Friday, February 10, 2012
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Background:
"Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs." The disease then proceeds to affect the abdomen wall or in this case, the peritoneum. It then goes on to infect a serious of membranes in the region as well as the membranes that enclose several other major organs. Mesothelioma is most oftenly found in people who have in some way inhaled asbestos particles or other airborn particles at their job or place of residence. Although, there is no connection between mesothelioma and smoking, which is a major factor in lung cancer. While smoking has not been proven to cause mesothelioma, it has been found to increase the risk of other asbestos-induce cancer. Of the 2.6 million annually diagnosed cases of mesolthelioma, 15% to 20% are peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos
"Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long thin fibrous crystals." This naturally occurring substance has been used in fire retardant coatings, bricks, pipes, drywall, and roofing. Its importance became known during the Industrial Revolution and is now being utilized in various ways. Although this mineral has numerous practical appliances, it does have very hazardous effects on the body. If inhaled, asbestos particles are known to cause very serious and potentially fatal diseases such as lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Various other minor effects of asbestos exposure include asbestos warts, pleural plaques, and diffuse pleural thickening. While these conditions can all be a results of asbestos exposure, malignant "peritoneal" mesothelioma is the most deadly. Basically, mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that "attacks the membranes around the lungs, the heart, and the abdominal cavity." Of the various forms of this cancer, mesothelioma of the lung is most common. Mesothelioma of the lung, much like that of lung cancer, is a very deadly and underdiagnosed disease because of the very subtle symptoms. Fortunately for those who have inhaled asbestos fibers, it takes years for the fibers to infect the membranes and then cause fluid accumulation and even tumor development. Asbestos particles are extremely harmful for they can result in the development of lethal diseases.
Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Asbestos Exposure
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_T_Murphy
"Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs." The disease then proceeds to affect the abdomen wall or in this case, the peritoneum. It then goes on to infect a serious of membranes in the region as well as the membranes that enclose several other major organs. Mesothelioma is most oftenly found in people who have in some way inhaled asbestos particles or other airborn particles at their job or place of residence. Although, there is no connection between mesothelioma and smoking, which is a major factor in lung cancer. While smoking has not been proven to cause mesothelioma, it has been found to increase the risk of other asbestos-induce cancer. Of the 2.6 million annually diagnosed cases of mesolthelioma, 15% to 20% are peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos
"Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral with long thin fibrous crystals." This naturally occurring substance has been used in fire retardant coatings, bricks, pipes, drywall, and roofing. Its importance became known during the Industrial Revolution and is now being utilized in various ways. Although this mineral has numerous practical appliances, it does have very hazardous effects on the body. If inhaled, asbestos particles are known to cause very serious and potentially fatal diseases such as lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Various other minor effects of asbestos exposure include asbestos warts, pleural plaques, and diffuse pleural thickening. While these conditions can all be a results of asbestos exposure, malignant "peritoneal" mesothelioma is the most deadly. Basically, mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that "attacks the membranes around the lungs, the heart, and the abdominal cavity." Of the various forms of this cancer, mesothelioma of the lung is most common. Mesothelioma of the lung, much like that of lung cancer, is a very deadly and underdiagnosed disease because of the very subtle symptoms. Fortunately for those who have inhaled asbestos fibers, it takes years for the fibers to infect the membranes and then cause fluid accumulation and even tumor development. Asbestos particles are extremely harmful for they can result in the development of lethal diseases.
Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Asbestos Exposure
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_T_Murphy
Mesothelioma: Know and Understand How It Can Affect You
Malignant mesotheliomas are neoplastic growth of the mesothelial cells in the body. Mesothelial cells are found in the lining of various body cavities. To name, the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and the testes are lined by these cells. The majority of malignant mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, accounting for almost 90% of all cases.
In the United States, the incidence of malignant mesothelioma is pegged at 0.1-0.2 in 100,000 which is higher than the international incidence of 0.9 per 100,000 for both sexes. A two to 10-fold increase in risk is seen among populations that are exposed to asbestos. Around 2500 to 3000 cases are diagnosed each year in the country. Peak incidence of the disease occurs in the 3rd and 4th decade of life, with two thirds of cases occurring in the 5th and 6th decades.
Malignant mesothelioma is more commonly seen among men with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Among men, 53% reported an occupational exposure to asbestos. The most commonly cited job descriptions were explosives workers, naval mechanics, construction workers, miners, automotive mechanics and even bakers. Around 46% of the men reported a prior non-occupational exposure to asbestos. Among women, 75% were reported to have prior exposure to asbestos, half of which were secondary household contact. Epitheloid was the most common histologic subtype found among women, and the mesothelioma most commonly affected the pleura.
