Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Basics

2008-10-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is rare type of cancer that is caused by the exposure of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been and is still used in various building and construction applications due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos exposure is often caused by inhalation or digestion of microscopic fibers. When the microscopic asbestos brought into the body (most typically through inhalation), the particles attach themselves to the mesothelial lining of the lungs and can also attach themselves to the lining of the heart and abdomen. Many construction workers, shipyard workers, Naval vessel crew, asbestos manufacturing plant workers, power plant workers and chemical plant workers (to name just a few) are typically the ones who develop Mesothelioma due to their exposure to the toxic asbestos.

People can develop Mesothelioma at any age, however, many do not see aparent symptoms until their 70's and 80's. Common therapies for Mesothelioma include radiation therapy, surgery, anticancer drugs, and chemotherapy. Though the effects of asbestos exposure are quite apparent, the United States has yet to ban the manufacture of cancer causing agent.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Heart

2008-10-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

Of the 3,000 cases of mesothelioma each year, the rarest is mesothelioma of the heart called pericardial mesothelioma. The causes of pericardial mesothelioma is still not fully understood by scientists and doctors. Many scientists believe that asbestos is inhaled and ultimately makes its way to the blood stream however this is still very much a theory.

What is known is that asbestos fibers get stuck in the pericardial membranes of the heart. Over time, the accumalation of these asbestos fibers cause changes in the cells of the pericardium often resulting in cancer. Once these cells become cancerous, the divide and multiply rapidly. As these mesothelioma cells increase in quantity, the pericardial membranes thicken resulting in tumors. This build up puts pressure on the heart.

Since pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, it has been difficult for doctors to create a list of recognizable symptoms. The problem is that symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other heart diseases. If any of the following symptoms are occuring, it is advised that one should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a number of specific tests can determine whether mesothelioma of the heart is apparent.

Symptoms of mesothelioma (pericardial mesothelioma) of the heart include:

Heart palpitations
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing (event at rest)
Fever
Night sweats
Fatigue

Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Abdomen

2008-10-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

There are 3,000 cases of mesothelioma a year and of those cases, 10 to 20% of those cases are mesothelioma of the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen that effect the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. The peritoneum is comprised of two layers that surround, support and protect organs in the abdomen.

Like the other forms of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is not complete understood as to how it forms. Many scientist believe that peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by one of two ways. The first theory is that asbestos is ingested and find there way to the digestive organs. The other way is by inhaling the asbestos fibers. The asbestos finds its way to the peritoneal membrane through the lymphatic system.

Regardless of how the asbestos fibers find their way to the abdomen, they can not be expelled. Over time, the peritoneum thickens often resulting in cancerous tumors. Like pericardial mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the heart) or pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma are vague and can often be confused with other non-serious diseases. However, if you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in the past 20 to 50 years (or ever), and you experience of the following symptoms, it is advised that you seek the consultation of a doctor. Only tests can determine if mesothelioma is present.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the abdomen area include:

Night sweats
Fever
Weight loss that can't be explained
Unexplained diarrhea or constipation
Nausea and/or vomiting
Lumps under the skin on the abdomen
Swelling and/or pain in the abdomen
Anemia
Fatigue

Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Lungs

2008-10-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma of the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for 20 to 40 years after exposure and sometimes longer. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma each year. Roughly 2/3 of mesothelioma cases are Pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs called the pleural membrane.

Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Once the asbestos fibers are brought into the lungs, they find their way to the pleural membrane. Over time, typically 20 years and more, the accumulation of these fibers begins to scare the lining of the lungs. The scaring causes tumor growth on the lungs and ultimately cancer. The cancerous cells prevent the creation of healthy cells and ultimately the pleural member thickens. As a result, lung capacity is reduced and fluid begins to fill between the pleural layers.

Symptoms of mesothelioma of the lungs (Pleural Mesothelioma) include:

Dry or raspy cough
Night sweats
Fever
Unexplained weight loss (10% or more)
Difficulty in swallowing
Fatigue
Persistent pain in the chest
Painful breathing
Coughing up blood
Wheezing
Shortness of breath (even during rest)
Lumps under the skin on the chest

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2008-10-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a very difficult to diagnose as it is often detected well into advance stages of the disease. Often 20 to 50 years will go by from the initial asbestos exposure until characteristics of mesothelioma are evident. Typically, patients are often diagnosed with mesothelioma 3 to 6 months of first signs of the diseases which is most often abdomenal and chest pain and breathing problems.

