Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers (Maligant -Pleural -Mesothelioma)

Mesothelioma is a rare form of malignant cancer (cancer) cells are in mesothelioma, a protective sac that most of the organs of internal organs. Most people develop the mesothelioma have worked in jobs where inhaling asbestos particles.

1st What is the mesothelioma;

The mesothelioma is a membrane in the fields and protects most internal organs of the body. It consists of two layers of cells: one layer immediately surrounds the body and the other is a bag around him. The mesothelioma produces lubricating fluid circulates that between these layers, so that moving organs (such as cardiac and expansion of markets and the lungs) to slide slightly against the neighboring structures.

The mesothelioma has different names, depending on the location of the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that most organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura, the membrane around the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The watery womb caftan cover the internal reproductive organs of women.

2nd What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of mesothelioma) is a disease in which cells of mesothelioma are abnormal and divide without control or order. You can invade and damage surrounding tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

3rd What is Mesothelioma?

Although incidence rates have doubled in the last 20 years, mesothelioma, cancer is still relatively rare. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and the risk increases with age, but this disease can occur in men or women at any age.

4th What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the biggest risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of exposure to asbestos at work refers to almost 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals with no known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name for a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong flexible fibers, which can be separated into thin woven and son. Asbestos has been widely in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, coatings, textiles and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, can be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung disease), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to reduce the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person risk for cancer of the air passages in the lungs.

5th Who is associated with an increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos was used for commercial purposes and extracted by the end of 1800. Its use has grown considerably during the Second World War. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers, the asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with exposure to asbestos was not known. However, an increased risk of mesothelioma later in shipyard workers, people working in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction and other trades. Today, the U.S. Health and Safety at Work (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of exposure to asbestos at work. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to reduce the risks of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-disease increases with the weight of asbestos exposure and longer exposure time. However, only a few brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are exposed to a large extent the development of diseases associated with asbestos.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of mesothelioma, and possibly other diseases related to asbestos. The risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust were the clothes and hair of workers exposed to asbestos. , To reduce the risk of detection of family members of asbestos, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change clothes before leaving the workplace.

6th What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma May not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and chest pain caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling by accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma May include intestinal obstruction, abnormal blood clotting, anemia and fever. If the cancer has changed over the mesothelioma spread to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, or swelling in the neck or face.

These symptoms may by mesothelioma or by other, less serious. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can diagnose.

7th How is it diagnosed with mesothelioma?

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult because the symptoms resemble those of a number of other conditions. The diagnosis begins with an examination of the patient medical history, including the history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination to take place in May, including X-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function. A CT (or CAT) scan or MRI may also be helpful. A scanner is a series of images from inside the body, through a computer in conjunction with an X-ray. In an MRI, a powerful magnet in conjunction with a computer used to make detailed images of areas inside the body. These photos are displayed on a screen and can also be printed.

The biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a tissue sample for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. It could be a biopsy done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may prescribe a Thoracoscopy May. In this procedure, the doctor a small cut in the chest wall and constitutes a thin, lighted tube called Thoracoscopy in the chest between the two sides. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor within the breast and tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor perform peritoneoscopy May. In order tissue for examination, the doctor has a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called peritoneoscope abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery in May is necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor you want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. If the scene were more tests to try to determine whether the cancer has, and if so, what parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is only on the surface of the membrane, where they originated. Was as if he has advanced over the surface of the membrane of origin in other parts of the body such as lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

8th What is Mesothelioma?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the situation of cancer, stage of disease and patient age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Sometimes these treatments are combined.

* The surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. Doctor in May, the removal of a Party wall in the chest or abdomen and some tissue around him. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung removed in May in a company called pneumonectomy. Sometimes, part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps breathing, is also deleted.

* Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects cancer cells in use. May radiation from a machine (external radiation) or the inclusion of materials that produce radiation minutes with plastic pipes in the area where the cancer cells are (internal radiation).

* Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells in the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma, which is injected into a vein (intravenous or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of chemotherapy position directly in the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor can use a needle or a thin tube to drain that fluid in the chest or abdomen. The procedure to remove fluid from the breast called thoracentesis. Remove the fluid in the abdomen called paracentesis. Drugs can be done through a tube in his chest to prevent the further accumulation of fluid. Radiation and surgery May also be useful in alleviating the symptoms.

9th Are new treatments for mesothelioma study?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very difficult to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) clinical trials is sponsoring (research studies with people), the search for new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to see if the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important therapeutic option for many patients with mesothelioma.

Interested in participating in a clinical trial should contact their doctor. Information on clinical trials, visit the Cancer Information Service Research Center (CIS) (see below) at 1-800-4-cancer. Information specialists of the CIS use PDQ ®, NCI database with information on cancer, identify and provide detailed information on clinical trials underway. The patients also have the option to search for clinical trials on their own. Clinical trials for the NCI Cancer.gov site is located on http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials the Internet, provides general information on clinical trials and links to PDQ.

Persons clinical trials in May to be interested in the NCI booklet Participation in cancer research studies. This brochure describes how studies are carried out and explains the benefits and risks. The brochure is available by phoning the CIS countries, or the NCI Publications Locator on the Internet at http:// www.cancer.gov / publications on the Internet.

Cancer mesothelioma - Miscellaneous

Tumors originating mesothelioma (membrane to protect the body for most organs such as lungs, heart and stomach), may be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do no harm and can not harm or less harm to the individual, because it is not cancer. On the other hand, a malignant tumor cells of malignant mesothelioma cancer is mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the volumes of mesothelioma cancer cells are usually, so Malignant mesothelioma is usually referred to as "mesothelioma". , There are three types of mesothelioma:

• The Pleuramesotheliom
• Peritonial mesothelioma
• Pericardial mesothelioma.

Pleuramesotheliom frequency in the chest. This is an investment of lung cancer. The pleura is the overlap, whose function is to produce liquid oil, lungs, so they can be easily moved that the individual breaths. This form of mesothelioma is a high degree of probability of metastasis (spread) to other organs. Unfortunately there is the fact that they usually do not. Pleuramesotheliom is the type of malignant mesothelioma an event with about 75% of all malignant mesothelioma. Sometimes, the Pleuramesotheliom wrongly diagnosed as lung cancer. It differs from lung cancer, why not come from the lungs, such as lung cancer, but does not come from the lining of the lungs.

Peritoneal mesothelioma from his belly button when the peritoneum. Peritoneum, the task of lubricating fluids, so that the stomach is free to move. This type of mesotholioma usually extended to other parts of the body like the liver or intestine. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than the pleural mesotholioma amounting to about 10% to 20% of all malignant mesothelioma. However, it will be more aggressive.

Pericardial mesothelioma originating in the mucous membrane, which surrounds the nucleus. The coating is called pericardium, whose function is a liquid, oil protects the heart, the heart is free to move. This form of cancer is less common type of malignant mesothelioma, accounting for 5% to 15% of all species. This type of mesothelioma is very aggressive.

Mesothelioma Cancer: Early Recognition of Symptoms is Key to Successful Treatment

Symptoms of mesothelioma take many years to become apparent. In other words it has a long latency period. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. The person may repeatedly visit the doctor with the symptoms but more often considered as respiratory infections. The non-specific symptoms make it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. Even people exposed to asbestos start showing the manifestation late in their life. By the time, mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is already widespread. However, the awareness of mesothelioma has made people detect it in early stages.

Manifestation of mesothelioma largely depends upon the location size and nature of the tumor. Sign and symptoms also depend upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign type of mesothelioma usually does not manifest itself. On the other hand, malignant type of mesothelioma has severe symptoms. It is mostly due to the pressure exerted on surrounding soft tissues. The malignancy may invade surrounding tissues or may result in pericardial or pleural effusion. Invasion of the chest wall may lead to chest pain.

The early symptoms to watch out for are:

• Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum
• A cough or a change in cough pattern
• Dysphagia or Difficulty in swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Significant Weight loss.

