Archive for the tag 'risk factors'

How to diagnose mesothelioma?

by Archana Sarat

Qualified medical professionals perform mesothelioma diagnosis. A wide range of tests and procedures are done to find out whether the disease is present. Mesothelioma diagnosis is a difficult procedure as the symptoms of mesothelioma are very similar to other benign diseases. This coupled with the fact that mesothelioma has a huge latency period makes patients and their doctors dismiss the symptoms of mesothelioma as signs of ageing. Only after detailed testing because of recurring symptom mesothelioma is confirmed.

Review of medical history of patient

The medical history of the patient will be reviewed in the first place. This is because the doctor will need to determine the extent and the severity of the risk factors and the symptoms of mesothelioma. Also, the doctor can find out the nature of asbestos exposure of the patient, how long and how much they were exposed. One another point the doctor will want to know is whether you were a smoker or not. This is because smokers have a higher risk of contracting mesothelioma as compared to non-smokers.

The doctor will also conduct some preliminary examinations to determine the type of mesothelioma. This can be found out by checking for fluid. When fluid is found in the chest. It is a case of pleural mesothelioma. When fluid is in the abdomen, it is a case of peritoneal mesothelioma and when fluid is in the heart, it is a case of pericardial mesothelioma.

Diagnostic tests:

CT scans, x-rays and MRIs are very useful in determining the spread of the cancer. These diagnostic image tests help to determine the stage of mesothelioma. All the methods are very useful and they help in making a more detailed diagnosis. The CT scans help in getting a 3D view of the inside body parts. Thus, the same part can be viewed from various angles. Unlike x-ray, MRI uses magnetic fields to view the body parts.

Testing fluid and samples of tissues:

In case of mesothelioma, fluid may build up in chest, abdomen or heart. In such cases, the medical professional will take a sample of this fluid and test it. The sample will be drawn via a long needle and then, it will be tested in a laboratory. The doctor in certain cases of mesothelioma may also prescribe a bronchoscopy procedure. Sometimes, certain tissue samples may be taken to perform further testing. Persons having lung cancer or pleural mesothelioma may also have lymph nodes affected by the disease. These patients may be advised to undergo a mediastinoscopy. This procedure helps the doctors to find out how far the disease has affected the lymph nodes. This will help in a better diagnosis of mesothelioma. It will also help in determining the stage of mesothelioma.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is a very complex procedure involving a lot of steps. While the first symptoms are completely misleading, the later symptoms are also not conclusive. Fluid build up in the body organs alone is not a sign of mesothelioma. Only specialized medical personnel in highly specialized laboratories can correctly determine mesothelioma. This is the reason why many mesothelioma cases go undocumented. It is necessary that all countries fund and encourage their researchers and medical professionals to find an easy and simple diagnostic procedure for mesothelioma.

About the Author
Archana Sarat is a freelance writer and research expert. She shares her knowledge of mesothelioma at http://mesothelioma-guidance.blogspot.com To know more about mesothelioma go to http://www.rarehope.com

Not Only Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma lung cancer is usually associated with asbestos exposure. In fact there are many other risk factors that cause mesothelioma cancer. One of them is the erionite. Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that belongs to a group of minerals called zeolites. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates of the alkaline and alkaline-earth metals.
Erionite was used in the past as a noble metal-impregnated catalyst in a hydrocarbon-cracking process. It was studied for use in fertilizers and to control odors in livestock production, because of its ability to selectively adsorb molecules from air or liquids. In many countries erionite blocks were used (and may be are still used) as building material or in stucco pastes and whitewash.
Erionite was mentioned for the first time as a mesothelioma lung cancer risk factor in 1975, when Turkish government presented a study that uncovered a high incidence of a rare malignant mesothelioma in lung tissues of people in certain small villages in the Cappadocia area in Turkey’s central mountainous region. In two small villages the mesothelioma lung cancer accounted for 43% of the deaths during 23 years period of study. Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. Comparing this to a 9.7% rate of death from this disease among asbestos insulation installers shows how anomalous this condition was.
Further studies showed erionite causes similar diseases in laboratory animals. When researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital injected rats with the same dosage of erionite that they used for asbestos, the rats didn’t live long enough to get mesothelioma cancer. At a much-reduced dose, the rats did get cancer. Erionite is probably the most toxic known mineral - a milligram of fibers in the lungs is lethal.
Today erionite is considered so hazardous that the EPA requires any one who intends to manufacture, import or process any article containing erionite to notify the E.P.A. 90 days in advance. This gives the EPA a chance to review, limit or prohibit that activity. Read the rest of article here..

