Thursday, March 10, 2011

Rehabilitation of Mesothelioma patients

Cancer is a serious issue and many cancer surviving patients persists to rise, and many have rehabilitation needs. Cancer rehabilitation deals with both biomedical and psychosocial aspects. The scope of rehabilitation is described as: “a process aimed at enabling persons with disabilities to reach and maintain their optimal physical, sensory, intellectual, psychiatric and/or social functional levels…” by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A number of people are living with malignant mesothelioma and fighting the disease as best they can. There is a great contribution by many professionals, hospital physicians and general practitioner in cancer rehabilitation. Successful rehabilitation requires efficient organization. The highest priority for the people diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura) or the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), is finding a reliable source of information about the disease itself and the medical options available for it. The mesothelioma rehabilitation centers help you to take the necessary steps to find the options that are best suited to your individual needs. They deal with mesothelioma patients and their family members, and provide the service that is always with appreciation for the difficult time they are facing.

As said by Samuel Smiles -“Hope is the companion of power, and the mother of success; for who so hopes strongly, has within him the gift of miracles.” Rehabilitation centers provide every patient with a boost of hope that helps patients to fight and develops a willingness to survive. They discuss ways to find specialists who treat mesothelioma and give some advice on choosing the best doctor.

New approaches to malignant mesothelioma

Nowadays new approaches to treat malignant mesothelioma are being tested. They merge traditional treatments or include something entirely new. These new treatments include angiogenesis and anti-angiogenesis drugs. Although development has been made in the early detection of cancer and improved treatment options, mesothelioma can not be cured and remain difficult to treat effectively. Researchers have shown how cancer cells differ from normal cells. Certain drugs used in chemotherapy have severe side effects on your body. Anti-angiogenesis drugs have no side effects and they target the tumor itself sparing the body’s normal cells.

Immunotherapy is another type of mesothelioma treatment. It is also called as biological therapy. This therapy uses the body’s own immune system to protect itself against disease. Immune system is able to identify the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells. It is also able to eliminate the cells that become cancerous. Immunotherapy is intended to restore, stimulate, or enhance the immune system’s natural anticancer function.

A hazardous mineral asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral known to have toxic properties. It was once used on a very large scale for ceilings, wall tiles, insulation and auto breaks. It was widely used in cement in the construction industries as it was resistant to heat, was durable, flexible and had good tensile strength. But asbestos is a very hazardous and potentially a fatal substance.

The use of asbestos in industries lead to dangerous diseases caused due to the inhalation of asbestos particles. Many workers working in the industries were unaware of this. One of the fatal diseases caused by this is mesothelioma. It may also lead to other problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer and fatal respiratory illnesses that incapacitate their victims.

In the twentieth century, medical researchers observed that a large number of deaths and lung problems occurred in asbestos mining towns. Investigations showed that thirty percent of the workers had asbestos-related lung disease. It takes a long time for asbestos to show its effects. The symptoms shown by them are also very common as shown by others diseases. Because of these problems it becomes very difficult to diagnose the fatal diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Pleural mesothelioma and its treatment options

Mesothelioma is a critical and fatal cancer. It is caused by direct exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma cancer is categorized into three categories: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. This destructive cancer damages the mesothelium which is a membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities like the pleural (thoracal cavity), peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (heart sac).

Pleural mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is one of the most common forms of mesothelioma. More than 75% of victims fall in this category. This cancer affects the outer lining of the lungs and the chest cavity and makes it thicket. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are very common like difficulty in breathing, pain in the chest, fatigue, swelling of the face and neck, trouble when swallowing, cough and weight loss. These symptoms are shown by other diseases also and hence it becomes difficult to diagnose this cancer. Lining of the lungs are made up of two layers, parietal which covers the chest wall and visceral which covers the lungs. Mesothelium cells grow and produce a tumor which enlarges the space, causing it to fill with fluid. This extra thickness in layers is known as pleural effusion which leads to discomfort and pain in the chest. The pain may also be felt in the arms and the shoulders.

