Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Information

Causes and Risk Factors

The fine fibers of asbestos make it a great source for insulation and a fire retardant however the entry of asbestos into the human body can trigger the onset of mesothelioma. It is widely known now that Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Sometimes the fibers enter the body through the lungs by an unsuspecting individual just breathing air containing asbestos fibers. Once they are taken in through the respiratory passages these fibers lodge themselves in the mesothelial cells around the lungs. This can cause direct damage to the lungs by traveling to the ends of their small passages and reaching the pleura area surrounding the lungs.

Type

There are many different types of mesothelioma that can occur in the body, almost always as a result of some form of exposure to asbestos and asbestos fibers. This can include pleural mesothelioma which affects the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma that affects the stomach or abdominal cavity, and pericardial mesothelioma that refers to a cancer of the lining of the heart.

The Four Stages

Tracking the progress of cancers caused by mesothelomia is called staging and it is commonly accepted that there are four main stages of mesothelomia. These stages are measured by a variety of mechanisms including x-rays, CAT scans, and MRI testing. All of these will tell an attending physician how far the cancer has progressed and help to determine the appropriate level and type of treatment.

Pain Management Techniques

Once a doctor has made a full examination of the patient and correctly diagnosed a case of mesothelioma they will discuss a course of treatment with the patient and their family. This will almost always include a discussion of pain management and a recommended course of pain management and control during the treatment period and beyond. There are a number of options open to doctors and patients in the area of pain management and control and they include drug therapy and epidural implants, as well as psychological approaches that have helped many mesothelioma patients better cope with the impact of pain.

Medical Related Hospitals and Doctors

There are mesothelioma related hospitals and doctors located all over the country. These are normally located in areas with university teaching and research facilities and are dedicated to treating mesothelioma cancers as well as conducting research and clinical trials on treatment and pain management methods for mesothelioma patients.

After Diagnosis

Once there has been a positive identification and diagnosis of mesothelioma there are a number of different reactions and emotional responses that many patients feel as a result of the unexpected news. The first is often a feeling of complete and utter shock that their work or other related exposure to asbestos such a long time ago has resulted in such a dangerous and serious medical condition.

Mesothelioma & Lung Cancer Information

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the tissues of cells that line the lungs, heart and stomach. These tissues are called mesothelial cells and they become infected by inhaling particles of dust from asbestos fibers. Once these cells become infected they dry up the fluids surrounding these major organs of the body and tumors begin to develop. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma which accounts for 75% of all malignant cases however there are two other types peritoneal, and