Among all types of mesothelioma, the pleural form is the most prevalent form. As a result the pleural symptoms are the most common manifestations of mesothelioma. When in early stages, the symptoms are more or less like pneumonia and hence often misdiagnosed. However these symptoms along with history of asbestos exposure should ring alarms for mesothelioma. Physicians should be well aware of it as usually they are the first to get in contact with the patient.

Pleural mesothelioma

Dyspnoea or shortness of breath along with chest pain is common manifestation of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion caused by collection of fluid between the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. On chest radiography a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion may be evident indicating viral pneumonia.
The less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:

• Chest pain
• Pain in the lower back
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Muscle weakness and sensory loss
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Hoarseness of voice
• Coughing up blood

A majority of patients do not show any sign and symptoms until late.

Peritoneal mesothelioma

It involves structures like abdomen, stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel. The origin of peritoneal mesothelioma is usually abdomen, from where it spreads to adjoining organs. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

• Pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Bowel obstruction
• Anemia or swelling of the feet
• Abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
• Swelling of the feet
• Fever
• Impaired bowel function

The symptoms are a consequence of pressure exerted by the growing mass. This growing tumor can also cause breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma in peritoneum, owing to its space occupying tendency may give rise to bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting.

Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very uncommon form affecting the pericardium. Pericardium is the cavity between the linings of the heart. The tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding heart tends to spread from there. Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations. Involvement of the membrane around the heart (pericardium) may cause heart rhythm disturbances.

The symptoms for all types of mesothelioma become more acute and obvious with the progression of the disease. In spite of it, it can be mistaken as other disease condition. The only differentiating feature is the history of exposure of asbestos. Therefore, it is critical to investigate one's exposure to asbestos. Symptoms like pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue and weight loss may be very common, but the doctor should elucidate the history of asbestos exposure to rule out the presence of tumor.

Don Lawson is a webmaster who researches and writes about important topics concerning people in today's society. You can learn more about Mesothelioma and its causes, symptoms, treatment options and clinics.

By Donald Lawson

Cause of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma is rare. That is what the people in charge would have you think. If Pleural Mesothelioma is so rare, how do you think, more than 2000 to 3000 new patients are diagnosed every year?

The fact is Pleural Mesothelioma used to be a rare form of cancer which made a symptomatic appearance 30-50 years after exposure to Asbestos. You see the only way to contract Pleural Mesothelioma is by being exposed to Asbestos. Before 1980 there were no laws protecting the workers from Asbestos exposure in the workplace, however, once it was seen that people working in an environment of Asbestos exposure were being diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma 30-50 years after their exposure, laws began to change.

Just imagine you work for 30 years in an industry and when you near retirement age you or your loved one contracts Pleural Mesothelioma.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma cancer is a malignant form of cancer found in the sac lining of the abdominal cavity or around the lining of the heart. It's a fast and deadly cancer as once the symptoms develop it divides at a swift rate and complications are created within a year. The survival rate is nil and the life expectancy once the pleural Mesothelioma cancer develops is hardly two to three years, if you are lucky.

Asbestos Exposure and Pleural Mesothelioma

80% of all Mesothelioma cases are for workers in the asbestos industry. The disease is more common in men between the ages 50 and 70 and is contracted through the occupational hazard.

Most laws emerged but as yet, fail to give complete protection to the workers in the Asbestos industry. People working in shipyards, mines, insulation factories etc are still as viable to get pleural Mesothelioma as they were decades ago. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma causes death. The fault lies with your employer.

MesotheliomaResourceOnline.com presents information that will help you understand the disease; its causes, effects and how you can best cope with it. If you need further assistance or have some questions on what you have seen so far, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Action You May Take

Money is not everything. But if you or your loved one have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of Asbestos exposure, consider legal action as you may be entitled to MONETARY COMPENSATION.

Mesothelioma Resource Online holds highly researched information and articles on the leading causes and cures on Mesothelioma. During the course of on going re-search and analysis we have developed an extensive Data Base regarding Mesothelioma types, causes, cancer images and legal issues.