Treat Mesothelioma with Palliative Therapy

Palliative care is a contemporary and advanced method of treating and helping the patients diagnosed with fatal diseases. This treatment endeavor to ease the psychological problems related with the illnesses.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a slow growing disease and cannot be diagnosed in the early stages. The symptoms are also very common which are to be mistaken with some other disease. But with the time the symptoms too become severe. Palliative treatments treat mesothelioma using measures that reduce symptoms. This treatment is not capable of curing the cancer but definitely improves the quality of life. It helps in psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families. This form of treatment is also known as comfort care, supportive care or symptom management.

Palliative treatment help the patients deal with the disease by various modes of treatments such as medication, cognitive and behavioral therapy. This therapy is used in conjunction with other forms of traditional treatment for mesothelioma like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Palliative therapy comprises of pain management course like pain killers, stress management, meditation and massage therapy. To optimize the patient care there is an open communication for the patient and his family. This therapy takes the traditional role for the patient in the last stage of the cancer.

The common palliative procedures for the treatment of mesothelioma are Chest Tube Drainage and Pleurodesis, Pleuroperitoneal Shunt, Alcohol injection, Palliative radiation therapy and Pain medications. In Chest Tube Drainage and Pleurodesis the fluid built-up due to pleural effusion, one of the symptoms of mesothelioma, is drained out of the chest cavity with the help of chest tube. The pleural space is closed by use of talc slurry or other agent which yields an adhesion.

Mesothelioma and its Stages

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It arises due to the inhalation of asbestos or coming in contact with it. In mesothelioma a malignant tumor develops in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen. A number of people are not aware of this deadly disease. Many people and even the physicians are not able to diagnose its symptoms as they are analogous to the symptoms of other diseases. It takes decades to develop mesothelioma, almost forty to fifty years. This cancer is already in the advanced state, when the symptoms are evident. According to the stages of cancer the treatment choices differ. The extent of the disease and its different stages must be known to the patient.

Pleural mesothelioma (lungs) includes two stage systems: TNM system and Brighan system. These systems are commonly used in other kinds of cancers. TNM system is also used in Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdominal) as this cancer has no definite staging system. Tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis are three variables of TNM system. In stage I of mesothelioma, the malignant mesothelioma cells begin to grow on one layer of pleura. Pleura are the membrane that encircles the lungs and outlines the wall of the chest cavity. In some cases, in this stage the pericardium membrane and the diaphragm cover are already affected.

In stage II of mesothelioma, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by the cancerous cells. In this stage only one side of the body is affected. Pleura generates a small amount of lubricating fluid. This fluid allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The extra fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels. In the second stage, this fluid gets filled in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall that leads to pleural effusion. This results in problems like shortness of breathing and chest pain. It may also lead to dry and persistent cough.

Mesothelioma symptoms visibility

Mesothelioma Patients suffers from chest pains, difficulties in breathing, anemia, bowl problem and various other problems. Doctors always suggest a regular health checkup. But due to the fact of sophisticated lifestyles we live in, we simply can not make that commitment. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer which is caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma patients are most probably worked in an asbestos environment, or inhale asbestos deadly fiber. People were not aware of the deadly effect asbestos cause, but when scientists found the dramatic result, they banned the thing.

Basically, mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, which forms malignant cells in the layers of internal organs such as lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. However there is no connection of smoking with Mesothelioma. But smoking can stimulate other asbestos induced cancers. Mesothelioma is known as very aggressive cancer in which the cells in stars to divide uncontrollably and starts to invade and destroy other cells of the organs. Nearly 3000 people are diagnosed by Mesothelioma each year in American alone.

Doctors explain the symptoms are likely to get seen after many years. Therefore, people should do total health checkup once a year. With X-ray and CT scan, the detection of many diseases including mesothelioma is possible, although the prognosis is very poor. The life expectancy of the mesothelioma patients is from four months to eighteen months. However if the mesothelioma patient is below the danger stage, the life expectancy can be increased from two years to five years. Even though the doctors have not yet any conclusive reasons to prove how exactly asbestos causes mesothelioma, they have concluded that working in asbestos is very hazardous and cause mesothelioma.

Treatments like radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are mostly practiced for treating mesothelioma patients. Out of which, chemotherapy is held as the best to increase the life expectancy which depends on the age and the stage of the disease.

