Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment Options

Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as asbestos lung cancer, is a relatively uncommon form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. It is called peritoneal because it appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen.

Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this disease in the USA. Patients afflicted with Peritoneal Mesothelioma have inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers usually through work related activities. Symptoms do not occur until 20 to 40 years after contact with the mineral and its by products. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is often fatal and patients who are afflicted by it live on average of less than a year from the time of their diagnosis.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnostic Tools
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is first detected by X-rays or CT scans, peritoneoscopy (analysis of the peritoneum) or a biopsy where a tissue sample in taken for examination by a pathologist.

Treatment Options
Localized treatments treat only the original cancer site by either surgery or radiotherapy. A peritonectomy is a surgery used when peritoneal mesothelioma is detected early on. However, the symptoms are usually detected only in the most advanced stages because of the gradual development of symptoms. Complete removal of the caner through surgery is doubtful even in the earliest stages of the disease. The first 30 days following surgery are crucial. Unfortunately, the post surgery death rate for this operation is very high. Many patients do not make it through the procedure. With this in mind, many medical centers do not choose surgery as a viable treatment option plan at this time.

Regional chemotherapy is used in peritoneal mesothelioma cases, when the cancer is still localized at its point of origin. This option treatment is employed in both early and late stages of the disease using anti-cancer drugs. The drugs are injected directly into the abdomen. Patients undergo weekly or biweekly treatments depending upon the specific drugs used.

An additional procedure known as adjuvant chemotherapy, (regional chemotherapy) can be used directly following surgery in order to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning. However, when the cancer cannot be entirely removed through surgery, chemotherapy will continue throughout the existence of the cancer in an attempt to slow its development.

A second type of treatment known as systemic treatments are used when the cancer has metastasized (spread throughout the body). Systematic treatments are implemented in either earlier stages or late stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma often remains dormant for years, the cancer is usually detected in its end stages. At this point patients are too ill to handle intensive chemotherapy. Doctors choose non-aggressive palliative care treatments at this time. Treatment goals are concentrated on remedying pain, discomfort and weight loss rather than attacking the disease head on. One type of pain common in the late states of this disease is caused by fluid buildup inside the abdomen. Doctors will attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort by draining the excess fluid through a procedure called abdominal paracentesis.

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment Options

Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as asbestos lung cancer, is a relatively uncommon form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. It is called peritoneal because it appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen.

Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this disease in the USA. Patients afflicted with Peritoneal Mesothelioma have inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers usually through work related activities. Symptoms do not occur until 20 to 40 years after contact with the mineral and its by products. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is often fatal and patients who are afflicted by it live on average of less than a year from the time of their diagnosis.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnostic Tools
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is first detected by X-rays or CT scans, peritoneoscopy (analysis of the peritoneum) or a biopsy where a tissue sample in taken for examination by a pathologist.

Treatment Options
Localized treatments treat only the original cancer site by either surgery or radiotherapy. A peritonectomy is a surgery used when peritoneal mesothelioma is detected early on. However, the symptoms are usually detected only in the most advanced stages because of the gradual development of symptoms. Complete removal of the caner through surgery is doubtful even in the earliest stages of the disease. The first 30 days following surgery are crucial. Unfortunately, the post surgery death rate for this operation is very high. Many patients do not make it through the procedure. With this in mind, many medical centers do not choose surgery as a viable treatment option plan at this time.

Regional chemotherapy is used in peritoneal mesothelioma cases, when the cancer is still localized at its point of origin. This option treatment is employed in both early and late stages of the disease using anti-cancer drugs. The drugs are injected directly into the abdomen. Patients undergo weekly or biweekly treatments depending upon the specific drugs used.

An additional procedure known as adjuvant chemotherapy, (regional chemotherapy) can be used directly following surgery in order to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning. However, when the cancer cannot be entirely removed through surgery, chemotherapy will continue throughout the existence of the cancer in an attempt to slow its development.

