What Are The Risk Factors For Malignant Mesothelioma?

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The main risk factor for asbestos. Exposure to extremely harmful substance can significantly improve the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We examine each of these risk factors detailed below.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material composed of fibers of magnesium silicate minerals. She was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low thermal conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. As researchers have identified links between a growing mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, the material is less used. Before this discovery, however, millions of Americans have suffered a severe exposure to this harmful substance.

More than 700,000 schools and buildings in the U.S. Today, States contain asbestos insulation as reported by the U.S. Agency for Environmental Protection. Asbestos exposure does not stop there, however. Asbestos is often found in shipyards, factories, railways and construction sites. The workers are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure, and in particular those working in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railways and insulation manufacturers and makers of gas masks. The occupations most affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers - especially those who installed insulation containing asbestos. Sometimes family members related to exposure, the workers are second hand dust and asbestos fibers brought home the clothes of workers and also become a risk for mesothelioma.

asbestos fibers serpentine and amphibole are the two main types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a serpentine fiber and more frequent use. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. amphiboles, however, are generally straight and narrow and usually include one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, actinolite y. The type of amphibole crocidolite is thought to be the major contributor to cancer caused by asbestos. Serpentine fibers are dangerous as well, however, and is also associated with mesothelioma.

Some research results in the fact that inhalation of asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in cancer instead of cancer is caused by a reaction that is chemical in nature. As the fibers are inhaled through the nose and mouth, are removed from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways, then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. amphibole (long and thin) are not clear as easily and is thought to incorporate into the lining of the lungs and chest and result in mesothelioma.

The asbestosis (scar tissue in the lungs), or lung cancer can also be caused by the inhalation of asbestos. In fact, people exposed to asbestos seven times more likely to develop lung cancer during the hearing. Employees who have suffered a great exposure to asbestos is more likely to die from asbestosis, mesothelioma or lung cancer than any other disease. It is also believed that the action of coughing and swallowing asbestos could be promoted form of mesothelioma, the abdomen is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has been observed in other organs, as well as the larynx, pancreas and colon, but these cases are very limited compared to the cases of lung cancer.

The possibility of developing mesothelioma is directly proportional to the duration and amount of exposure to asbestos, that the individual referred to above. People exposed to asbestos tall young age, and are at higher risk for a long time been diagnosed with mesothelioma than those who are short, low-risk. Another important aspect is that mesothelioma can take a long time the obvious. Often twenty to forty years to run when the exposure to the diagnosis. Genetic factors may influence which explains why not everyone exposed to asbestos and asbestos-related diseases.

Radiation

thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in X-ray tests in the past has reported links with pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast was abandoned for many years due to this discovery.

Zeolite

Some cases of mesothelioma in the region Anatoli Turkey was bound to zeolite, a mineral made of silica with chemical properties similar to asbestos in the soil there.

Simian virus 40 (SV40)

Some scientists have found that simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells in humans and were able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is not clear, however, more research is underway to gain clarity on this potential link.

Tobacco

Smoking is associated with him, not only mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a higher chance of developing lung cancer (as well as top 50 to 90 percent). Research indicates that lung cancer is the leading cause of death in asbestos workers.

Glossary Of Terms

Asbestos: a combination of several minerals that separate into long, threadlike fibers. Why do not burn, does not conduct heat or electricity, and are highly resistant to chemicals, these minerals are often fireproof materials, electrical insulation, roofing, filters, etc. benign: doing no harm, the effect well: the frequency on which the 'event (generally at risk) pericardium: a thin membrane that surrounds the heart and the roots of the great arteries.

peritoneum: a thin membrane covering the abdominal cavity and partially covers some abdominal organs.

pleura: a thin membrane covering the lungs (visceral pleura) and lines the chest cavity (parietal pleura) malignant: harmful, dangerous (a malignant tumor is a cancer).

number in the middle of a series of numbers: the median (for example, the median survival of 10 months means that for this specific group of patients, survival ranged from 2 months to 30 months, probably).

mesoderm: the middle layer of cells in an embryo from which the muscular, skeletal, vascular, connective tissue, etc. develop.

