Advanced Mesothelioma Prognosis

There are a variety of details in the advancement of a person's mesothelioma prognosis and fine differences amongst these details may have a dramatic impact on the course the disease will take. The statistical models employed in mesothelioma often miss the extraordinary differences between a person's stated prognosis/diagnosis and the way in which the disease actually impacts his or her life.

Stage is important for determining mesothelioma prognosis because it can be for other cancers. However, mesothelioma stats are hard to find, and the stats that exist are unreliable. Early diagnosis and remedy are a lot of important in looking for a favorable mesothelioma prognosis. Since mesothelioma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, the statistics for you to five year survival are usually unreliable. At Stage IV, mesothelioma has spread to other organs, and since a cure is not possible, the mesothelioma prognosis is poor. Remedy at this stage consists mainly of pain management and supportive care.

The latency period with this disease is usually 10 to 30 years, and symptoms include breathing difficulties and a decrease in the elasticity of the lungs. Effusions, both pleural and peritoneal, represent major symptomatic problems for at least two thirds of the patients. Unfortunately, the duration of symptom control is short-lived. Single agent and combimed chemotherapy have reported higher response rates in STAGE II patients, however the toxicity reported is also higher and there is no evidence which combination treatments cause longer survival or longer control of the symptoms.

Diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma begins with a thorough medical history to document the patient's symptoms and any conceivable asbestos exposure, followed by a complete physical examination. These steps are generally followed by a chest or abdominal x-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other lung diseases and cancers.

The severity of the affliction varies from person to person, but in most cases the onset of Pleural Mesothelioma is usually very slow with the a lot of frequent presenting symptom being persistent pain localized in the chest. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by severe difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. The advancement of asbestosis symptoms including coughing, breathlessness and chest pain typically prompts a sufferer to seek medical attention. Following an initial physical assessment of the patient, a physician will employ the use of a chest imaging scan (x-ray, MRI, CT scan) thus as to view the lungs.

Mesothelioma patients have such common symptoms which the md can not even consider the illness to be asbestos-related let alone malignant mesothelioma. This is a symptom that develops in the later stages of the disease. However, it is critical to note which these tumors are able to spread to various parts of the body, affecting various organs. Surgery, while used successfully for palliative control of symptoms, has only minimal effect on median survival times whenever used because a radical treatment. Extrapleural pneumonectomy, defined as a "radical treatment" is associated with a median survival of 15-24 months.

Typically, mesothelioma takes 10 to 50 years to develop, and during this latency period, sufferers may have no symptoms. Furthermore, mesothelioma happens more often in men than in patient and risk increases with age. Pleurectomy/decortication can be performed to relieve symptoms in pleural mesothelioma. Other procedures such as thoracentesis may be performed to drain pleural effusions and prevent them from recurring. Other symptoms include hoarseness, coughing up blood, swelling of the face and arms, muscle weakness, and sensory loss.

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What Is Mesothelioma? Types and Treatment Options

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane which covers the heart, lungs and other internal organs. You normally get this disease from being exposed to asbestos fibers at some point in your life.

Types of mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form is pleural mesothelioma which develops within the mesothelium. Pleural mesothelioma will develop in the pleural membrane which is the lungs lining.

Breathing in asbestos fibers is the cause of pleural mesothelioma. Upon entering the lungs, the asbestos fibers will work their way into the lungs pleural membrane. Once in there, the body will find it almost impossible to get rid of them. Over a period of several decades, the asbestos fibers will cause the pleural cells to change. These changes may lead to the lungs becoming scarred and, eventually, tumors forming.

Once the cells of the pleural membrane turn cancerous, they will continuously divide, leading to a reduction in lung capacity and causing fluid to buildup between the layers of the pleural membrane.

Because pleural mesothelioma is usually not caught until the later stages of the disease, the prognosis for the patient is normally poor. But, if the disease is caught in the early stages, then the patient's prognosis as well as the life expectancy will be much improved.

