Mesothalmia: Mesothalmia Leads to Mesothelioma Due to Asbestos Exposure
Cancer Mesothelioma, Cancer Symptoms, Cancer Treatments, Diseases, Mesothalmia, Symptoms, Treatments June 10th, 2008
Mesothalmia results in mesothelioma cancer, a disease that is a result of exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. If asbestos fibers are breathed in, they travel to the ends of the small air passages and cause lung cancer and various asbestos related diseases. There are no known cures for mesothelioma. There are treatment options that you can avail of to fight against this asbestos related disease. You can opt for surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and clinical trials. Surgery is a common treatment for malignant mesothelioma. Part of the lining of the chest may be removed, as also a lung. In therapy radiation, the doctor may drain the fluid out of the body. Chemotherapy is another option. Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos like miners, shipyard workers and construction fields.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers – it is used in construction, ship-building and household appliances – also in insulation materials and building materials including asbestos cement. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases small fibers that can be breathed into the lungs. This causes the body’s defence system to break down and leads to inflammation in the lung tissue. Asbestos fibers can also be swallowed and can stick in the digestive system. Over years, it can develop into mesothelioma cancer. People most likely to be exposed to asbestos include plumbers, electricians, ship builders, demolition workers and those who live near asbestos factories.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Around 15% of Mesothelioma cases are found in the early stages before the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. There is a 5 year survival rate and a 50% chance if it has not spread to the lymph nodes during surgery. Early cases are found as a result of tests done for other medical conditions. There are usually no symptoms until it has spread too far to be cured, but sometimes symptoms do occur and should be treated. Some of the symptoms are a lingering cough, chest pain or hoarseness, unexplained fever, shortness of breath, numbness of a limb, bone pain or jaundice.
Prevention: a few healthy tips
Reducing your risk to asbestos could lower your risk of mesothelioma. Workers in the mining field, factory workers, railroad workers, gas mask manufacturers, construction workers and ship builders are at risk. Follow safety precautions at work such as protective equipment. Shower and change before going home. Ask your doctor about further precautions. Older homes and buildings may contain asbestos. Sometimes, it is more dangerous to remove it, as breaking up the fibers can send them into the air and can enter the body as you breathe. Consult experts before buying an old home. They can test the air and decide whether your health is at risk. Never try to remove asbestos from your home – always hire a professional.
Explore treatment options that are available. Surgical procedures to remove mesothelioma are available and the procedures to reduce symptoms are explained. Be aware of all the treatment options before making a decision. As with all types of cancer treatment, it depends on the age and health of the patient, the location of the cancer and the progression of the disease. Doctors do their best to help relieve patients of their pain by using advanced treatments. Before considering surgery for malignant cancer, the patient’s health needs to be considered. Tests are performed to see how far it has spread. Both heart and lungs should be functioning properly. Aggressive surgery includes removal of a lung – the surgery is both complicated and risky. Chemotherapy is where drugs are used to treat mesothelioma. This is partially successful. In radiation therapy, the tumor is killed by radiation doses.
Treatment Centers
There are a number of medical centers that specialize in mesothelioma treatment. Treatment centers help with therapy trials to treat patients with mesothelioma. These patients, upon diagnosis, usually have less than two years to live with standard treatment. The method involves injecting a virus directly into the patient’s chest and treating the patient with an anti-viral drug that will kill cancer cells. In the thoracic oncology research laboratory at the Cancer center, certain genes are injected into mice and the tumor has been reduced in these animals. In clinical trials, the patient will have this same procedure and be observed for signs of infection and other adverse effects. If the trial is a success on patients, this method will be used. The treatment centers provide counseling, relief and support for all patients suffering from mesthelioma cancer.
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Health Point is such an interesting site! It’s hard to find good information on health and safety signs but it’s all here!
Thanks Jayne…Anytime..If you have any suggestions, its always welcome.