Senin, 19 November 2012

Chemotherapy Helps Mesothelioma Survival?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Each year, more than 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed within the United States, many of which end up being terminal.

While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for mesothelioma, researchers and doctors have been working on different treatments to help make this rare form of cancer more manageable. Currently, treatment for mesothelioma generally depends on the location, stage, general health and age of the mesothelioma patient. From that point, patients may receive one or more of a combination of treatments that involve surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.

Does Chemotherapy Treatment Work?

Chemotherapy is considered a palliative treatment modality which means that it can help reduce the symptoms of mesothelioma and perhaps the size of the tumors, but it is not curative. Within the last decade, chemotherapy containing cisplatin-antifolate combinations has been shown to improve responses and prolong survival in mesothelioma patients. Based on the successes shown in clinical trials, a trio of research scientists in The Netherlands launched their own population-based study to "assess the impact of this development on clinical practice and survival at a population-based level."

The study focused on 4,731 Dutch patients diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1995 and 2006. For the periods 1995-1998 and 2005-2006, the use of chemotherapy to treat mesothelioma jumped from 8% to 36%. At the same time, median survival for chemotherapy-treated patients increased from 10.1 months in earlier years to 13.1 months in more recent years. The researchers summarized their findings by stating that increased chemotherapy use at the national level did improve survival rates of mesothelioma patients, but they also cautioned that there may still be alternative explanations as to why this is the case.

Alimta and Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug marketed as Platinol and used to treat a number of different cancers, including mesothelioma, some carcinomas such as small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer, lymphomas and germ cell tumors. Inside cancer cells, cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs trigger cell death, killing the cancerous cells. In the United States, the platinum-based drug, cisplatin, is usually combined with another drug, Alimta, for treating mesothelioma. Alimta is an antifolate drug, which works by blocking the activity of folic acid inside cells interfering with cellular metabolism.

The FDA approved the Alimta plus cisplatin combination after a clinical trial demonstrated that the two drugs were more effective than one drug. In the July 2003 edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology the published results reported a median survival time of 12.1 months for mesothelioma patients who received Alimta and cisplatin versus 9.3 months for the mesothelioma patients who just received cisplatin. The researchers also found that the addition of folic acid and vitamin B12 helped to reduce the toxicity of the drugs without adversely affecting survival time.

It is the hope that as research continues there will also continue to be better alternatives (and hopefully a cure) for those who suffer from mesothelioma.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Myra D. Foreman writes for Surviving Mesothelioma. This is the only website where this important book is available for free. The book is written by Paul Kraus who was diagnosed with mesothelioma more than a decade ago and is still enjoying life today

Mesothelioma - What Is It?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that originates in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma occurs when the mesothelium cells start to divide uncontrollably. They can begin invading and damaging the nearby tissues and organs and gradually may spread to other parts of the body.

About 2,500 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States every year and the majority are traced back to occupational asbestos exposure. Asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma and its chief risk factor. There are higher incidents of this cancer in men as compared to women and most victims are over 65, but the disease can strike at any age.

Although use of asbestos has been decreased substantially in the past few years, this has not resulted in any major decline in the incidence of mesothelioma. The reason is because there is a latency period from asbestos exposure to disease diagnosis - it can take about 20 to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.

The Mesothelium

The mesothelium membrane is comprised of two layers of cells. One layer surrounds the organs while the other forms a sac around it. There is a lubricating fluid produced by the mesothelium between these two layers that helps in the gliding movement of the organs against each other.

Depending on the location in the body, the mesothelium is known by different names. The mesothelial tissue covering the abdominal organs is known as peritoneum and the membrane covering the lungs and chest cavity is called pleura. The mesothelium covering the heart and protecting it is known as pericardium.

Most cases of mesothelioma start in the peritoneum or pleura. However, the cancer can attack tunica vaginalis, which is the sac that surrounds the testis and the pericardium.

Types of Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is, unfortunately, the most prevalent type, but there is a benign form too:

• Malignant mesothelioma

This is the rare form of cancer and the most serious of all asbestos related diseases. It can be a difficult disease to diagnose correctly because symptoms may be similar to other ailments. Today, pathologists use immunohistochemistry to actually identify the proteins and DNA of the cancer cells to help arrive at the correct diagnosis. Typical treatments for malignant mesothelioma include chemotherapy (usually pemetrexed and cisplatin), radiation, surgery, and multi-modality therapies (two or more therapies combined).

• Non-malignant Mesothelioma

Also referred to as benign mesothelioma, this is much easier to treat as compared to the malignant form of the cancer. Many cases have been successfully treated and cured.
Protecting Yourself from Mesothelioma

Because mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, the best way to minimize your risk is to reduce your exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos was used in thousands of different products especially building products. In addition, the US currently does not have a total ban on asbestos today. Recently, independent testing found that some children's toys from China contained asbestos. Typically asbestos is not dangerous unless it is ingested or inhaled. However, the fibers are so small (microscopic) that you cannot see them with the naked eye.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

Malignant mesothelioma is, unfortunately, the most prevalent type, but there is a benign form too. Although use of asbestos has been decreased substantially in the past few years, this has not resulted in any major decline in the incidence of mesothelioma. To learn more, visit the Surviving Mesothelioma website.

Simple Facts of Smoking - Lung Cancer

Built-up in the body over a long period of time, smoking caused cancers have distinct stages that peak in smokers between the ages of 55 years and 65 years old. Smoking causes almost immediate changes within the lungs, shortly after they have come into contact with carcinogenic chemicals (chemicals that cause cancer). Soon after their first exposure, abnormal cells begin to appear within the main breathing tubes. These cells are accelerated in growth through the continued exposure to these dangerous chemical substances (caused through smoking). Some of these cells will become cancerous and others will form into small tumors.

There are two Main Types of Lung Cancer

The first is Non-Small Cell Cancer that consists of three different types: Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Ademocarcinoma and Large Cell Carcinoma.

The second is Small Cell Cancer, also referred to as (Oat Cell Cancer). This is a faster spreading cancer than the Non-Small Cell type and is usually contributed to over 20% of all lung cancer cases.

Key Facts about Lung Cancer

1. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world, with more than 1.8 million cases diagnosed every year.

2. The highest rate of detection for men is in Central and Eastern Europe, while for women the highest rate of detection is in North America. The lowest rate of detection can be found within the Middle African Countries.

3. It is the second most diagnosed cancer in men after prostate cancer, with around 215,000 new cases being diagnosed every year in the USA, and around 25,000 new cases being diagnosed every year in the United Kingdom.

4. Of the 215,000 new cases which are diagnosed every year in the USA, around 85% will die within the first five years of diagnoses.

5. Current or former cigarette smokers make up for over 80% of all lung cancer deaths in both men and women over the age of 55 years, and is on the rise.

6. Smoking is the cause of over 25% of all cancer deaths in the world, with over 32% of deaths occurring in men, and 25% in women.

7. Every year a higher percentage of men are diagnosed with lung cancer than women.

8. A man who smokes up to two packets of cigarettes a day, has more than 25 times higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer than a non-smoker.

9. Cancers mortality rate can be heavily reduced through its early detection and treatment.

10. It is never to late to stop smoking as within the first 30 minutes of smoking the last cigarette the bodies organs begin to benefit.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, 'Proofreading, and Website Design." Philip's business also offers an extensive selection of professionally written e-books. If you are interested in reading more about how smoking can damage your bodies organs, or if you are having problems quitting smoking, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/stop-smoking

How Many Different Types of Lung Cancer Are There?

There are two major types of lung cancer that can be found in both men women. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Small Cell Lung Cancer, both which are unique to each other as they grow and spread within the body differently.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

NSCLC is the more common of the two lung cancers, and is attributed to about 85% of all cases found in a patient. It tends to grow and spread at a much slower pace than small cell lung cancer, and is broken down into three main subtypes, all which have their own unique cancer cells.

1. Squamous Cell Caricinoma (epidermoid caricinoma) is attributed to about 25-30% of all cases found. It is made up from thin flat cells (similar to fish scales) that line the inside airways of the lung, and begins in the squamous cells in the centre of the lung.

2. Adenocaricinoma is attributed to about 35-40% of all cases found, mainly in smokers, although it is also found in non-smokers as well. It begins in the cells that have glandular (secretory) properties, and grows slowly in the outer-region of the lung. It is more common in women than men, and more likely to be found in a younger person. Patients with this type of cancer usually tend to have a better prognosis (life expectancy).

3. Large Cell (Undifferentiated) Caricinoma is attributed to about 10-15% of all cases found. It grows and spreads quickly as its cells multiply rapidly. When viewed under a microscope, the cells have an abnormal look to them compared to other types of cancer cells.