Epitheloid, sarcomatous and biphasic (mixed) are the three major histologic subtypes of malignant mesothelioma. Sixty to seventy (60-70%) of mesothelioma are epitheloid. These transformed cells start off as individual nodules and plaques which then later on come together to form sheets. The plaques start at the lower portions of the chest, and slowly progresses upwards to encroach on the upper parts of the chest and interlobar fissures. Tumor growth, in most cases also encases the diaphragm, chest tube and various drainage tracts. If left untreated, the disease can quickly invade the parenchyma of the lungs, the esophagus, and may even reach the great vessels of the heart, as well as the surrounding bony structures such as the chest wall, ribs and vertebrae.
Exposure to asbestos is the principal and commonly cited trigger in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Different forms of asbestos, such as chrysotile, amphibole, erionite, crocidolite, and amosite are all cited to cause the formation of more than 80% of mesotheliomas. Crocidolite asbestos is commonly the cause for mesotheliomas found among miners, asbestos manufacturers, construction and heat workers. The amphiboles are found to be more carcinogenic than its chrysotile counterparts.
Exposure to radiation using silicates such as zeolite and thorium dioxide has also been linked to the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Although as of yet controversial, Simian virus 40 has also been touted to have an etiological role in mesothelioma formation. Chromosomal changes most frequently found in malignant mesothelioma include a loss of a single copy of chromosome 22, modifications to the p16 (CDKN2A) and p14 (ARF) of the tumor suppressor gene, as well as a functional loss of neurofibromin 2 (NF2). Interleukin 8 has also been shown to have a direct effect on the growth potential of mesothelial cells and thus also contributes to the sustained growth of malignant mesothelial cells.
In essence, exposure to asbestos still remains to be the most common instigator in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos by itself has also been touted to cause the majority of mesotheliomas.
Seomul Evans is a senior copywriter for Mesothelioma daily writing about Asbestos Lawyers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seomul_Evans
In the United States, the incidence of malignant mesothelioma is pegged at 0.1-0.2 in 100,000 which is higher than the international incidence of 0.9 per 100,000 for both sexes. A two to 10-fold increase in risk is seen among populations that are exposed to asbestos. Around 2500 to 3000 cases are diagnosed each year in the country. Peak incidence of the disease occurs in the 3rd and 4th decade of life, with two thirds of cases occurring in the 5th and 6th decades.
Malignant mesothelioma is more commonly seen among men with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Among men, 53% reported an occupational exposure to asbestos. The most commonly cited job descriptions were explosives workers, naval mechanics, construction workers, miners, automotive mechanics and even bakers. Around 46% of the men reported a prior non-occupational exposure to asbestos. Among women, 75% were reported to have prior exposure to asbestos, half of which were secondary household contact. Epitheloid was the most common histologic subtype found among women, and the mesothelioma most commonly affected the pleura.
Epitheloid, sarcomatous and biphasic (mixed) are the three major histologic subtypes of malignant mesothelioma. Sixty to seventy (60-70%) of mesothelioma are epitheloid. These transformed cells start off as individual nodules and plaques which then later on come together to form sheets. The plaques start at the lower portions of the chest, and slowly progresses upwards to encroach on the upper parts of the chest and interlobar fissures. Tumor growth, in most cases also encases the diaphragm, chest tube and various drainage tracts. If left untreated, the disease can quickly invade the parenchyma of the lungs, the esophagus, and may even reach the great vessels of the heart, as well as the surrounding bony structures such as the chest wall, ribs and vertebrae.
Exposure to asbestos is the principal and commonly cited trigger in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Different forms of asbestos, such as chrysotile, amphibole, erionite, crocidolite, and amosite are all cited to cause the formation of more than 80% of mesotheliomas. Crocidolite asbestos is commonly the cause for mesotheliomas found among miners, asbestos manufacturers, construction and heat workers. The amphiboles are found to be more carcinogenic than its chrysotile counterparts.