Mesothelioma: a tumor in the mesothelium, which may be benign (localized) or malignant (diffusely spread), and is most often caused by ingestion of asbestos particles.

Mesothelium: a thin layer of mesoderm cells, which is the ', peritoneum, pleura, pericardium.

metastases: the spread of tumor cells of a body part to another party unrelated to the body by ties of blood or lymph.

Prediction: forecasting the probable course of the disease is unique. Prognostic factors are factors related to prognosis.

TNM staging: a page of links embryo stage, tumor size, local growth against the spread, lymph node involvement and the presence or absence of distant metastases.

tumors: a tissue mass, independent growth of surrounding structures and has no physiological function / tumor. A tumor may be benign or malignant.

Internships What Is Mesothelioma?

Staging is the process of finding how far the cancer has spread. Staging of mesothelioma is based on imaging studies such as radiographs, CT and MRI. Treatment and outlook for patients with mesothelioma depends largely on the stage (extent of spread) of cancer. Since pleural mesothelioma occurs most frequently, and has been most studied, it is the only mesothelioma as a staging classification exists.

staging system used in most cases of mesothelioma have Butchart system. This system is mainly based on measurement of the mass of the primary tumor and to share the stages of mesothelioma I-IV.

Butchart Staging System

Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left lung, and can also cause lung, pericardium, or diaphragm (the muscle to distinguish breast from the abdomen) on the same side.

Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the (food passage connecting the throat to the stomach), esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. The lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.

Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). Lymph nodes than those of the breast may also be involved.

Stage IV: There is evidence of distant metastases (spread through the bloodstream to other organs).

Another classification system has been developed recently by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). This is a TNM system, similar to systems used to stop most other cancer. T is for tumor (its size and how far it has spread to nearby organs), N is spread to lymph nodes and M for metastasis (spread to distant organs). TNM staging, information about the tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis is combined with a process called stage grouping to assign a stage described by Roman numerals I to IV. Slight differences between the TNM classification system and the AJCC staging system Butchart.

TNM classification system

Stage I: Mesothelioma of the pleura is left or right. It can also infect the lungs, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. It has not yet spread to lymph nodes.

Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side of the nearby peribronchial and / or hilar lymph nodes near the lung on the same side. It also may have spread to the lungs, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.

Stage III: Mesothelioma has spread into the chest muscles, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs of the chest on the same side as the primary tumor, with or without spread to lymph nodes and subcarinal or mediastinal on the same side as the primary tumor. subcarinal nodes located at the point where the trachea branches into the lungs to the left and right. mediastinal lymph nodes are located behind the chest bone of the space in front of the heart. Mesothelioma with the same degree of local spread in phase II, which have spread to subcarinal and / or mediastinal lymph nodes on the same side is also in Phase III.

Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread to lymph nodes in the chest on the opposite side of the primary tumor, or directly extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends to the peritoneum, or directly extends to the organs of the abdominal cavity or neck. No evidence of distant metastases of mesothelioma (spread to other organs through the bloodstream) or spread over the organs of the chest or abdomen is involved in this phase.

Although recently developed TNM classification is the most accurate and precise, the original Butchart staging system is still used most often to describe the spread of cases of pleural mesothelioma. Understanding Mesothelioma staging systems is important both for the evaluation and understanding of weather, and also in the evaluation of treatment options.

Prognostic factors

Because pleural mesothelioma has been better studied than peritoneal mesothelioma know more about the factors associated with prognosis for pleural mesothelioma. younger age at diagnosis, functional status (functional status) and the absence of weight loss is associated with a more favorable prognosis.

Mesotheliomas are usually of three different types of cells (histology): 1) type of skin cell - the best prognosis, 2) fibrosarcomatous cell type - carries the worst prognosis and 3) mixed cell type - the average forecast.

Manage Your Medical Expenses

The volume of paperwork involved in managing the insurance claim forms, co-payments, state benefits, etc, can be overwhelming for a mesothelioma patient is concentrating on his health, but keeping records organized accurate, can eliminate unnecessary stress.