Adenosquamous Caricinoma and Sarcomatoid Carcinoma are also subtypes of NSCLC, although they are very rarely found in a patient.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

SCLC is much less common than NSCLC, and only attributes to about 10-15% of all cases found. It tends to grow and spread much faster than other types of cancer, and is broken down into three types, each which contain different cell types.

Small Cell Caricinoma (oat cell cancer) is a highly malignant cancer that is usually found in the lung, although it can be found in other parts of the body as well, such as the cervix, prostate, and gastrointestinal tract.

Mixed Small/Large Cell Caricinoma is a rare form of lung cancer, which when diagnosed is formed from both small cell caricinoma, and large cell caricinoma.

Combined Small Cell Caricinoma is diagnosed when a malignant tumor is found arising from the lung tissues, and contains both small cell caricinoma, mixed with one or more components of non-small cell caricinoma.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design." If you are interested in reading more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Minggu, 18 November 2012

Lung Cancer From Asbestos: Important Facts to Know and How to Cope With the Problem

What are asbestos? Asbestos are mineral fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. These minerals have been used widely in many industries. Chemically, asbestos are silicate compound of silicon and oxygen atoms in their molecular structure. The building and construction industries use asbestos for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industries insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes with these minerals. For their vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads, the automotive industry makes use of these fibers. Asbestos materials are also used in ceiling and floor tiles paints, coatings, adhesives, plastics and many others.

In recent years, due to widespread public concern about the health hazards of asbestos, domestic consumption had significantly dropped. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, studies show that constant exposure to asbestos caused an increase in asbestosis syndrome, mesothelioma, gastrointestinal, colorectal cancers and other diseases. Early stage asbestos lung cancer is hard to detect because of lack of apparent symptoms. It usually begins in the bronchial lining or the bronchioles, lung air sacs and trachea. The cancer develops slowly but can spread and invade other parts of the body.

Like any other type of lung cancer, the diagnostic tests include physical exams, x-rays, ct scans, imaging tests, PET scan and biopsies. During the diagnostic procedures, you should provide the medical team with vital and relevant information on the extent of asbestos exposure. Factors such as how long has been the exposure, estimated volume of exposure, source, size, shape and chemical make- up of asbestos fibers, whether you are a smoker or non-smoker and current lung problem are important things your doctors should be aware of. With regards its chemical make-up, studies have suggested that if the exposure is with the amphibole asbestos rather than the chrysotile, the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma lung cancer is greater because of the tendency of the amphibole fibers to lodge in the lungs for a long time.

Asbestosis is a disease in which asbestos fibers can cause scarring, inflammation of tissues and growth of non-malignant tumors in the lungs. They are benign and do not spread to the other organs. On the other hand, with mesothelioma, the growth of tumors that occurs in the serious thin membrane linings are malignant and they grow fast and spread to the other organs. When it occurs in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. It is a rare type of lung cancer. You can detect it by x-rays and confirm by biopsy test. Traditional treatments recommended by a medical team depending on individual evaluation include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

Prognosticating mesothelioma reveal serious mortality rates. Factors which affect prognosis are area of cancer, stage, histology, patient's general health, age and response to treatment. Survival rate for patients with high level of white cell counts, presence of SV40 virus and certain biochemical markers from date of diagnosis is only a few months. The median life expectancy rate is about a year.

There are still many work environments and trades in which people are constantly exposed to asbestos. You may belong to any of these groups. Some of them are operational engineers, steamfitters, sheet metal workers, pipe fitters, plumbers, metal lathers, merchant marine, firefighters, shipyard workers, industrial plant workers, plumbers, construction workers, asbestos plant workers, boilers, longshoremen, railroad workers, industrial painters, workers in glass factory, schools, power plants, cement plants, military, hotels, telephone companies, oil refinery, loading docks, hospitals, chemical plants, heating and air-conditioning, boiler or engine rooms, etc.

If you happen to believe having a prolonged exposure to asbestos and are experiencing abnormalities, it is to your best interest to undergo a comprehensive physical exam. You should have a complete x-ray of the front, back, side, and oblique views. Other tests are pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan, etc. Request your doctors to explain to you what the tests reveal. It you are diagnosed with a lung cancer from asbestos, have the courage to face it frontally and disclose your condition to your loved ones. Ask for their support and prayers. Seek a second opinion. Lastly, pray for supernatural healing!

My name is Jet Jones and I research and write about lung cancer info. Please visit my site at http://lungcancer-stages.com/ to find information about lung cancer stages and treatments that can help you better understand this dreaded disease.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - (Stages 0-4)

After non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been diagnosed in a patient it is given what is called a "stage." This describes both the size of the tumor, and to what extent the tumor has spread within the body. Once diagnosed, a more accurate prognosis (life expectancy) of a patient can be given. There are five main stages of NSCLC (0, 1, 2, 3, 4). Each of these stages is further divided into more specific sub-stages.

(Stages 0-4)

- 0 The cancer has not spread past the inner lining of the lungs; also known as carcinoma in situ (CIS).
- 1 The cancer is localized within the lungs but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
- 1A (the tumor is 3 cm or less in diameter).
- 1B (the tumor is greater than 3 cm in diameter).
- 2 The cancer has either spread outside the lungs to the nearby lymph nodes, or has NOT yet spread to the lymph nodes, but is localized in a certain area of the main bronchus (tubes that allow air to pass between the trachea and the lungs). The tumor may also be located in an area where it has invaded the lining of the lungs, or the wall of the chest.
- 2A (the tumor is 3 cm or less and has spread to the lymph nodes).
- 2B (the tumor is greater that 3 cm and has spread to the lymph nodes. It may also be present in the main bronchus region, has invaded the lining of the lungs, or wall of the chest.
- 3 The cancer has spread to the nearby tissue of the lungs.
- 3A (the tumor is lager in size and has spread to the lymph nodes. At this stage multi-tumors of any size may have spread away from the main tumor area).
- 3B (tumors of any size that have spread to distant lymph nodes and have invaded other organs such as the esophagus, the heart, or tumors with malignant pleural effusion [an abnormal amount of fluid in the space between the tissue that lines the inside of the lungs]).
- 4 The cancer has reached its most dangerous stage by having spread to other organs of the body, including another lobe of the lung.

Doctors may often describe NSCLC with a system called TNM. This system is used to further classify lung cancer within its sub-stages. Each letter stands for a different degree (stage) of the disease.

T - (the size of the tumor).
N - (indicates which lymph nodes have been invaded).
M - (defines whether the cancer has metastasized).

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

What Is Asbestos?

The set of silicate minerals which is commercially used for their desirable physical properties is known as Asbestos. The word asbestos comes from the ancient Greek meaning "unquenchable" or "inextinguishable". The term asbestos is traceable to Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder's manuscript Natural History, and his use of the term asbestinon, meaning "unquenchable".

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, its resistance to fire, heat, electrical and chemical damage, and affordability.

It was used in such applications as electrical insulation for hot plate wiring and in building insulation. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement (resulting in fiber cement) or woven into fabric or mats.

Breathing in asbestos fibers can cause asbestos, pleural disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibers inhaled and the risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibers is also greater if you smoke. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

Where to find asbestos

Some of areas in your home where you may find asbestos include:

· eaves, soffits, gutters and rainwater fall pipes

· fire blankets

· garage and shed roofs

· linings for walls, ceilings and doors

· insulation panels in some storage heaters

· bath panels

· central heating flues

· loose asbestos packing between floors and in partition walls

· floor tiles

How to remove asbestos

If you find asbestos in your environment then you have two options first, you can remove it by yourself and second you can hire the expert for it. If you are going to do it by yourself then u need following precautions

· Wear a dust mask specifically approved for asbestos

· Wear a disposable overall

· Keep other people away from the working area

· Wet the material well with water containing a little washing up liquid; check that there is no potential for contact with electricity first

· Always remove whole sheets or components; do not break them up

· Place any loose or small items in strong plastic labeled bags and seal

· Clean up all dust with a damp cloth and then seal it in a plastic bag whilst damp

· Do not use a domestic vacuum cleaner as dust may pass through the filter

· All asbestos waste should be double bagged or double wrapped in heavy duty plastic.

If you have removed asbestos from your home yourself, it will need to be disposed of separately from your normal household waste.

If you have adopted the second option for asbestos removal then " asbestos audits " can be the one of finest options.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Resources and Research Information

Precisely what is pericardial mesothelioma?

This mesothelioma is a dangerous heart condition which comes from cancerous cells accumulating on the lining of the heart. Comparable to pleura and peritoneal mesothelioma, this is a deadly health problem due to the significance of the area on which it develops.

So what leads to the mesothelioma and who are most vulnerable?

The main cause of pericardial mesothelioma is contact to asbestos particles and fibres.For this reason those at risk are those particular who are most probably to have inhaled these life-threatening fibres such as building workers and asbestos manufacturers. People who are in contact with these people also have a risk of getting this type of mesothelioma due to the reason that this group of people may have asbestos fibres stuck to their clothing or hair.