Peritoneal mesothelioma
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma - this is a very rare form of cancer which strikes the peritoneum (the cell walls surrounding the abdominal cavity. The peritoneum lubricates the abdominal cavity which allows the surrounding internal organs and body structures to expand and contract. Peritoneal mesothelioma is very rare with fewer than 500 people contracting this form of cancer each year.

Several decades after asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested; cancer will develop in the patient's abdomen. Modern tests can diagnose whether or not a patient has peritoneal mesothelioma. Despite the fact that it is not usually diagnosed until it is in the later stages, there are still some treatment options.

Although some patients may qualify for surgery and other curative treatment options, other patients may simply choose palliative measures. Most patients with peritoneal mesothelioma survive for less than a year. However, with the proper treatment, life expectancy could increase. A mesothelioma specialist can help patients find the best treatment options for their cancer, which might improve the patient's prognosis.

According to some studies, the average life expectancy of a man diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma is 7 months, although a few men have survived for almost 100 months. Women usually survive for approximately 9 months after being diagnosed, with a few women surviving for a maximum of 49 months. Patients whose mesothelioma was caught early and with less severe symptoms naturally have a better prognosis.

Mesothelioma treatment options
When it comes to treating cancer, doctors focus on killing the malignant cells and saving the healthy ones. There are several ways to do this.

Doctors will utilize chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation or a combination of all three as the most effective way to treat mesothelioma. The treatment that will be recommended is dependent on several issues:

The type and location of the mesothelioma
How big are the tumors?
How much the cancer has metastasized?
What stage the cancer is in.
The patient's age
The patient's overall health

Several types of doctors will be involved in treating the cancer such as an oncologist or cancer specialist, a radiologist, and a pulmonologist or lung specialist. It can take time to figure out the precise location and variety of the cancer, but determining these factors will enable the oncologist to prescribe the most effective mesothelioma treatment.

Click Here to learn more about mesothelioma treatment options that may save your life.

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Mesothelioma Survival - What Are the Chances?

Every year, about 3000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States alone. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is an aggressive and usually fatal type of cancer that results from asbestos exposure. This disease occurs when microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled and get lodged into the linings of the lungs.

What are the chances for mesothelioma survival once a victim gets diagnosed? Sadly, not many victims of mesothelioma survive more than five years after the diagnosis has been made. Mesothelioma survival chances are increased if the disease is caught early. However, this kind of cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages. Once it is detected and diagnosed, it is oftentimes in its advanced stage and too late for a definitive cure. According to reliable sources, less than 10% of mesothelioma sufferers get the chance to survive more than 5 years, while about 40% of sufferers survive more than a year after diagnosis.

As in all forms of cancer, mesothelioma survival rates depend on various factors. These include:

* The current stage of the cancer. The stages of mesothelioma range from Stage One, which primarily means that the tumor is localized in the chest lining, to Stage Four, meaning that the tumor has spread to other vital organs.

* The histology (cell structure and type) of the cancer. Mesothelioma cancer can come as epithelial, which has better prognosis, sarcomatoid, biphasic or desmoplastic.

* The overall health condition and age of the sufferer. The malignant forms of mesothelioma are oftentimes diagnosed in sufferers above the age of 55. Generally, the older the victim is, or the more chronic illnesses associated with the disease, the less chance there is for mesothelioma survival.

* The size and location of the tumor (whether the tumor is operable or not.)

* The extent of the symptoms, such as whether fluid buildup has been observed in the lungs or abdomen.

Mesothelioma is a serious condition which demands immediate medical attention. Although there is no proven cure for mesothelioma, various treatment options are available to prevent the disease from spreading and also to reduce pain and suffering for the victim.

These treatment options may increase the chances for mesothelioma survival. According to various studies, victims administered with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, or a combination of any two or three, have a survival rate of at least 18 months after undertaking the procedures.

Today, many experimental treatments are being evaluated throughout the world in controlled clinical trials. These include Photodynamic Therapy, Immunotherapy, Heat Therapy and Gene Therapy.

To learn more about Mesothelioma Cancer including the various Mesothelioma Treatment Options, visit Mesothelioma Facts where we provide all of this and much more!

