Bello kamorudeen asked:


There are a number of different methods used to diagnose various types of cancer. Examining the levels of certain tumor markers is one of such diagnostic methods that can be used to diagnose mesothelioma.

What is a Tumor Marker?

Tumor markers are best described as substances produced by tumor cells (or sometimes other cells) in the body in response to certain cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. They are usually found in the blood, urine, or tissue of patients. Using tumor markers to diagnose cancer can be difficult because tumor marker levels are not altered in all patients with cancer. Even levels of the same tumor marker can be altered in more than one type of cancer. Some of these substances can also found at elevated levels when other non-cancerous diseases are present.

What are Tumor Markers Used For?

1- Early Detection

Tumor markers are a good starting point in the detection of cancer. While an elevated level of a particular tumor marker does not necessarily indicate the definite presence of cancer, it does indicate the need for further testing. The additional tests may include a biopsy, CT scan, or MRI.

2- Monitoring of Response to treatment

In addition to being used for the diagnosis of cancer, tumor markers can also be measured to determine how a patient is responding to treatment. Marker levels will often be measured before treatment begins to determine the correct course of action when addressing the cancer. Tumor marker levels can further be used to determine whether a patient has suffered a recurrence of their cancer.

3-Screening for mesothelioma

This is a process during which a cancer can be detected before symptoms are evident. Many researchers believe tumor markers aren’t sensitive enough to be used for screening, yet one tumor marker, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), has been used in the screening of prostate cancer among men for several years and has shown much success. However, an elevated PSA level does not necessarily indicate cancer, but does indicate the need for further testing.

Tumor Markers That Are Used To Diagnose Mesothelioma

A test approved recently by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now being used to screen for mesothelioma among individuals at risk for the disease. Because mesothelioma symptoms do not usually surface until after a long latency period, this new test, called Mesomark blood test, could make the difference between life and death for mesothelioma patients.

Mesomark measures the amount of Soluble Mesothelin-Related Peptides (SMRP) in human serum. SMRP is a tumor marker that is produced by mesothelioma cells. This tumor marker may be elevated in mesothelioma patients even in the very early stages of the disease.

Katie asked:


Amongst all three types of cancers caused by asbestos, pericardial is the rarest form. Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases worldwide. It is known as pericardial mesothelioma because it attacks the pericardium which is the lining of the heart. According to the doctors, pericardial mesothelioma is the most dangerous type of mesothelioma merely because it revolves around the heart.

Causes of pericardial mesothelioma:

People who usually work in factories or industries that have to do a lot with asbestos fibers are the ones developing pericardial mesothelioma. Uptil now asbestos has been declared as the only reason causing pericardial mesothelioma.

There is no accurate answer as to how pericardial mesothelioma is developed inside the human body. Nobody yet has noted how the asbestos fibers make their way into the pericardium. However, researchers say that asbestos fibers are inhaled through breathing and break up into small pieces. These pieces are then carried from the lungs into the blood stream. When these fibers are pumped into the heart they may get stuck in the heart lining. Once they are there in pericardium, the inflammation process starts leading to the formation of cancerous growths or tumors.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma:

The growth of tumors in the pericardial region makes the tissues expand and allows the fluid to gather around the heart. This fluid can interfere with the heart’s functioning. Also, this fluid is responsible for most of the symptoms of the pericardial mesothelioma. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:

-    shortness of breath

-    intense fatigue after nominal activity or exertion

-    chest pain

-    heart palpitations

-    persistent coughing

Pericardial mesothelioma bears resemblance to the other kinds of mesothelioma in which the symptoms are usually mistaken for something more common. In pericardial mesothelioma, heart attacks or other sort of heart diseases are suspected, especially when the patient begins complaining of constant chest pains.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma vary depending upon the patient. Also they are affected by a number of factors such as the location and the size of the tumors and the overall heath.

Duane Walton asked:


Mesothelioma is a deadly and rare form of cancer that has developed from exposure to asbestos. The inhaling of the highly toxic asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma. The ingested particles of asbestos develop the cancerous or malignant cells in the mesothelium. Mesothelium is the cell structure that covers and surrounds various internal organs.

