Lung cancer is a growth of malignant cells in the lungs.You see, throughout your life the cells in your body continually divide and reproduce. Believe it or not, every minute of your life this process takes place ten million times. Think about it … ten million times a minute! Not only is that incredible, it’s a demonstration of how complex your body really is.

Now, for the most part, this all takes place in an orderly manner as your cells go about doing their job of meeting the needs of your body. Occasionally, however, a cellular mutation will occur and rather than maturing and dying as it was intended to do, a cell continues reproducing. This is cancer … the uncontrolled reproduction and growth of abnormal cells in the body.

Lung cancer is the growth of these malignant cells in the lungs.

Most often, lung cancer is believed to form in the epithelial lining of the airways, where the oxygen is extracted from the air we breathe. This is why lung cancer is sometimes referred to as bronchogenic carcinoma (cancer arising from the bronchia). A relatively small percentage of lung cancer (10% or less) begins in the pleura, the thin tissue sac that surrounds the lungs. These cancers are called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is linked to exposure to asbestos. The rarest form of lung cancer begins in the blood vessels or other supporting tissues of the lungs.

Types of Lung Cancer

There are two main types of lung cancer - small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Small cell lung cancer is the less common of the two, which is good, because it’s also the more deadly. Less than one percent of small cell lung cancer is diagnosed in non-smokers. This means that smoking is the primary culprit behind this type of lung cancer. SCLC is aggressive and fast-moving. It rapidly metastasizes to other organs, and is often not discovered until the cancer is already widespread throughout the body.

Non-small cell lung cancer accounts for approximately 80% of diagnosed lung cancer cases. Within this category of lung cancer, there are three main sub-categories … squamous cell cancer, adenocarcinomas, and large cell carcinomas. Sometimes two or even all three can appear together.

Finally, there are some less common types of lung cancer such as bronchial carcinoids (small tumors that are most often found in people under 40 years of age). These tend to be less aggressive, grow slowly, and often can be effectively treated.

A Deadly Cancer

Cancer of the lungs is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. This is primarily due to the fact that lung cancer tends to metastasize early in the process of the disease and is often not discovered until it’s spread. Additionally, when lung cancer does metastasize, it tends to spread to the most vital yet vulnerable organs of the body. The adrenal glands, the liver, the brain and the bones are all early targets.

Finally, because the lungs are so susceptible to metastatic cancers from other sources throughout the body, it’s not uncommon to find a cancer in the lungs that is not lung cancer but a metastatic cancer. These cancers tend to make their home in the peripheral tissues of the lungs rather than the primary tissues.

The leading cause of Small Cell Lung Cancer is smoking. Smokers run a much higher chance of contracting Small Cell Lung Cancer as compared to non-smokers. Anyone who is a smoker should see a doctor for regular examinations. The best chance someone has if they contract Small Cell Lung Cancer is catching it early. Those who catch the cancer in the first stage of development have up to a 40% chance of survival with the correct treatment. There are two forms of lung cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer is the least dangerous of the two. About 50% of the lung cancer cases reported is Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. These are treatable.One of the early symptoms of lung cancer is a nagging cough that simply will not get better. Often the cough worsens with time and is accompanied by chronic chest pain. Coughing up blood is another of the many early symptoms of lung cancer. In fact, coughing up blood is one of the biggest symptoms that sends lung cancer patients to their doctors. Recurring bronchitis or pneumonia sometimes indicates that the disease is present. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more symptoms to watch out for if you suspect the disease. No matter what the symptoms are, if you have lung cancer, they will gradually progress in intensity as the disease progresses.

Cancers form when certain cells in the body grow and multiply in an uncontrolled fashion. Lung cancer is classified into two main types- small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. An estimated 80 percent of lung cancer patients have non-small cell lung cancer. Smoking or inhaling second hand smoke, environmental exposures such as asbestos and radon gas, and a family history of lung cancer increase the risk of an individual getting lung cancer. However, some lung cancers arise in the absence of these risk factors. Factors that may protect people from lung cancer are not smoking, avoiding second hand smoke, a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruit, and limiting exposure to potential carcinogens in the environment such as radon.