Coping with the Mesothelioma cancer

Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer which was seen in many people who worked in a asbestos environment in their working atmosphere. Due to the face that asbestos was the main reason to form mesothelioma cancer in the body; the government banned the use of asbestos in the industries and working areas. Coping with cancer is very overwhelming experience that can not be described. Mesothelioma patients generally fall apart whenever they are diagnosed. Even a non-smoker can suffer from mesothelioma if he works in asbestos environment. Without a delay, every people should do a regular checkup to avoid late detection on many diseases, and when it comes around for mesothelioma, the symptoms can never be seen for years. Then when the symptoms in mesothelioma start to get visible, it has probably crossed the stage when it is too late to do successful treatment.

Mesothelioma cancers spread all over the internal organs very aggressively leaving nothing in its path. It is very dangerous and prognosis is pretty slim. However if the mesothelioma is detected in time, there could be strong hope. Treatments include Chemotherapy, Radiation, Surgery, and other Herbal/Ayurbedic treatment. Even the survival rate of mesothelioma is not more than two to five years; some mesothelioma patients are so strong they fight each moment with full emotional confidence, and this help to boost their psychological immunity to fight back this deadly cancer.

It is not certainly an easy to deal with the condition and the drama for mesothelioma patients. There is certainly a hope, and the medical treatments have advanced to deal with such fatal disease with new technology and medicines. Mesothelioma patients need more care and more support than before because they feel very demoralized and extremely alone. It is challenging task but that is the best way to give a hope, love and care to mesothelioma patients which can work psychologically much better than medicines.

Mesothelioma is a killer disease

Caring for mesothelioma patients can be very overwhelming because of emotional drama and family crisis that anyone was not expecting to experience. But it has happened and one got to deal with it and take the maximum care of mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by the harmful fiber called asbestos which are used in many industries and factories. People who worked under such environment suffered from mesothelioma cancers, and soon after scientists found the cause, Government banned that stuff from using them anywhere.

Nearly 3000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer each year in America. Things are quite worst in other countries as well. However, many mesothelioma patients have no history of smoking or chewing tobacco. So this concludes that smoking is not the only reason for mesothelioma cancer but the core reason behind this is the killer asbestos.

Mesothelioma patients go very dramatically weak, and emotionally alone, sad and very depressed. During such time family and friends need to coup with the situation, be there with the patients, talk to them, and create a happy atmosphere all around. In addition to this, the treatments such as Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Surgery are available to the mesothelioma patients. All these treatments, however, depend on the situation of patients’ health, their age, and the stage of the cancer. Generally, if the mesothelioma cancer is in its first stage and early second stage, the survival rate is very high. But the mesothelioma patients never know they have cancers until they do some special detection process by MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and do the bronchoscope. The symptoms are very rare, but they start to slowly appear in the patients. Symptoms like chest pain, difficulties in breathing, sudden weight loss, fatigue, continuous cough and others. These symptoms may or may not be visible once the cancer starts to spread. It takes years, maybe decade for symptoms to show up.

How Mesothelioma causes?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, which is rare, and this is caused by toxic and extremely dangerous fiber asbestos. In most of the industries, the asbestos were used until scientists found that they give rise to the formation of cancerous cells in the body, especially in internal organs like lungs, abdominal cavity, and heart. Mesothelioma patients requires reliable source of information and medical attention for the best available treatment.

Mesothelioma diagnosis is done from various ways. X-rays, CT scans can diagnose a person whether he or she is suffering from mesothelioma or not. Then process may include a biopsy on of the area. Usually, the symptoms in mesothelioma patients may not be visible for decades, but someone who works constantly in asbestos environment; they are more likely to get mesothelioma cancer. Moreover, the symptoms could be related to other diseases. So it is better to do a full body checkup from time to time and become sure about one’s health. And a well experienced physician should be handling all of these treatments and check ups.

Mesothelioma patients need a special treatment, possible from reputed doctors. Finding hope and help could be very crucial from the patients. There is always a hope and miracle could happen, and it has happened before. In addition to it, mesothelioma patients need more care, support, love from friends and families. They are deep in need of attention during such crisis time.