By Jonathan Hue

Malignant Mesothelioma At a Glance

Malignant mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. It is a rare form of cancer that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma is closely linked to exposure to asbestos - a natural fiber that was once used in manufacturing a wide variety of industrial and household products. Workers involved in asbestos mining, milling and manufacturing are at the greatest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Also at high risk are shipyard workers, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos related diseases as well. Cases of malignant mesothelioma have even included people whose only exposure was breathing the air through ventilation systems.

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, malignant mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Between 1973 and 1984, there has been a threefold increase in the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in Caucasian males. From 1980 to the late 1990s, the death rate from malignant mesothelioma in the USA increased from 2,000 per year to 3,000, with men four times more likely to acquire it than women. The actual rates may be even higher however, since it is possible that many cases of malignant mesothelioma are misdiagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the lung, which is difficult to differentiate from mesothelioma.

The average age of diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is 60. The average survival time varies from 4 to 18 months, and death is usually due to infection or respiratory failure from the progression of the mesothelioma.

Find out more about Malignant Mesothelioma.

Or learn more about Mesothelioma Cancer.

By James Howell

Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction

A physician may suspect malignant mesothelioma in a patient who has symptoms suggesting this cancer and who reports a history of asbestos exposure. Careful medical examination may also reveal the presence of fluid in the pleural or abdominal cavity. Once malignant mesothelioma is suspected, a number of methods are available to help confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging methods, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans, help determine the location, size and extent of the cancer, and specifically detect pleural or peritoneal thickening, fluid in the pleural or abdominal cavity, or nodules of cancer cells. However, a definitive diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma can only be made after the examination of cells from abnormal tissue.

A biopsy of abnormal tissue is performed to find out whether the cells in this tissue are cancerous or not. Such tissue can be removed through minimally invasive surgery. Fluid in the pleural or abdominal cavity may also contain cancer cells, and may also be removed for analysis. Cells from abnormal tissue or fluid are examined under the microscope, and can be identified as normal or cancerous. However, such examination does not necessarily confirm the type of cancer. Cells found in pleural mesotheliomas can resemble lung cancer cells, and cells found in peritoneal mesotheliomas can resemble ovarian cancer cells. To differentiate between these different forms of cancer, a method called immunohistochemistry is often used. This method detects proteins on the surface of cancer cells that are specific to certain types of cancers. A newer method called DNA microarray analysis examines the genes of cancer cells. Malignant mesothelioma cancer cells have different gene patterns from other cancer cells and from normal cells.

While no blood tests confirm a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, there are certain blood abnormalities that suggest the presence of a cancer. Recent research suggests that elevated levels of a blood protein called osteopontin may help in the early detection of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Symptoms is affiliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information
By Eric Morris

A Cure for Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a most lethal cancer. It has unusual characteristics. The more I look at it the more I am convinced it does not behave like a true solid tissue cancer.

• Serosal membranes very rarely become malignant except with Mesothelioma.

• It is not asbestos fiber dose dependent.

• It is not cigarette smoking dose related.

• Probably occurs only in cases where there was prior evidence of a pleurisy (benign) usually with evidence of pleural thickening.

• Latency is different (usually longer) than any other known malignancy.

• 275 day median survival is more in keeping with an uncontrollable infection (all be it a malignant one) than a solid tumor growth pattern.

• Simian 40 virus DNA parts have been found in mesothelioma specimens.

• Rarely if ever found as a distant metastasis (e.g. brain or liver spread).

I believe it is a viral infection gone malignant e.g. HIV type malignant behavior so that it looks more like asbestos fiber activation of a common virus infection in turn causing a variety of clinical conditions. Many of these clinical conditions can be quite innocuous. In benign pleural effusions we don’t find a pleural cavity full of asbestos needles – It would appear we haven’t been culturing for the right agent.

If Mesothelioma is a rogue viral infection - then there is the possibility of developing a vaccine and offering vaccination to asbestos exposed people who are at heightened risk of developing future asbestos related malignancies.

Q: Is asbestos a co-carcinogen to a viral infection?

A: Needs to be studied...

