Opting for the Right Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma is one of those cancer types that is not very common but once it strikes the results tend to be very terrible. The greatest problem with Mesothelioma is that it has to be spotted at a very early stage or else it can be extremely fatal. Once it has been identified, the right kind of treatment can be rendered to eliminate it. For many scientists, knowing all information there is to know about Mesothelioma is extremely important because there are more and more people suffering from it.
The first issue of contention pertaining to Mesothelioma is why and how it comes about. Research and study has revealed that Mesothelioma is likely to come about after exposure to asbestos. Another pertinent issue that has recently come to light is that the life expectancy of Mesothelioma is quite restricted.
Towards the end of the first half of the 20th Century, there were many people who were part of the industrial revolution in America and most of these people were greatly exposed to asbestos. There being no proper scientific and technological advancements at the time, very little was known about this particular kind of cancer and no diagnosis was actually made.
However, in the 1970's people who had been exposed to asbestos were developing certain similar symptoms and this began to raise eyebrows. Individuals working in environments like mines, shipyards, construction sites and so on were giving off signs and symptoms that were similar.
From then onwards, a more in-depth study and analysis of the disease began to take center stage and soon, the disease was properly studied to eventually determine how it could be dealt with. The most momentous event in the struggle to uncover secrets about Mesothelioma came with the death of Steve McQueen who was one of the biggest movie stars in Hollywood. He was diagnosed to have died of peritoneal Mesothelioma in the late 1970's.
Generally, there is a great similarity between the symptoms of Mesothelioma and those of other forms of cancer for instance the lung cancer or the throat cancer. This makes it quite difficult and almost impossible to tell which kind of cancer it is and confidently conclude that it is Mesothelioma.
In most cases, health experts will study the symptoms in relation to the medical history of the person who is suffering from the Mesothelioma. In case this person is often in places where they are exposed to asbestos then, a certain route of treatment is taken and this depends on the level or stage of the cancer that has been diagnosed.
During the treatment, there are other variables that are bound to create some problem for instance the age or even other health conditions that one might be suffering from. This gives Mesothelioma more complex issues to deal with but on the whole, chemotherapy has been widely regarded as one of the most reliable treatment options because it registers more survival figures in comparison to other treatment forms.

Everything You Need to Know About the Stages of Lung Cancer

If you happen to be dealing with the lung cancer disease it will be very important to understand what it is and how to treat it effectively. Many people tend to not care and give up before they even try to gather information about it.
Some of the most effective treatments include chemotherapy and radiation therapy to the upper parts of the body. The upper body parts where this therapy is rendered include the chest areas. The chemotherapy could be with the prophylactic cranial irradiation or even without it.
There are many ways that you can treat lung cancer but all of these ways are very painful and more often than not end up leading to no improvement. Radiation therapy can be rendered to the parts of the body that are affected by the cancer. There are many natural ways you can look into in order to treat lung cancer but many have not been proven to work.
There are some cases in which miracles happen and people are cured. To be honest you really never know and it is truly worth a try to give some of these natural methods a try. You can find out a lot of information on the natural methods by searching online. You will also come across many people who have tried out these methods. You will be able to learn a lot from these people.
In the event that the cancer occurs in the lung area and in just a few of the cells, then the treatment will have to be surgery or even photo dynamic therapy simply because it will not have developed to the lung's top lining. On occasions when the lymph nodes are part of the attacked areas, then the treatment will have to include surgery which will eliminate the tumor as well as the lymph nodes.
Getting surgery is a very risky move and you should consider all other options possible before making a the final decision of going through with the surgery. This is a very important decision so make sure you give it a lot of thought.
Even though there is no cure for this disease it is very important to keep your hopes up and stay focus on have a positive outlook. Many people who are diagnosed with this disease end up giving up before they even try to fight it and this often leads to a huge depression.