Most people would know the primary cause of lung cancer (after all there is so much propaganda about what increases the risk of lung cancer the most). Yes, smoking tobacco is the main culprit behind lung cancer (or behind increasing the risk of lung cancer). Even passive smoking can slightly increase the risk of lung cancer. It’s unfortunate that even with all that propaganda and people knowing that smoking can cause lung cancer, people continue to smoke tobacco. People working in industries which involve extensive use of asbestos and other chemical substances/fumes are also at a greater risk of lung cancer.

People addicted to tobacco and those who are constantly exposed to the ill effects of asbestos are more susceptible to lung cancer. Ignorance about the symptoms of lung cancer may lead to a full-fledged blown up case. Be on alert if you are having cough most of the time. This is one of the first symptoms. A related symptom may be a change in the nature of coughing. Other symptoms may be- being short of breath and coughing up bloodstained sputum. Mesothelioma research has established that aches while breathing, loss of appetite, fatigue and loss of weight can also be the first symptoms of the cancer of the lung.

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http://mesothelioma-cancer-articles.blogspot.comMesothelioma in itself is one of the deadliest diseases ever to have been discovered by mankind. Medically, Mesothelioma as a word itself means a tumor that is more likely to transform in a fast proliferating cancer which affects the mesothelial cells of an organ, which form the protective thin covering over the organs like heart, lungs and abdomen.

Whatever is the verbal definition given out to this deadly disease, but those can never for sure weigh the deadliness of this fatal disease. It is an absolutely fatal disease which has taken many a people into its deadly grip. The maximum period of survival after the disease has been diagnosed, has come to the most of a year or two. It is worse form of cancer which is not curable. However, recent studies have suggested that if the disease can be diagnosed at a very early stage then the life of the individual who gets affected by this deadly disease, can be stretched till at the most of 5 years.

The treatment of this disease is very expensive but the treatment doesn’t assure life but a few more days, to procure the huge lump-sum required for the treatment, people also file lawsuits to cover the huge incurring expenses for the treatment.

The main cause of mesothelioma has been detected as to the prolonged exposure to asbestos. Most of the patients that have been diagnosed with the disease, had acquired the disease cause of prolonged exposure to asbestos. The statistics of the mesothelioma patients has revealed the connection between the asbestos and the dangerous cancer syndrome.

And usually this disease is found to affect people and workers who work in industries. Usually, industries use asbestos as an imperative input for carrying on different processes; it is being used in factories, automobile, shipyard and construction. Direct exposure to loose asbestos fibers can develop the symptoms of mesothelioma, but the infected cells can remain dormant in the body for a long period of about 15-20 years.

But the worst par of the disease is the fact that this disease generally gets detected in older days i.e. at the age of 50-60 years and also mostly in the last stage. Thereby, reducing the chances of the individual’s recovery. So this is very necessary that people who are likely to take in much asbestos particles should be scanned regularly for any symptoms of mesothelioma.

Government policies have empowered the mesothelioma patients to claim for compensation. They can file lawsuits with the help of their attorneys for claiming such compensation. The mesothelioma victims can sue the company in which he had been employed into, for not being socially rational, but being more inclined towards the flowing profits, and not undertaking any steps to slacken the use of asbestos or using in a more protective way which has resulted in endangering the lives of the employees.

A group of scientists in Australia have discovered a new potential treatment for mesothelioma cancer victims with the application of two treatments normally reserved for skin cancer patients.During several tests conducted on laboratory mice with advanced mesothelioma tumors, a skin cancer cream known as Imiquimod was combined with an anti-cancer drug, antiCD40. The two were applied to the mesothelioma mice and, according to researchers, 50 percent of the mice receiving the treatment therapy went into remission following treatment.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Australia, is considered “breakthrough” according to a PerthNow news article. Additionally, scientists feel that this potentially new mesothelioma treatment may be more readily available than other treatments being researched and tested, as one of the drugs is “already commercially available and the other is currently being tested in clinical trials,” according to lead researchers of the study.