What exactly are the indications of pericardial mesothelioma?

The indications of the mesothelioma may vary from individual to individual. Usual warning signs and symptoms include continuous coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and heart rhythm disorder. Other symptoms affected individuals may encounter are nausea, losing weight, throwing up and loss of the appetite.

Now what are the treatment options existing for pericardial mesothelioma?

There are a range of individual treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma however none of them have a high level of success. Chemo therapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery are the treatment methods made available. Chemo therapy also includes using drugs to destroy cancerous cells and radiation therapy makes use dosages of radiation to destroy cancer cells despite the fact this is very challenging in the instance of pericardial mesothelioma due to the surrounding important and vital organs which include the heart and lungs. Dual therapy is a treatment procedure joining radiation therapy with chemo therapy. Surgery comes in two shapes; aggressive surgery and palliative surgeries.

Aggressive surgery is a extremely challenging course of treatment and involves removing large pieces of cancerous cells in an attempt to win long term control over the cancer. Palliative procedures simply strives to minimize the symptoms for the patient.

Just how much exposure to asbestos is needed for there to be a risk of getting the mesothelioma?

This depends on how robust and resistant the individual is to disease and on the amount of asbestos in the environment around him. It is possible to get the mesothelioma from as little as a few of months of exposure to asbestos in spite of the fact that on average it would take a couple of years for sufficient asbestos fibres to build up to cause cancer.

What is the diagnosis for pericardial mesothelioma?

This is greatly dependent on how early and how dramatically the cancer is treated. If pericardial mesothelioma is treated when it has completely formed and matured then the odds of a patient's survival is minimal. The prognosis could be just a couple of months.

Is there any kind of encouraging research into curing mesothelioma?

Research into cures of pericardial mesothelioma and every other type of mesothelioma is being done in several research labs all over the USA. Many pharmaceutical corporations and organizations are also working intensely to research new drugs for chemotherapy. So far, research has |for the most part been unsuccessful.

*** Find Mesothelioma Information ***
Lawyers Video Presentations & Specialized Lawyers

http://wwwinvestigator.com/

How Lung Cancer Affects the Rest of the Body

Lung cancer is one of the diseases that do not discriminate any age it affects both the young and the old. It basically involves simultaneous growth of cancerous cells in the lung. You might think that this disease is related only to the smokers but that's not true many non-smokers have also been diagnosed with this deadly disease. Besides affecting the lungs, this cancer also causes havoc to other parts of the body more so when it has gone through metastasis.

In most cases this disease is rarely diagnosed especially when it is in its primary stage. In fact most cases are identified when a doctor orders a chest scan for some other health conditions. The first stage mainly involves the growth of the cell inside the lungs. It then begins to invade the tissues of the lungs. Nearby tissues aren't spared also. It has been realized that the tumor may in fact push against the chest and that's when someone starts experiencing some symptoms which include blunt, persistent cough, constant pain in the chest panting and other health conditions such as pneumonia.

Did you know lung cancer may also affect the brain? Well, this very true research has shown that the brain may be affected to the extent of developing some health issues or symptoms. Patients may have vision issues, feel weak on one part of the body or even experience seizures.

Metastasis of lung cancer to the bones also may also happen. A patient may experience discomfort in the backbone commonly known as the vertebrae. The ribs and the thighs aren't an exceptional either patients suffering from lung cancer may also experience weakness in the thighs or some discomfort in the ribs.

The vocal chords of patients suffering from this disease have also been seen to paralyze with time. Patients may also start feeling pain in the shoulders or the deltoids as well. Swallowing also becomes a problem with lung cancer patients. The worst however may result when it proceeds to the esophagus. If an airway and to be precise a large one becomes obstructed then the lobe of the lung may collapse hence exposing it to an infection.

Generally Lung cancer doesn't just affect the lungs it also metastases to other parts of the body. Nearly all the body systems get affected. It is a killer disease and according to statistics it has killed very many people around the globe. Unfortunately many other patients are continuing to perish from this deadly cancer. It is therefore a wise idea that everyone becomes screened to eradicate any possibilities of the disease. Remember the earlier it is detected the better and the faster it can be treated.

Harry Hassami is the author and producers of The Mesothelioma Report. The complete website information about the mesothelioma.

Lung Cancer Awareness: Learn About LCAM and EPA's Awareness Campaigns and How to Participate

November is the international month for lung cancer awareness. Some of the ways people show their support are by wearing a pearl ribbon, wristband, or key magnet chain. The official ribbon color for lung cancer is pearl. Lung Cancer Alliance (LCM) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to providing patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for the disease. Their mission is to win the war against the dreaded disease.

The group has launched an aggressive membership campaign including an educational and information campaign for susceptible people to undergo cancer screening by means of CT scan. A CT scanner can detect early lung disorders and symptoms of cancer which can make it curable. The scanner can take x-ray images which are sliced and reformat in 3-D to visualize the size and shape of lung nodules. This capability can reduce lung cancer fatalities through early detection. Most types of lung cancers are detected during incurable late stages.

The national campaign to increase lung cancer syndrome awareness in the United States is the Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Supporters organize rallies and distribute educational materials. They hold fund-raising events, lobby for a bill for LCAM to be passed in Congress, write press release letters to different newspaper editors, and ask the media for an interview for the public to know more about this leading killer disease. Lung cancer has been responsible for deaths more than prostate, colon and breast cancers combined.

In your area, you can support this campaign in many ways. You can organize an auction or flea market event to encourage people to help raise funds for lung cancer research. Participants pay entrance tickets and buy pearl ribbons. Some hold fun runs like the "Race for Breath" in VA Beach, VA. You can make your voice heard by the media. Many supporters distribute educational pamphlets and LCAM's Public Service Announcement to local media. LCAM has a sample proclamation letter for lung cancer support which you can send to your governor.

One group, the Kozer-Keystone Health System has a range of awareness activities to render health education about lung cancer prevention and treatment. They arrange educational programs by setting up informational tables in many hospitals and alternate places. Free spirometry screenings and lectures are conducted by pulmonologist and oncology experts like Dr. Thomas Prestel, M.D. Chief of Pulmonology at Delaware Country Memorial Hospital, Dr. Rajesh Thirumaran, DCMD medical oncologist, Dr. Daniel DuPont, Taylor Hospital's chief of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Asad Khan, Crozer-Chester Medical Center's pulmonologist, Dr. John Lamond, Dr. Leonard Berkowitz, Dr. John Sprandio, medical director of Delaware County Regional Cancer Center,Dr. Walter Scott, chief of Thoracic Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer, etc. Employees of Kozer-Keystone are also encouraged to support these activities by their active participation.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths next to smoking is radon exposure. Each year, it claims 20,000 American lives. The public is encouraged to learn more about the risk from radon. You can't see, smell, or taste it. Unless you conduct a radon level test in your home, you will not be able to detect it.

In 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Radon Video Contest, a public radon awareness campaign for the submission of a 30-60 second video with the theme "Radon: Test, Fix, Save a Life". The winning video entry featured the true story of lung cancer survivor Eddie Metcalfe. EPA is now promoting "The Eddie's Story" Radon Public Service Announcements (PSAs) all over the country to highlight the dangerous health risk radon. Now, they are sponsoring media campaigns like Living Healthy and Green featuring a former professional football player, Fuad Reveiz who builds radon resistant homes and EPA's annual radon poster contest.

To learn more about radon, you should read "A Citizen's Guide to Radon" and visit the websites of the EPA, WHO, National Cancer Institute, American Lung Association, Radon Mitigation System, U.S. Surgeon General, etc. You should also take steps to do your part in encouraging your community to conduct lung cancer awareness activities including radon level testing of homes, schools and buildings in your community. Radon level testing is done by testing kits which are affordable and easy to use. If a high radon level is detected, the problem can be remedied immediately to protect yourself and your family.

My name is Jet Jones and I research and write about alternative cancer cures Please visit my site at http://lungcancer-stages.com/ to find information about lung cancer stages and treatments that can help you better understand this dreaded disease.

Sabtu, 17 November 2012

Signs That Lung Cancer Has Metastasized

There are two main types of lung cancer that someone can be diagnosed with: small-cell, and non-small cell. Both types may slowly grow in the body over a long period of time before finally being discovered. A diagnosis of the disease may not be until a patient has been ordered to take a chest X-ray, which is usually related to another illness. Because of this late discovery, the disease is usually in its final and most dangerous stage.

A late stage cancer is categorized as "Stage 4," and means that the disease has reached its final stage after having "metastasized" (spread from its origin). Patients diagnosed with late stage cancer usually have a very low survival rate. About 30-40% of patients diagnosed show some signs that the cancer has metastasized. Only a small percentage of these patients will survive for more than five years after diagnosis.