The Problems With Mesothelioma Cancer Compensation

It is now common knowledge that exposure to asbestos can cause some grave health issues especially if the exposure is for an increased period of time. However, for a very long time, the issues of contention with asbestos were never really attended to and for this reason; many people became victim to the side effects of this exposure to asbestos. This is why every day that passes, more and more cases of lung disease arising from asbestos are seen.
One might have been exposed to asbestos over a very long period of time and the exposure could have ended several years ago. However, the effects of this asbestos are so profound that several years later, this person can begin to come under the effects of Mesothelioma cancer which is essentially brought about by the increased asbestos exposure. The trouble with this kind of cancer is that the vast majority of people who have it usually realize when it is a little late and so they do not live for much longer.
If someone worked at a place where there was massive exposure to asbestos, there is a chance that such a person can claim asbestos compensation owing to the fact that they could be unwell because of the exposure to asbestos which the employer should have dealt with appropriately. The biggest problem with this compensation is that the Mesothelioma cancer usually does not show up until several years or even decades after the exposure. This therefore creates a great complexity which tends to drag the compensation claim and act as a slowing factor.
There have been some breakthroughs however and the latest being the news about recent Mesothelioma solicitors who were able to successfully win a very paramount case that could very well help direct and hasten asbestos compensations claims. The judge who presided over the case made a landmark ruling that the insurance policy that stood at the time when the exposure to asbestos occurred was more relevant than the one that stood at the current time. This creates a milestone in that the modern insurance policies are now keen on excluding the insurance from any kind of liability arising from the several cases of asbestos.
If however the judge had made a contrary ruling, there would be a huge problem because the asbestos claimants would have to directly sue their employer. This therefore means that many firms and business would have closed shop by now. The success of a Mesothelioma lawyer in such a case means that whoever was an asbestos compensation claimant will now find it easier to go about their claiming.
This however does not mean that suddenly everything is very easy to sort out in terms of the many Mesothelioma compensation cases. However, one needs to note that only the well informed Mesothelioma solicitors should be able to handle the claim. There being many individuals hoping to get asbestos compensation, one can be sure that a good, experienced and professional Mesothelioma lawyer will surely help them work out their asbestos compensation within the shortest time possible.

Important Information About Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a dangerous cancerous disease that is brought about by exposure to asbestos. It usually develops as a cancer that grows in the large internal organ linings. Due to the nature of the asbestos fibers which are generally minuscule, they usually get lodged into the lining of the organs in the body and with time create a suitable environment for the cancerous tumors to begin to grow.
From the first time one is exposed to asbestos to the time when the Mesothelioma actually begins to develop, there can be several decades in between. This explains why many people are unable to tell that they have Mesothelioma only for them to realize when it is a little too late for any significant treatment to be carried out.
Workers who play their trade in construction or building sites and shipyards are prone to exposure to asbestos and this can be quite dangerous. Over time, the inhalation of the asbestos fibers means that they have a lot of this asbestos in their bodies and this creates a situation of Mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma cancer usually attacks the stomach, lungs and heart.
Mesothelioma comes in several forms for instance a not-so-common form known as pleural which attacks the lungs. It comes about when the asbestos fibers that are inhaled find themselves lodged within the lung's linings and surrounding areas.
In case the fibers of the asbestos somehow get lodged in the stomach's lining then you are looking at peritoneal Mesothelioma. This one comes about especially when someone eats food that is covered in microscopic asbestos fibers. This fibrous lining can sit in the stomach for a very long time without causing any visible problems.
However, in time, it will begin to give rise to an environment suitable for growth of the cancer cells. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is not as common as pleural Mesothelioma with a 10-20 percent of the Mesothelioma patient population known to be suffering from it.
The small asbestos fibers are also known to get stuck within the lining of the heart and this is where the cancer can begin to grow. Scientifically, this kind of Mesothelioma is known as pericardial Mesothelioma and is found in about 10 percent of all the Mesothelioma cases there are.
Mesothelioma is usually treated with several combination procedures for instance surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. A well treated Mesothelioma condition can somehow reduce the negative impact of the disease and even heal it altogether. However, this can only be true if the Mesothelioma is discovered at a much earlier stage so that the cancer is properly dealt with by the treatment.
Even though it is quite difficult to know if you have this cancer at an early stage it is not impossible by doing your monthly checkups. Make sure to ask your doctor to check for it since many times there will not be any physical warning symptoms at all.