A second type of treatment known as systemic treatments are used when the cancer has metastasized (spread throughout the body). Systematic treatments are implemented in either earlier stages or late stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma often remains dormant for years, the cancer is usually detected in its end stages. At this point patients are too ill to handle intensive chemotherapy. Doctors choose non-aggressive palliative care treatments at this time. Treatment goals are concentrated on remedying pain, discomfort and weight loss rather than attacking the disease head on. One type of pain common in the late states of this disease is caused by fluid buildup inside the abdomen. Doctors will attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort by draining the excess fluid through a procedure called abdominal paracentesis.

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment Options

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as asbestos lung cancer, is a relatively uncommon form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. It is called peritoneal because it appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen.

Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this disease in the USA. Patients afflicted with Peritoneal Mesothelioma have inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers usually through work related activities. Symptoms do not occur until 20 to 40 years after contact with the mineral and its by products. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is often fatal and patients who are afflicted by it live on average of less than a year from the time of their diagnosis.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnostic Tools
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is first detected by X-rays or CT scans, peritoneoscopy (analysis of the peritoneum) or a biopsy where a tissue sample in taken for examination by a pathologist.

Treatment Options
Localized treatments treat only the original cancer site by either surgery or radiotherapy. A peritonectomy is a surgery used when peritoneal mesothelioma is detected early on. However, the symptoms are usually detected only in the most advanced stages because of the gradual development of symptoms. Complete removal of the caner through surgery is doubtful even in the earliest stages of the disease. The first 30 days following surgery are crucial. Unfortunately, the post surgery death rate for this operation is very high. Many patients do not make it through the procedure. With this in mind, many medical centers do not choose surgery as a viable treatment option plan at this time.

Regional chemotherapy is used in peritoneal mesothelioma cases, when the cancer is still localized at its point of origin. This option treatment is employed in both early and late stages of the disease using anti-cancer drugs. The drugs are injected directly into the abdomen. Patients undergo weekly or biweekly treatments depending upon the specific drugs used.

An additional procedure known as adjuvant chemotherapy, (regional chemotherapy) can be used directly following surgery in order to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning. However, when the cancer cannot be entirely removed through surgery, chemotherapy will continue throughout the existence of the cancer in an attempt to slow its development.

A second type of treatment known as systemic treatments are used when the cancer has metastasized (spread throughout the body). Systematic treatments are implemented in either earlier stages or late stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma often remains dormant for years, the cancer is usually detected in its end stages. At this point patients are too ill to handle intensive chemotherapy. Doctors choose non-aggressive palliative care treatments at this time. Treatment goals are concentrated on remedying pain, discomfort and weight loss rather than attacking the disease head on. One type of pain common in the late states of this disease is caused by fluid buildup inside the abdomen. Doctors will attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort by draining the excess fluid through a procedure called abdominal paracentesis.

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment Options

Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as asbestos lung cancer, is a relatively uncommon form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. It is called peritoneal because it appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen.

Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this disease in the USA. Patients afflicted with Peritoneal Mesothelioma have inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers usually through work related activities. Symptoms do not occur until 20 to 40 years after contact with the mineral and its by products. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is often fatal and patients who are afflicted by it live on average of less than a year from the time of their diagnosis.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnostic Tools
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is first detected by X-rays or CT scans, peritoneoscopy (analysis of the peritoneum) or a biopsy where a tissue sample in taken for examination by a pathologist.

Treatment Options
Localized treatments treat only the original cancer site by either surgery or radiotherapy. A peritonectomy is a surgery used when peritoneal mesothelioma is detected early on. However, the symptoms are usually detected only in the most advanced stages because of the gradual development of symptoms. Complete removal of the caner through surgery is doubtful even in the earliest stages of the disease. The first 30 days following surgery are crucial. Unfortunately, the post surgery death rate for this operation is very high. Many patients do not make it through the procedure. With this in mind, many medical centers do not choose surgery as a viable treatment option plan at this time.