When a patient experiences symptoms such as severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting; it usually means that the cancer has metastasized to the brain. Neurological disorders such as seizures, ataxia, and confusion may also be experienced. A CT (computer assisted tomography) scan, or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan may be ordered to determine the exact location and size of the tumor in the brain.

A continual dull aching pain in the back (usually over the area of the spine), may indicate that the cancer has metastasized to the spinal cord. Bladder or bowel dysfunction may also be experienced together with some degree of sensory loss. Paraparesis (a weakness of the limbs), or paraplegia (an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities) are other symptoms that may be experienced.

Commonly found in non-small cell cancer patients when the cancer has metastasized, are small bone fractures. These small fractures may result in severe pain and discomfort for many sufferers. Pains are usually localized in bones such as those found in the hands, feet, ribs, spine, pelvis, and proximal long bones (parts of the bone [arm or leg] that are located nearest the body). An X-ray is usually ordered to determine the exact location of the cancer.

When the liver has been affected, a patient may experience a notable weight loss (usually rapidly over a short period of time). Although there may be no apparent reason for this, it can sometimes be associated with an unexplained loss of appetite. Signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin), nausea, fever, and a pain in the right upper quadrant may also be apparent.

Other symptoms that may indicate the cancer has metastasized include: coughing up small amounts of blood, wheezing, a shortness of breath, and severe chest pains.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

What You Need to Know About Stage 1 Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is known as one of the most deadly condition. Almost everyone is aware that smoking is the most common reason for this condition. However, people should also be aware that this is not exclusive to active smokers as even secondhand smokers can experience the condition. The nicotine contained in cigarettes is toxic and this can cause the development cells in an abnormal way.

Excessive exposures to carcinogenic materials, pollutants and harmful radiation and excessive consumption of alcohol can trigger the abnormal growth of cells within the lungs. There are two different types of lung cancer, SCLC or small cell lung carcinoma and NSCLC or non-small cell lung carcinoma. In the initial cancer stage, the abnormal growth of cells into tumor can only be found within the lungs. During this stage of the condition, the tumor is still benign and has not invaded nearby tissues and lymph nodes.

Symptoms of Stage I Lung Cancer

Early diagnosis of the symptoms of lung cancer calls for immediate treatment that may result to higher survival rate. Some of the initials symptoms of this condition include the following:

· Persistent or chronic cough, which is also known as "smoker's cough"

· Difficulty breathing due to the constriction of the air passages

· Pain and discomfort within the region of the chest

· Shallow breathing with wheezing sounds

· Blood traces in the sputum or hemoptysis

· Recurring infections within the lungs like pneumonia and bronchitis

· Changes in the voice or throat hoarseness

· Sudden weight loss

· Generalized body weakness and fatigue with body pains

Prognosis of Stage I Lung Cancer

Initial phase or stage 1 lung cancer is often easy to treat, especially if the diagnosis is carried out earlier. Various diagnostic testing include MRI scan, CT scan, X-ray test, and biopsy of the tissues within the lungs. After going through these testing, treatment procedures will then be administered and this will include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The prognosis of the condition is determined by the patient's age and overall health condition, the severity of the symptoms and the stage of cancer.

The life expectancy is good and this is due to the timely diagnosis and immediate treatment. The survival rate, on the other hand, is also higher since the condition was detected at an early stage. Take note that immediate diagnosis and administration of treatment can help stop the cancer from spreading and alleviate the symptoms brought by the condition. Unfortunately, this is not the same for stage IV cancer conditions.

Stage IV cancer of the lung is considered as untreatable due to the fact that metastases has already occurred. That means the cancer cells have already gone beyond the lungs and it has already affected various parts of the body. That is the reason why you have to be very familiar with the symptoms. In case you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, the first thing that you have to do is to consult your physician for proper diagnosis and for the immediate treatment of the condition.

According to lung cancer statistics, this condition has already surpassed the total number of sufferers afflicted with prostate and breast cancers. To prevent the condition or acquire early diagnosis, make sure that you are aware of the early signs of lung cancer.

The Most Common Symptoms - Lung Cancer Detection

In just the UK, a staggering 1 in every 14 people will suffer from lung cancer during their lifetime. Unfortunately, lung cancer does not have a great survival rate and one of the biggest reasons is because often diagnosis happens in the latter stages of the disease. This late diagnosis is largely due to a lack of awareness of the symptoms. Only 27% of patients survive for longer than a year following their diagnosis. Of those 27%, patients who are diagnosed during the early stages of lung cancer have a 43-78% chance of surviving for up to five years following their diagnosis. Whereas survival rates past a year for those who have their cancer diagnosed during the later stages can be as low as 10%.

Because of this, it is absolutely crucial that people make themselves aware of the early symptoms of lung cancer so that they can go to a doctor for an assessment and possible diagnosis as quickly as possible. You may find that when you go to the doctor's you are simply reassured that your symptoms do not equate to cancer of the lungs. But, if you are unfortunately diagnosed, the earlier you get the diagnoses, the better. Here are some early signs of lung cancer to look out for, however these do not give a definitive answer, they are just a suggestion that you need to go to your doctor for a check-up.

Persistent coughing: Although coughing is a symptom of many illnesses (the majority of which are relatively harmless), persistent coughing may indicate a problem. If your cough has lasted for a several weeks or has worsened over time, it might be a sign of lung cancer. Also, bringing up large amounts of phlegm, especially if it contains blood, can be a prominent symptom.

Noisy breathing: If someone is making noises when they are breathing it is always a cause for concern. If someone is having difficulties breathing and/or is wheezing (stridor), it could be a sign of a chest infection, asthma or allergic reaction. However, it could also be an indication of lung cancer. Any trouble breathing should always be checked out.

Pain: In your shoulder, back and chest which isn't caused by persistent coughing.

Tiredness: Poor lung function (which could be caused by this type of cancer) will mean that your body isn't sending enough oxygenated blood to organs and muscles in your body. Because of this you may become extremely tired and your muscles may even begin to waste (cachexia.)

A loss in your appetite and weight loss: This isn't just a symptom of lung cancer exclusively but is a symptom of many cancers. Professionals remain unsure of why this is the case however it is certainly one to be aware of.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is one of the world's leading heart and lung centres, renowned for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. If you're looking for more information about the Royal Brompton's stop smoking clinic visit us today.

What You Need To Know About Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestos poisoning is considered at cause for a wide range of ailments, specifically several cancers of the lung. People who has been poisoned in this manner may be entitled to legal compensation for the illnesses from which they suffer, is they can prove that prolonged exposure to asbestos is responsible for their health conditions. in this article we'll discuss asbestos, how it poisons people, and what is being done to stop the spread of disease.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally. It is still mined in many parts of the world, including Canada. Before the medical community noted the responsibility of asbestos in causing various health problems, this mineral was used widely in the building industry for fire-proofing and insulation. It was also utilized in the automotive industry in the manufacture of brake pads and other tiles.

When asbestos is left intact, it does not cause any health problem. When it is disturbed, however, people in the vicinity can unknowingly breath in the mineral fibers. This disturbance may be caused by pulling asbestos insulation out of a ceiling, or stripping it from water pipes in a basement of an old house. It is this exposure that has been linked to various health problems.

The most serious consequence of exposure to this mineral is cancer of the lungs, but the cancerous cells may also appear in other body parts. Patients may develop lung conditions such as asbestosis, pleural plaque, or mesothelioma while also experiencing skin lesions due to mineral particles which may be lodged in the epidermis.

The major issue with asbestos poisoning is that it can take several years before its symptoms appear. This makes it difficult to determine when and how a person was exposed. It is straightforward for an asbestos miner to claim that the exposure was occupational, but it more complex for people who work on old buildings to identify where their exposure occurred.

Regardless of where and how people were exposed, the afflictions that result require serious medical treatment. because of the contentious nature of asbestos related disease., most patients who are diagnosed with conditions related to this mineral find themselves dealing with lawyers almost immediately. If you should go this route, choose experienced legal representation.

The construction industry has put asbestos abatement programs in place to remove the mineral from old buildings and vehicles. Medical science continues to take steps to reduce and eliminate infections related to asbestos. Countless law firms are pursuing litigation against companies that exposed people to the mineral.

At present this is as much as we can do to eliminate the asbestos threat, keep society safe from further asbestos poisoning, and care for those that are suffering from illness related to exposure.

Need to find out more about mesothelioma compensation? Visit Andrew Reikes-Tessier's site and learn about asbestos poisoning, treatments, and compensation.

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon, but no longer rare, cancer that is difficult to diagnose and poorly responsive to therapy. Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases.

A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells lines the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium.

The mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity (the "sac-like" space around the heart) is called the pericardium.

Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. Because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium in the late 1700's. However it was not until much later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and even more importantly, its association with asbestos exposure was recognized. The first report linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was written by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers in the "Asbestos Hills" in South Africa. Since than the relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure has been confirmed in studies around the world.

The incidence of mesothelioma in the United States remains very low, with 14 cases occurring per million people per year. Despite these numbers the noticed threefold increase in mesothelioma in males between 1970 and 1984, is directly associated with environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos, mostly in areas of asbestos product plants and shipbuilding facilities.

Although the disease is much more commonly seen in 60-year old men, it has been described in women and early childhood as well. The cause of the disease is not so well understood in these latter two groups, but there is some evidence of possible asbestos exposure for some of these cases as well.

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases known to man; the average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis until death is less than 24 months. It's a disease that strikes approximately 3,000 United States citizens each and every year; hard working people who have labored for a lifetime to provide for their families, doing the work that keeps this country running and a great place to live. They worked in factories, at shipyards, in mines, for the US military, as engineers, as pipefitters, as steel workers, as auto mechanics, and in so many other professions. They came home to their loved ones exhausted and covered in dirt and dust; tired, but content that they had a job and were providing for their family. Content that they were putting food on the table and a house over their loved one's heads. Content that they were working to make a better life for their families in this generation and the next...

But what they didn't know was that while they were working so hard, they were not only slowly killing themselves, but those that they were working so hard to help; their family, their loved ones.

What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds 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 tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

What Is My Diagnosis?
There are three types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura), peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium). Sub-types (or cell types) of mesothelioma are epithelioid (the most common, and considered the most amenable to treatment), sarcomatous (a much more aggressive form), and biphasic or mixed (a combination of both of the other cell types).

The structural appearance of cells under the microscope determine the cell or sub-type of mesothelioma. Epithelioid is the least aggressive; sarcomatoid, the most aggressive. The biphasic or mixed cell type shows structural elements of both of the other two.

There are three types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura), peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium). Sub-types (or cell types) of mesothelioma are epithelioid (the most common, and considered the most amenable to treatment), sarcomatous (a much more aggressive form), and biphasic or mixed (a combination of both of the other cell types).

The Importance of Knowing Your Rights When Exposed to Asbestos

The first right you may have is to sue for damages. In order to file a lawsuit it is best to consult with an attorney that specializes in asbestos law. They will be able to advise you on everything that you need to know concerning the rights of you and your family. One point that needs to be made here is that you may have the right to sue for damages no matter whether your illness was caused by direct or indirect contact with asbestos. An example of direct contact would be someone whose occupation put them in direct contact with asbestos. An example of an indirect cause would be someone that contacted asbestos because the substance was present in their environment, such as an office you worked in or a school you attended.

Along with being able to sue the responsible party for damages you may also be eligible for benefits under workers compensation laws. You may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. As a worker, you paid into the system for this reason. For most people, Social Security deductions where the largest deductions from your paycheck. This has earned you the right to draw on these benefits if you are unable to work due to an illness caused by asbestos exposure in the workplace.

If you do file a lawsuit, it will be one of two types depending upon whether you are the actual victim or the survivor of someone who has died from an asbestos related condition. If you are the actual victim you will file a personal injury claim. Under this type of claim you can be reimbursed for lost income, medical costs, and pain and suffering. You could also be awarded punitive damages by a judge or jury. If you are the survivor of someone that has died due to asbestos exposure you will be filing a wrongful death lawsuit. You can be awarded the same type of damages as the above mentioned lawsuit.

Another thing that you need to know about your rights is the statute of limitations. This is a time limit that has been set in order to file a claim. If the time period expires then your right to file suit is forfeit. The statute of limitations vary greatly from one state to the next, and also depending on whether you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma, or asbestosis. In some instances even if the statute of limitations has passed you may have the right to file a suit against any trust funds that have been set up to compensate victims.

When it comes to the rights you have after being diagnosed with a disease caused by asbestos exposure we have just hit on the highlights. If you have been diagnosed you need to research the internet for further information, and consult with a lawyer experienced in asbestos law.

Harry Hassami is the author and producers of The Mesothelioma Journal. The complete website information about the mesothelioma.

Jumat, 16 November 2012

Warning Signs of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is now one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. It is usually associated with heavy smokers, but now has become a major concern for both occasional smokers and non-smokers alike. Lung cancer now kills more than twice the number of women than breast cancer kills, and is also found to be a lot more common in men than prostate cancer. Recent research showed women are 1.5 times more at risk of being diagnosed with the disease than men are, even though they smoke less.

Lung Cancer takes many years to develop in the body with its symptoms often over-looked by many. When the disease is finally diagnosed, it is usually found to be at a late stage. This late stage is the main reason for its high mortality rate throughout the world. However, lung cancer has many obvious signs when it is present, together with many more subtle signs. These more subtle signs are often detected at a later stage than the more obvious ones.

Warning Signs

1. One main sign is a persistent cough (smokers cough) that does not go away. This usually gets attributed to something else, or may even be accepted as just one of the side effects of smoking. Long persistent coughs should always be checked out by a doctor.

2. Coughing up small amounts of blood is another sign of lung cancer, although not always, as it can often be attributed to other conditions. Either way it is not normal and should once again be checked out at an early stage.

3. Wheezing and shortness of breath are often over-looked signs that simply get put down to either being a little out of trim or slightly overweight. Even a sufferer may think that it is something to do with getting a little older.

4. Constant rather than intermittent pains in the chest, shoulders and back are again over-looked signs of lung cancer. These usually get put down to the after effects of playing football, doing exercise, or even working excessively.

5. Continued and excessive tiredness even after a good nights sleep are often symptoms of the disease too. A doctor should be seen when the tiredness cannot be explained, especially if ones lifestyle does not justify it.

6. A notable weight loss when eating normally should be another cause for concern, as lung cancer causes a change in the bodies metabolism. This may be welcomed at first especially if one is of a chubby build, but if excessive, should be checked out.

7. Recurrent chest infections or pneumonia are signs that the airways may be blocked, usually caused by small spots growing on the inside of the tubes which are associated with cancer. Overtime these small spots can grow into malignant tumours.

If you have any of the above signs, an appointment should be made to see a doctor as early as possible. If the doctor is unable to reassure as to the reasons why these signs are present, it is recommended that a second or even third opinion be sought.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, 'Proofreading, and Website Design." Philip's business also offers an extensive selection of professionally written e-books. If you are interested in reading about alternative cure cancer treatments, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/cancer

How To Prevent Lung Cancer Recurrence

Researchers are studying effective ways to prevent the recurrence of lung cancer in patients. After a patient has been successfully treated, there are numerous ways to help lower the risks.

1. It is recommended by doctors that patients have a full physical examination every three months for the first two years, followed by a six monthly examination thereafter. Examinations may include: chest X-rays, CT (computer assisted tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, or blood tests. Depending on the type of lung cancer that a patient was diagnosed with.

2. When a patient has successfully finished a course of treatment, it is encouraged by most doctors that a 30 minute exercise regime be carried out by the cancer patient at least five times a week. These exercises should include general fitness exercises such as walking, cycling, swimming, and jogging (depending on the age and condition of the patient in question). Not only does exercising make someone feel stronger, but it also helps the patient build up a stronger immune system.

3. Eating a healthy diet also helps reduce the risks. Studies show that by eating a large variety of fruits and vegetables (variety is more important than quantity) may also contribute to reducing both the risks of developing lung cancer, and its recurrence. By eating a low-fat, high whole grain diet will help keep a sufficient amount of nutrients within the body. These nutrients help to keep the body strong. They also have a great amount of anti-recurrence benefits.

4. Smoking which is one of the main causes of lung cancer, should be given a complete miss after treatment has finished, together with most alcoholic beverages. Both contain a number of carcinogens that not only raise the chances of being diagnosed with the disease, but also significantly raise the risks of the disease returning. Apart from the lungs that are at risk from tobacco and alcohol, other organs such as the esophagus, liver, and stomach, are also at risk.

5. Depending on the type of lung cancer a patient was diagnosed with, may also depend on the after treatment options that are available. These options may include traditional medicines that reduce the risks of a recurrence, or alternative medicines that have also shown a great deal of success. Alternative medicines are also considered as a good after treatment option, due to them being less harmful to the body's organs than traditional anti-recurrence drugs.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Lung Cancer Clinical Trials: Research Studies to Bring Better and Safer Treatments

Many lung cancer clinical trials are sponsored by government agencies, private pharmaceutical organizations and health care institutes worldwide. In USA, the specific agencies and institutes involved in clinical trial sponsorship are the Department of Defense (DOD), National Institute of Health (NIH), and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Today, some organizations are devoted to recruiting volunteer participants to these experimental studies. With enough info guide and explanation, patients are now more aware, knowledgeable and willing to participate in clinical trials.