Demystifying Mesothelioma and Creating Solutions

One of the rare cancer forms is Mesothelioma which is caused by increased exposure to asbestos. The asbestos is usually made from tiny little fibers which on several occasions are used to create insulation within houses, office buildings, educational institutions and several other buildings.
Being in touch with asbestos does not only put you at risk of contracting Mesothelioma it also makes it possible for you to acquire many other related illnesses. The asbestos also makes it difficult for experts to lay their hands on just one problem and just one solution. There are several other complications that are brought on by the Mesothelioma for instance the kidneys or throat.
Exposure to asbestos leads to abdominal Mesothelioma which is a condition that comes about due to constant and extreme exposure to asbestos. On the other hand, pleural Mesothelioma is evident in individuals who have come in contact with lesser fibers that have not been exposed to great levels of asbestos.
It may take several years before one sees any signs that Mesothelioma is the problem and needs a solution. Many a time, the symptoms show up but are quickly discarded as issues to do with aging. Therefore if you know anyone who was exposed to the asbestos then they must visit a medical doctor to tell you the way forward. Equally, if you experience any lung problems and they are consistent, then you need to visit a doctor right away.
It is important not to forget that the symptoms can often be misjudged to be old age and so on and so forth. Many people actually wait for the more profound and harsh symptoms to show up before they can begin to think of doing getting a diagnosis as soon as possible. This introduces us to the concept of diagnosis.
The early stages of Mesothelioma can be difficult to track because there are symptoms that are usually linked to aging and other processes of life. That said, it is important to bear in mind the other Mesothelioma symptoms can be identified. Several people with pleural Mesothelioma usually tend to run out of breath with some kind of ache just under the ribs.
If anyone has been in contact with asbestos, they should get an MRI or an x-ray carried out on them. The treatment that will follow thereafter will really depend on the analysis of the expert who will use the CT scanning to identify if there is at all any growth inhibited by the Mesothelioma.
The shortness of breath as well as the pain within your chest area are caused by the increased fluid within the pleura. This usually points to nothing other than pleural Mesothelioma even though peritoneal Mesothelioma also has weight loss along with abdominal pain as well as others like swelling which emerge from the collected fluid in the abdomen.
All these apparent symptoms might be as a result of Mesothelioma. However, it could take several years before you can actually realize that you have Mesothelioma. Whether it is peritoneal or pleural cancer, the organ that has been affected could begin leaking fluid well into the areas nearby, for instance the area around the chest and it could even disintegrate into symptoms related with congestive heart failure.