Exposure to radiation using silicates such as zeolite and thorium dioxide has also been linked to the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Although as of yet controversial, Simian virus 40 has also been touted to have an etiological role in mesothelioma formation. Chromosomal changes most frequently found in malignant mesothelioma include a loss of a single copy of chromosome 22, modifications to the p16 (CDKN2A) and p14 (ARF) of the tumor suppressor gene, as well as a functional loss of neurofibromin 2 (NF2). Interleukin 8 has also been shown to have a direct effect on the growth potential of mesothelial cells and thus also contributes to the sustained growth of malignant mesothelial cells.
In essence, exposure to asbestos still remains to be the most common instigator in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos by itself has also been touted to cause the majority of mesotheliomas.
Seomul Evans is a senior copywriter for Mesothelioma daily writing about Asbestos Lawyers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seomul_Evans
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Its said that each year over 2000 to 3000 of malignant pleural Mesothelioma cases are reported and this number is double what was there in the previous years. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is caused due to prolonged exposure to Asbestos. Asbestos was discovered to be a health hazard back in the 1960' and is said to be the main cause of plural mesothelioma. This is a rare type of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs the (plural membrane) or mesothelium for the scientifically inclined.
Pleural mesothelioma can be cured but it all depends on the stage of the cancer, age and overall health. When the disease is detected in the early stages it can be contained through surgery. But over the past rarely have there been any mesothelioma survival cases. The disease is said to lower the prognosis of the patient to the point that being able to live for even a year is conisdered a a miracle.
Its such a dangerous disease and hardly do many people get the chance to detect it early and control it in time. the symptoms are very similar to many other lung related diseases. There are various treatment options for mesothelioma and that includes. Surgery: surgery is a a very effective option because the doctors can remove the parts which are infected but when it comes to malignant cancers surgery is hardly a treatment but more of a control
Chemotherapy: chemo is the most common this is where the doctors get to treat the disease chemically through the use of medicine to counteract the tumor or the cancer. Radiotherapy is also a viable and a widely used treatment option, using ultraviolet rays to burn off the cancerous cells can be applied in this situation. Malignant mesothelioma is said to take 30 to 40 years to develop full and that's why its important that if you have even worked in close contact with Asbestos its important that you keep you health in check, watch out for the symptoms, visit the website to check out the symptoms exhibited by people who have contracted the disease.
Get to know the symptoms that malignant pleural mesotheliom patients exhibit and also get to know what other types of cancers can be caused due to the exposure to Asbestos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Hennry
Pleural mesothelioma can be cured but it all depends on the stage of the cancer, age and overall health. When the disease is detected in the early stages it can be contained through surgery. But over the past rarely have there been any mesothelioma survival cases. The disease is said to lower the prognosis of the patient to the point that being able to live for even a year is conisdered a a miracle.
Its such a dangerous disease and hardly do many people get the chance to detect it early and control it in time. the symptoms are very similar to many other lung related diseases. There are various treatment options for mesothelioma and that includes. Surgery: surgery is a a very effective option because the doctors can remove the parts which are infected but when it comes to malignant cancers surgery is hardly a treatment but more of a control
Chemotherapy: chemo is the most common this is where the doctors get to treat the disease chemically through the use of medicine to counteract the tumor or the cancer. Radiotherapy is also a viable and a widely used treatment option, using ultraviolet rays to burn off the cancerous cells can be applied in this situation. Malignant mesothelioma is said to take 30 to 40 years to develop full and that's why its important that if you have even worked in close contact with Asbestos its important that you keep you health in check, watch out for the symptoms, visit the website to check out the symptoms exhibited by people who have contracted the disease.
Get to know the symptoms that malignant pleural mesotheliom patients exhibit and also get to know what other types of cancers can be caused due to the exposure to Asbestos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Hennry
Mesothelioma Diagnosis - What You Need To Know
If the chest x-ray is suggestive of malignant mesothelioma, it is likely that further investigations will be ordered, especially if compensation may be sought.
These investigations may include additional imaging studies, blood tests, bone scans, and lung-function tests, as well as more invasive procedures such as thoracentesis, thoracoscopy, pleuroscopy or a lung biopsy. This is a typical mesothelioma diagnosis
Mesothelioma diagnosis can be done through chest x-ray. The typical abnormalities seen on chest x-ray in patients with malignant mesohtelioma are pleural effusion (a collection of fluid in the space between the 2 layers of the pleura), or it is called pleural thickening.
Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking Malignancies involving mesothelial cells in these spread cavities are known as malignant mesothelioma, which may be localized or diffuse. Mesothelioma is the word used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, often the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs.
Mesothelioma diagnosis in this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers transcendently of the spread's internal organs. Greatest malignant mesothelioma set up complex karyotypes, with extensive aneuploidy and rearrangement of tons chromosomes.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma.