Perhaps the easiest way to keep the information provided when submitting insurance claims, is to use a paper calendar to take note of all doctor visits, lab tests, the procedures and treatments, including medicines obtained. If this information is recorded on the day that happens, you have an entire archive file when needed. Other documents you need to organize in a binder or expandable file including:

Lyrics to all providers of health care.

Invoices and receipts for prescription drugs.

Proceeds from the co-pays or other health care costs.

Insurance claims.

Compensation received.

Keep your medical expenses covered by a team of basic spreadsheet is another option, or there is a specialized software for those who prefer a better display of information and the ability to search for information and management. One such program is the "medical director" that Quicken offers. This program allows you to track and organize medical expenses, tax deductions, medical history and prescription of several people, insurance payments and deductibles and billing.

Another solution is to hire someone to manage your application for you and if you feel you need professional help, there is the Medicare aid applications available in many areas. These professionals can file and track claims, you can communicate with health professionals and insurers to resolve claims, review medical bills for accuracy and appeal rejected applications. Service fees can vary considerably depending on the supplier.

For those who have Medicare coverage, a program to help health insurance is available in all states. Counselors can help Medicare beneficiaries understand their benefits, and may make suggestions on the establishment of a system of record keeping.

Question & Answers With Dr. Baker Sugar

These are the questions that Mr. Sugarbaker by a patient in a surgical procedure mesothelioma in January 1997.

What exactly will be removed during the surgery?

The surgery is called extrapleural pneumonectomy. Is the elimination of the left lung, the parietal pleura (lining of the lung), ipsilateral pericardium (left of the inner wall of the heart), diaphragm, ipsilateral (left side of the diaphragm).

How many surgeries of this type for mesothelioma have you done?

250

Among these patients, which is the survival rate percentage?

average survival rate is 41 months.

Among patients who survived what the quality of life?

The quality of life for most patients was very normal, some have even returned to work. Patients should not be dependent on oxygen. Patients with epithelial cell type without lymph node have a survival rate of 74 years 5.2% to 39% response. (P. 288 of the study)

How long a hospital stay is required for this operation?

5-10 days of stay, unless there are complications.

How long does it take to recover after surgery?

The full recovery time is about one year.

How soon after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to start?

Chemotherapy will start around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. There will be three cycles of treatment. A cycle of Taxol, a cycle of carboplatin and so the last period with the two chemotherapeutic agents, followed by one month after radiotherapy. total turnaround time is 3 1 / 2 months and the recovery time.

Based on the test results of an MRI, cardiac ultrasound, and V / Q scan, the stage of cancer asbestos?

Phase I, because there is no evidence of lymph node involvement.

Based on surgery before November 15, 1996, how long to wait before having surgery again?

Surgery can be done now. They use the same incision site.

What are the risks associated with surgery?

Hemorrhage, respiratory failure, pneumonia, broken diaphragmatic patch, perforated duodenal ulcer, empyema (infection), upper gastrointestinal bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, death.

Based on additional tests, cancer is localized in the left lung?

Yes, there was no evidence of cancer of the chest wall, right lung, or diaphragm.

Lawyers

Five tips for the legal process of patients with mesothelioma

To decide whether to pursue legal action, and select a lawyer to represent you as mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit are important decisions that should be done carefully. Here are five tips to consider:

1) You have probably been exposed to asbestos

Some mesothelioma patients know work around asbestos, but many do not know how they were exposed. In fact, many are not sure if they are ever near this carcinogen. Unfortunately, there are thousands of products that contain asbestos - cigarette filters, hair dryers, brakes, basement and roof materials, pipes, boilers, insulation, and many other products can be found throughout the home and at work. mesothelioma patients are often not aware that the products contained around for this type of cancer. In addition, the latency (time between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma diagnosis) can be more than 30 years. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is more likely that you have been exposed to asbestos multiple times in your life and that this was decades before diagnosis. An experienced lawyer can help you identify the different ways in which they were exposed.

