Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, which is a protecting layer surrounded to the majority internal organs involving the lungs, stomach and heart. There are two forms of Mesothelioma called benign and malignant. Though, less than 10% of incidences are benign. At least three known causes for Mesothelioma are there, which includes.
2011 Mesothelioma
1) Foremost cause is asbestos exposure, involving direct and indirect dealings.
2) Thorotrast that is Thorium Dioxide, employed in specific X-ray tests in the past.
3) A silicate mineral normally found in soil in Turkey’s Anatoli region called as Zeolite.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma, particularly in the early stages, is the complicated proposition since the symptoms will reflect ordinary pains and aches are generally ignored until the disease has developed. Three main areas get affected by the malignant mesothelioma- lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. Those are categorized as follows:
1) Most common form which affects the lungs is Pleural Mesothelioma.
2) Second is the Peritoneal Mesothelioma which affects the abdominal cavity.
3) Third is the most rare form that affects the heart is Pericardial Mesothelioma.
Each type shows its own unique symptoms, the majority of them remain undetected until the cancer has achieved deadly levels. Patients suffering through Pleural Mesothelioma can face chest pains, weight loss, fever, difficulty in breathing, persistent cough and swelling of the face and neck. Also in case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, a few will experience nausea, weight loss, abdominal pains, and vomiting. Difficulties involves anemia, blood clotting problems, and bowel obstruction. Pericardial Mesothelioma causes short breathing, a persistent cough, chest pains, and heart palpitations. Similar in all three forms of the disease, the signs develop more serious with time and so far can still dodge diagnosis by being chalked up to other diseases with identical symptoms.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The dread substance: Asbestos
Asbestos is the substance that operates behind mesothelioma, the disease that you have been diagnosed with. Therefore you should know what it is all about and why asbestos, of all things should lead to the development of such malignancy within your substance. Remember that awareness is always the first step towards the solution to any issue whatsoever.
Asbestos is a mineral which is extremely toxic. Rather it is a group of minerals that occur in nature as a mass of strong fibers which can be separated into separate thinner fibers. It is an industrial substance and is used in products like cement. Brakes, roof shingles and insulation, among other things. Asbestos particles are airborne and are usually inhaled or consumed. So if you have unknowingly inhaled asbestos particles, then they have probably traveled through your lungs to reach the pleura or the lining of your lungs. This leads to the growth of the malignant growths there. Also, asbestos particles can also enter your body after being mixed with your saliva. Blue asbestos particles are much more cancerous than white asbestos fibers.
The shape and the size of the asbestos particles make it easier for them to penetrate the human system. This causes inflammation and intense damage to the cells in the body. Then these particles embed themselves in the lining of the organs, whichever that maybe. Since asbestos particles are generally inhaled, they usually lodge themselves in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos is a mineral which is extremely toxic. Rather it is a group of minerals that occur in nature as a mass of strong fibers which can be separated into separate thinner fibers. It is an industrial substance and is used in products like cement. Brakes, roof shingles and insulation, among other things. Asbestos particles are airborne and are usually inhaled or consumed. So if you have unknowingly inhaled asbestos particles, then they have probably traveled through your lungs to reach the pleura or the lining of your lungs. This leads to the growth of the malignant growths there. Also, asbestos particles can also enter your body after being mixed with your saliva. Blue asbestos particles are much more cancerous than white asbestos fibers.
The shape and the size of the asbestos particles make it easier for them to penetrate the human system. This causes inflammation and intense damage to the cells in the body. Then these particles embed themselves in the lining of the organs, whichever that maybe. Since asbestos particles are generally inhaled, they usually lodge themselves in the pleura or the lining of the lungs.
Diet for Mesothelioma patients
Mesothelioma is such a disease for which it is of vital importance that the patients should take care not to aggravate their intensely delicate condition by consuming anything that should harm their system. Most of the cures for mesothelioma have chances of relapse and some are purely palliative in nature. As of such, there is no cure that guarantees a complete removal of the disease from your system. Therefore patients must strive to keep themselves healthy in all other ways possible. One of the best things is to eat well.
