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Asbestos exposure »

[22 Jun 2009 | View Comments | 25 views]

Mesothelioma is a kind of aggressive cancer which is caused due to sustained levels of asbestos exposure over long periods of time. This cancer usually attacks the lungs, the lining of the heart or the abdominal cavity as well. Asbestos fibers which are inhaled or ingested through the mouth lodge themselves in the mesothelium and cause mutations in cell formation, thereby leading to the cancer. Mesothelioma can happen not only through direct but even indirect contact in the sense that family members of a person who has had long exposure …

Who's at risk? »

[20 Jun 2009 | View Comments | 17 views]

1. One of the greatest risks for Mesothelioma is a personal history of exposure to asbestos. If you worked in an industry that used this material, then you are one of the millions exposed to asbestos.
2. Industries making products of home insulation, construction materials, brake pads, electrical equipment, boilers, welding supplies, ship engines, and hot water piping use asbestos materials, so if you work in any such workplace, you are at greater risk than most.
3. Even the walls and tiles in your house contain asbestos …

Diagnosis »

[18 Jun 2009 | View Comments | 12 views]

1. One can start by reviewing the patient’s medical history. If he has a history of being exposed to asbestos, he is at greater risk for Mesothelioma.
2. A physical examination is a must.
3. The Cytology procedure can be effective in detecting if abnormal cell are present in the large amount of fluid. For pleural fluid, it is done with a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites it is done with an ascitic drain, or paracentesis.
4. A biopsy is performed, to confirm the …

Mesothelioma »

[16 Jun 2009 | View Comments | 11 views]

1. Don’t give up hope. Do constant research on the disease, some of the new treatments have proved very effective. Search the Internet for information, there is always something that can be done.
2. Try to incorporate two systems of treatment – traditional as well as alternative.
3. Get involved in support groups. There are tons of support centers out there, if you take the time to look.
4. Ask for the support of your friends and family. It’s important that they provide you with …

Treatments »

[14 Jun 2009 | View Comments | 8 views]

1. There are three options available, for Mesothelioma. One is surgery (taking out the cancer).
2. Chemotherapy (using drugs to combat the cancer).
3. The last is radiation therapy, by which high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays are used to kill the cancer cells.
4. Surgery is one of the options available, but it has largely proved disappointing. For better success, it can be combined with chemotherapy and radiation. The most common surgery is a pleurectomy / decortication – the removal of the lining of the chest.