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Mesothelioma Prognosis And Treatments

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that frequently will manifest itself in the outer lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. However it may also emerge in the lining of a number of other body organs. The organ's lining is known as the mesothelium. It's most common cause is from being exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma prognosis, diagnosis and remedies are continuously being assessed and researched.

Getting fast diagnosis may very well allow a person to get a more positive Mesothelioma prognosis. Signs and symptoms that may signal Pleural Mesothelioma resemble those of folks who are suffering from pneumonia and other related ailments can experience. Shortness of breath, fluid around the lungs and chest wall, chest pain and weight loss can be the most obvious signs of the illness.

Despite the fact that a Mesothelioma prognosis can be distressing, many discovered with the disease have lived a lot longer than initially predicted. In spite of the negative reports, one individual lived for twenty years following being informed he had a variety of the illness identified as peritoneal mesothelioma. Another affected individual, with the very same diagnosis, in 1997 was given one year to live and is still living today.

If a specialist suspects Pleural Mesothelioma he or she is going to request an x-ray, cat scan or MRI of the chest and lungs. If the tests show indications of the disease he's going to take a biopsy to confirm his suspicions. He will use a thoracoscope to check inside the chest to recover tissue samples. When the physician suspects Mesothelioma in the abdominal area he will do a the same procedure called a laparoscopy to get tissue from the abdominal area.

After the medical diagnosis, Mesothelioma treatment will often include surgery to take out the affected tissue or tumors. The surgery is normally followed up with radiation and chemotherapy. These types of treatments are performed to give the patient an extended life expectancy resulting in an improved Mesothelioma prognosis.

Even though there have been many more incidents of Mesothelioma recorded since 1980, it's still regarded a rare disease. This disease has been submitted from several locations around the world however in most cases from Australia, Britain and Belgium.

Right after becoming identified as having any sort of terminal illness it is very important to be a pro-active patient. Find as much information as you possibly can about the different methods and treatment options available. You will find support groups that meet to offer other patients battling with related diseases new information on what has and hasn't worked for them. These types of support groups also offer encouragement for anyone who have recently been given upsetting information that they have some type of fatal cancer.

Different treatment options are often learned from regular members of such groups that aren't generally offered by conventional medicine. Herbal medicines have often shown to be pretty useful.

If your are suffering from the signs of Pleural Mesothelioma please visit our website Pleural Mesothelioma Prognosis [http://pleuralmesotheliomaprognosis.org/].org today to obtain more detailed information about the different forms of Mesothelioma and treatment plans.

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Understanding a Mesothelioma Prognosis

A mesothelioma prognosis can range for a variety of different patients. Some may experience difficult prognosis and others may receive better and more positive news. Either way, mesothelioma remains a very serious disease that comes with a high fatality rate. This is why legal action against those that place people at risk to contracting mesothelioma is so aggressive.

Mesothelioma derives from exposure to asbestos which was commonly found in pipes in prior generations. At the time, it was not considered a harmful substance. Over the past two decades, the fact that exposure to asbestos can cause cancer was revealed. As a result, building owners have a responsibility to have asbestos detected and removed. Sadly, this does not always happen which leads to the unfortunate issue of those exposed suffering from this horrific form of cancer. Once a diagnosis has been made, the patient then needs to seek treatment.

Mesothelioma prognosis occurs immediately after the patient learns that he/she has the disease. A prognosis can be considered an overview of what the cancer will do in the body. The prognosis of what the course the cancer will follow will be dependent on many factors. Obviously, these factors will play a large role in whether or not the prognosis is a good or bad one.

One factor that can potentially impact whether or not the prognosis is positive will be early detection. The longer it takes for the cancer to be detected, the worse the prognosis will generally be. This is because the cancer will continue to spread if it is not detected and treatment starts. If the cancer has not spread significantly then the ability to treat it is enhanced. This is why those that feel they have been exposed to asbestos need to take immediate action and contact their physician for a complete examination.

Detection of mesothelioma will also entail determining where the cancer actually is. If the tumor is located in one area of the body, it may be likely that it can be surgically removed. If the tumors are spreading throughout the body then surgery could prove complicated or potentially impossible.