This is because as we all know, the nutrients from the food we eat enhance our immunity and equip our body to fight diseases. Therefore a balanced diet containing all the nutrients in the right proportions is vital. The diet of a mesothelioma patient should have whole grains, proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. This will keep the body going against all the weakening forces that the cancer brings along with it.
Since there are different ways of treatment, some of which are often experimental, the drugs used during these procedures not only kill the cancerous cells but some of the healthy cells as well. This leads to a weakening of the body. There are also numerous side effects that patients often experience during the course of the treatment. These could be anything from nausea to diarrhea. Therefore in such times, one must eat mild food like whole grain toast which will not affect the stomach and will reduce vomiting. If there is constipation then one should have a lot of fibrous food like apples, oatmeal or broccoli. Proteins should form an important part of the diet as well. There should be egg whites, beans, milk and lean meat as part of daily consumption.
Radiation therapy is a major part of the mesothelioma treatment and causes vomiting, appetite loss, which subsequently lead to a loss of energy. Thus patients should eat calorie rich food to keep standing. One should consume very limited amounts of alcohol, salt as well as caffeine. The best course of action is to take help from a doctor or a dietician who can offer informed advice as to what can be eaten and what should not be during the course of the treatment.
This is because as we all know, the nutrients from the food we eat enhance our immunity and equip our body to fight diseases. Therefore a balanced diet containing all the nutrients in the right proportions is vital. The diet of a mesothelioma patient should have whole grains, proteins, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. This will keep the body going against all the weakening forces that the cancer brings along with it.
Since there are different ways of treatment, some of which are often experimental, the drugs used during these procedures not only kill the cancerous cells but some of the healthy cells as well. This leads to a weakening of the body. There are also numerous side effects that patients often experience during the course of the treatment. These could be anything from nausea to diarrhea. Therefore in such times, one must eat mild food like whole grain toast which will not affect the stomach and will reduce vomiting. If there is constipation then one should have a lot of fibrous food like apples, oatmeal or broccoli. Proteins should form an important part of the diet as well. There should be egg whites, beans, milk and lean meat as part of daily consumption.
Radiation therapy is a major part of the mesothelioma treatment and causes vomiting, appetite loss, which subsequently lead to a loss of energy. Thus patients should eat calorie rich food to keep standing. One should consume very limited amounts of alcohol, salt as well as caffeine. The best course of action is to take help from a doctor or a dietician who can offer informed advice as to what can be eaten and what should not be during the course of the treatment.
Alternative cures to Mesothelioma
There is no standardized cure to any form of mesothelioma. Most of the cures are still in the evaluatory stage and until now no permanent cure has been discovered as yet. The different forms of treatment are mostly palliative in nature. Thus it is time to look for other avenues through which mesothelioma patients can lead a better and more comfortable life. These ways of alternative medicine do not reduce the amounts of asbestos in the body but they do help in improving the quality of life for the patients who try them. Often medicines cannot work and this is where the most unconventional cures step in to do their bit.
Firstly, there is acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine. This is a very popular alternative cure today and involves the use of needles in the particular pressure points on the body. This is said to improve the balance and the Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood according to the ancient Chinese tradition. This provides relief from pain, inflammation and stress. Acupuncture is one of the most common alternative treatments for mesothelioma patients.
Aromatherapy uses lovely fragrances to influence the mental and subsequently the physical well being of the body. Liquids called essential oils are used and these contain concentrated oils from different plants. There are massages as well, using these oils.
Massages help to regulate the flow of blood and lymphatic flow as well. It also helps to relax the muscles, cure pain and benefit the nervous and digestive systems. Massaging also goes a long way in reducing stress levels.
Then there is the TENS Therapy. This is Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation. This is similar to acupuncture. However, in this procedure the body points are stimulated, not by using needles like acupuncture but mild electrical shocks. In TENS therapy, electrodes are used. Electrodes are used as an agent of stimulation. TENS Therapy is among the only alternative therapies that has been approved by the FDA. This basically implies that TENS has been certified to be a safe theory according to the regulations laid down by the FDA and is therefore recognized by insurance policies. However this does not make it a determined form of a cure.
