Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Overcoming the odds: Curing pleomorphic type mesothelioma

Given the increasing number of types of cancer, one can never escape the hazards of the world. Cancer normally occurs when a person is exposed to harmful substances for an extended period of time. This is true when you have cancer known as pleomorphic type mesonthelioma. Having this disease means that you have a malignant tumor originating from mesenchyman. A large portion of the tumor grows into adipose tissue. Parts of the body commonly attacked by pleomorphic type mesothelioma include the leg, shoulders, gluteal region and the retroperitoneum.

Tumors are normally seen as lump masses inside the body. CHECK YOURSELF

It is not easy to diagnose plemorphic type mesonthelioma. There is no specific screening for plemorphic type mesonthelioma. People who have a high risk of developing mesothelioma should be checked for regular period of time in order to spot mesothelioma at the earliest stage possible so get checked as frequently as possible. There are some signs and symptoms the doctors watch out to get further tests to confirm plemorphic type mesonthelioma. Pain, swelling tenderness to any area and a possible lump are the common complaints that are considered.

A simple blood test can be performed to evaluate a person's general health. If doctor suspects that the person may have plemorphic type mesonthelioma, the person may have abdominal x-ray, abdominal CT scan or abdominal MRI scans to check and confirm for swelling and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Abdoparacentsis or fluid drainage from the abdomen can be performed to alleviate the swelling and pain around the abdomen and to see if there are malignant or cancerous cells in the fluid. Laparoscopy or biopsy of the abdominal lining or peritoneum may be done, wherein they get a tissue sample of the abdominal lining and check if the mesothelial cells are damaged by cancer.

If these tests confirm that one has plemorphic type mesonthelioma, it will now be determine if it has spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging or determining the gravity of the cancer itself. This process is very important to determine what action or treatment will be done. A PET scan may be done to see how the cells are working. PET stands for positron emission tomography. This is done if the mesothelioma is treatable through surgery. This shows the extent of spread of the cancer cells to the other parts of the body like the lymph nodes and other organs.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

No matter what sickness you have there is a specialist out there who can help you find the proper cure even if it is for plemorphic type mesonthelioma. After the diagnosis and determining the gravity of the mesothelioma, treatment is done and there are different doctors that facilitate the treatment of the mesothelioma.

If the mesothelioma is treatable via surgery, the services of a thoracic surgeon may be needed. The thoracic surgeon is trained and is specialized to do surgeries of the lung, heart, chest and esophagus. If a patient has been diagnosed with plemorphic type mesonthelioma and it has been decided that the best treatment is surgery, then this physician is the one qualified to do the job.

Here are some doctors you should approach for your problems.

The Medical Oncologist is a physician specialized to render chemotherapy if it has been determined that the best treatment for the mesothelioma is through chemotherapy. This physician has the extensive knowledge and skills of the treatment modalities of cancer specifically chemotherapy.

The Radiation Oncologist is a physician specialized to render radiation therapy if it has been determined that the best treatment for the mesothelioma is through radiation therapy. This physician has the extensive knowledge and skills and is highly trained to administer radiation therapy to treat the plemorphic type mesonthelioma.

The pathologist is a physician who specializes in analyzing cells. This doctor has the extensive skill and knowledge and is highly trained to monitor and evaluate the significant cell changes that may point to mesothelioma. They analyze the cells through the specimens that are brought to them such as the blood, fluid obtained from the abdomen or lung, or tissues from the mesothelium. They interpret the changes and they are the ones responsible to spot damaged mesothelial cells by cancer or the mesothelioma.

No matter what happens always have faith that these doctors are doing their best to help you recover from pleomorphic type mesothelioma or any type of mesothelioma for that matter.

Tips to Prevent Mesothelioma: Prevention Asbestos at Home

Did you know that mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure can be prevented at home?

Mesothelioma is an illness characterized by scattered pulmonary fibrosis from the infiltration of asbestos dust into the lungs. Current laws restrict the use of asbestos, but many industries used it in the past. Therefore, exposure occurred, and may still occur, in various jobs, comprising of manufacturing and mining of asbestos, shipbuilding, demolition of structures containing asbestos, and roofing. Materials such as cement, clothing brake linings, vinyl asbestos tile, shingles, and fireproof paint, and filters all contained asbestos at one time, and many of these materials are still in existence. Additional diseases related to asbestos exposure include lung cancer, asbestosis, and asbestos pleural effusion.

What is Mesothelioma?

Inhaled asbestos dust enters the body and sticks to the lungs. The common affected area is the mesothelium or the protective sheet that covers the internal organs in the lungs. Mesothelium is located in the chest cavity and the lungs known as pleura.

Asbestos dust triggers the abnormal activity of the mesothelium. They also propagate without control. The onset of the disease is subtle, and the patient has persistent, dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain brought about by the buildup of fluid in the pleura, weight loss, and abdominal pain.

In the case of mesothelioma, cancer cells can metastasize or undergo the process of metastasis. This is the dissemination or spread of malignant cells from the pulmonary tumor to distant sites by direct spread of tumor cells to body cavities or through lymphatic and blood circulation.