Once the cancer has been detected, the stage the cancer is in will be determined. There are four stages in a mesothelioma prognosis with stages three and four being the more severe and advanced. Anyone that is currently in such a stage would have a difficult time beating the cancer. Conversely, those that catch the condition early enough may be able to take steps needed to send the cancer in remission.

Again, this is why early detection is so important when discussing the prognosis of the mesothelioma. If the cancer can be caught in the very early stages, survival rate increases. Yet, no matter how early the cancer is detected, it will always remain life threatening with no guarantees the treatment will work. Such information is not presented to be downbeat. It is mentioned to explain the severity of the disease so that anyone that may have been exposed to asbestos understand the necessity of seeking a proper diagnosis from a physician.

The patient's overall health will play a role in the prognosis. This is not to say a person can be so healthy that the treatment will be "easier." However, a healthy person will have a stronger immune system and will be able to handle the treatment needed to deal with the cancer. Surviving mesothelioma is not easy. Some may find that survival of five years or so is the maximum they can achieve. Again, the individual's overall health will play a factor in the ability to handle the treatment.

Those that have been exposed to asbestos through negligence and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma should explore their legal options. The reason for this is there are a lot of costs associated with mesothelioma treatment along with great financial strain due to the inability to work when dealing with such cancer. A qualified attorney with experience handling mesothelioma cases would be the best professional to work with in such a situation.

A mesothelioma prognosis is a serious one. It requires immediate medical treatment and should also include the search for proper legal representation. Doing so makes the ability to deal with the condition more tolerable.

Leigh White invites you to check out her site about Mesothelioma Compensation Resources where she is working on more articles like this one about Mesothelioma Prognosis News.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium; the protective lining that covers the internal organs of the body. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and the most common form of Mesothelioma is pleural, which affects the lungs, but it can also develop in the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity, and the pericardium - the sac that surrounds the heart. In males it can sometimes be found in the tunica vaginalis, which is the sac that surrounds the testis.

While Mesothelioma remains a relatively rare cancer, there are more and more cases being reported by the older generation who may have been exposed to asbestos in industrial working environments in their younger years. The countries with the highest rate of Mesothelioma cases are Britain, Belgium and Australia, with 30 per 1,000,000 per year.

What makes Mesothelioma so difficult to treat is the fact that it can take 20-50 years for symptoms to develop and when they do present themselves, they are commonly mistaken for other illnesses and suffers sometimes misdiagnose themselves before seeing a doctor.

Signs of Mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, fatigue, hoarseness or wheezing and unexpected weight loss. In severe cases of the disease, Mesothelioma symptoms may include blood clots in veins, pleural effusion, low level of blood sugar and jaundice.

Because Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to a lot of other common conditions,and because of the latency of the disease, diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be difficult and by the time Mesothelioma is detected, it is often too late.

Unforunately, the life expentancy for people diagnosed with the cancer is rarely more than a couple of years and in most cases, is just a few months. There are, however, treatments available that can slow the progression of this aggressive cancer and expand the amount of time that sufferers have left. These include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and in some cases, surgery. Mesothelioma treatment can be effective in shrinking tumors in the early stages of the disease, but cures are incredibly rare and the prognosis remains sadly disappointing.

Because Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, many cases are due to working conditions of people in the past where asbestos was present in their working environment. Compensation may be available to those who contracted the disease due to inhaling asbestos or being exposed to the fumes in jobs they held and many dedicated law firms can help people affected to file lawsuits against their former employers.

Lisa lost her grandmother to Mesothelioma in 2010 and has since researched the disease in an attempt to help others affected by it. For more information on treatments available to those diagnosed with Mesothelioma, click here.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium; the protective lining that covers the internal organs of the body. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and the most common form of Mesothelioma is pleural, which affects the lungs, but it can also develop in the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity, and the pericardium - the sac that surrounds the heart. In males it can sometimes be found in the tunica vaginalis, which is the sac that surrounds the testis.