Mesothelioma is classified into three forms: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma starts in tiny lumps in the membrane of pleura.

Abdominal pain, loss of weight and swelling in the abdominal region due to a buildup of fluid are the symptoms in peritoneal mesothelioma.

However, you should know that the most common diseases associated with asbestos start in a person’s lungs. Because of this, there are certain asbestos symptoms you can look for in a person to see if he or she is suffering from an asbestos lung disease.

Shortness of breath - Are you frequently running out of breath? Can’t you even go up one flight of stairs without panting or wheezing? Shortness of breath is frequently a symptom of asbestos illnesses.

Because of this, you need to take breaths more frequently. Let’s say that today you can’t manage to walk for 10 feet without getting shortness of breath. The next day, you won’t even be able to accomplish 5 without stopping.

Coughing - Another common asbestos symptom would be coughing. This symptom is triggered by the fact that the small asbestos fibers which accumulate in your lungs do irritate the organ tissue. You cough as a reflex action to try and clear your lungs of the asbestos fibers, but it is no use, and you just keep coughing and coughing without actually relieving the irritation.

An asbestos symptom that could come with coughing would be coughing up blood. This actually happens when the asbestos fibers themselves get moved around and cut into the lungs. When you cough up blood, things are very serious and it is important to find a doctor immediately.

Although asbestos fibers do cause a lot of damage to the lungs, sometimes, the lungs cause the damage to themselves. However, with asbestos fivers, this has a different effect altogether. With asbestos fibers, the involuntary action of the lungs just causes the tissue to become even more irritated and could sometimes lead to wounding. Since the lungs become even more irritated, this triggers another round of reflexive actions and the cycle goes on and on.

Increased sputum - If you are experiencing an increase in the amount of your sputum, then you have to realize that this asbestos symptom too is caused by your body’s efforts to alleviate its discomfort. By increasing the production of sputum, your lungs hope to wash away whatever the irritant is.

This is because sudden weight loss often indicates that the disease may have already spread out to other parts of the body.

These are just some of the symptoms you should keep an eye out for if ever you have been exposed to asbestos in the past. Remember, however, that some asbestos symptoms only appear when the disease is in its advanced stages so just to be sure, try to get a regular check up.

Find another guide about mesothelioma compensation, mesothelioma litigation, and mesothelioma symptom.

24hoursupplements asked:


Mesothelioma is a serious cancerous disease with very low survival rates despite the various new treatment options that have helped in increasing the longevity of patients. Statistics indicate that the average survival period after diagnosis is one year with a slight increase to two years with aggressive treatment. It has been found that in more than 95% of cases, mesothelioma occurs due to asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a good heat resistant material that is used by various industries to make lagging for pipes and walls. Prior to the red flags raised by various medical groups, many individuals were unaware of the dangers of asbestos exposure. Studies show that the main effects occur about 20 to 40 years after first exposed. Owing to this reason, this disease has been labeled ‘old person disease’ because it occurs when individuals are in their latter part of their lives.

One of the most common types of mesothelioma is the epithelioid mesothelioma. This type has a higher prognosis for cure where patients can access better treatment and in turn improve their life expectancy. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused in the mesothelium, the epithelium adjoining certain organs. Epithelium is a tissue found within the body that separates different regions. For example, the epithelial cells found in the skin separate the outside of the body from its inside.

Causes and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The most common cause of epithelioid mesothelioma is due to exposure to very fine airborne asbestos particles. In this cancerous disease, the membrane lining of chest cavity, lungs, heart abdominal abdominal cavity becomes damaged and results in the formation of cancerous cells. 50-70% of individuals suffering from mesothelioma exhibit syntoms of epithelioid mesothelioma thus making it the most common type. The survival period for epithelioid mesothelioma is about eight and a half months depending of the patient’s physical condition.