These clinical trials are being researched to develop new treatments for Lung Cancer. The medical studies give access to cutting-edge treatments at no cost to the participants. There are more than 200 clinical trials being conducted including a Cancer, Three Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and A Randomized Trial of Adjuvant Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab for Patient's with Completely Resected Stage IB (>4 cm) - IIIA Non Small Lung Cancer.

Among the various revolutionary clinical trials being held, let us highlight the collaborative advanced stage tissue lung cancer (Castle) study at the Addario Lung Cancer Medical Institute at San Carlos, California. The objective is to conduct research and laboratory tests on cancer tissue and blood samples by cancer victims. After collection, these samples and clinical information will be stored at the ALCMI Biorepository and Data Repository.

Around 250 advanced stage lung cancer participants from the United States and some from Europe are targeted. They are those in Stage M1A and M1B Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and all stages of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). If you are qualified and accepted, you will be asked to provide your medical profile, tumor tissue and blood samples.

As a preliminary entry requirement, your study physician will submit your tissue to a testing laboratory. Once the test reports come in, the results are indicated in your health file records as a guide for your doctor to plan your care and treatment. When there are changes in your treatment, new blood samples and latest medical information will be requested from you and there will be communication between you and your doctor every three months for an update on your health status. Whatever research reports collected about you will not be imputed in your research records.

The other featured clinical trial is the Radiation Therapy in treating patients with extensive small cell lung cancer being held at Sparta, New Jersey. The primary objective of this research is to make a comparative 1-year overall median survival rate between patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer who are treated with prophylactic cranial irradiation and those who are treated with platinum based chemotherapy but without a consolidative extracranial radiation therapy. Its secondary goals are to compare adverse effects of the treatments in the patients, evaluate patterns of failure, compare the time to first failure and evaluate the percentage of radiotherapy dosage.

To be eligible, you must be diagnosed within the past 6 months of extensive stage SCLC and must have 1-3 extracranial metastatic lesions. Another criterion is you must have completed 4-6 courses of platinum-based-chemotherapy within the past 8 weeks and have partial or complete response to chemotherapy. You must also have no progression and no limited stage SCLC even if the illness has progressed and no brain or CNS metastases.

Their criteria for other characteristics for females are not pregnant or nursing, negative pregnancy test and must use contraceptives during fertility stage. Participant must have no severe, active co-morbidity such as acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring lV antibiotics and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or other respiratory illness requiring hospitalization. You must also pass the required zubrod performance, ANC, platelets, hemoglobin, Serum ALT and AST, Serum Bilirubin and Serum Creatinine.

After your participation in these lung cancer clinical trials study is completed, you will be provided with appropriate follow-up care and assistance. To start with, you need to pass the prerequisite entry and once accepted, you will be a part of history in the making in advancing medical research for Lung Cancer for better and safer treatments in the future!

My name is Jet Jones and I research and write about alternative cancer cures. Please visit my site at http://lungcancer-stages.com/ to find information about lung cancer stages and treatments that can help you better understand this dreaded disease.

'Panoramic View' of Lung Cancer Gained From Latest Trials

Results from three recent genome-sequencing trials have provided a revolutionary insight into the deadly disease.

Lung cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other form of the disease. Fewer than 20% of the 1.6 million cases diagnosed across the globe every year are still alive five years later.

The trend in new studies focuses on personalised treatment. Genome-sequencing trials are used to match the best possible treatment to the specific genetic make up of a patient's tumours.

In the latest trials, researchers analysed tumour tissue samples from 183 patients suffering from lung adenocarcinomas, 178 suffering from lung squamous cell carcinomas and drilled-down studies of 17 tumours from smokers and non-smokers.

Author of two of the studies, Ramaswamy Govindan from the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, said:

"For the first time, instead of looking through a keyhole we are getting a penthouse panoramic view,"

He added that previous studies had already looked more closely at personalised treatment but focused on a small number of genes. In contrast, the recent studies gleaned data across an entire genome.

Professor Govindan, who specialises in Medical Oncology believes that these kinds of "cataloguing studies" will revolutionise the way lung cancer clinical trials are designed. Instead of huge, expensive trials that feature a diverse collection of mutations, smaller studies will laser-down into patients' tumours according to their specific mutation. Medical experts are expecting this tailored therapy to be more beneficial for patients suffering from cancer.

The advances of such studies are clear - generic treatments tend to have a far greater number of side-effects as they are simply designed to kill any rapidly dividing cells rather than only attacking the ones spreading the disease. Furthermore, data from the targeted studies not only forms the basis of new treatments, they can cast light on those ones already on the market.

Drugs that treat adenocarcinoma, the strain behind 40 per cent of lung cancer cases, have already been approved. However, there are no approved drugs for treating another very common form of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. Lung cancer clinical trials based on data from the recent targeted studies could be used to approve existing marketed drugs for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma according to Matthew Meyerson, a researcher from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts who also worked on the trials:

"The data that are really going to be informative is when you combine genomic data with outcomes of targeted therapies."

PSI CRO - Contract Research Organisation

http://www.psi-cro.com/

Peritoneal Mesothelioma - Treatment Options to Consider

By the time it is diagnosed, it will have spread to other organs making it very deadly. However there are several methods of treatment that have been developed for Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment which helps to make the patients comfortable and also lengthen their lives.

The first commonly used method for Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer treatment is through surgery. This involves removal cancer tumors and the surrounding infected tissues. This will help to eradicate the cancer, suppress its growth or just relieve the symptoms. Surgery is always done with combination of other treatment methods e.g. radiation and chemotherapy. It is however important to note that surgery comes with other related risks like death, infection to other organs among others. The success of surgery depends on several factors among them age of the patient, level of spread of the cancer among other factors.

Chemotherapy is another treatment option for periodontal mesothelioma. It involves use of different chemotherapy drugs which are administered either as pills or injections. Chemotherapy helps to stop the growth and spread of tumors and also to relieve cancer symptoms. Chemotherapy has several side effects for example nausea, vomiting, loss of weight and loss of hair. However these side effects clear very fast after finishing the medication.

Another method used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma is radiation. A beam of high energy for example X-ray is directed to the infected cells. The radiation kills cancerous cell or helps to suppress their growth and also reducing the symptoms of the cancer. Several factors are considered before choosing radiation as the treatment option for example organs close to the tumor may dictate whether to use radiation or not. Radiation is rarely used alone but rather it's used in combination with other treatment options e.g. chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation may cause the patient to feel nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue.

Another treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma is paracentesis. This procedure is carried out to aid in reliving cancer symptoms and not for treatment or cure purposes. Thin needles are inserted into the tumors and they are used to suck cancer fluids. This helps to reduce pain for several days before other treatment methods can be carried out.

There is also another common option in modern times called immunotherapy treatment. This procedure is commonly used together with chemotherapy. It involves introducing new agents into the blood stream that helps to boost the immune system making it able to fight the growth and spread of cancer cancerous tumors. It has fewer side effects and therefore it's more desirable than the older option for example radiation that might hurt other organs.

The author has written many articles relating to peritoneal mesothelioma treatment and the effects on the body due to exposure to asbestos. It is very important that individuals understand different options available to them once they have been diagnosed with this horrible disease.

Future Of Mesothlioma Claims Under The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill

The process of successfully holding a former employer and / or their insurers to account by an asbestosis lawyer for determining lawful liability for a claimant's mesothelioma or related asbestos disease and /or asbestosis symptoms, such as pleural plaques, can be lengthy and complicated and subject to different rulings at different times.

One recent example is the reinstatement - first in Scotland and then in Ireland - of the ability to make a mesothelioma for the presence of pleural plaques (raised fibrous scarring of the lungs) in late 2011, just four years after the House of Lords ruled that individuals with the confirmed condition would no longer receive compensation.

Now the process is to be subject to financial cutbacks, which would actually leave those claimants ( or more likely, their surviving spouses / family members) who win their mesothelioma claim with damages reduced to below current figures.

Concern over the cost of civil justice in England and Wales, particularly in certain cases when the costs were often disproportionate to the issues involved led to The Review of Civil Litigation Costs - or Jackson Review - in 2009. The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill currently being discussed in Parliament, draws upon the recommendations of the Jackson Review, which could see a maximum claimable success fee, widely expected to be 25 per cent of the damages awarded.

The Jackson Review also include the following proposals:

The costs system should be based on legal expenses that reflect the nature/complexity of the case. Success fees and after the event insurance premiums should not be recoverable in no win, no fee cases. General damages awards for personal injuries and other civil wrongs should be increased by 10%. Claimants should only make a small contribution to defendant costs if a claim is unsuccessful (if behaviour is reasonable).