Firstly, there is acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine. This is a very popular alternative cure today and involves the use of needles in the particular pressure points on the body. This is said to improve the balance and the Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood according to the ancient Chinese tradition. This provides relief from pain, inflammation and stress. Acupuncture is one of the most common alternative treatments for mesothelioma patients.
Aromatherapy uses lovely fragrances to influence the mental and subsequently the physical well being of the body. Liquids called essential oils are used and these contain concentrated oils from different plants. There are massages as well, using these oils.
Massages help to regulate the flow of blood and lymphatic flow as well. It also helps to relax the muscles, cure pain and benefit the nervous and digestive systems. Massaging also goes a long way in reducing stress levels.
Then there is the TENS Therapy. This is Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation. This is similar to acupuncture. However, in this procedure the body points are stimulated, not by using needles like acupuncture but mild electrical shocks. In TENS therapy, electrodes are used. Electrodes are used as an agent of stimulation. TENS Therapy is among the only alternative therapies that has been approved by the FDA. This basically implies that TENS has been certified to be a safe theory according to the regulations laid down by the FDA and is therefore recognized by insurance policies. However this does not make it a determined form of a cure.
Different ways to help Mesothelioma patient
There are many ways that can help mesothelioma patients lead a relatively pain free and healthy life. These alternatives do not cure the disease and are purely palliative in nature. These do not involve the use of any medicine and largely focus on mental well being as being the key to physical fitness.
Meditation has always been one of the most popular ways to combat stress and other psychological issues. It can cut down depression levels, a common affliction for cancer patients. Now it has been seen that at times meditation can even combat chronic pain and even slow down growth of the malignant tumors.
A healthy diet is essential for a mesothelioma patient as the treatments often involve side effects and can be energy sapping indeed. Thus dietary enhancements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and proteins can be very helpful. Some times when our natural diet can provide all the nutrients that our body requires, dietary supplements like extra proteins and vitamins are needed. Herbs can be very useful as well. For example, flaxseed, ginseng and garlic can be instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. But make sure that your doctor knows the supplements that you are consuming along with the medicines that have already been prescribed to you.
Yoga is an ancient therapy which has originated in the Indian subcontinent and is recognized as a form of exercise that can be both mentally and physically palliative. There are numerous yoga techniques that can help you to calm down your mind and lead to a general improvement in health as well. There are breathing techniques as well as certain asanas or postures that improve flexibility.
Lastly there is something called pet therapy. This is also called Animal Therapy. Here the patients are made to interact with different animals in an effort to make them feel happier. To display love and affection towards animals and in turn, to receive unconditional love from them, can make patients feel much happier. To take a dog for a short walk, or to play with a cat… all these ways of interaction are a part of Animal or pet therapy. There are certain scientific reasons behind this as well. Interaction with animals also involves a small amount of physical activity. This physical activity can go a long way in helping a patient recover from infirmities which might be plaguing him.
Meditation has always been one of the most popular ways to combat stress and other psychological issues. It can cut down depression levels, a common affliction for cancer patients. Now it has been seen that at times meditation can even combat chronic pain and even slow down growth of the malignant tumors.
A healthy diet is essential for a mesothelioma patient as the treatments often involve side effects and can be energy sapping indeed. Thus dietary enhancements like vitamins, minerals, herbs and proteins can be very helpful. Some times when our natural diet can provide all the nutrients that our body requires, dietary supplements like extra proteins and vitamins are needed. Herbs can be very useful as well. For example, flaxseed, ginseng and garlic can be instrumental in lowering high blood pressure. But make sure that your doctor knows the supplements that you are consuming along with the medicines that have already been prescribed to you.
Yoga is an ancient therapy which has originated in the Indian subcontinent and is recognized as a form of exercise that can be both mentally and physically palliative. There are numerous yoga techniques that can help you to calm down your mind and lead to a general improvement in health as well. There are breathing techniques as well as certain asanas or postures that improve flexibility.