Mesothelioma Defined

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects thousands of individuals worldwide. It has largely been classified as a relatively rare condition, although many physicians and scientists predict a large increase of victims in the near future because of the dormant nature of the cancer. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to varied levels of asbestos fibers and dust.

During the early part of the 20th century asbestos, which derives from vermiculite, was mined and used in a plethora of products and much more heavily within the construction industry leading to the diagnosis of many construction-related workers.

Mesothelioma cancer commonly remains dormant for 10 to 30 years until symptoms begin to appear, at which point, treatment is almost non-existent.

Patients of mesothelioma cancer are advised to speak with a medical professional immediately and those who suspect they may suffer from asbestos-related conditions can also suggested to contact a medical professional and experienced mesothelioma attorney for additional information.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a growing condition in not only America, but around the world. A mesothelioma diagnosis is often a grim and bitter situation for not only a victim, but for family members and friends.

Once an individual has been informed of their condition, they will need to take immediate steps to ensure the best quality of care is received. By determining this, an individual increases their chances of receiving monetary compensation for their disease through the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Such compensation can assist a victim with paying for costly medical treatments including chemotherapy treatments, which can range in the thousands. Speaking with a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer can provide insightful information as to a potential lawsuit.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium or the sac like protective covering of internal organs. The main cause is exposure to asbestos. Therefore the best possible prevention is to avoid exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma takes about thirty to fifty years for making itself prominent. People above the age of sixty five have shown an increased tendency to develop asbestos cancer. The mesothelioma is more common in men than women.Asbestos is a mineral that is very commonly used. Due to increased health risks the use of asbestos has been reduced according to government regulations. In spite of all the regulations asbestos is being used in many manufacturing industries where it is mandatory for production. The most effective prevention method is to limit the exposure.

Working in a company which uses asbestos is not safe. Looking for alternate employment would be the safest option. The companies have asbestos related safety precautions and one can ensure they are being followed. The commonly seen jobs that pose the highest risk of mesothelioma are:

1-Insulation manufacturing and installations.

2-Mining

3-Railroad workers

4-Workers in the factories

5-Asbestos manufacturing companies

6-Ship yard workers

7-Automotive repairs

8-Manufacturers of gas masks

Many old homes contain traces of asbestos. If you suspect your home to contain materials made of asbestos they can be tested in the laboratory. There are agencies dealing with asbestos removal and they can be contacted for removing asbestos from your home. Though it can be done by yourself it is safer to let an asbestos abatement or removal contractor perform the procedure.

Asbestos that is not disturbed is not considered a health hazard. But if there is flaking, friable ceilings and plumbing and if the building is built before the 1980s then there are chances that they contain asbestos and have to be removed safely. Public buildings like schools, office buildings, libraries, theatres etc are all prone to this hazard. The problem should be brought to the city authorities’ notice. Living near someone who works near asbestos also exposes you to the mineral.

Asbestos can be transported through clothing, skin and hair. Even a few strands of asbestos can sometimes lead to mesothelioma.

Once you have been exposed to asbestos and have not yet been diagnosed with the fatal condition, there is still hope for you. If care is taken you might not even develop it. Blood tests can be done annually to confirm that you are well. There are other diagnostic tools that can be performed annually on asbestos exposed individuals to reconfirm their health status. These tests also aid in early detection when the condition is curable and can be controlled.

Smoking should be stopped since smokers are more susceptible to the onset of the condition if they have asbestos exposure history. Prevention is the best way out in mesothelioma since it is fatal if not diagnosed early.

To Your Health!

There was a time when using asbestos as a way of insulating homes, public buildings and even clothing was considered to be an outstanding form of insulation. It was only after a significant period of time that we became aware of the tremendous health problems that asbestos can cause on the health of just about anyone even remotely exposed to the substance. Certainly if we had known that exposure to asbestos would result in a virtual plague of illnesses, it would not have been used with such freedom as it was for so long. Only now are we starting to understand the various ways that exposure to asbestos can damage the lungs and the lethal diseases that will result.

