Archive for the tag 'reproductive organs'

Diseases of the Lungs and Mesothelium

Mesothelioma is a rare disorder and is often misdiagnosed. It is a disease that derives directly from the mesothelial cells in the serous membranes. But it is not uncommon for other growths to appear in the mesothelium, both cancerous and non cancerous.

Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous. A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called malignant mesothelioma, but because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, the disease is often simply called mesothelioma.
Benign Tumors
Although uncommon, the mesothelium of certain female and male reproductive organs may develop a benign tumor called an adenomatoid tumor. In men, the tumor starts in the area where the sperm is carried from the testicles and in women it starts in the fallopian tubes. Another type of benign tumor that starts in the female reproductive organs is called a benign cystic mesothelioma.
A type of benign tumor that used to be called benign fibrous mesothelioma can form in the pleura around the lungs. It is now known that this type of tumor starts in the tissues under the mesothelium and therefore is not a type of mesothelioma. It is typically not cancerous, but can progress to cancer in some cases. A similar disease that forms in the peritoneum is called a fibrous tumor of the peritoneum. These types of tumors are often removed surgically, and no other treatment is needed.

Malignant Tumors
The most common form of malignant tumors in the mesothelium are metastatic tumors. That is, the tumors start in another part of the body and then the cancer metastasizes and spreads to the mesothelium. The ratio is between 7: 1 to 20: 1 for the occurrence of these types of tumors versus a mesothelioma. Mesothelioma derives directly from the mesothelial cells and does not migrate into the mesothelium from other organs.
The most common metastatic tumors that grow in the pleura derive from, in descending order:
breast
lung
ovary
stomach
large intestine
pancreas
thyroid
kidney
For the pericardial tumors from metastases, the most common originating organs are lung, breast and thyroid. In the peritoneum, the ovary, stomach, large intestine, pancreas and breast are the most common sources of metastatic tumors.

Lung cancer and mesothelioma, treatment, - can be a resource far behind?

The Mesothelioma is a form of cancer affected by the wall in the abdomen or chest. Bösartigen cells in the mésothélium, bags, as a protector of a variety of internal organs of the body. A mésothélium consists of two layers of cells - which are directly linked to the organ and another that surrounds him. The mésothélium is responsible for the production of a liquid, which is the lubrication organs, such as the heart and lungs, which would help them to safety in comparison to other parts of the body. Without examining and testing, it could easily be confused with lung cancer.

Depending on the part of the body in which he appears, is mésothélium in different ways. If they relate to the organs in the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum. The mésothélium, offers protection for the heart of so-called Pericardium. When they refer to the lungs and mucous in the chest wall, it will pleura. In the uterus, called séreuse tunic of the uterus and in the reproductive organs of the man who has spoken of the vaginal tunic of the testes.

The mesothelioma and lung cancer

The term refers to a cancer of mesothelioma mésothélium. This is not the same as lung cancer. In comparison to other forms of cancer, it is rather rare, with an average of only 2000 cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. This disease can affect both men and women and can be used at any age.

The risk for the development of mesothelioma is due to the increased exposure to asbestos. In fact, at least 70% of cases of mesothelioma have shown that people who formerly for exposure to this material. It may also have implications for people who work with a person who was asbestos. This restricts the mesothelioma not to this group of people, however. It is also known in other patients, even if they are not the previous exhibition.

How is the mesothelioma diagnosed?

Distinguishing mesothelioma and lung cancer is very difficult, especially if the disease was already in step malignant. However, there are some tests, a doctor, a physical examination, chest X-ray, CBC or numeral system blood picture, the removal of tissue samples for biopsy, bronchoscopy and thoracotomie. A cytology examination can be carried out even when a small amount of fluid is either through the lungs, the abdomen and tested.

Some of the symptoms that deserves a visit to the doctor are: difficulty breathing, pain in the chest (usually in the chest), lumps, swelling or pain in the lower abdomen, and unexplained weight loss.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

So far, no cure for mesothelioma was discovered. However, there are treatments to help cope with the disease. Some of these treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Surgery

The most frequently for mesothelioma is surgery, with a portion of the party will be removed, as well as some of the surrounding tissue. This is the treatment that often in the early stages of the disease. It helps to slow the progression of the disease and can help to reduce the symptoms. In cases where the patient has progressed to more options for treatment.

Radiotherapy

Radiation therapy eliminated the cancer cells with high-energy radiation from the radiation. Radiation therapy is effective for the eradication of cancer cells, may continue even after an operation. It should ensure that the radiation of the blocks touch, the goal of the cells, X-ray examinations and imaging are also in the course of the process. This ensures that only the cancer cells are destroyed, reducing the number of healthy cells, which are affected.

Radiation therapy is also known as a form of palliative treatment, and control of the release (metastasis) of cancer. It is also useful for the relief of symptoms such as shortness of breath and pain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is often given intravenously, or by the use of catheters, the cancer drug to enter the bloodstream quickly. It is often recommended for patients who may not suffer an operation.

The chemotherapy has side effects, particularly nausea, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation. The blue and can also injuries in the mouth or throat. The type of symptoms, which in a patient depends on the chemotherapy treated, and the dosage in these patients attention to the reaction.

These treatments are to be removed, would more tumors as possible, and to provide help from painful symptoms. They are also for the support for the extension of the life of the patients.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

Further research and clinical trials are under way to help, the best treatments, the so effectively against mesothelioma. No solution has not yet been discovered. Even now is the early detection and treatment were always better to show the chance of survival. Like lung cancer, mesothelioma can be stopped if it is detected early.