Patients that are suspected to mesothelioma are given a number of tests to determine whether or not the disease is present. These tests include chest X-rays, CT scan, PET scan, and/or and MRI scan. These tests will determine if and where mesothelioma is present and at what stage.

Doctors will also do tissue and fluid tests (also known as biopsy tests) to determine if cancer cells are present. These tests involve small samples of body tissue and fluids. Such tests may include:

Thoracoscopy test- a test that is used when pleural or pericardial mesothelioma is suspected. This test involves producing a small tissue through the chest wall via a small incision.
Fine Needle Aspiration test - a long, hollow needle is used to extract fluid samples from such places as the pleural membrane of the lungs.
Bronchoscopy and Laparoscopy test - similar to the thoracoscopy test but done in other areas of the body.
Mediastinoscopy test - used to to view the lymph nodes in the chest and to see the stage of cancer and whether it has spread

Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon

2008-09-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

Spread the word about Mesothelioma with the Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon. Post the ribbon icon on your blog or site. The Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon can be found on the left column of our blog. If you have a Blogger (Blogspot) blog, simply click on the Add to Blogger widget button. If you have a non-Blogger blog or site, simple copy and paste the code underneath the Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon widget button. Tell the world that you are concerned about the effects of Asbestos with the Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon.

CT Scan of Mesothelioma Patient

2007-12-06T13:57:00.000-08:00

The image to the left is a CT scan of a patient that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This coronal section shows the follow parts of the body with the mesothelioma indicated by yellow arrows. The collection of fluid (central pleural effusion) is indicated with a yellow *.

right lung
spine
left lung
ribs
descending part of the aorta
spleen
left kidney
right kidney
liver

Laparoscopy of the Abdomen for Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2007-12-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

A laparoscopy will be conducted if the suspicous area is in the abdomen. During a laparoscopy, a doctor will insert a special instrument into the abdominal cavity via a small cut. More extensive surgery may be necessary if a laparoscopy procedure can not produce enough tissue for analysis.

Positive or Suspicious Cytology

2007-12-06T13:42:00.000-08:00

During the diagnosis process, if the cytology is positive or suspicious, a biopsy will be needed to determine if mesothelioma is present. A pathologist will examine a sample of tissue (that has been removed by a doctor) under microscope. Depending on where the suspicious area is located, a biopsy may be done in different ways. During a thoracoscopy of the chest, the doctor makes a small incision through the chest wall and will put a narrow, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between the ribs. A thoracoscopy will allow the doctor to see inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma is Difficult

2007-12-06T13:30:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma is a very hard disease to diagnose, because symptoms are like those of a number of other diseases. A doctor's diagnosis of a patient suspected of having mesothelioma begins with a review of their medical history. Exposure to asbestos in years past (event more than 30 years prior) will increase a doctor's suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination, chest X-rays and lung function tests will follow itial suspicions. X-ray's may show pleural thickening that are often seen after asbestos exposure which may further give believe that a patient has mesothelioma. CT (CAT) scans or MRIs are also usually conducted. If these analysis show large amounts of fluid, abnormal cells may be detected if this fluid is aspirated or removed with a syringe. If this is pleural fluid, a pleural tap (a chest drain) may be conducted.

Action Mesothelioma Day

2006-02-16T10:56:00.000-08:00

Action Mesothelioma Day Friday 27th February 2009 • To raise awareness about the dangers of exposure to asbestos • To raise issues facing victims of Mesothelioma (asbestos related cancer) 10.30am–12.30pm – Meeting in Cinema 1, The QUAD, Market Place, Cathedral Quarter, Derby, DE1 3AS.

Click Here For More Information

Fifth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference

2006-02-16T10:52:00.000-08:00

March 28, Manhattan Beach, CA.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) will host its 5th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference in Manhattan Beach, CA., on Saturday, March 28, 2009, with activities throughout the weekend. The international conference will provide education and outreach to families, employers/employees and scientists throughout the world as part of ADAO's continuing effort to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options.