Epithelioid mesothelioma is identified based on the unique and organized cell structure. These cells have a tubular pattern with a specific cell nucleus. This easily leads to wrong diagnosis as the cells in other forms of cancer look similar to the epithelioid cells.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma symptoms start presenting themselves 40 to 50 years after being exposed to asbestos. Its symptoms are similar to that of common bout of asthma, pneumonia or bronchitis. These symptoms include chest pain and breathlessness. Apart from these symptoms, patients also experience coughing, weakness, tiredness along with inability to absorb nutrition resulting in significant weight loss. In addition, another common epithelioid mesothelioma symptom is the collection of fluid inside the pleural space and is known as pleural effusion.The breathlessness, pain and tiredness is develops when the tumor restricts the movement of the lungs during inhalation.

The symptoms of mesothelioma also depend on the location, size and nature of the tumor. In cases where the tumor is benign, it usually does not spread. However, when the tumor is malignant, the symptoms are very severe and spread rapidly. They also exert pressure on surrounding soft tissues.

The main symptoms are:

Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum A recurring cough Inability to swallow your food Shortness of breath Pain in the chest or abdomen Weight loss

There are many steps involved when identifying mesothelioma.

Step 1: patients need to have full details about the disease and be sure if the mesothelioma is cancerous or non-cancerous. They also need to know the location of the tumor to ensure the treatment is concentrated on that area. Step 2: recall if they were exposed to asbestos during their earlier years. Step 3: Be aware of the early symptoms of the disease to be able to identify them early and not wait until the later stages. Step 4: check on the various treatment options that can provide the maximum relief.

Eden Alii asked:


Mesothelioma patients fear pain just as the disease itself. It is therefore essential to know that most mesothelioma cancers pain can be controlled.

Causes of cancer pain

Pain from tumor: mesothelioma cancers pain comes when a tumor presses on bone, nerves, or body organs, and may vary according to location.Pain from mesothelioma treatments: mesothelioma cancers treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause pain. Painful cases are occur mostly in mesothelioma patients whose immune system has been suppressed by these therapies.

Other causes: cancer patients sometimes have pain that is not related to their illness.

Every patient has a unique pain, therefore, it is essential that patients undergo appropriate mesothelioma treatments plan.

Types of pain



The most common types of pain are:

1. Acute pain. this is defined as pain which is occurs rapidly and is usually severe, but is short-lives.

2. Chronic pain. This is known as pain which may range from mild to severe and stays or increase over a longer period.

3. Breakthrough pain. This kind of pain is one that occurs in mesothelioma patients with chronic pain that is regulated by medications.

Pain Control

The following are the types of medicines used for pain relief:

1. From mild to moderate pain.

Nonopioids: most of these medications are accessible without a doctor’s prescription, but some requires a prescription. Other medicine in this category includes acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen. get more info …

Indrani Muniandy asked:


Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of this type of cancer called mesothelioma. Jobs that deals with or takes place in the vicinity of asbestos is always suspect. In a study conducted, it was found that up to 80% of all mesothelioma cancer patients had periods of prolonged exposure to asbestos at some point in their lives. Mesothelioma is also a exceedingly rare variety of cancer with merely about 4000 cases each year. There are 3 main types of mesothelioma cancer that vary according the region of the body that has been affected. They are recognized as Pericardial Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pleural Mesothelioma.

The cancer is named after the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers various cavities. Peritoneal, Pleural and Peritoneal mesothelioma are all named after the particular cavities that this cancer affects.

The symptoms of this cancer depend significantly on the region affected. The symptoms can take as long as 50 years to show up Weight loss, abdominal pain as well as abdominal lumps are all symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms consist of chest pains, lumps in the chest, and painful breathing instead. Pericardial Mesothelioma - Chest pain, fever, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, murmurs, Orthopnea.

There is a chance that treatment may send this cancer into remission but that is uncommon. The survival rate of patients is not promising at all. The life expectancy of those with advanced stages of this cancer normally do not survive more than a year. Those lucky enough to become aware of the cancer in its early stages can expect to live for up to 5 years. There is still research being done in the field, albeit not a whole lot. Dr.David Sugarbaker has been at the forefront of mesothelioma research and he, along with other noteworthy doctors have been making good progress in the area. The primary areas of research tend to target pleural mesothelioma and new, aggressive techniques have been found to extend live expectancy by years.

Chris M. Alexander asked:


Malignant mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer form that has an impact on the thin tissue layer that is there in the internal organs of the body, commonly known as mesothelium. The main reason responsible for malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.