Regional chemotherapy is used in peritoneal mesothelioma cases, when the cancer is still localized at its point of origin. This option treatment is employed in both early and late stages of the disease using anti-cancer drugs. The drugs are injected directly into the abdomen. Patients undergo weekly or biweekly treatments depending upon the specific drugs used.

An additional procedure known as adjuvant chemotherapy, (regional chemotherapy) can be used directly following surgery in order to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning. However, when the cancer cannot be entirely removed through surgery, chemotherapy will continue throughout the existence of the cancer in an attempt to slow its development.

A second type of treatment known as systemic treatments are used when the cancer has metastasized (spread throughout the body). Systematic treatments are implemented in either earlier stages or late stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma often remains dormant for years, the cancer is usually detected in its end stages. At this point patients are too ill to handle intensive chemotherapy. Doctors choose non-aggressive palliative care treatments at this time. Treatment goals are concentrated on remedying pain, discomfort and weight loss rather than attacking the disease head on. One type of pain common in the late states of this disease is caused by fluid buildup inside the abdomen. Doctors will attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort by draining the excess fluid through a procedure called abdominal paracentesis.

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer - Symptoms & Treatment Options

Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as asbestos lung cancer, is a relatively uncommon form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for less than a quarter of all mesothelioma cases. It is called peritoneal because it appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen.

Causes
Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of this disease in the USA. Patients afflicted with Peritoneal Mesothelioma have inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers usually through work related activities. Symptoms do not occur until 20 to 40 years after contact with the mineral and its by products. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is often fatal and patients who are afflicted by it live on average of less than a year from the time of their diagnosis.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, a change in your bowel habits, such as more frequent diarrhea or constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnostic Tools
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is first detected by X-rays or CT scans, peritoneoscopy (analysis of the peritoneum) or a biopsy where a tissue sample in taken for examination by a pathologist.

Treatment Options
Localized treatments treat only the original cancer site by either surgery or radiotherapy. A peritonectomy is a surgery used when peritoneal mesothelioma is detected early on. However, the symptoms are usually detected only in the most advanced stages because of the gradual development of symptoms. Complete removal of the caner through surgery is doubtful even in the earliest stages of the disease. The first 30 days following surgery are crucial. Unfortunately, the post surgery death rate for this operation is very high. Many patients do not make it through the procedure. With this in mind, many medical centers do not choose surgery as a viable treatment option plan at this time.

Regional chemotherapy is used in peritoneal mesothelioma cases, when the cancer is still localized at its point of origin. This option treatment is employed in both early and late stages of the disease using anti-cancer drugs. The drugs are injected directly into the abdomen. Patients undergo weekly or biweekly treatments depending upon the specific drugs used.

An additional procedure known as adjuvant chemotherapy, (regional chemotherapy) can be used directly following surgery in order to reduce the likelihood of the cancer returning. However, when the cancer cannot be entirely removed through surgery, chemotherapy will continue throughout the existence of the cancer in an attempt to slow its development.

A second type of treatment known as systemic treatments are used when the cancer has metastasized (spread throughout the body). Systematic treatments are implemented in either earlier stages or late stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma often remains dormant for years, the cancer is usually detected in its end stages. At this point patients are too ill to handle intensive chemotherapy. Doctors choose non-aggressive palliative care treatments at this time. Treatment goals are concentrated on remedying pain, discomfort and weight loss rather than attacking the disease head on. One type of pain common in the late states of this disease is caused by fluid buildup inside the abdomen. Doctors will attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort by draining the excess fluid through a procedure called abdominal paracentesis.

See Also : Insurance Mesothelioma directory

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to the asbestos dust. The most unfortunate aspect of this disease is that its symptoms do not appear soon enough or within a short enough time after exposure to the asbestos dust. This complicates matters because when the symptoms finally appear, in most cases, they are not associated with the disease. It takes very long time, sometimes even decades, for the symptoms to appear in form of obdurate cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Initially, the unsuspecting patient and even his family physician associate these symptoms with common diseases like pneumonia. It is when the disease starts spreading to other organs of the body that the doctors apprehend and tend to trace the origin of the symptoms of this life-threatening condition.