By Declan Kerin

Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorneys

Asbestos mesothelioma attorneys can assist victims in getting compensation for asbestos-related mesothelioma. Many mesothelioma attorneys with knowledge in this subject have effectively obtained compensation from asbestos manufacturers.

Mesothelioma attorneys can recover medical costs, lost wages, and punitive fees for sufferers and their relatives. A mesothelioma attorney can be introduced to the sufferers to talk about legal responsibility in mesothelioma cases.

A superior mesothelioma attorney will have the legal information and associations to force unwilling parties into admitting liability. A number of mesothelioma attorneys help their clients obtain compensation without ever having to go to trial.

Mesothelioma attorneys can help their clients contact the clients of other mesothelioma attorneys. If both parties consent, the attorneys can work together on their cases.

If a person has been affected by mesothelioma, he should get in touch with a mesothelioma attorney for legal advice. Mesothelioma, like other kinds of cancer comes in two forms – benign and malignant. By far the most frequent mesothelioma is the diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma. This kind of tumor is all-encompassing and very destructive. It spreads rapidly over the outside of the lungs, abdominal organs and heart.

Life expectancy for sufferers of this malady generally varies from four to twenty-four months, depending on the point at which the disease is identified, the comparative health and vigor of the patient, and other aspects. The average patient with diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma lives between four and twelve months from the commencement of symptoms. With proper medical care, some sufferers have lived for a number of years.

Asbestos Attorneys provides detailed information on Asbestos Attorneys, Asbestos Cancer Attorneys, Asbestos Litigation Attourneys, Asbestos Mesothelioma Attorneys and more. Asbestos Attorneys is affiliated with Asbestos Trial Lawyers.

By Eddie Tobey

Mesothelioma Types According to Place of Tumors

There are four types of mesothelioma which three types are malignant types and the fourth type is non-malignant, which is also known as benign mesothelioma benign. The types are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

For pleural, tumors were found in the cell of the pleura that content of mesothelial cells. If you do not know what pleura are, the pleura are the design of the membrane that surrounds the two lungs, and within the lining of the chest.

In peritoneal mesothelioma, the tumors were observed in peritoneum that also contents of mesothelial cells. Peritoneum is similar to pleura but it surrounds the organs in the belly. This type is less common than the cancer of the pleura, but they can more deadly.

The pericardial mesothelioma, it is the cancer of the pericardium. The pericardium is the layer around the heart and great vessels. It is the smallest common understanding of the nature of mesothelioma, but has more dangerous effects on the patients.

The main cause of all types of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, these materials were used in the manufacturing sector, including manufacturing field of construction. The dangers of asbestos were announced from a very long period, but those companies didn't warn their employees and clients from using of these materials showing high negligence.

With such neglect, the worker can make a litigation looking for their fair compensation and settlements. Please, you must consult your doctor to start a treatment program, you should also ask a lawyer about a probably successful mesothelioma settlement.

By Husseiny Ahmed

Mesothelioma Symptoms: An Overview

Malignant mesotheliomas are rare cancers that form in the tissues lining the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) or heart (pericardium). Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is the most common, accounting for about 75 percent of all malignant mesotheliomas. Between ten and twenty percent of all malignant mesotheliomas are peritoneal mesotheliomas. Pericardial mesotheliomas are extremely rare. A history of exposure to asbestos is found in most individuals with mesothelioma. The time from exposure to onset of cancer may be as long as thirty years; this is why most people with malignant mesothelioma are between 50 and 70 years old.

Many symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are non-specific, and are also seen in a number of other chest and abdominal conditions. This, combined with the lack of an accurate history of asbestos exposure in some patients, may considerably delay diagnosis. The majority of people with mesothelioma only have symptoms during the two to three months before they are diagnosed. About one quarter of all people with malignant mesothelioma have symptoms for about six months before diagnosis.

Once symptoms are present, they may depend on the location of the primary cancer. In general, symptoms become more pronounced with more advanced disease. With pleural mesothelioma, common symptoms are difficulty breathing, cough, pain in the chest or under the ribcage, coughing up blood, hoarseness, and the collection of fluid or pleural effusion in the pleural cavity. The face and arms may swell up. Many of these symptoms and signs are also seen with lung cancer.