A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure if mesothelioma diagnosis is done.
If the cancer has length beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the size, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or engage.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and suffering due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity).
Exposure to airborne asbestos particles increases one's risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma has a peak incidence 35-45 years after asbestos exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest or abdomen. Most people with malignant mesothelioma have on worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos.
It can also occur in children; however, these cases are not thought to be associated with asbestos exposure.
Most people who develop mesothelioma get worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.
Treatment options a mesothelioma diagnosis for the management of malignant mesothelioma includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and multimodality treatment. Surgery in victims with disease confined to the pleural space is reasonable.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a more extensive procedure and has a higher mortality rate. Recently, the mortality rate has been lowered to 3.8%. It involves dissection of the parietal pleura; division of the pulmonary vessels; and en bloc resection of the lung, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm followed by reconstruction. It provides the greatest local control because it removes the entire pleural sac along with the lung parenchyma.
The 2 surgical procedures used are pleurectomy with decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Surgical resection has been relied upon because radiation and chemotherapy get hold of been ineffective unequivocal treatments. There are now a number of cancer treatment options open to mesothelioma patients. Extrapleural pneumonectomy for selected victims with very early stage disease may expand recurrence-free survival, but the impact it has on overall survival is unknown at this time.
Mesothelioma diagnosis can be intimidating and can scare a lot of people, but mesothelioma diagnosis may give you a fighting chance if can be diagnose early. So do yourself a favor if you think that what you are suffering from and had worked in an asbestos related workplace.
The purpose of such investigations in mesothelioma diagnosis is to confirm and to determine the type of mesothelioma, to 'stage' the disease (measure how severe it is), and so to assess whether the disease is operable.
Learn more about Mesothelioma Diagnosis [http://www.lingwellness.com/mesothelioma02.php] or Symptoms and Treatments of Mesothelioma [http://www.lingwellness.com/mesothelioma.php], go to: http://www.lingwellness.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shellaine_Enfesta
These investigations may include additional imaging studies, blood tests, bone scans, and lung-function tests, as well as more invasive procedures such as thoracentesis, thoracoscopy, pleuroscopy or a lung biopsy. This is a typical mesothelioma diagnosis
Mesothelioma diagnosis can be done through chest x-ray. The typical abnormalities seen on chest x-ray in patients with malignant mesohtelioma are pleural effusion (a collection of fluid in the space between the 2 layers of the pleura), or it is called pleural thickening.
Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking Malignancies involving mesothelial cells in these spread cavities are known as malignant mesothelioma, which may be localized or diffuse. Mesothelioma is the word used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, often the lungs, heart, or abdominal organs.
Mesothelioma diagnosis in this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers transcendently of the spread's internal organs. Greatest malignant mesothelioma set up complex karyotypes, with extensive aneuploidy and rearrangement of tons chromosomes.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma.
A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure if mesothelioma diagnosis is done.
If the cancer has length beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the size, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or engage.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and suffering due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity).
Exposure to airborne asbestos particles increases one's risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma has a peak incidence 35-45 years after asbestos exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac lining the chest or abdomen. Most people with malignant mesothelioma have on worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos.
It can also occur in children; however, these cases are not thought to be associated with asbestos exposure.
Most people who develop mesothelioma get worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.
Treatment options a mesothelioma diagnosis for the management of malignant mesothelioma includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and multimodality treatment. Surgery in victims with disease confined to the pleural space is reasonable.
Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a more extensive procedure and has a higher mortality rate. Recently, the mortality rate has been lowered to 3.8%. It involves dissection of the parietal pleura; division of the pulmonary vessels; and en bloc resection of the lung, pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm followed by reconstruction. It provides the greatest local control because it removes the entire pleural sac along with the lung parenchyma.
The 2 surgical procedures used are pleurectomy with decortication and extrapleural pneumonectomy.
Surgical resection has been relied upon because radiation and chemotherapy get hold of been ineffective unequivocal treatments. There are now a number of cancer treatment options open to mesothelioma patients. Extrapleural pneumonectomy for selected victims with very early stage disease may expand recurrence-free survival, but the impact it has on overall survival is unknown at this time.
Mesothelioma diagnosis can be intimidating and can scare a lot of people, but mesothelioma diagnosis may give you a fighting chance if can be diagnose early. So do yourself a favor if you think that what you are suffering from and had worked in an asbestos related workplace.