The other symptoms that appear are weight loss, breathing difficulty, fever and difficulty in swallowing food. The voice pattern may also change and the cough may be accompanied by blood; there also may be swelling on the neck and face.

Other symptoms can be in the form of pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitation of the heart and vomiting. There may also be anemia and clotting of the blood. The best course of action is that a person should inform the doctor about any regular or inadvertent and short exposure to asbestos dust. Even acute symptoms of mesothelioma may be mistakenly associated with other diseases.

There are, however, some patients who do not show any important symptoms at all. Tumors may develop around the heart and can spread to other parts of the body. 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. Even at this stage, the symptoms are likely to be confused with other diseases. It is important not to ignore symptoms that continue to persist over a long time. It is also necessary to know the symptoms of all the three forms of mesothelioma so that the disease can be identified in the nascent stage. The delay in identifying these symptoms may allow the disease to take firm roots in the system, and then it may become too late to treat it.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to the asbestos dust. The most unfortunate aspect of this disease is that its symptoms do not appear soon enough or within a short enough time after exposure to the asbestos dust. This complicates matters because when the symptoms finally appear, in most cases, they are not associated with the disease. It takes very long time, sometimes even decades, for the symptoms to appear in form of obdurate cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Initially, the unsuspecting patient and even his family physician associate these symptoms with common diseases like pneumonia. It is when the disease starts spreading to other organs of the body that the doctors apprehend and tend to trace the origin of the symptoms of this life-threatening condition.

The other symptoms that appear are weight loss, breathing difficulty, fever and difficulty in swallowing food. The voice pattern may also change and the cough may be accompanied by blood; there also may be swelling on the neck and face.

Other symptoms can be in the form of pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitation of the heart and vomiting. There may also be anemia and clotting of the blood. The best course of action is that a person should inform the doctor about any regular or inadvertent and short exposure to asbestos dust. Even acute symptoms of mesothelioma may be mistakenly associated with other diseases.

There are, however, some patients who do not show any important symptoms at all. Tumors may develop around the heart and can spread to other parts of the body. 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. Even at this stage, the symptoms are likely to be confused with other diseases. It is important not to ignore symptoms that continue to persist over a long time. It is also necessary to know the symptoms of all the three forms of mesothelioma so that the disease can be identified in the nascent stage. The delay in identifying these symptoms may allow the disease to take firm roots in the system, and then it may become too late to treat it.

My Links : Insurance, Auto Insurance Blog Mesothelioma directory

Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos. People who have received asbestos exposure of as little as one or two months to very low doses are at risk of this. A person exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma after 50 years of exposure. The 2 common types are pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen organs).

There are no immediate symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. The symptoms may appear in 30 - 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms may be noticed after several years of exposure.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer: shortness of breath and pain in the chest.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer: abdominal pain and weight loss, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever.

Please note that these symptoms may be due to other reasons. If you have any of these symptoms or signs, please consult your Doctor for thorough checkup.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Cancer

There are several possible treatments. Following are the main options for mesothelioma treatment:

Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Surgery
Photodynamic therapy

Radiation or chemotherapy combined with surgery may increase the survival time by double.

Copyright 2005, P. Mehta

[Please note that this article is not intended as a subsitute for medical advise. Always consult your Doctor.

You have permission to publish this article in your web sites, ezines or electronic publication, as long as the piece is used in its entirety including the resource box, all hyperlinks (clickable) and references and copyright info. You are not permitted to include any additional hyperlinks.]

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Symptoms That Help You Identify Mesothelioma

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Mesothelioma can only be identified with help of its symptoms which appear after 20-50 years the person has developed the disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma appear when you have been exposed to the deadly toxic asbestos decades back. By the time they appear, they have already spread to all parts of the body.