Not Only Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma lung cancer is usually associated with asbestos exposure. In fact there are many other risk factors that cause mesothelioma cancer. One of them is the erionite. Erionite is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that belongs to a group of minerals called zeolites. Zeolites are hydrated aluminosilicates of the alkaline and alkaline-earth metals.

Erionite was used in the past as a noble metal-impregnated catalyst in a hydrocarbon-cracking process. It was studied for use in fertilizers and to control odors in livestock production, because of its ability to selectively adsorb molecules from air or liquids. In many countries erionite blocks were used (and may be are still used) as building material or in stucco pastes and whitewash.
Erionite was mentioned for the first time as a mesothelioma lung cancer risk factor in 1975, when Turkish government presented a study that uncovered a high incidence of a rare malignant mesothelioma in lung tissues of people in certain small villages in the Cappadocia area in Turkey’s central mountainous region. In two small villages the mesothelioma lung cancer accounted for 43% of the deaths during 23 years period of study. Erionite fibers were found in biopsies of lungs of the mesothelioma cancer afflicted people. Comparing this to a 9.7% rate of death from this disease among asbestos insulation installers shows how anomalous this condition was.

Further studies showed erionite causes similar diseases in laboratory animals. When researchers at Mt. Sinai Hospital injected rats with the same dosage of erionite that they used for asbestos, the rats didn’t live long enough to get mesothelioma cancer. At a much-reduced dose, the rats did get cancer. Erionite is probably the most toxic known mineral - a milligram of fibers in the lungs is lethal.

Today erionite is considered so hazardous that the EPA requires any one who intends to manufacture, import or process any article containing erionite to notify the E.P.A. 90 days in advance. This gives the EPA a chance to review, limit or prohibit that activity.

Erionite is no longer mined or marketed for commercial purposes. Although other natural zeolites have many commercial uses (pet litter, soil conditioners, animal feed, waste-water treatment, gas absorbents, etc.) So potential occupational exposure to erionite occurs during the production and mining of other zeolites.

And there are questions:

Are there other mineralogical hazards like erionite and asbestos?

Should we expected mesothelioma lung cancer increases not only from asbestos exposure after another 20 - 30 years?

Read the rest of article here…

An Introduction to Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the serous membranes in the body. The most common form of mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the lung, is pleural mesothelioma. Two to three thousand new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.