Possibly the most common illness that results from asbestos exposure is a cancer called Mesothelioma. Because asbestos is made up of thousands or tiny fibers, people who work with the substance installing insulation or other building related jobs easily inhale these tiny fibers into their lungs and bloodstream often without even knowing it. Over a lengthy period of time, these tiny strands of asbestos become integrated into the walls of the lungs leading to cancer.

The frightening thing about Mesothelioma and many of the other asbestos related ailments is that in most cases they will occur as long as 20-30 years after the asbestos exposure. In addition, it isn’t just workers who are directly exposed to asbestos who are at risk. Because asbestos clings to the clothing and then gets free in the air to be breathed in by anyone nearby, innocent children and spouses of workers who bring home asbestos dust or debris are also at risk of these lung diseases many years after the exposure occurred and many times when they never knew they had been exposed to asbestos in the first place.

Another ailment directly related to asbestos exposure is appropriately named Asbestosis. The symptoms and ways this affliction causes suffering in the patient is similar to the threats that pneumonia causes. The parts of the lungs that draw the necessary oxygen from the air to keep us alive and passes it into the blood stream are called alveoli. When asbestos dust gets into the alveoli, that process is interrupted or even stopped causing shortness of breath that in severe cases can be life threatening.

The membranes around the lungs are another source of potential damage from asbestos exposure. When the dust and residue of asbestos gets into these membranes, this can lead to pleural plaques, which is a scarring of these important working parts of your lungs. Pleural thickening is also a potential problem when the lung membranes that must be flexible and moist to operate begin to harden and become think making them less able to do their jobs. The result is significant to severe discomfort to the sufferer, which can lead to more life threatening lung problems down the road.

If there is any reason to believe that you or someone in your family has been exposed to asbestos over the years, seek medical attention quickly. Remember that the exposure could have been decades ago and these various lung diseases can come up suddenly with tragic results. Early detection gives doctors what they need to take action before the problems become too severe. Along with top-notch medical care, you may need to enlist legal assistance as well to solicit financial help from the institution who was responsible when you encountered the asbestos exposure. That legal assistance can do a lot to help you pay for expensive medical care that you will need to deal with the damage the asbestos has done to your health.

Contact Information: The Finer Times P.O BOX 1058 Parramatta CBD NSW Website: http://www.TheFinerTimes.com

DefinitionThe most thorough definition of mesothelioma describes it as a rare cancer caused by asbestos fibers that have been lodged in the mesothelium for many years. The mesothelium is the membrane that encases organs such as the lung, the heart and those of the abdomen. Although it takes many years, these fibers can cause cancer cells to grow in the membrane tissue surrounding the fibers.

Mesothelioma most often develops in the membrane surrounding the lung, and results from inhaled asbestos fibers. This mesothelial membrane is called the pleura. Because lung tissue is so soft and porous, the motion of breathing massages the fibers through the lung tissue to the membrane. The consistency of the membrane is such that the fibers penetrate the pleura and remain trapped there.

Occasionally, fibers that are swallowed follow a similar path through the stomach wall where they become lodged in the lining around the stomach, called the peritoneum. With less frequency, fibers can pass through to the lining around the heart, called the pericardium. Mesothelioma can grow in any of these membranes.

Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms can include thickening of the pleura, pleural effusion (fluid collecting in the pleural space), which in turn compresses the lung in that area reducing the amount of oxygen that can get into the blood. This causes shortness of breath along with some pain due to inflammation and, sometimes, infection. Persistent cough is common.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma might include stomach pain or swelling, bowel obstruction, foot swelling, nausea, weight loss, and pain.

Fever, night sweats, or anemia might also be symptoms of either form of mesothelioma. Diagnosis involves specific testing to differentiate it from other diseases, many of which have similar symptoms.