With peritoneal mesothelioma, symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the abdomen, abdominal pain, fluid in the abdomen, constipation due to bowel obstruction, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma may experience chest pain, breathlessness and palpitations. Some symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are common to many cancers. These include unexplained weight loss, fever and fatigue.

Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Symptoms is affiliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information.

By Eric Morris

Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms

Many people who have clinical symptoms of mesothelioma have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. This is because symptoms tend to present late in most cases. The majority of people have symptoms for only two or three months before a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is made. About one quarter of all patients with malignant mesothelioma have symptoms for at least six months before diagnosis.

A high index of suspicion is needed to make a timely diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. This is because many of the clinical symptoms are seen in other conditions. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, such as cough, chest pain and breathlessness, are also seen in a number of other chest conditions such as infections, emphysema and lung cancer. Similarly, symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, such as nausea, vomiting and appetite loss, may be seen in a number of abdominal and systemic conditions. Any person who has these symptoms, accompanied by a history of exposure to asbestos, should see a doctor to be evaluated for malignant mesothelioma.

Physicians use the symptoms that patients report to determine what tests are required to confirm a suspected diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. If the patient has primarily chest-related symptoms, a chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and other imaging techniques may be used to locate any abnormalities that suggest malignant mesothelioma. Next, a pleural biopsy may be performed. There are some relatively new tests that can help differentiate pleural mesothelioma from lung cancer; this differentiation is sometimes difficult because the symptoms are so similar. If a patient presents with mostly abdominal symptoms, abdominal imaging techniques and biopsies may be used to confirm a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Symptoms is affiliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information.

By Eric Morris

Pleural Mesothelioma

Nearly 75 percent of mesotheliomas are initiated in the chest and are called pleural mesotheliomas. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this devastating disease. This occurs when asbestos fibers enter the pleura, which is the membrane that covers the lungs, and results in the formation of malignant cells. The people most at risk of developing this rare form of cancer are construction workers who have been exposed to asbestos fibers for extended periods of time, their families, who are exposed to the asbestos fibers that collect on the clothes of the workers, and people who live or work in buildings that are insulated with asbestos material.

The risk of developing malignant pleural mesothelioma depends on several factors, such as the length of time the person has been exposed, and the nature of the asbestos fibers involved as well as the different kinds of industries. Other factors can also contribute to onset of pleural mesothelioma.

The symptoms at the initial stage can resemble that of pneumonia. When malignant mesothelioma originates in the pleural cavity, the first symptom may be a mild pain in the chest or back. When malignant pleural mesothelioma spreads, organs and tissues in the immediate area can be affected. It grows into the chest wall, muscles and ribs. The pain changes from mild, general and episodic to severe, localized and chronic as the disease progresses. Severe pain may not respond to oral doses, intravenous infusions, or intramuscular injections of analgesics or narcotics.

There are at least two other forms of mesothelioma, but pleural mesothelioma responds best to treatment. Unfortunately, the fatality rate remains high. However, extensive research is going on to alleviate the pain of mesothelioma sufferers, develop a vaccine, and treat the progression of the cancer.

Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, asbestos and mesothelioma, mesothelioma, mesothelioma research and more. Mesothelioma is the sister site of Asbestos Exposure.

By Richard Romando

Mesothelioma Cancer - Different Types

Tumors originating in the mesothelium (a protective membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart and the stomach) can be benign or malignant. Benign tumors do not cause any damage and so will not hurt or do little harm to the individual since they are non-cancerous. On the other hand a malignant tumor of the mesothelium that contains cancerous cells is called malignant mesothelioma. Unfortunately tumors of the mesothelium are usually cancerous, and so malignant mesothelioma is usually just called "mesothelioma". There are mainly three types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural Mesothelioma
• Peritonial Mesothelioma
• Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma often originates within the chest cavity. It is a cancer of the lining of the lungs. This lining is called the pleura whose function is to produce lubricating fluid so that the lungs can move smoothly as the individual breaths. This form of mesothelioma has a high level of probability to metastasize (spread) to other organs of the body. Unfortunately it more usually does so than not. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma with an occurrence of approximately 75% of all the malignant mesothelioma. Sometimes pleural mesothelioma is wrongly diagnosed as lung cancer. It is however different from lung cancer since it does not originate in the lungs as lung cancer does but it originates in the lining of the lungs.