Under the above proposal, it is recommended that all future fees for a successful claim be paid out of the claimant's damages and not by the losing defendant. However, to offset the more adverse affects from the above change, a general damages award for 'pain, suffering and loss of amenity' is to rise by 10 per cent.

At present, and according to the 2010 publication of the JSB Guidelines 10th edition, the range of mesothelioma award payments was amended from the 9th edition figures of £52,500 - £81,500 to a new range of £35,000 - £83,750 with a lower end guidance figure heavily reduced for unusually short periods of pain lasting around three months.

Irrespective of the additional 10 per cent, the lower end figure recommended for mesothelioma is still over £10,000 lower than the previous Guidelines figures.

An obvious consequence of the above proposals, if they pass into law, is the reduced damages received by mesothelioma claimants who have conditional fee agreements ( CFAs) with their asbestosis lawyers. However, there could also be concern for the willingness of some solicitors to take on cases where proving liability is potentially complex and asbestos exposure was light or 'low risk'.

Asbestosis Victim Advice
Offering clear information, advice and FAQ's on mesothelioma and asbestos related illnesses.

Visit http://www.asbestosvictimadvice.com/ for more information and advice.

Kamis, 15 November 2012

Causes and Risk Factors For Lung Cancer

It may come as a surprise to many that in the UK, lung cancer is the second most diagnosed form of this awful disease. Statistics from 2007-2012 showed us that approximately 40,000 people were diagnosed each and every year, with an actual slight increase in the numbers over this period of time. To this end, a number or causes and risk factors have been identified and are widely proven to be the primary causes of lung cancers. In this article we're going to identify and discuss the various factors that contribute to the relatively high numbers of diagnosed lung cancer.

A cancer risk factor is a particular thing which has attributed to the level of lung cancer in the UK. These factors greatly increase the possibility that you will develop lung cancer if you are exposed to them. For example, smoking tobacco has for a long time been credited with being the number one risk factor associated with lung cancer. This has largely been the case globally and many countries have taken steps to reduce this risk.

Unfortunately for the male sex, this type of cancer has always been more prevalent in men. This may be down to a larger portion of the population being male smokers, but it is not always necessarily the case. Those individuals who have never smoked can also develop lung cancer, presently this figure stands at about 15% of diagnosed cases being associated with non smokers, which is why there is a range of risk factors which you should consider. It is inevitably true that the more you smoke, the greater your chance of developing the disease, however if somebody decides to quit smoking, the chances of then developing the disease are greatly reduced in a relatively short period of time.

Another risk factor which is very specific to the housing market in the UK is that presented by Radon gas. In the south west of England in particular the level of Radon gas found in the ground can be dangerously high. It is a gas that is found in the ground and permeates through the soil and into the foundations of homes. If breathed in, Radon gas can cause lung cancer in the occupants. While UK statistics are not sound, it is known that around 9% of diagnosed cases in Europe as a whole are caused by exposure to Radon gas. Modern construction of homes will almost always include a protective Radon gas barrier in the foundations to help mitigate the risk.

Another important risk factor that can be viewed as outside of our control is age. While general good health, exercise and a balanced diet will help to reduce the level of risk, like many other types of cancer, lung cancer can be found more commonly in the elderly. Around 80% of diagnosed cases are found in individuals who are over the age of 60. More rarely it can be found in people below 50 but this is the exception and it is rare for somebody below this age to develop the disease.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is one of the world's leading heart and lung centres, renowned for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. If you're looking for more information about the Royal Brompton's stop smoking clinic visit us today.

Cures for Lung Cancer - The Important Things That You Should Know

"I'm sorry to inform you that you have lung cancer and you only have 12 months to live."

If the doctor said this you, what should be the first thing you do? That's right. You would be running around, researching the internet, asking for prayers, looking everywhere to find a cure for lung cancer. Why? Because we have been told that there is no cure for this one and that it is basically a death sentence.

This article will not try to convince you that there are cures for lung cancer. We KNOW that there are; it's just a matter of you opening up your mind to a brand new perspective; a whole new worldview that maybe something is amiss here.

With all the technology we have in this day and with all the resources at our disposal to research cures for lung cancer, with billions of dollars spent on experiments and lab tests; can we at least be optimistic and think that maybe they did find a cure?

Now you ask me, if they did find the perfect cure, why would they keep it from the public?

The answer is really surprising: THE LOVE OF MONEY! The root of all evil!

Billions of dollars are spent by cancer patients each year on treatments and medication. If the medical industry announced that a miracle has happened and that they found cure for lung cancer, what would happen then? They would lose those billions of dollars.

Drug companies and private medical institutions know this so they conspire to keep this fact away from the public. Instead of giving the cure, which would then stop the patient from coming back to spend more, they would treat the disease as slowly as possible so they keep coming back.

To be honest with ourselves, if we found out that there really are cures for lung cancer, would you still believe the way of the "accepted" and traditional methods like chemotherapy or surgery or high-energy radiation? I think most assuredly not. But this doesn't take away the fact that there are cures for lung cancer. And they are found in alternative medicine.

There are lots of alternative medicine that can be found not only through internet research but even contemporary physicians have begun to accept the healing powers of methods like Controlled Amino Acid Therapy (CAAT), Photodynamic Therapy or PDT, and many others.

If you do research and then dig deeper, you will find dozens of testimonies from people who have found a cure using the alternative methods. Just be under the impression that cancer is a symptom and not the disease itself. If you change the lifestyle, you can find cures for lung cancer; although the medical institutions would strongly disagree with you.

For effective cures for lung cancer and for more prevention and treatment read the next page carefully. If one of your loveones or friends that you care about is dealing with any type of cancer and are desperate for complete healing, go take a look at this site One minute cure.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

This is a question that still plagues the minds of thousands of people. Some people automatically assume that since asbestos is a mineral that was used in building materials for so many years that it must really be safe. They assume that they media is simply playing up the stories a little too much or that doctors are just simply trying to get more money out of people. The fact of the matter is though that asbestos is extremely dangerous and it is something that could destroy your life, even if exposed for just a little bit. The worst thing is, many people assume that since they have not had any bad experiences to their self induced exposure to asbestos that there is nothing to worry about.

Problems related to asbestos can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years to show up. Therefore, just because you were exposed to asbestos two years ago and you have not suffered from it does not mean that you never will. If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, no matter how little, you are going to want to keep an eye out for the common signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a mineral made up of tiny fibers that quickly and easily become airborne. Once these fibers are airborne they easily find their way into your lungs and the lungs of your loved ones. Some people think that it is only those that are directly exposing themselves to environments that have the asbestos that are at risk. However, he families of those putting themselves at risk are also in danger. This is because so many of these men and women are carrying the asbestos into their vehicles and into their homes. The entire family can be put at risk because one person exposed themselves to asbestos.

The major problem associated with asbestos is that of the development of cancer. Mesothelioma is the type of cancer associated with asbestos. It is a terrible cancer and one that claims many lives. Even if you are unsure as to whether or not you have been exposed to asbestos, you are going to want to keep an eye out on your health. Should you begin to notice a decline in your health or problems that are out of the ordinary for you, contact your health care provider immediately. If you have problems associated with asbestos, it is much better to start getting treatment now than later.

Another thing to consider is any possible compensation that you might be entitled to if you were exposed to the asbestos without your knowledge. Many people have found that they companies they worked for exposed them to the asbestos, even though they were aware it was present and the dangers that it carried. For your pain and suffering, your medical bills, your medications and for the heartache that your family will endure, it is important to make sure that you are going for any and all financial compensation you can get.

Being exposed to asbestos can have devastating consequences. But don't despair as our site has answers on Asbestos Tile. Here we also have great advice on Asbestos Test. Visit our site right now and find the information you're looking for.

Does Asbestos Kill? Explaining the Link Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos

You might have heard the word asbestos in TV shows, news programs, or maybe read it from magazines and books. There are many scientific studies proving the relationship between exposures to asbestos linked to some health hazards like Mesothelioma.

Asbestos is composed of 6 minerals which are amosite, actinolite, chrysotile, crocidolite, tremolite and anthophyllite. Asbestos is a very useful type of material especially for industrial purposes however it is a known human carcinogen. It is famous for its strength, high resistance to fire, resistance to chemical andelectrical damage and it is also affordable but when inhaled it can cause asbestos related diseases. Asbestos, once inhaled, causes scarring of the lining of the lungs which consequently restricts an individual's ability to breath. There are still some products that we are using right now that may have asbestos content without us knowing. Some of these products are tiles, cement, vinyl walls or flooring, hair dryer, popcorn poppers, fertilizers, fire blankets, gloves and many more. But do you know that prolong exposure to asbestos may lead to a serious illness called Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the lining of the organs of the body including the lungs (Pleural Mesothalemia). It is a fatal condition and the prognosis is also not good. People who acquired this illness are those who have been long exposed to asbestos fibers. Common signs and symptoms of the disease are coughing, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, wheezing and sudden weight loss. These indications, in some cases, usually do not occur even after 20 or more years of prolong exposure to asbestos dust. There are some medical diagnostic exams to confirm mesothelioma such as biopsy. It is true that the longer you are exposed to asbestos, the more likely you will have mesothelioma. However, there were some reports showing that even those who have been exposed to abestos in just a short while have developed cancer. The rate of Mesothelioma is higher to those who have served the US Armed Forces years ago. This is because they have used abestos for a lot of military tools and equipment long before they have realized its bad effects.