Lastly there is something called pet therapy. This is also called Animal Therapy. Here the patients are made to interact with different animals in an effort to make them feel happier. To display love and affection towards animals and in turn, to receive unconditional love from them, can make patients feel much happier. To take a dog for a short walk, or to play with a cat… all these ways of interaction are a part of Animal or pet therapy. There are certain scientific reasons behind this as well. Interaction with animals also involves a small amount of physical activity. This physical activity can go a long way in helping a patient recover from infirmities which might be plaguing him.
Legal issues concerning Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused due to direct or indirect exposure to the mineral called asbestos. This was formerly used as an industrial product and therefore thousands of workers and their families have died due to exposure to asbestos. Issues about the cancerous effects of asbestos were revealed as early as the 1930s. That basically meant that most of the owners of the companies were aware of the bad effects of asbestos and yet did not bother to take any measures to protect their employees. If you are a victim of such an inhuman atrocity then the law states that you can start litigation and file a complaint against such individuals in a court of law.
2011 Mesothelioma
Any case concerning mesothelioma or asbestos exposure works on the principle of contingency. This basically means that the lawyer defending the mesothelioma victim does not get paid any fees in advance. The lawyer or the law firm is paid a certain fraction of the settlement that is awarded to the victim by the guilty individuals. It is best to select a mesothelioma specialty law firm or an asbestos attorney. As the names suggest, they specialize in fighting such cases only. Once you have your choice the firm or the attorney will start documenting your case. This is done to prepare a motion which is the centre point of the entire proceedings concerning asbestos.
2011 Mesothelioma
Any case concerning mesothelioma or asbestos exposure works on the principle of contingency. This basically means that the lawyer defending the mesothelioma victim does not get paid any fees in advance. The lawyer or the law firm is paid a certain fraction of the settlement that is awarded to the victim by the guilty individuals. It is best to select a mesothelioma specialty law firm or an asbestos attorney. As the names suggest, they specialize in fighting such cases only. Once you have your choice the firm or the attorney will start documenting your case. This is done to prepare a motion which is the centre point of the entire proceedings concerning asbestos.
Asbestos Exposure in Homes in 2011 May Cause Mesothelioma in 2050
Unbeknownst to the majority of Americans, asbestos exposure continues to this day even in our homes. This exposure will likely cause mesothelioma until exposure is stopped. Exposure that occur today, because of the long latency period , will likely be responsible for mesothelioma in 2050.
Perhaps the most significant source of residence based exposure today occurs through the renovation of older homes. Much attention in the past has been focused on asbestos on piping and boiler components. This asbestos is easily identified and tested. A much more dangerous and insidious source of asbestos exposure, however, is that which results from demolishing or altering the drywall board panels that are ubiquitous throughout the United States. From the early 1960s through 1977, a large percentage of walls and ceilings constructed in homes and offices used asbestos containing joint compound to fill the seams or joints between wall board panels. In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finally outlawed the use of asbestos in spackle and joint compound. According to the CPSC “inhalable asbestos in the household from consumer patching compounds…presents a great risk due to the presence in the household of persons, such as children, who may be particularly vulnerable to carcinogens.”
Perhaps the most significant source of residence based exposure today occurs through the renovation of older homes. Much attention in the past has been focused on asbestos on piping and boiler components. This asbestos is easily identified and tested. A much more dangerous and insidious source of asbestos exposure, however, is that which results from demolishing or altering the drywall board panels that are ubiquitous throughout the United States. From the early 1960s through 1977, a large percentage of walls and ceilings constructed in homes and offices used asbestos containing joint compound to fill the seams or joints between wall board panels. In 1977, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finally outlawed the use of asbestos in spackle and joint compound. According to the CPSC “inhalable asbestos in the household from consumer patching compounds…presents a great risk due to the presence in the household of persons, such as children, who may be particularly vulnerable to carcinogens.”
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