The purpose of such investigations in mesothelioma diagnosis is to confirm and to determine the type of mesothelioma, to 'stage' the disease (measure how severe it is), and so to assess whether the disease is operable.
Learn more about Mesothelioma Diagnosis [http://www.lingwellness.com/mesothelioma02.php] or Symptoms and Treatments of Mesothelioma [http://www.lingwellness.com/mesothelioma.php], go to: http://www.lingwellness.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shellaine_Enfesta
What Everyone Should Know About Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a term that refers to nearly every case of mesothelioma. Although previously some medical professionals used the term benign mesothelioma to refer to some forms of mesothelioma, this has changed in recent years. Conditions that were formerly called benign mesothelioma have now been reclassified as another, separate condition.
What does malignant mean?
In general, malignant is a term used to describe conditions that are getting worse. For cancer, this usually means that the tumor is growing; affecting healthy tissue located nearby, and that it may metastasize.
What is malignant mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, the tissues that supports and protects organs within the body. There are four types of malignant mesothelioma, although testicular mesothelioma is so rare that less than one hundred cases have been reported. The three more common forms of this cancer include pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial.
- Pleural mesothelioma affects the tissues around the lungs and the lungs themselves. This is the most common form of mesothelioma. About three out of every four cases of mesothelioma are classified as pleural mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal region of patients who are diagnosed with this disease. It is concentrated in the tissues surrounding these organs. Peritoneal is the second most common form of the disease, comprising between 10 and 20 percent of all cases.
- Pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare of these three forms, affects the tissues surrounding the heart. It is far less common than the other two forms but more common than testicular mesothelioma.
Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic compound used in a variety of industries and still found in buildings and workplaces in the United States. Patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma when they report symptoms of the disease to their doctors. However, the symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are similar to those of many other conditions, so it is extremely important to tell your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos so he or she will know to test for this form of cancer.
There are several forms of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery to remove tumors when possible, chemotherapy, and radiation. In general, these treatments are more successful when the disease is caught earlier.
Finding out that you have malignant mesothelioma can be a frightening realization. For the legal guidance you need, contact the Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys at Landry and Swarr who have experience working with families in this area of the law, and can help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_M_Matthews
What does malignant mean?
In general, malignant is a term used to describe conditions that are getting worse. For cancer, this usually means that the tumor is growing; affecting healthy tissue located nearby, and that it may metastasize.
What is malignant mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, the tissues that supports and protects organs within the body. There are four types of malignant mesothelioma, although testicular mesothelioma is so rare that less than one hundred cases have been reported. The three more common forms of this cancer include pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial.
- Pleural mesothelioma affects the tissues around the lungs and the lungs themselves. This is the most common form of mesothelioma. About three out of every four cases of mesothelioma are classified as pleural mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal region of patients who are diagnosed with this disease. It is concentrated in the tissues surrounding these organs. Peritoneal is the second most common form of the disease, comprising between 10 and 20 percent of all cases.
- Pericardial mesothelioma, the most rare of these three forms, affects the tissues surrounding the heart. It is far less common than the other two forms but more common than testicular mesothelioma.
Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic compound used in a variety of industries and still found in buildings and workplaces in the United States. Patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma when they report symptoms of the disease to their doctors. However, the symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are similar to those of many other conditions, so it is extremely important to tell your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos so he or she will know to test for this form of cancer.
There are several forms of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery to remove tumors when possible, chemotherapy, and radiation. In general, these treatments are more successful when the disease is caught earlier.
Finding out that you have malignant mesothelioma can be a frightening realization. For the legal guidance you need, contact the Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys at Landry and Swarr who have experience working with families in this area of the law, and can help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_M_Matthews
Different Types of Mesothelioma
00000Malignant Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. In fact the only known cause for the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos. This cancer affects the areas of the human body where mesothelial cells are found.
Pleural Mesothelioma comprises the majority of malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of malignant mesothelioma that affects the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs. Approximately 70% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma occur in the pleura. As asbestos fibers that are sloughed off of asbestos containing products get inhaled by humans, these then get lodged in the lining of the lungs. The human body has no capability of physiologically eliminating such fibers. In time, these accumulated fibers will find they way into the mesothelial cells of the pleura. These asbestos fibers are considered foreign bodies by the body. Thus, their presence causes reactive inflammatory processes to occur, which is manifested by pleural thickening, plaque formations, vasculitis and even effusions. As the disease progresses, the thickening of the parietal and visceral pleura causes the narrowing of the pleural space. In time, the two leaves of the pleura rub against each other. These processes are manifested as dyspnea, rales and even chest pain or discomfort, fatigue, and weight loss in the patient. Continued hypertrophy of mesothelial cells due to the assaultive presence of these fibers will then result in the formation of tumors. On average, it takes about 40 years from exposure to these fibers to the manifestation of first symptoms.
Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises about 20 to 25% of all malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of mesothelioma that affects the mesothelial cells of peritoneum. As asbestos fibers come into contact with the mesothelial cells, they effect changes that cause the cells to multiply without restraint, and to thicken. Ascites also occurs. Together, these cause pressure buildup in the abdominal cavity. This pressure affects the other internal organs and causes them to deteriorate. Intestinal obstruction often ensues. Thromboses of intestinal veins as well as hypoglycemia, and anemia are common initial symptoms. Lesions can vary from single tumors, small diffuse tumors, or calcified nodules.
Pericardial mesothelioma comprises about 5% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma. This is the least common type of mesothelioma. With pericardial mesothelioma, malignant tumors are found on the pericardium, the fibrous tissue sac surrounding the heart. It is speculated that the way asbestos fibers travel to the heart is through the lymphatic system or through the cardiovascular patient. As with the other types of mesothelioma, asbestos fibers cause the cells of the pericardium to thicken. This thickening affects pressure on the chambers of the heart. This in turn causes severe shortness of breath, chest pain, as well as thromboses in the veins. In time, the thickening also causes the mesothelial cells to undergo unrestricted division and growth, leading to the formation of tumors. As with the other types, the excess pressure buildup from the tumor growth puts pressure on the heart contributing to congestive heart failure.
Seomul Evans is a senior copywriter for Mesothelioma daily writing about Asbestos Attorneys.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Seomul_Evans
Pleural Mesothelioma comprises the majority of malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of malignant mesothelioma that affects the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs. Approximately 70% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma occur in the pleura. As asbestos fibers that are sloughed off of asbestos containing products get inhaled by humans, these then get lodged in the lining of the lungs. The human body has no capability of physiologically eliminating such fibers. In time, these accumulated fibers will find they way into the mesothelial cells of the pleura. These asbestos fibers are considered foreign bodies by the body. Thus, their presence causes reactive inflammatory processes to occur, which is manifested by pleural thickening, plaque formations, vasculitis and even effusions. As the disease progresses, the thickening of the parietal and visceral pleura causes the narrowing of the pleural space. In time, the two leaves of the pleura rub against each other. These processes are manifested as dyspnea, rales and even chest pain or discomfort, fatigue, and weight loss in the patient. Continued hypertrophy of mesothelial cells due to the assaultive presence of these fibers will then result in the formation of tumors. On average, it takes about 40 years from exposure to these fibers to the manifestation of first symptoms.
Peritoneal mesothelioma comprises about 20 to 25% of all malignant mesothelioma cases. This is the type of mesothelioma that affects the mesothelial cells of peritoneum. As asbestos fibers come into contact with the mesothelial cells, they effect changes that cause the cells to multiply without restraint, and to thicken. Ascites also occurs. Together, these cause pressure buildup in the abdominal cavity. This pressure affects the other internal organs and causes them to deteriorate. Intestinal obstruction often ensues. Thromboses of intestinal veins as well as hypoglycemia, and anemia are common initial symptoms. Lesions can vary from single tumors, small diffuse tumors, or calcified nodules.
Pericardial mesothelioma comprises about 5% of all cases of malignant mesothelioma. This is the least common type of mesothelioma. With pericardial mesothelioma, malignant tumors are found on the pericardium, the fibrous tissue sac surrounding the heart. It is speculated that the way asbestos fibers travel to the heart is through the lymphatic system or through the cardiovascular patient. As with the other types of mesothelioma, asbestos fibers cause the cells of the pericardium to thicken. This thickening affects pressure on the chambers of the heart. This in turn causes severe shortness of breath, chest pain, as well as thromboses in the veins. In time, the thickening also causes the mesothelial cells to undergo unrestricted division and growth, leading to the formation of tumors. As with the other types, the excess pressure buildup from the tumor growth puts pressure on the heart contributing to congestive heart failure.
Seomul Evans is a senior copywriter for Mesothelioma daily writing about Asbestos Attorneys.
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