Treatments for Mesothelioma include radiation and/or chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The earlier you detect the presence of the cancer cells, the better the prognosis is. So if you happen to experience any of the given indicators and you have been exposed to asbestos, consult with your doctor immediately. Diagnostic tests will be done immediately and if Mesothalioma is detected, treatment can start immediately.

It is said that prevention is better than cure and it is actually true. Avoid exposing yourself to asbestos or going to places where there is higher percentage of asbestos usage. Your immune system also plays a greater part in fighting off diseases so take good care of it. Eat healthy and exercise regularly.

Harry Hassami is the author and producers of The Mesothelioma Journal. The complete website information about the mesothelioma.

PET/CT Scan Challenge Of Pleural Effusion Treatment For Mesothelioma Patients

Early detection of the fatal and incurable mesothelioma and the subsequent provision of radiation, surgical and palliative asbestosis treatments are known to help a patient to have the best possible chance to extend and improve the quality of life remaining.

Crucial to the process is the use of body scanning technologies, ranging from X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), CT (computed tomography) or CAT scans, and the more advanced PET/CT (positron emission tomography and computerized tomography).

The long gestation period of up to 50 years from first asbestos exposure and inhaling of the fibre dust to the appearance of asbestosis symptoms can often mean that a diffuse malignant mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage and spread to other organ tissues.

While X-rays of chest or abdomen can detect fluid build-up, masses, or signs of non-cancerous pleural disease, evidence of diffuse cancerous growths by radiology will only show as a shadow formed by a single tumour, as with peritoneal mesothelioma. Similarly, despite MRI supplying a highly detailed image of the interior body and can determine the severity of a tumour, this type of scan is still unable to clearly indicate a cancerous growth.

CT scans produce images, which provide a cross section examination of layers of the body to more easily reveal abnormalities at a given depth within the body and can also accurately diagnose lung cancer sooner than chest x-rays, leading to an increased survival rate by up to 20 per cent. However, while CT scans are able to define pleural effusion, pleural thickening, pleural calcification or possible chest wall invasion, they cannot differentiate between benign or malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma patients who suffer painful breathing caused by pleural effusions - the build-up of fluid across the lung linings in response to the spread of mesothelioma tumours - can undergo a procedure for the draining of the fluid and replacing the space with medical talc.

New medical research has found that the fluid draining process may interfere with the PET/CT monitoring, which also involves injecting the patient with a radioactive tracer and the level of absorption by cancer cells subsequently measured by the scan, once after 14 days and then again after 125 days.

It was discovered that by increasing the amount of tracer absorbed by cancer cells, the talc treatment can appear to show the disease is spreading more rapidly than its real progress.

The researchers concluded that to compensate for the interference with the evaluation, a slightly modified way of interpreting the scan results is advised for mesothelioma patients who receive pleural draining and talc treatments.

Asbestosis Victim Advice

Offering clear information, advice and FAQ's on mesothelioma and asbestos related illnesses.

Visit http://www.asbestosvictimadvice.com/ for more information and advice.

Signs That Lung Cancer May Be Returning

Over 200,000 thousand Americans (men and women) get diagnosed with lung cancer in the USA every year (70% are elderly). Although most patients receive some kind of treatment before going into remission (a period of time when the cancer is either responding to treatment satisfactorily, or is being controlled), lung cancer is one of the most recurrent forms of cancer that is diagnosed. Many sufferers of lung cancer get cured and go on to live more years, but an increasing number of sufferers become prone to falling into a state of relapse (where the disease returns).

When doctors refer to a five-year or ten-year cure period, what they are actually referring to is the remission period of a patient. During remission the disease may return at any time, although the percentage rate gradually begins to decrease the longer the remission period. If during the first five-years of treatment the disease does not return, then there is a strong possibility that the patient will go on to live at least another five years or more. The problem is that when lung cancer is diagnosed, it is usually in its later stage, and more difficult to treat.

Patients under remission should continually watch for signs that may indicate the cancer is recurring, or has actually returned. There are three main signs a sufferer should watch out for:

1. Changes in breathing patterns, which could include either a shortness of breath, or wheezing when there are no underlying medical reasons why either should exist. They may even occur when a patient is resting. Usually when the cancer has returned, the tumor presses either directly on the lung, or on the surrounding tissues of the lung. A chest X-ray, a CT (computer assisted tomography) scan, or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan may be ordered again by the doctor to re-confirm this.

2. Lumps that can appear anywhere on the body (especially in the chest or upper area of the body) may signify a recurrence of the disease. Lumps may indicate that a new tumor is beginning to grow, or an existing one is either growing again, or beginning to spread. When lumps occur in the area of the neck, armpits, or groin, this usually indicates that the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system. The cancer has metastasized when it has affected distant organs outside the original tumor area, usually having spread into the bloodstream to create new tumors or new clusters of cancerous cells.

3. Unexplained and sudden weight loss when there is no reason for it usually indicates that the cancer has invaded other parts of the body. The cancer can attack vital organs affecting their ability to function correctly, causing weight to disappear notably during a short period of time. When this happens, it is advisable to seek the help of a doctor again to check that a recurrence of the disease has not taken place. Usually a test of the phlegm cells under a microscope will detect a recurrence before a tumor becomes visible.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Rabu, 14 November 2012

Asbestos in Your Home: The Hidden Killer

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a set of six minerals that is commonly used in various building purposes. Fibrous and naturally occurring, this material has been used for around 4,000 years now, with people using them then for different infrastructures, unknowing about the dangers that the material exposes them to. Since the boom in mining of asbestos during the 19th century, asbestos has been sought after for production because:

1. It is quite affordable. Compared to other mineral sets that are used in electrical wiring production, asbestos is relatively cheaper to use- all the more appealing to construction.
2. It has good sound absorption.
3. It is with tensile strength that is up to par. Builders require materials to have a good maximum capacity to handle tensile pressure, and asbestos presents a fair amount of tensile strength.
4. It can withstand various damages such as heat (even fire, to a degree), electrical and chemical damages

But sadly, the cons outweigh the pros of using asbestos. Disregarding the advantages stated above, and considering that even in varying durations of exposure, be it a short or a long-term kind of exposure, asbestos is extremely hazardous to your health:

• Asbestos inhalation may cause:
- Asbestosis - which is a lung condition wherein the linings of the lungs become scarred, thicken, and will eventually result in various degrees of difficulty in breathing because of fibrous tissue.
- Certain lung cancers, particularly Mesothelioma - which is a very aggressive kind of malignant cancer. It spreads not only in the linings of the lungs but also to the entire abdominal cavity. There are even subtypes of this, such as:

• Pleural - with regards to the lung space
• Peritoneal, - with regards to the abdominal cavity and
• Pericardial Mesothelioma - which affects even the heart area!

Now, bear in mind that asbestos is not only used in building different commercial infrastructures, but also in different components in your home! That's right, you can find asbestos in materials used to make:

• Cement shingles
• Wall components
• Textured paint
• Spray-on decor
• Fire-proof materials such as stove pads and gloves
• Furnace ducts
• Metal piping's and tubings
• Gaskets
• And much, much more!

The chances of having asbestos in your home increases the older your house is. Especially if your house was built during the 1930's or 50's, asbestos was most probably used even in your home's central insulation.

While new houses are least susceptible to having asbestos, still, these may be found in your very home! Have the walls, floorings, and your floor mats of your house checked. It is definitely better to be safe than sorry. Never touch suspected asbestos-containing materials in your home with your bare hands, and take care not to disturb woven in materials that may have been damaged. Trauma in different ways such as tearing, pinching or slight prodding inflicted to such might trigger the release of asbestos fibers that is very deadly to your health.

Get a professional to handle the removal of asbestos in your home. Be it major or even minor repairs or total asbestos removal, you should leave it to a trained individual to ensure that your house is asbestos-free.

Cresta is a twenty-something home improvement writer from the South East. She just had her flat checked for asbestos and bugs.

 
© Copyright Asbestos Eksposure 2012 - All rights reserved | Powered by Blogger.com.
Template Design by Noval Blogger Bima | Published by Premium Wordpress Themes
November 2012 - Asbestos Eksposure