The Implications of Having Lung Cancer

In medical terms, the spread of cancer form one part of the body to another is known as staging. The early days of the cancer, when the cancer has just began in the lungs, are known as stage 1 lung cancer. At this moment, the malignant tumor is restricted to just one place and it somehow begins its spread to other parts of the body.
The spread which starts in the lungs entails the malignant cancer cells being really small and being present in the lungs but beginning to spread to other organs of the body while destroying the tissues. Also known as the primary tumor, this tumor tends to grow from the tissues within the lungs where it is located. At this particular stage, no matter how early it might be, the lung cancer survival rate is not as high in comparison to other types of cancer.
Lung cancer is known as one of the most dangerous forms of cancer in the world today and it is responsible for over 100,000 deaths each year. Even with such staggering statistics prevailing, there are still many people who are unaware that smoking tobacco or cigarettes for that matter is the leading reason for the cases of lung cancer. On the other hand, 2nd hand smoking which is also known as passive smoking is even more dangerous than the 1st hand smoking especially pertaining to stage 1 lung cancer.
Cigarettes are usually filled with nicotine which is addictive yet toxic to people. If there is excessive exposure to the carcinogenic materials or pollutants, then there is the worry that the cells in the lungs might experience uncoordinated and abnormal growth patterns.
This uncoordinated growth of the cells usually leads to a tumor which can be seen as the beginning of the cancerous invasion. In the early stages, the lymph nodes are not affected by the cancer cells and survival rate at the early stages stands at 50-60% chances of complete cure.
Stage 1 cancer usually manifests itself in various ways and if identified quickly, it can be treated and there are higher chances that one might not come under a lung cancer infection. The early symptoms of this condition include very shallow breath as well as wheezing sounds. The area around the chest is usually where all this pain is felt and the chest pain becomes a very common occurrence when it comes to the growth of the tumor in the areas of the lungs.
There is usually persistent or sometimes chronic cough which is also known as smokers cough. Several infections begin to emerge within the lungs for instance bronchitis or even in some cases pneumonia and these all contribute to the build up of lung cancer.
In case any of these symptoms show up, a medical professional must be alerted for a solution to be devised. The professional will recommend the most suitable treatment approach for you after reviewing your condition with the disease.

Long Term Cancer Treatment Effects (The Secret of Life Has Been Found in My Back Yard)