Health care providers have divided malignant mesothelioma into various kinds on the basis of mesothelium area. It includes pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma: is the most common cancer form that has an impact on the lungs lining, commonly known as pleura.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: is the second most common cancer form that makes its presence felt in the abdomen lining, commonly known as peritoneum.

Pericardial Mesothelioma: makes its presence felt in the membrane that is there around the heart, commonly known as pericardium.

Testicular Mesothelioma: is the rarest cancer form that makes its presence felt in the membranous lining surrounding the testicles, commonly known as tunica vaginalis.

Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms

People suffering from malignant mesothelioma normally do not show any symptoms until 15 to 30 years after asbestos exposure. This happens because of the long latency period that is associated with mesothelioma. The mesothelioma symptoms are quite general and often do not cause any serious condition, which make the whole diagnosis process lot tougher.

You will find quite a bit of variation in the malignant mesothelioma symptoms on the basis of mesothelioma type. Some of the common symptoms associated with malignant mesothelioma are breath shortness, persistent cough and chest pain. People suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma may show symptoms like development of lumps, abdominal swelling and modifications in bowel movement. People suffering from pericardial mesothelioma may experience chest pain, fever and heart palpitations. People suffering from testicular mesothelioma may experience testicular lumps.

Malignant Mesothelioma Treatments

Irrespective of the kind of malignant mesothelioma you are suffering from, there are plenty of treatment options available. However, how you are going to react with different treatment options will depend entirely on your overall health condition. Your health care provider will set treatment on the basis of your disease stage and past medical record.

To cure mesothelioma and get rid of cancer cells, health care providers normally employ surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The main objective of radiation and chemotherapy treatments is to get rid of the cancerous cells and stop the growth of cell division. During treatment, main emphasis is on harmful cells but there is a strong possibility that it can also have an impact on the healthy cells. After treatment, you mat experience various side effects. Palliative treatments which give people suffering from malignant mesothelioma comfort can also be used by your health care provider.

Malignant Mesothelioma Causes

Mesothelioma makes its presence felt when asbestos fibers are ingested and make a mark in the body organs. With the passage of time, fibers cause inflammation and scarring, which often results in malignant mesothelioma development. The asbestos fibers also have ability to damage cellular cells.

Bello kamorudeen asked:


Mesothelioma, often referred to as “asbestos cancer”, is a cancer of the mesothelium, the tissue that lines and protects the internal organs of the body. A diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma (often simply called mesothelioma) is very serious. Most cases pass away within one to two years after receiving the diagnosis, although recent improvements in treatment (both chemotherapy and surgical treatment) have prolonged the survival times of many mesothelioma patients. Early diagnosis and proper treatment of mesothelioma can often lead to a good prognosis.

Three main types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung;

• Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdominal cavity

• Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart

The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, followed by peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is exceptionally rare. The main known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers, a mineral commonly used in insulating and fire retardant materials. Asbestos was widely used in manufacturing and construction until 1972, when it was partially banned. However, asbestos continued to be used in many household products into the late 1970’s, and in automotive brakes into the 1990’s.

Mesothelioma can also occur after brief contacts with asbestos this is usually the case of relatives of workers in asbestos factories who came down with the disease through minimal exposure to asbestos in the working clothes of the workers. It often takes several decades for symptoms of the disease to show up.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Symptoms Nearly 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the United State

Symptoms:

• Difficulty in breathing • chronic cough • chest and back pain • weight loss

Asbestos is commoner in men aged 50 years and above, though nearly anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can contract the disease. Mesothelioma is most common in industrial and construction workers, but can also result from household exposures. Many cases of mesothelioma have occurred in the children or wives of industrial workers, who have been exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on the clothing of the worker.

The only known cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. If you have been diagnosed with any form of the disease, you should seek the services of a Mesothelioma attorney for legal advice. Swift Detection Can Lead To Positive Outcome When detected early enough, and treated promptly by an experienced oncologist{medical doctor who has specialized in the treatment of cancers}, the patient’s prognosis is expected to be good. Early detection of this cancer and all forms cancer related to asbestos exposure is vital.