While Mesothelioma remains a relatively rare cancer, there are more and more cases being reported by the older generation who may have been exposed to asbestos in industrial working environments in their younger years. The countries with the highest rate of Mesothelioma cases are Britain, Belgium and Australia, with 30 per 1,000,000 per year.

What makes Mesothelioma so difficult to treat is the fact that it can take 20-50 years for symptoms to develop and when they do present themselves, they are commonly mistaken for other illnesses and suffers sometimes misdiagnose themselves before seeing a doctor.

Signs of Mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, fatigue, hoarseness or wheezing and unexpected weight loss. In severe cases of the disease, Mesothelioma symptoms may include blood clots in veins, pleural effusion, low level of blood sugar and jaundice.

Because Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to a lot of other common conditions,and because of the latency of the disease, diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be difficult and by the time Mesothelioma is detected, it is often too late.

Unforunately, the life expentancy for people diagnosed with the cancer is rarely more than a couple of years and in most cases, is just a few months. There are, however, treatments available that can slow the progression of this aggressive cancer and expand the amount of time that sufferers have left. These include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and in some cases, surgery. Mesothelioma treatment can be effective in shrinking tumors in the early stages of the disease, but cures are incredibly rare and the prognosis remains sadly disappointing.

Because Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, many cases are due to working conditions of people in the past where asbestos was present in their working environment. Compensation may be available to those who contracted the disease due to inhaling asbestos or being exposed to the fumes in jobs they held and many dedicated law firms can help people affected to file lawsuits against their former employers.

Lisa lost her grandmother to Mesothelioma in 2010 and has since researched the disease in an attempt to help others affected by it. For more information on treatments available to those diagnosed with Mesothelioma, click here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_M_Wright

Facts About Asbestos Removal

Asbestos was a popular material used in construction of buildings and houses. It has many features that are beneficial. It is heat-resistant, strong and has insulating properties as well. But in 1970s, it was discovered that asbestos fibers are detrimental for the lungs. Now, it is important to remove asbestos, when there is risk of health problems.
Asbestos is dangerous, when its fibers become airborne. When they are released in the air, they can be easily inhaled. This can lead to mesothelioma or other lung diseases.

Asbestos abatement contractor
When you are remodeling your house, you must take precautions for prevention from asbestos hazards. It should be stopped from getting released into the air. To do this job, you should hire only licensed asbestos abatement contractor. You can also do this task on your own. But, it's dangerous and requires effort. So, it is better to follow safety regulations.

Determine asbestos presence
For asbestos removal from the air, it is necessary to know whether it is present or not. You should know about any products, which contain asbestos. Sometimes, it is mentioned in labels that asbestos is present in a product. But for confirmation, you should test them in lab. After that, asbestos encapsulation or removal should be carried out immediately.

Removing asbestos is a tough job. You should always hire a professional contractor to ensure it is done properly. Never compromise over health and safety. Planning is essential. Getting safety clothes and gear before starting work is important. Clothes should be ready-to-use. The area should be sealed properly, where asbestos removal is performed. It will help avoid asbestos fiber escape. Keep everything available. It includes rags, ladder, containment bags and all other supplies. All material should be wet before removing asbestos. After it is removed, it should be dropped in a bag. Label it in bold text before disposing it.

Things to consider when hiring a professional
If you are planning to hire a professional contractor for asbestos removal, consider these factors:

License
Contractors should have license of working. They should be trained by EPA or the state.

Sample test
Contractor should get samples tested from a lab for confirmation of asbestos presence.

Comparison to sort out the best
You can compare various asbestos removal contractors, and see their services. It will enable you make the right choice. See their profiles and view official websites. Always choose contractor, who is the most experienced among all. Make sure they are working in this field for several years.

Documentation
Quotes should include several things. It should mention cost of these:
• Set-up
• Cleaning
• Disposal
• Labor
• Replacement materials
Other costs should also be mentioned.

Rules should be followed
Quotes should also have compliance of Federal, state and local regulations. These should be concerned with disposal, notification and health. Make sure permits are obtained before work begins. Nobody is allowed to enter work area especially kids and pets.

Insured contractor
Contractor should be insured. See his insurance policies before hiring him.

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