The mission of All About Malignant Mesothelioma is to provide a one-stop resource for comprehensive, up-to-date mesothelioma information. We cover the full scope of malignant mesothelioma issues including background, history, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Please recommend the site to someone who may benefit from mesothelioma information.
Introduction to Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma affects the lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body. These cavities, called the serous cavities, house certain major organs in the body including the heart, lungs, abdomen and others. The membranes that surround these cavities are called the serous membranes. They serve to protect these major organs from the friction and abrasion that occur as the organs move against each other during typical daily functioning, such as breathing and heart beating. The serous membranes derive from specialized cells called mesothelial cells. These cells form to create the mesothelium, which is the major tissue layer of the serous membranes. Cancer that occurs in the mesothelium tissue is called mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma takes on three forms:
Peritoneal mesothelioma, in the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen. A rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma can also affect the male testicles, because the lining around the scrotum is an extension of the peritoneum.
Pericardial mesothelioma, in the perdicardium or lining surrounding the heart.
Pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma and affects the lining of the lung cavity.
All mesotheliomas are now considered to be malignant, or cancerous. They start as a localized tumor and spread rapidly to include most of the surrounding tissues and organs. Originally, fibrous cists and other non-cancerous growths that appeared in the serous membranes were thought to be mesotheliomas and were termed “benign fibrous mesothelioma” and “multicystic mesothelioma.” These conditions are now known not to originate in the mesothelial cells, but other cells within the serous membranes. These conditions are typically localized, non-cancerous and do not spread rapidly.
Etiology of Malignant Mesothelioma
Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are associated with a previous exposure to fibrous minerals, of which asbestos is the most important. There is now indisputable evidence of the role of these fibers in the development of this disease. This has been demonstrated in animal experiments and many other experiments. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos fibers has developed malignant mesothelioma, suggesting that other factors may also be involved.
Although malignant mesothelioma is rare, it is a serious, deadly disease. It is often in the advanced stages when it is detected, so the outlook for the patients is not as good as it is for the cancers that are detected earlier. The average survival time after detection is 1 to 2 years. This survival time also depends on the type of mesothelioma.

The silicosis - The Forgotten cousin of asbestosis and mesothelioma

Silicosis, asbestosis and mesothelioma are the three types of cancer work, which avoided.

Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhalation of silica to the inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Similarly, mesothelioma and asbestos, silicosis caused unnoticed millions of health problems related to the industry and the death before it is detected and diagnosed properly.

The main cause of silicosis is a long exhibition in the silica. Silica is a town, of course crystal. It is used in most forms of rock-bed-rooms and dust during mining, quarries, tunnels, the construction and cooperation with many metal ores. Silicic acid is a main component of sand, workers are made of glass, sand and construction of dynamiteurs workers also receive heavy burden on silica.

Silicosis risk factors include but are not limited to, all the work associated with the issue of silica dust. The mining, the cutting of stone and concrete, careers, from the street and the building, in cooperation with the production of grinding, sanding and many other professions and video games with an exhibition in the silica.

Intense exhibition in the silica can cause symptoms of silicosis or complete in a year or less, but it usually takes at least 10 or 15 years before the exhibition, most of the symptoms of silicosis. The silicosis and asbestos and mesothelioma are always less jointly by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the laws and regulations that govern the use of personal protective equipment, must by employers, “Limiting the amount of a worker, the exhibition in of hazardous substances. Now, in most cases, it is legally and legally the responsibility of the employer to protect, by equipping them with personal protective equipment (PPE).

The three types of silicosis are:

* The acute silicosis - Results of the exhibition of short duration in very large quantities of silicon. The lungs are inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and low oxygen content in blood.

* Acceleration of silicosis - occurs after an exhibition in the larger quantities of silica over a shorter period (5 - 15 years). Inflammation, wound healing, the symptoms and rapid advances in accelerated in silicosis silicosis simple.

* Easy chronic silicosis - the result of a long-term (over 20 years) for small amounts of dust from silica. Node for the chronic inflammation and scarring caused by the dust from silica formed in the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest area. This disease can shortness and how chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If you think you are in an industry with a high risk of exposure to silica dust, or any other product is dangerous, you have to be all the necessary means to protect against the exhibition. It is important to discuss health problems that you have with your employer, your employer you the personal protective equipment is required, by law, for your exhibition in the hazardous materials such as silicon. It is legally the responsibility of the employer to provide you with the security you protect, but it is ultimately the responsibility to protect your health and that of your family.

If your employer or refuses to lax, for your safety, it is important to consult with your local, state or federal level, the organization, monitoring the health and safety of the rule of law and respect for immediately. In most cases, the message anonymously to avoid any negligence, are detected and stored or downgraded by your employer. Number of times your employer is obliged to comply with the laws on the agency and your problems are solved. As myself, I see the need to protect my staff at any price, because it is not only my most valuable assets they are with the families and people who just deserve to live and work in the environment as safe as possible. If your employer feels not so, you should not feel a little remorse when you report abuse to authorities.