Peritoneal mesothelioma originates in the abdomen where it affects the peritoneum. The peritoneum has the function to produce a lubricating fluid in order to allow the stomach to move freely. This type of mesotholioma usually spreads to other parts of the body such as the liver or bowels. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesotholioma amounting approximately from 10% to 20% of all malignant mesotheliomas. It is however more aggressive.

Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining that surrounds the heart. This lining is called the pericardium, whose function is to produce a lubricating fluid that protects the heart so allowing the heart to move freely. This type of cancer is the less common type of malignant mesothelioma accounting for 5% to 15% of all types. This type of mesothelioma is very aggressive.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms

There are different types of Mesothelioma depending on the organ affected and these different types of result in different symptoms. In this article we will consider the symptoms of pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

This affects the lungs and results in chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing. A common symptom experienced by those suffering from Pleural Mesothelioma is also a build up of fluid between the parietal pleura and visceral pleura in the chest. These symptoms are often not picked up early in the disease. This is the most common form of Mesothelioma with 75 percent of the cases.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This affects the stomach and results in abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, bowel problems nausea and fluid retention. This form is not as common as pleural Mesothelioma but the symptoms normally show up quicker after asbestos-exposure than for the pleural type.

Similarities and Differences

Pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma are both malignant cancers that are caused primarily due to exposure to asbestos. The symptoms normally do not show up for many years after this exposure though with the average being 20-30 years after exposure for peritoneal Mesothelioma and 30-40 years for pleural Mesothelioma.

The symptoms of pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma usually occur years after exposure to asbestos and vary depending on the organ that is affected with pleural symptoms being in the chest and breathing related, and peritoneal symptoms relating to the appetite, bowel movements and abdomen. Ultimately both types are malignant and more often than not result in death.

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What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) in nature. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, hence mesothelioma. What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a type of tissue lined with special cells referred to as mesothelial cells. The mesothelial cells typically line the abdominal cavity, heart cavity, chest cavity, and the outer surface of most internal organs. Each cavity has a specific name for the mesothelial covered cavity which is:

• Peritoneum: abdominal cavity
• Pleura: chest cavity
• Pericardium: heart cavity

The mesothelium has a specific purpose in the body. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that allows easy movement of the organs. The pleural mesothelium for example, allows the lungs to move easily with each breath that is taken. Without this, breathing would be a difficult and possibly painful process.

Many refer to malignant mesothelioma as simply, mesothelioma. There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma ranked from less likely to more commonly seen:

1. Sarcomatoid
2. Mixed/Biphasic
3. Epithelioid

Malignant mesothelioma more commonly begins in the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma). Approximately 10-20% of the cases of malignant mesothelioma will begin in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Malignant mesothelioma rarely begins in the cavity surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

Malignant Mesothelioma Statistics:

Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer estimated to affect 2,000-3,000 newly diagnosed cases annually in the U.S. The United States reported an increased rate of mesothelioma from 1970 to 1990, which has currently stabilized and possibly decreased. However, European countries continue to see an increase in the rate of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is commonly seen in the ages 65 years and older but increases with age. Mesothelioma is 5 times more likely to affect men than women. Mesothelioma is more common in the Caucasian nationality than African American.

Mesothelioma is a very serious cancer. Symptoms commonly do not appear early which causes mesothelioma to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. For this reason, mesothelioma has a low survival rate that is about 1-2 years. However, cancer research is slowly changing this statistic. Learn more about what risk factors predispose you to mesothelioma.

Kristy is a mother and experienced nurse. She has a Bachelor in Biology and Chemistry and writes to inform individuals interested in health information. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Haugen