I was sitting on the patio the other day. It was a nice cool Florida morning that you get on the east coast before summer sets in for good.
While Sampson the Chihuahua busily chased a variety of bugs and lizards' around reminding them that they were a little late in vacating the premises from the previous nights yard party, I caught a glimpse of a squirrel watching me from the limb of the tree that overhangs a backyard fountain, he was wondering when I would be moving on so he could get a drink, hopefully before the water turned warm from the Florida sun.
Butterflies flittering in the cool morning breeze, staying just out of reach of the small brown dog running wild in the grass. The daily bird fight for tree branch supremacy taking place in the background.
I sat in my chair watching the ongoing dramas of the backyard opera unfold before my eyes, and I was content, dare I say happy.
Lucky, maybe that's the better word.
I sat and thought about the scare I had a few months ago when my follow up scan had revealed that at the spot where my tumor is located and had been laying dormant for the past couple of years, a large mass had appeared. I thought about the various tests and scans that I underwent from November to February.
Most of all I remember the relief I felt when I finally received a call from the University of Florida telling me that this large mass in what remains of my right lung was not cancerous.
A small lizard caught my eye and I watched it fearlessly climb the side of the fountain, although he had no idea what was awaiting him at the top of his climb, the very same fountain that the homeland security squirrel had kept under surveillance for quite some time now, patiently waiting, never losing site of where he was or what he wanted.
As I watched that fearless little lizard, he stopped suddenly, sensing the danger from a low flying bird, he stayed perfectly still and then when danger had passed, he made his way to the water basin. It occurred to me that I was more apprehensive in the months from November to February then during the time when I was diagnosed and being treated for small cell lung cancer. I think more then anything else, because unlike my friend the lizard, I did not sense the impending danger. The fact that something was not right came as a total surprise. I had gotten comfortable with where I was in my recovery and was rewarded for that complacency with a swift slap in the head as a reminder that If I want to continue to survive, I should never let my guard down.
At the point in time after I was originally diagnosed, I was receiving radiation twice a day along with chemotherapy. Everything was what it was, the only unknown at that point was whether A) I could survive the treatment and B) Would the treatment be enough to stop the cancer. But this last thing was out of the blue and for a period of time, a crew of different Doctors from different institutions and back rounds couldn't figure out what it was or why it was there.
So here it is in a nutshell.
Once you survive the initial treatment and that treatment provides positive results, you start to slowly put your toes back into life's swimming pool, carefully testing the water to see how cold it is.
Step by step inch by inch you commit a little more into living, At some point prior to cancer, you might have fearlessly dove in without even knowing how deep the water was but now you move a little slower, a little more apprehensive, forever aware that there could be danger ahead as the water gets deeper. Before you know it, as time passes you once again find yourself wading in the water.
If your very lucky, you never again have to be startled back into reality by someone yelling, "GET OUT OF THE POOL!" just as you were getting comfortable.
So I get this phone call from a doctor at the University of Florida with my test results.
From what they could tell, the mass was not the tumor becoming active but basically a cloud in my lung comprised of dead cells and tissue which had succumb to the prolong effects of radiation treatment. Are these fresh cells that have recently died or past relics from the epic battles that took place inside my lung a few years prior? We may never know.
Some things we know all too well..
We know about the side effects of radiation treatment as we are receiving it. We have a pretty good idea of what to expect from chemotherapy treatments. But what about a couple of miles down the road? What are the long term effects and should they be a concern?
Here's what I think I know.( I had radiation to the brain, so sometimes I get a little confused.)
For the first five years after lung cancer treatment, you see your oncologist every three then six months as time moves on. Five years is the benchmark. It's all about "Alive at Five" baby.
After that I'm not sure (Get to five and we'll talk). I believe that you fall under the responsibility of your regular physician.
I know I have written quite a bit about fighting cancer and what it takes to survive as you are going through treatment, but I think this is the first time that I have dared to let myself think beyond the five year wall. I guess the recent flare up, startled me back into the realization that this is no longer a sprint for me it's a marathon and It might be ok for me to start thinking long term again.
I know that lung cancer is notorious for its rate of reoccurrence. So that's the first culprit I have to be always aware of. I know that some of the other possible long term side effects from radiation and chemo treatment range from kidney and liver issues, cataracts, severe tooth decay, hypothyroidism, intestinal problems and then a variety of secondary cancers and lung disease.
I know that if you have had radiation to the brain, you are open to memory loss, difficulty concentrating and bouts of confusion.
I know that not a whole lot is known about the long term effects of these treatments, maybe because in the world of lung cancer, five years is long term.
Here's what I know for sure.
1) Any long term side effect you receive from lung cancer treatment should be considered as the "price of admission" for being allowed back into life's swimming pool.
2) Lung cancer is an ongoing fight, the true definition of beating lung cancer is simply holding it off for as many years as it takes to die from something better. Like old age.
3) As it is with fighting the initial battle, the long term vigilance should involve a proper diet, exercise, stress maintenance, regular medical checkups, staying aware of yourself ( if it don't feel right, it's probably wrong) get it checked out.
You might want to keep a journal from diagnosis onward to help keep track of changes and challenges along the way.
4) Enjoy life, if we are discussing long term, (a few miles down the road past the five year rest stop.) then you my friend are fortunate. I hope that you are finding ways to take advantage of the additional time you earned by surviving.
Bottom line on long term side effects....
Don't spend any time worrying about them. It's pointless and worry leads to stress. Just be aware of yourself and watch for changes within. Remember there might be setbacks just react as needed. If you do experience long term effects keep one thing in mind, you are still alive, even when the odds were stacked so heavily against you, is there really anything so great that you can't now handle?
So now it's time for me to begin moving forward with my day. I push my daily bout of thankful reflection to the back of my mind and start thinking about today.
At my feet lay my little dog napping, exhausted from his back yard triumphs of chasing butterflies. I look up and there still sit's the squirrel patiently waiting for his drink. Just below him, sitting in the fountain is the lizard, who bravely faced the unknown to get where he needed to go.
My thought today is that if I could learn to live like these three little guys: Without fear like the lizard, Vigilant like the squirrel, and always willing to chase butterflies like Sampson the pup.
I might just make it quite a ways farther down the road then anyone expected.

Tim Giardina is the co-founder and President of the GFLCCO as well as a current small cell lung cancer survivor. The GFLCCO is developing a World Wide network of supporters with facts and information regarding lung cancer, lung cancer treatment, proper diets and exercise and alternative medicines and treatments as well as valuable links to a deep pool of resourses for patients and their families.