effective protection against skin cancer. Sun screen lotions and creams that have a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more are much recommended for use.

3. Avoid exposure to UV rays: This is the best protection against skin cancer. If you can time your outdoor activity during those periods when the UV rays are less intense, you are automatically protected against UV rays. Thus getting out either early in the mornings of later in the evenings is the best.

4. Diet: Carotenoid fruits and vegetables are also known to help prevent skin cancer.

Detection of skin cancer

The various techniques for protection against skin cancer can only reduce your risk of contacting skin cancer. If you are really unlucky (or if you have not taken the protective measures against skin cancer), you might still get affected by skin cancer. In such a case, early detection can make the difference between curability and non-curability. Timely consultation with a qualified doctor, regular check-ups and accurate diagnosis can prevent skin cancer from becoming really dangerous for you.

Warren and Karen have been involved in the internet for a number of years and run several websites. They are most interested in providing opportunities for people to connect with information relating to business, health and creativity. Check out their skin—cancer.blogspot.com” target=”_New Skin Cancer blog for more information.

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Tags: melanoma, skin cancer

One of the fatal types of mesothelioma is Peritoneal Mesothelioma in which the cancerous cells attack the lining of the abdomen called Peritoneum. Peritoneum is the thin membrane, which shields various organs of the abdomen and also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly. Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which affects this lining, is yet now a relatively rare disease that accounts for about 1/5 of all mesotheliomas. Its only known cause in the U.S. till date is previous exposure to asbestos.

Major symptoms

Though Mesothelioma is neither age nor sex specific, peritoneal Mesothelioma is mostly seen in men who are in the age group of 50-70 years. There are a number of symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma most of which start appearing after 20, 30 or 50 years after the exposure to asbestos. These symptoms may include weight loss (however, waist line may increase), pain or swelling in the abdomen, weakness, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction, anemia, nausea and fever. Also, fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space leading to a condition called Ascites.

Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma

The initial step towards detection of peritoneal mesothelioma includes X-rays and CT scans. For confirmed diagnosis, however the doctor needs to do biopsy whereby a piece of tissue is cut from the affected part of the victim’s body and is placed under microscope for examination. If the disease is detected at an early stage it stands better chance of getting cured than the state of diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma, where the cancer has already spread to various parts.

The cure

It’s true that peritoneal mesothelioma is fatal and leads to several deaths every year. However, with continued researches, several modes of treatments have been embarked upon and in the future there is a fair chance of the disease becoming absolutely curable. The types of treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

In surgery a part of the abdominal tissue is cut out to remove the tumor. At times the doctor may also need to remove a lung or a portion of the diaphragm as per the requirement of the surgery. Radiation therapy, the second method, requires the application of high energy X-rays to shrink the tumor and kill the malignant cells. The rays may be applied from an external machine or by placing the radiation source directly to the affected part of the body, by means of plastic tubes. Last treatment type is the chemotherapy whereby a combination of drugs is applied to kill the cancer cells. The drugs may be administered by mouth in the capsule form or may be applied intravenously via needle.

However, it is essential to mention that cost of treating any form of cancer is extravagant and you may consult a mesothelioma lawyer to earn you a handsome compensation from the authority who was responsible for your prior exposure to asbestos.

So learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma so that you can initiate the treatment at the very early stage and get cured.

Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of
health related issues, for more informative articles go to
mesotheliomaplaza.com mesotheliomaplaza.com

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Tags: chemotherapy, mesothelioma

Synthetic chemicals have become a very large part of our every day lives. But what effect do these chemicals have on our bodies? Is there a link between some chemicals and the huge increase in Cancer and other illnesses?

Our bodies are highly efficient at dealing with many toxins by breaking them down and expelling them from our systems. So is there any real need to be concerned? Definitely. Testicular cancer has increased by 300% in recent years and childhood cancers have increased by 26% since 1971. The human baby is at the top of the food chain absorbing a lifetime of chemicals from its mother’s body before birth and her milk after birth. It is a sad fact of life that every child born today all ready has a host of chemicals in its body. This may be a factor in the rise of miscarriages.

A “chemical of high concern” known as artificial musk is present in many items we use on a daily basis. This musk is present in washing powders, fabric conditioners and deodorants amongst other household items. Follow this example to see how this chemical makes its way back into our bodies. You do your daily washing, the washing machine empties its water and the water makes its way to the treatment works. From here it will pass into rivers and either lie in the mud or pass out to sea. Small creatures then ingest this water. Larger fish then eat the smaller fish, thus consuming the chemicals ingested by the smaller creature. The artificial musk is not excreted from the fish and remains in its body fat. Eventually we will eat the fish and also consume its chemical content. Further to this, the sludge from treatment works is spread onto farmland and consumed by cows from which we get milk, butter, cheese etc. This chemical is then added to the level of artificial musk we already have in our bodies and is passed on to our children.

Some of the chemicals we find in our bodies have been proven to cause cancer in animals. Of course this does not mean that they will cause cancer in humans but something definitely is. Many of the chemicals in products we use have not had their safety properly assessed. To make matters worse many chemicals are far more dangerous together in our bodies. Another danger that has not been properly assessed.

The European Union manages a list of chemicals that it classes as of “very high concern”. You may think that this means manufacturers would not be allowed to put these chemicals in their products. You would be wrong. These chemicals are present in everyone’s home. Although all these chemicals have a purpose, the sad fact is that there are usually much safer alternatives available. Manufacturers are not being put under any pressure to change the chemicals they use. Many of them simply cannot see the value or state they cannot afford to investigate alternatives. Until the Government introduces legislation to force these companies into action, it is down to the public. Greenpeace’s website includes action that the public can take to levy pressure against these manufacturers.

The Government seems to run by the assumption that all chemicals are safe until proven otherwise. It is encouraging scientists to find a cure for cancer rather than encouraging research into prevention. Quite often the finger is pointed at the sufferers lifestyle, but how can this take into account the huge rise in childhood cancers?

The most susceptible time for exposure to carcinogens occurs between conception and birth. The results of this exposure may materialise immediately, i.e. birth defects or not until much later in life in the form of testicular cancer (this cancer has increased by 300% in recent years).

Even if you are supporter of chemicals in our every day lives, it does not take a genius to realise the effect they are having on our environment and our bodies. Cancer, asthma and allergies are experiencing a huge surge in detection and unless we can force the Government and manufacturers to act, this trend looks set to continue.

Lisa Mills is an author based in Essex. She writes for websites and magazines. She also runs a baby gift box website. newbabygiftboxes.co.uk newbabygiftboxes.co.uk is a site offering a newbabygiftboxes.co.uk/index.php?page=shopping” target=”new baby gift box service and other baby gifts.

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