2) Do not wait to explore the legal options

When he received the news of this terrible disease, you feel that you have time to deal with legal issues - should I file a claim? Should I talk to a lawyer? However, you should not wait too long to learn about your legal rights for at least three reasons:

1. Prescription - There is a limitation that means you have limited time to file your case after diagnosis. The limitation period is set by each state and varies. If you wait past this time, you can not file. The clock usually starts ticking on the date of diagnosis.

2. Financial pressure - The diagnosis can lead to financial difficulties, less income, more expenses and treatments not covered by insurance. Knowing that money can be in the way of lodging a complaint can make a substantial financial aid, the treatment options available, and removing at least one restriction.

3. Lawyers can be excellent resources - lawyers and more experienced mesothelioma law firms can often be excellent sources of information about various doctors and treatment options for this disease.

3) Do not choose based solely on the Attorney TV Ads

Many asbestos lawyers advertise on television, but should not be used in a TV commercial for the sole reason to hire a lawyer. The actual account information that counts. For example, what kind of results were obtained in a law firm? How committed they are cancer? How many other cases like yours have managed?

4) Make sure you understand the charges

Preparation is the term meaning that the lawyer is paid only after they collect money for you. Almost all asbestos-related lawsuits are handled on an emergency basis. The amount of fees that your lawyer may charge varies by state. It is generally between 33% and 40% of the amount awarded to you after deduction of expenses. It is important to discuss fees openly, ask what services they cover, how they are calculated, and if there will be no additional charge.

5) Find a trusted Who Cares

For something as important as mesothelioma litigation, a lawyer is not only experienced, competent and dedicated, but also a trusted partner who understands the pressures and stress you feel. The lawyer should know that your health needs are most critical and medical aspects of this disease always take precedence over the legal aspects. The best lawyers are those who are not only experts at what they do, but also care and support, thoughtful and compassionate.

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma treatments have thus far been unable to limit the spread of the deadly cancer. Treatments for mesothelioma are divided into two categories: traditional mesothelioma treatments and new mesothelioma treatments.
Traditional mesothelioma treatments are the same as those used to treat most other cancers, and include:

* Surgery
* Chemotherapy
* Radiation therapy (radiotherapy)

Traditional mesothelioma treatments are often used in conjunction with one another in an effort to provide the most thorough and effective care. For example, trimodality therapy combines all three traditional methods of treatment. First, chemotherapy is administered with the aim of slowing the growth of malignant mesothelioma.

Next, surgery designed to physically remove a mesothelioma tumor mass is performed (extrapleural pneumonectomy is often performed as part of trimodality therapy). In the final step, postoperative radiation therapy is used to target any lingering mesothelioma cells. Although trimodality therapy has been unable to eradicate malignant mesothelioma, it has proven to be effective in prolonging patients’ survival time by as much as five years (the average post-diagnosis survival time is one to two years).

New mesothelioma treatments have been researched and developed with the hope of succeeding where traditional methods have not. Mesothelioma researchers are optimistic that new mesothelioma treatment modalities will eventually prove to be successful, though they have yet to yield results that are any better than traditional methods.

New treatments for mesothelioma include:

* Development of new chemotherapy agents
* Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
* Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
* Immunotherapy
* Gene therapy

As with other cancerous diseases, the progression of mesothelioma is typically broken into stages, with the treatment options based on the stage of the disease.
Stages of Mesothelioma

The staging commonly used for mesothelioma is the Brigham staging system, and it can be described as follows:
Stage 1 occurs when the tumor lies completely within the capsule of the

pleura, without swollen lymph nodes (adenopathy).

Stage 2 has the characteristics of Stage 1, except that the tumor has spread and there is presence of adenopathy. The boundaries of the tumor still allow for a resection (removal of the tumor) without cutting into other organs.

Stage 3 includes extension of the disease into the chest wall or into the heart, through the diaphragm or peritoneum, or outside the pleura to involve the lymph nodes.

Stage 4 occurs when the cancer has formed in distant organs through metastases.

Unfortunately, none of the treatment strategies have been shown to be particularly effective against the disease.