WHEN: Evening Reception with entertainer Jordan Zevon - Friday, March 27, 7 - 9 p.m.
Conference - Saturday, March 28, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Remembrance Brunch - Sunday, March 29, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Marriott Manhattan Beach
1400 Parkview Ave.
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Click Here For More Information

Free to Breathe® Lake Charles 5K

2006-02-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Free to Breathe® Lake Charles 5K in memory of Lisa Nolen White
Historic Garden District
812 Kirkman Street
(First United Methodist Church)
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Saturday, March 14, 2009
8:30 AM

Join the first annual Free to Breathe® 5K run and 1 mile walk in Lake Charles, LA to raise awareness and funding to assist the fight against lung cancer!
Registration Information:
$15 online by Saturday, March 7
$20 onsite on March 14, beginning at 7:00 AM
All pre-registered participants will receive a t-shirt and goody bag.

Donation Information:
To donate, create a fundraising page, or support a friend's fundraising efforts, please click here. Proceeds benefit National Lung Cancer Partnership's research, education and awareness programs.

Please visit www.FreetoBreathe.org for additional information.

Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Walk

2006-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Walk
Cancers Survivors Park
San Diego, CA
Sunday, March 8, 2009
9:00 AM

8:00 am - Registration Opens
9:00 am - Walk Begins
Registration fees:
Registration Fee (Adults): $25
Registration Fee (Children): $10

Click Here For More Information

Coping with Cancer Pain: What you need to know

2006-02-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

Coping with Cancer Pain: What you need to know
Free Telephone Workshop
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM EST
Thursday, March 5, 2009

CancerCare's free Telephone Education Workshops are educational seminars for people living with cancer, their families, friends, and healthcare professionals to learn about cancer-related issues. Leading experts in oncology provide the most up-to-date information on the telephone.

Topics include:
Overview of Acute, Chronic and Breakthrough Pain
Words to Describe Cancer Pain to Your Health Care Team
Barriers to Pain Management
Medications to Treat Cancer Pain
Coping with Side Effects of Pain Management - Constipation, Sleepiness and Nausea
Quality-of-Life Concerns
Questions for the Panel of Experts

Speakers include:
Nessa Coyle, NP, PhD, FAAN - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Stewart B. Fleishman, MD - Beth Israel Medical Center
Glenn Meuche, MSW - CancerCare

More Information Click Here

Contact: CancerCare's Education Department
Phone: 1-800-813-4673
E-mail: teled@cancercare.org

First Annual Lung Cancer Walk of Southern Nevada

2006-02-16T10:44:00.000-08:00

First Annual Lung Cancer Walk of Southern Nevada
Floyd Lamb State Park
9200 Tule Spring Road
Las Vegas, NV 89131
Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 11:00 AM

10:00 a.m. - Registration Opens
11:00 a.m. - Walk/Fun Run begins
Adult 13 or older - $25
Child 12 or younger- $10

More Information Click Here

Contact: Julie Cullina
Phone: 312-464-0716
E-mail: lasvegas@lungevity.org

2nd Annual Brittany Coppedge Invitational gymnastics competition

2006-02-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

2nd Annual Brittany Coppedge Invitational gymnastics competition
Knightdale Gym
304 Village Dr Suite 104
Knightdale, NC 27545
Saturday, February 28, 2009

This year, Knightdale Gymnastics and Brittany's Battle have decided to make a donation from this event to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. Coach Yow was an amazing woman who fought her battle with cancer with such grace and courage. Her contributions to womens sports are numerous, her faith in God was inspirational, and her support of Brittany's Battle was priceless.

http://brittanysbattle.org/default.aspx

Hustle Up the Hancock

2006-02-16T10:38:00.000-08:00

Sunday, February 22, 2009

In 2008 over 2,300 participants indicated they or someone they know has been touched by a form of lung disease and more than 600 were ex-smokers. Participants choose from two climbing categories--full climb (94 flights) or half climb (52 flights).

Questions? Call (312) 243-2000 x200, send an email to hustle@lungchicago.org or go to the 2009 event website