There are 3 major types of mesothelioma which attack the body with some similar symptoms. These types of mesothelioma along with their symptoms are:

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs and causes various symptoms. These symptoms include:
Cough
Difficulty sleeping
Fever
Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back
Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)
Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss
Dyspnea
Tiredness
Trouble swallowing
Muscle weakness
Sensory loss
Nausea

Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. It is one of most common symptoms of mesothelioma and leads to shortness of breath. As the fluid collects in the lining of the lungs and chest, the pain and shortness of breath also increase. Dyspnea is shortness of breath which can be caused by a pleural effusion and/or by the presence of a tumor in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.

A buildup of fluid in the pleural can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% patients suffer from mesothelioma in both lungs.

In some cases, a patient may also have chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and/or the coughing up of blood (hemoptysis). These are the rare symptoms of mesothelioma and seen in less than 1% mesothelioma patients. If the patient also suffers from swelling of the face or neck areas, it means that the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The other type of mesothelioma is peritoneal which attacks the lining of the stomach or the abdominal cavity. It can cause symptoms like:
Belly Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Fever
Night sweats
Frequency of urination
Bowel obstruction

Abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen also known as ascites is one of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. If there is a tumor in the peritoneum membrane, it can put increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

The third type of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma which attacks the lining of the chest cavity. It is not a common type of cancer. It can cause symptoms like:

Heart palpitations
Chest pains
Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Weight loss
Irregular heartbeat

Pericardial effusion may also occur in pericardial mesothelioma. It is the accumulation of liquid in the lining of the chest cavity which may cause difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. The patient may also complain of irregular heartbeat which is caused due to liquid accumulation in the chest. Persistent cough along with blood may also occur. Pericardial mesothelioma can also lead to lung cancer.

Some of these symptoms can help you identify mesothelioma. Some patients show no symptoms of their mesothelioma which makes it more difficult to diagnose. The exact symptoms will often depend on the area where mesothelioma affects which will help you identify mesothelioma.

For more information on mesothelioma lawyers, mesothelioma in different regions and help, check out:

http://www.rarehope.com

http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com

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Symptoms and Treatments for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that don't exhibit symptoms until the cancer reaches the late stage of development and it is at this point that many cases become incurable. It also has non-specific symptoms and thousands of cases each year are misdiagnosed as other, less severe respiratory conditions. Simply put, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of protective tissue around the major organs, most noticeably the lungs, heart and stomach and recently it has been positively linked to the mineral asbestos. This thin layer of tissue, the mesothelium, allows inhaled asbestos fibres to embed themselves, and it is here that they can lay dormant for up to 50 years before becoming cancerous.

The symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma depend on which of the body's organs are affected.

Pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer affects the lungs and causes a number of symptoms including:

· Persistent cough that doesn't improve with medication

· Breathing difficulties

· Shortness of breath

· Fever

· Difficulty swallowing

· Chest pain

· Weight loss

Pericardial mesothelioma. This second type of mesothelioma affects the heart tissue and includes the following symptoms:

· Breathing difficulties

· Chesty cough

· Palpitations

Peritoneal mesothelioma. The third type of mesothelioma affects the stomach and causes the following symptoms:

· Nausea and vomiting

· Abdominal pain

· Weight loss

· Bloating of the stomach

· Bowel obstruction

· Fever

Obviously all of these symptoms can also be due to a number of other conditions however anyone who experiences them should consult a doctor, especially those who have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

Unfortunately for mesothelioma victims, the symptoms only present themselves late in the cancer's development and so in many cases treatment is palliative rather than curative. There are a number of possible types of treatment that can be used against mesothelioma and the course of treatment that is prescribed will depend to a large extent on how developed the cancer is and how far it has spread around the body. This information can be determined using x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans because these imaging techniques can provide a detailed view of the cancer's progression and how many areas of the body are affected. The possible forms of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care and either a single form or a combination will be used.