Diagnosis

There are a number of diagnostic tests that are used together with the results of a physical exam to make a diagnosis of mesothelioma. These tests differentiate between diseases and allow the doctor to rule out other diseases and cancers, identifying mesothelioma as the one that matches all of the diagnostic criteria. These include:

• X-rays - X-rays can reveal pleural effusion, pleural calcification, and scarring
• CT or CAT Scan (Computed Axial Tomography) - CT Scans identify tissue density and can identify pleural effusion, pleural thickening and calcification, but it can’t differentiate between mesothelioma and other disease.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - An MRI is more sensitive than CT or X-ray, and is useful for more accurate identification of tissue changes during the course of treatment, and evaluating for surgery.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) - PET Scans measure cellular activity. Cancer cells are more active than healthy cells, and this activity shows up in PET Scans.
• Biopsy - A biopsy involves taking a sample of the suspect tissue, either with a needle or through a small incision, and sent to the lab for analysis.
• PFT (Pulmonary Function Testing) - PFT involves a set of breathing tests to measure your lung volume, elasticity, airflow, and gas exchange into your bloodstream. These measurements reveal whether areas of your lung have a reduced volume or are not exchanging gas (i.e., from pleural effusion and resulting atelectasis, aka collapsed lung,) restrictive lung disease, or reduced airflow from obstructive lung disease.
• CBC (Complete Blood Count) - CBC shows the number of red and white blood cells and platelets, the amount of hemoglobin, and the percent of blood that is red blood cells. It also tests other common blood factors that indicate health and illness.
• Bronchoscopy - A bronchoscope is inserted into the patient’s lungs through the throat that allows the doctor to view the trachea and upper airways. The scope has the ability to take a tissue sample that can be examined under a microscope, in the same was as tissue collected from a biopsy.
• Cytology - A pathologist microscopically examines cells drawn from fluid near the site of the suspected disease.

The U.S. Department of Labor gives links to OSHA’s standards and guidelines for evaluating exposure to asbestos. These links include medical questionnaires, X-ray interpretation standards, medical surveillance for asbestos and more.

Mesothelioma and its partner disease, asbestosis, are not limited to any one person or any one nation. Asbestos and asbestos products have been mined and manufactured, and sought after and sold, in nations around the world. The latent diseases of asbestosis and its cancerous partner, mesothelioma, are slowly developing into a world-wide epidemic.Mesothelioma and asbestosis diseases have been clearly defined as being attributed to asbestos exposure. Despite these undisputable findings, world production of asbestos has risen from 2.18 million metric tons in 2006 to 2.20 million metric tons in 2007, according to the US Government’s 2007 Minerals Handbook. The International World has yet to agree upon and abide by a universal consensus of asbestos safety levels. As some countries ban the use of asbestos, others continue to seek safe exposure levels, and yet others disregard the impending health epidemic. Many smaller nations continue to ignore the perilous diseases of asbestos, while asbestos workers may or may not be aware of their life-risking work environments. Even advanced nations fail to implement protection and procedures to protect workers exposed to asbestos for fear of substantial economic loss.

Even though the European Union banned asbestos in 2005, European companies still have financial interest in companies located in Africa, Canada and South America. Canada has been one of the world’s largest asbestos producers, however they only use 29% of what they produce, and aggressive sales efforts are targeted towards Asia, Africa and South America. In Japan, local factory and building inspections failed to identify asbestos in more than half of the buildings inspected. Even with occupational laws in place, India and China fail to protect the majority of their asbestos workers.

The leaders of asbestos production, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Canada, and Zimbabwe, are responsible for 96% of the world’s asbestos production. In China, the world’s second largest asbestos producer, a significant portion of asbestos workers work without any protection in environments conducive to asbestosis and mesothelioma production. China not only fails to protect its workers from asbestosis and mesothelioma on a mass scale, but their asbestos producing factories are typically located near heavily populated cities. The effects of asbestos exposure and the incidences of asbestosis and mesothelioma are vastly unreported in highly populated areas due to lack of medical records, non-existent laws mandating lengthy medical record-keeping standards, and political interference.