Medical treatments for mesothelioma patients include Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation and other types of treatment. These treatments depend on the stage of mesothelioma cancer. The more stage it advances, the more difficult it becomes. The prognosis of mesothelioma is quite slim, but if it is detected in time, the survival rate can be increased, and sometime eliminate the cancer completely.

Hope for Mesothelioma patients

Mesothelioma patients have normally the option of three treatments. First one is Surgery, Second Chemotherapy and Third Radiation therapy. All of these treatments may or may not be that successful for the patient. But it has been seen in some cases when mesothelioma patients have longer life rate with the treatments. Besides the treatments, it is also about psychological treatment. Family and friends should take a great care of mesothelioma patients because during this dark hour, friends and family can create a light of hope to brighten up that hour.

Generally speaking, the symptoms in mesothelioma patients are breathing problem, chest paint, weight loss, fatigue, bowl problem, anemia and others. These symptoms may or may not be seen at the early stage in the patients. Scientists have already found that mesothelioma cancers are caused by constant inhale of the deadly fiber called asbestos which were used in many industries in twentieth century. Now the use of asbestos is completely banned. However, the smoking is not related to mesothelioma cancers but it may trigger to form cancer cells induced by asbestos.

People, who work in asbestos environment, are more likely to get this cancer. Although scientists are not yet able to find how exactly asbestos creates the formation cancerous cells in the internal organs, they have found that as soon as asbestos reached inside the lung by respiration, the development of mesothelioma cancer starts aggressively. Mesothelioma patients have very slim rate of survival, and the average rate of survival is not more than eighteen months. The treatment like chemotherapy is considered best to prolong lifespan to certain extent. There is always a hope, always a miracle waiting to happen. Mesothelioma patients should never give up and fight it back psychologically. There are many stories where mesothelioma patients fight it back, and lived more than ten years.

How to Detect Mesothelioma cancer

An intensive care and support is always most vital for mesothelioma patients. They sometime work more than medicine and doctor. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. The main cause for this cancer is due to inhalation of dangerous fiber called asbestos which was used in many industries in twentieth century. These asbestos, when inhaled for long time, trigger the formation of malignant cells in the internal organs. Although scientists have no clue how exactly the asbestos works and creates this deadly cells. But they do know that as soon as asbestos reaches inside, there is big chance that the person, who inhaled the asbestos, will suffer from mesothelioma anytime soon.

Mesothelioma patients may have different symptoms such as consistent cough, chest pain, breathing problem, anemia, problem in bowl, sudden loss in weight and others. These symptoms are visible in the patients, but this may be related to other diseases. To confirm, there are various ways to find out. Doctors suggest doing CT scan, X-ray and MRI. Furthermore, a biopsy is suggested to make more confirmation. However, the symptoms are usually seen after many years, and at that time, it might be too late. A regular checkup in hospital, click from experienced doctors is always recommended.

The treatment of mesothelioma cancers are started as soon as they are diagnosed. Mesothelioma patients are given Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and do Surgery when possible. Surgery is done when the cancer is in its initial stage. When the cancer crosses second stage and reaches third, the mesothelioma patients are given chemotherapy which is very good and help in increase lifespan. However there are many other treatments which are practiced by doctors and other medical practitioners with mesothelioma patients. Those treatments have some benefits for some patients. Most importantly, the early detection is the way to eliminate the cancer from the root. With the positive attitude and confidence, mesothelioma patients can fight it and win the battle.

Asbestos victory at Supreme Court for families of cancer victims

Families fighting for compensation after loved ones died of an asbestos-related cancer won their battle yesterday.

The decision by Supreme Court appeal judges may help ­thousands more mesothelioma victims get payouts.
Judges ruled in favour of relatives of Dianne Willmore, 49, and Enid Costello, 74, who both died after suffering “low level” poisoning.

Mrs Willmore was exposed as a child to asbestos in school toilets in Huyton, Merseyside. Mrs Costello worked at a drum factory in ­Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Widower Barre Willmore, now due £240,000, said: “Money isn’t everything.”

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/03/10/asbestos-victory-at-supreme-court-for-families-of-cancer-victims-115875-22978231/#ixzz1GDXf17hU