Surgery. Surgery can be used in cases where there is an obvious large tumour however it will only become an option if the tumour is causing chronic pain or if it is causing an obstruction e.g. in one or both of the lungs. Because mesothelioma can take between 30 and 50 years to develop many sufferers are elderly when they are diagnosed and so the option of surgery will also depend on age and general state of health. Occasionally it is considered safer to live with the tumour than to risk the rigors of surgery.

Radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is most effective when the mesothelioma is confined to a single site, such as the lungs. It can and often is used in conjunction with chemotherapy as an extra defence against any small pockets of cancerous cells that might survive drug therapy. Radiotherapy can produce some side effects however they are easily treated and rarely cause problems.

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for mesothelioma will more often than not involve a stay in hospital while a specific drug concoction is introduced to the body intravenously. Chemotherapy is used when the cancer has spread to other areas and so the treatment needs to attack multiple sites.

Palliative care. Palliative care can include any of the above treatments however they will be aimed at improving and extending the quality of life rather than providing a cure. Palliative care will also include pain relief as in many cases the mesothelioma is well advanced and causing chronic chest and abdominal discomfort.

Mesothelioma is considered a rare form of cancer however in the last decade the number of cases diagnosed each year has steadily risen. Since becoming associated with asbestos many victims have successfully sued their former employers and many more are starting proceedings each and every year. Today workers have to wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus while working with asbestos and so it may be that the presence of mesothelioma dies along with the current generation.

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Symptoms That Help You Identify Mesothelioma

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Mesothelioma can only be identified with help of its symptoms which appear after 20-50 years the person has developed the disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma appear when you have been exposed to the deadly toxic asbestos decades back. By the time they appear, they have already spread to all parts of the body.

There are 3 major types of mesothelioma which attack the body with some similar symptoms. These types of mesothelioma along with their symptoms are:

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs and causes various symptoms. These symptoms include:
Cough
Difficulty sleeping
Fever
Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back
Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)
Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss
Dyspnea
Tiredness
Trouble swallowing
Muscle weakness
Sensory loss
Nausea

Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. It is one of most common symptoms of mesothelioma and leads to shortness of breath. As the fluid collects in the lining of the lungs and chest, the pain and shortness of breath also increase. Dyspnea is shortness of breath which can be caused by a pleural effusion and/or by the presence of a tumor in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.

A buildup of fluid in the pleural can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% patients suffer from mesothelioma in both lungs.

In some cases, a patient may also have chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and/or the coughing up of blood (hemoptysis). These are the rare symptoms of mesothelioma and seen in less than 1% mesothelioma patients. If the patient also suffers from swelling of the face or neck areas, it means that the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The other type of mesothelioma is peritoneal which attacks the lining of the stomach or the abdominal cavity. It can cause symptoms like:
Belly Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Fever
Night sweats
Frequency of urination
Bowel obstruction

Abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen also known as ascites is one of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. If there is a tumor in the peritoneum membrane, it can put increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

The third type of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma which attacks the lining of the chest cavity. It is not a common type of cancer. It can cause symptoms like:

Heart palpitations
Chest pains
Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Weight loss
Irregular heartbeat

Pericardial effusion may also occur in pericardial mesothelioma. It is the accumulation of liquid in the lining of the chest cavity which may cause difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath. The patient may also complain of irregular heartbeat which is caused due to liquid accumulation in the chest. Persistent cough along with blood may also occur. Pericardial mesothelioma can also lead to lung cancer.

Some of these symptoms can help you identify mesothelioma. Some patients show no symptoms of their mesothelioma which makes it more difficult to diagnose. The exact symptoms will often depend on the area where mesothelioma affects which will help you identify mesothelioma.

For more information on mesothelioma lawyers, mesothelioma in different regions and help, check out:

http://www.rarehope.com

http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com

Friends Link : game Hipmore Blog International mesothelioma Mesothelioma directory

Symptoms and Treatments for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that don't exhibit symptoms until the cancer reaches the late stage of development and it is at this point that many cases become incurable. It also has non-specific symptoms and thousands of cases each year are misdiagnosed as other, less severe respiratory conditions. Simply put, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of protective tissue around the major organs, most noticeably the lungs, heart and stomach and recently it has been positively linked to the mineral asbestos. This thin layer of tissue, the mesothelium, allows inhaled asbestos fibres to embed themselves, and it is here that they can lay dormant for up to 50 years before becoming cancerous.

The symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma depend on which of the body's organs are affected.

Pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer affects the lungs and causes a number of symptoms including:

· Persistent cough that doesn't improve with medication

· Breathing difficulties

· Shortness of breath

· Fever

· Difficulty swallowing

· Chest pain

· Weight loss

Pericardial mesothelioma. This second type of mesothelioma affects the heart tissue and includes the following symptoms:

· Breathing difficulties

· Chesty cough

· Palpitations

Peritoneal mesothelioma. The third type of mesothelioma affects the stomach and causes the following symptoms:

· Nausea and vomiting

· Abdominal pain

· Weight loss

· Bloating of the stomach

· Bowel obstruction

· Fever

Obviously all of these symptoms can also be due to a number of other conditions however anyone who experiences them should consult a doctor, especially those who have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

Unfortunately for mesothelioma victims, the symptoms only present themselves late in the cancer's development and so in many cases treatment is palliative rather than curative. There are a number of possible types of treatment that can be used against mesothelioma and the course of treatment that is prescribed will depend to a large extent on how developed the cancer is and how far it has spread around the body. This information can be determined using x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans because these imaging techniques can provide a detailed view of the cancer's progression and how many areas of the body are affected. The possible forms of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care and either a single form or a combination will be used.

Surgery. Surgery can be used in cases where there is an obvious large tumour however it will only become an option if the tumour is causing chronic pain or if it is causing an obstruction e.g. in one or both of the lungs. Because mesothelioma can take between 30 and 50 years to develop many sufferers are elderly when they are diagnosed and so the option of surgery will also depend on age and general state of health. Occasionally it is considered safer to live with the tumour than to risk the rigors of surgery.

Radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is most effective when the mesothelioma is confined to a single site, such as the lungs. It can and often is used in conjunction with chemotherapy as an extra defence against any small pockets of cancerous cells that might survive drug therapy. Radiotherapy can produce some side effects however they are easily treated and rarely cause problems.

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for mesothelioma will more often than not involve a stay in hospital while a specific drug concoction is introduced to the body intravenously. Chemotherapy is used when the cancer has spread to other areas and so the treatment needs to attack multiple sites.

Palliative care. Palliative care can include any of the above treatments however they will be aimed at improving and extending the quality of life rather than providing a cure. Palliative care will also include pain relief as in many cases the mesothelioma is well advanced and causing chronic chest and abdominal discomfort.

Mesothelioma is considered a rare form of cancer however in the last decade the number of cases diagnosed each year has steadily risen. Since becoming associated with asbestos many victims have successfully sued their former employers and many more are starting proceedings each and every year. Today workers have to wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus while working with asbestos and so it may be that the presence of mesothelioma dies along with the current generation.

Thanks To : Student Loan Blog game Mesothelioma directory

Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma Cancer

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Mesothelioma cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos. People who have received asbestos exposure of as little as one or two months to very low doses are at risk of this. A person exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma after 50 years of exposure. The 2 common types are pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen organs).

There are no immediate symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. The symptoms may appear in 30 - 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms may be noticed after several years of exposure.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer: shortness of breath and pain in the chest.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer: abdominal pain and weight loss, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever.

Please note that these symptoms may be due to other reasons. If you have any of these symptoms or signs, please consult your Doctor for thorough checkup.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Cancer

There are several possible treatments. Following are the main options for mesothelioma treatment:

Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Surgery
Photodynamic therapy

Radiation or chemotherapy combined with surgery may increase the survival time by double.

Copyright 2005, P. Mehta

[Please note that this article is not intended as a subsitute for medical advise. Always consult your Doctor.

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