Asbestosis and Mesothelioma are devastating diseases that can affect men, women and children that are exposed to asbestos. It is up to the socially responsible individuals and corporations to continue their advocacy work to protect hard working men and women from the incapacitating diseases of asbestosis and mesothelioma. With the prevalence of asbestos exposure that still exists, there is little doubt that asbestosis and mesothelioma will continue to develop well into the next century. The deadly misfortune of the disease on hardworking individuals can only be eradicated with an end to the demand for asbestos containing products.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is believed to affect around 2000 people in the UK each year. It develops when the cells of the mesothelium (a thin membrane that covers the chest and abdomen) start to multiply in a rapid and uncontrollable way and can take up to 60 years to fully develop. In this article I will be discussing this type of cancer in greater detail.As I already said mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is actually divided into two parts. The first is the pleura which lines the lungs. The pleura is comprised of an inner layer and an outer layer which slide over each other as you breath. If mesothelioma develops in this area it is known as pleural mesothelioma and it causes the two layers to become thicker. The second is the peritoneum which lines the abdomen and it also has an inner layer and an outer layer. If the mesothelioma affects this area it is known as peritoneal mesothelioma and it also causes these layers to become thicker.

Both types of mesothelioma can be very painful and lead to a number of undesirable symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma can cause breathlessness, coughing and chest pain. It can also lead to pleural effusion where lubricating fluid in the lungs becomes trapped between the inner and outer layers of the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma can lead to abdominal pain, bowel problems and it swelling in the abdomen.

Almost every case of mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. In the past asbestos was a very popular construction material in the UK. However, as people became more knowledgeable they learnt about the dangers associated with this material. In particular they discovered that the very fine fibres that make up asbestos are easily released when the material is handled. This led to a complete ban on the importing and use of asbestos being imposed in the UK in 1999.

Mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer and is believed to affect one person in every million. However, it can be deadly. If you have previously been exposed to asbestos you should go see your doctor right away and explain your concerns. Even if it turns out that you do not have this type of cancer it is better to be safe than sorry.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Mesothelioma in IndonesiaMesothelioma is one form of lung malignant cancer related with exposure of asbestos. Mesothelium become the place of this malignant cell. The commonest site is pleura, but there are some incidence that mesothelioma occurs in peritoneum, and pericardium. The victims of this disease are mostly workers with exposure of asbestos particles. The family, can be the victim of this disease too. There are reports about the risk of the family member to develop this disease by washing the clothes of the ‘asbestos or fiber’ worker, or by inhaling some dust brought by the worker in their home. There isn’t any association of the disease with smoking. But in some textbook, it’s told that for worker or person who can’t stop their smoking habit, it’s better not to apply or get close with ‘asbestos or fiber’ related work. It may because smoker’s lung which get asbestos exposure has worse prognosis than nonsmoker lung. The incidence of mesothelioma in Indonesia hasn’t been known for sure. But in some community in Indonesia, this mesothelioma issue has become great discussion. The latest news about this issue came from NAD (Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam). It’s told in several Indonesian newspaper that in December 2008, People in NAD burned some houses provided by Yayasan Bakrie Grup through Badan Rehabilitasi dan Rekonstruksi (BRR) for Deah Raya citizen, and there’re some Indonesian NGO reported this case to International Human Right Organization. The mesothelioma or asbestosis issue become more than health issue for people in the world. It become more political, economic, and law issue. Many organization, worker party, lawyers fight against the asbestos manufacturers. The liability resulting from the sheer number of lawsuits and people affected has reached billions of dollars. The amounts and method of allocating compensation have been the source of many court cases. But until today the US Congress has failed to enact significant asbestos reforms. In Indonesia, many people don’t know about this disease. We still use asbestos materials to build houses. Even in some hospitals. Many doctors diagnose ‘malignant lung cancer’ but only few that diagnose the possible cause of the cancer. And in this country, autopsy is not a common thing to state the diagnosis or someone’s causes of death. So the number of the mesothelioma victims in Indonesia, is still not well known