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MESOTHELIOMA: WHAT IS IT?

Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of the cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is thought to be associated with exposure to asbestos, and this asbestos association has been documented in 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is very difficult to assess and diagnose consistently. The time between exposure and the onset of the disease, and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma, make diagnosis very difficult. It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even patient's homes can result in mesothelioma. In many cases mesothelioma does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing asbestos. 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are currently being diagnosed.

Thursday, January 31, 2008

How to Treat Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

There are many forms of treatment for Mesothelioma. Their effectiveness is on a cases by case basis. Here are five possible treatments that have been used:
1) Surgery - this is where the cancerous tissue is cut out. In extreme
cases where the cancer has spread to the lungs, a lung may be removed.
2) Gene therapy (still in clinical trials) - this is where a "suicide gene" is
inserted into the cancer making those cells susceptible to drugs that can be used to
kill the malignant cells, leaving the healthy ones behind.
3) Radiation Therapy - high energy x-rays are directed at the cancer cells
to kill these cells and/or shrink the tumors.
4) Chemotherapy - drugs are placed directly into the bloodstream
through pills or injection. In Mesothelioma cases these drugs can be injected into
the chest cavity.
5) Intraoperative Photodynamic therapy - uses drugs and light therapy is
used during surgery.The patient is injected with drugs 3 days before surgery. These
drugs make them sensetive to light. A special light is shined on the cancer cells
during surgery.
Speak to your doctor about the risks involved with each procedure and which would
be appropriate for your individual case.
For more information go to: http://www.topmesotheliomalawyer.com/Mesothelioma_Physicians.php
Caterina Christakos is a published author and internet publisher. For more
information on the types of Mesothelioma and its treatments go to:
http://www.topmesotheliomalawyer.com/

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What Are The Risk Factors For Mesothelioma?
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma cancer. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

How to Treat Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure
There are many forms of treatment for Mesothelioma. Their effectiveness is on a cases by case basis. Here are five possible treatments that have been used:

Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an extremely nasty and permanent cancer that infects the membrane surrounding most internal organs. It is also a very subtle form of cancer providing only a few noticeable symptoms until it becomes extremely advanced. The most common type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. It causes shortness of breath and/or chronic coughing that can easily be mixed up with allergies or a common cold. In many cases mesothelioma is discovered by accident when patients are looking into these symptoms. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Mesothelioma Video