Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than women. The risk of contract Mesothelioma increases with age. In the United States, there are about 2000 new cases of Mesothelioma diagnosed each year.
Treatments for Mesothelioma vary from one patient to the next. The variations of treatment differ due to the locations of cancer within the patient, their age, and health factos.
Surgery is a common treatment of the disease. For cancer of the pleura, a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy is another effective method for treating Mesothelioma. This involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Anticancer drugs can also be used. This is known commonly known as chemotherapy and involves the administration of the drugs by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV).
The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials that are designed to find new treatments for treating Mesothiloma.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
What is Mesothelioma?
What is Mesothelioma?
It is cancer of the lung or the abdominal lining.
How is it caused?
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma-A brief History
Asbestos was a buidling material commonly used in insultaion products of the later half of the 20th Century. Sometime in the 1960s, health concerns started to grow regarding the use of asbestos in building materials. People were stating to be diagnosed with Mesothelioma or cancer of the lungs or abdominal lining. Research into the cause of this cancer began to show it was directly related to the asbestos in the insulation products used by many contractors/builders.
What researchers determined was that asbestos fibers would remain floating in the air for long periods of time. People would inhale the asbestos which is toxic and it would attach itself to the lungs. After years and years cancer--mesothelioma--would form.
Who is at risk?
It is cancer of the lung or the abdominal lining.
How is it caused?
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma-A brief History
Asbestos was a buidling material commonly used in insultaion products of the later half of the 20th Century. Sometime in the 1960s, health concerns started to grow regarding the use of asbestos in building materials. People were stating to be diagnosed with Mesothelioma or cancer of the lungs or abdominal lining. Research into the cause of this cancer began to show it was directly related to the asbestos in the insulation products used by many contractors/builders.
What researchers determined was that asbestos fibers would remain floating in the air for long periods of time. People would inhale the asbestos which is toxic and it would attach itself to the lungs. After years and years cancer--mesothelioma--would form.
Who is at risk?
- People who worked in the manufacturing of Asbestos.
- People who came in contact with people who worked in those factories ie famliy members. (The asbestos remained on the clothing and sking)
- People who lived in the vicinity of an Asbestos manufacturing plant.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
It is extremely common for Mesothelioma to not have any symptoms for a long period of time. Most symptoms don't begin until 20 or more years after exposure. Most people that were exposed to Asbestos are just now starting to show signs of Mesothelioma. This can be a rapidly spreading cancer.
- Shortness of breath
- loss of weight
- chest pain
- coughing
- weezing
If diagnosed in time, treatment is possible. Surgically removing a tumor, chemotherapy or radiation treatment are all possible cures. None are guaranteed for success but at present they are some of our only options.
This information is provided as a short review for you. If you think you might be at risk or know someone who has been at risk, then seeking medical advice would be a good idea.
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