Nick Johnson asked:


In the event you have ever been exposed to asbestos particles in environments such as your home or workplace, you are subject to mesothelioma symptoms. Mesothelioma is a gradually developing type of lung cancer which may either be in its worst stage or arrive there soon, depending on how much time has passed since your first asbestos exposure. Development typically takes at least 15 years. You are especially at risk if you are over the age of 40 and smoke tobacco.

A mesothelioma lawyer can help you fight for loss compensation you deserve. By filing a lawsuit, you can prosecute anyone who failed to produce asbestos warnings after being aware of the mineral’s presence for a considerable period of time. Your lawyer can charge you contingency fees, which are not up-front and only depend on the overall success of your case. To find a lawyer right for you, you should contact at least two or three ideal candidates and interview them on previous experience specializing in your area of concern.

There are various important pieces of evidence, which you should provide to your mesothelioma lawyer to make the processing of your case faster. These include your symptoms, what year your home was built, and the exact location where you were exposed without receiving a warning. There are several known types of mesothelioma, as well as some unrelated illnesses, by which you may manifest mesothelioma symptoms, and they can vary slightly. They include fluid in your chest cavity, persistent coughing, fatigue, weight loss, appetite loss, fever, anemia, fatigue, bowel obstruction, husky voice, swollenness/pain in your chest or abdominal area, nausea, and vomiting.

For temporary relief of symptoms in cases of fluid in your chest cavity, your physician may perform surgery and fine-needle injection. You should discuss this along with alternative treatments that you may prefer. In mesothelioma’s early stages, diagnosing the illness may be difficult unless your physician has the right technology for this purpose.

You should act quickly on both finding a mesothelioma lawyer and seeking a diagnosis. Your state’s laws have a specific deadline to file your claim, and you should check them to make sure you are not already too late. If you wish, you may contact elected officials that represent you for advice on an attorney. Your life may depend on how soon after asbestos exposure you can receive a diagnosis.

Take your mesothelioma symptoms seriously. Your possible compensation may be at stake, and the sooner you act, the better.

Patricia Woloch asked:


According to Dictionary.com, mesothelioma is pronounced mez-uh-thee-lee-oh-muh. It’s still a little tricky to say, even when you see it broken down! And, this $64 word carries an even pricier definition.

“A malignant [cancerous] tumor of the covering of the lung or the lining of the pleural and abdominal cavities often associated with exposure to asbestos.”

To put it simply, inhaling asbestos dust for extended periods of time can lead to cancer in the lungs and/or abdomen.

The mesothelioma, specifically, is a membrane that covers and protects most of your internal organs. It has two layers: the inner layer immediately surrounds the organ, while the second, or outer, layer forms a sac around it. It would be similar to wrapping a chicken breast in plastic wrap and then putting that in a zip-top bag.

The mesothelioma produces a lubricant of sorts that is released between its two layers. This allows other organs such as the heart and lungs to glide easily against nearby organs, bones, etc.

Sadly, it can take many years, if not decades, for any signs or symptoms of mesothelioma to appear. The most common form of mesothelioma attacks the pleura around the lungs. Common symptoms can include:

• Shortness of breath

• Wheezing, hoarseness and/or cough

• Pain in the chest (due to accumulation of fluid in the pleura around the lungs)

• Fatigue

• Anemia

• Coughing up blood

Abdominal mesothelioma symptoms can include:

• Weight loss

• Abdominal swelling (due to accumulation of fluid)

• Bowel obstruction

• Blood clotting abnormalities

• Anemia

• Fever

Left untreated or undiagnosed, mesothelioma can, like any cancer, spread to other parts of the body with symptoms that include pain, trouble swallowing or swelling of the neck and face.

As mentioned earlier, all of these symptoms of mesothelioma stem from extended exposure to asbestos. Due to its great heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties, asbestos was used quite heavily the in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Asbestos exposure could happen in just about every blue-collar industry such as oil refineries, construction sites, and automotive repair, just to name a few. Despite the fact that the government has since regulated acceptable asbestos exposure limits in the workplace, previous heavy exposure may still have left you at risk for developing mesothelioma at some point during your lifetime.