If you believe that you have been exposed to silica through negligence or other hazardous goods in today with the questions of his health, it is a competent lawyer or practice immediately and discuss your situation with them. They are entitled to compensation because of negligence by your employer. There are lawyers and lawyers who specialize in silicosis, mesothelioma, asbestos, and a wide range of other illnesses associated with health in the workplace.

The silicosis - The Forgotten cousin of asbestosis and mesothelioma

Silicosis, asbestosis and mesothelioma are the three types of cancer work, which avoided.

Silicosis is a respiratory disease caused by inhalation of silica to the inflammation and scarring of the lungs. Similarly, mesothelioma and asbestos, silicosis caused unnoticed millions of health problems related to the industry and the death before it is detected and diagnosed properly.

The main cause of silicosis is a long exhibition in the silica. Silica is a town, of course crystal. It is used in most forms of rock-bed-rooms and dust during mining, quarries, tunnels, the construction and cooperation with many metal ores. Silicic acid is a main component of sand, workers are made of glass, sand and construction of dynamiteurs workers also receive heavy burden on silica.

Silicosis risk factors include but are not limited to, all the work associated with the issue of silica dust. The mining, the cutting of stone and concrete, careers, from the street and the building, in cooperation with the production of grinding, sanding and many other professions and video games with an exhibition in the silica.

Intense exhibition in the silica can cause symptoms of silicosis or complete in a year or less, but it usually takes at least 10 or 15 years before the exhibition, most of the symptoms of silicosis. The silicosis and asbestos and mesothelioma are always less jointly by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the laws and regulations that govern the use of personal protective equipment, must by employers, “Limiting the amount of a worker, the exhibition in of hazardous substances. Now, in most cases, it is legally and legally the responsibility of the employer to protect, by equipping them with personal protective equipment (PPE).

The three types of silicosis are:

* The acute silicosis - Results of the exhibition of short duration in very large quantities of silicon. The lungs are inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and low oxygen content in blood.

* Acceleration of silicosis - occurs after an exhibition in the larger quantities of silica over a shorter period (5 - 15 years). Inflammation, wound healing, the symptoms and rapid advances in accelerated in silicosis silicosis simple.

* Easy chronic silicosis - the result of a long-term (over 20 years) for small amounts of dust from silica. Node for the chronic inflammation and scarring caused by the dust from silica formed in the lungs and the lymph nodes in the chest area. This disease can shortness and how chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If you think you are in an industry with a high risk of exposure to silica dust, or any other product is dangerous, you have to be all the necessary means to protect against the exhibition. It is important to discuss health problems that you have with your employer, your employer you the personal protective equipment is required, by law, for your exhibition in the hazardous materials such as silicon. It is legally the responsibility of the employer to provide you with the security you protect, but it is ultimately the responsibility to protect your health and that of your family.

If your employer or refuses to lax, for your safety, it is important to consult with your local, state or federal level, the organization, monitoring the health and safety of the rule of law and respect for immediately. In most cases, the message anonymously to avoid any negligence, are detected and stored or downgraded by your employer. Number of times your employer is obliged to comply with the laws on the agency and your problems are solved. As myself, I see the need to protect my staff at any price, because it is not only my most valuable assets they are with the families and people who just deserve to live and work in the environment as safe as possible. If your employer feels not so, you should not feel a little remorse when you report abuse to authorities.

If you believe that you have been exposed to silica through negligence or other hazardous goods in today with the questions of his health, it is a competent lawyer or practice immediately and discuss your situation with them. They are entitled to compensation because of negligence by your employer. There are lawyers and lawyers who specialize in silicosis, mesothelioma, asbestos, and a wide range of other illnesses associated with health in the workplace.