Frequency Cases

Statistical reports show that more than 2,000 Americans are affected with mesothelioma every year. However, even if most cases occur at work, many are still affected right at their own home. This does not necessarily mean homeowners use asbestos at home. Surveys reveal that cases of mesothelioma at home are commonly caused by asbestos dust brought at home.

People who work at industrial companies or construction sites, or simply those who have been inadvertently exposed to asbestos may unconsciously bring asbestos dust at home. Asbestos dust may stick to clothes, hair, skin, cars, or even in their tools. Hence, to avoid Mesothelioma, learn the prevention asbestos at home tips.

Here's how:

1. Learn to recognize asbestos

The problem with most people who get sick with mesothelioma, even if they are not working in an industrial company or construction field, is that they do not know how to recognize asbestos or asbestos-containing products right at their own home.

The government has already passed laws and is now implementing full restrictions and control on the use of asbestos in home products. Asbestos containing products are considered as one of the primary factors for developing mesothelioma.

Hence, if you are planning to buy tools for your home, try to check if they contain asbestos. Some of the products that normally contain asbestos are floor adhesives, door gaskets, boilers, furnace ducts, vinyl floor tiles, textured paint, fireproof gloves, asbestos cement roofing, etc.

2. Buy quality materials

The use of asbestos cannot simply be ignored considering the fact that they have high resistance to fire. However, it is best that you check on the quality of the asbestos containing product you are about to buy. Low quality or damaged products may tend to emit asbestos dust, which can infiltrate your lungs and may develop mesothelioma.

3. Dispose asbestos dust before going home

Workers at an asbestos infested environment must try to eliminate any signs of asbestos dust from his clothing or tools. Before going home, it is best that the employee must take a bath thoroughly and wash his clothes carefully to eradicate asbestos dust.

4. Be wary on floors that contain asbestos

If you have used asbestos containing products in your home, such as the flooring, it is best not to wax or brush the floor. Brushing or waxing the asbestos containing flooring may discharge "microscopic fibers" into the air, increasing the risk of inhaling asbestos dust.

5. Do not sweep suspected asbestos dust

If you think you are about to sweep asbestos dust, leave it alone. Dust particles may only infiltrate the lungs once inhaled. This can be prevented by leaving asbestos dust alone. Do not let them fly into the air.

Prevention is better than cure. Hence, to avoid mesothelioma, it is best to learn the prevention asbestos at home tips and start a life away from health hazard.

Use of Cord Blood to Cure Leukemia

A three-year-old leukemia victim was given a life-saving infusion of her own cord blood, marking the first time a child with this disease served as their own blood donor, American doctors said.

The little girl is now a thriving six-year-old -- a tribute, say her doctors, to the pioneering transplant that helped her recover from radical chemotherapy.

They also commended the foresight of her parents who decided to save some of her umbilical cord on the off chance it might be needed later.

"There's a good chance the procedure saved her life. She is in remission and has an excellent chance of being cured," said Ammar Hayani, the pediatric oncologist who treated the youngster at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill.

In 2003, the little girl was diagnosed with the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and began long-term chemotherapy treatment.

She quickly went into remission, but 10 months later the cancer was back, and this time it had spread to her spine, a worrying development that signaled the leukemia was a particularly aggressive kind that would probably not respond well to treatment, Hayani said.

Her doctors responded with a more aggressive chemotherapy protocol and full-body radiation, and then looked around for ways to replace the blood system they had wiped out.

Ordinarily they would have had to choose between a blood or bone marrow transplant from a family member or unrelated donor, but in this case, the family members were not a match.

And rather than use material from an unrelated donor, with the corresponding risk of life-long complications, they opted to take the controversial and risky step of transplanting the girl's own cord blood, which had been frozen and stored at a private blood bank several years following her birth in 1999.

"We were in unchartered territory," said Hayani. "We couldn't predict with any certainty whether the operation would be successful. We had no concrete data, but the parents felt very comfortable with it, so we went ahead."

The procedure was not without risk, because even though the cord blood was screened to ensure it did not contain any cancerous cells, the screening techniques are not 100 percent accurate, Hayani explained.

Still, the child's parents weighed the risks and gambled that their daughter's own stem cells, contained in her cord blood, would benefit her more than stem cells harvested from the bone marrow or blood of strangers.

The results so far suggest they made the right call, said Hayani who reported on the girl's case in a paper that appears in the January issue of the journal Pediatrics.

"It's hard to argue with success. Relapse seems very unlikely at this point, and she has an excellent quality of life, much better than if she had taken stem cells from a donor."

Kerwin Chang writes for http://www.cordbloodmen.com where you can find out more about cordbloodmen and other topics. Use of Cord Blood to Cure Leukemia.

Top 8 Things Women Can do to Prevent Cancer

There are many things that women can do to prevent cancer! Reducing your risk of cancer is easier than you think. Simply changing some lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing many types of cancer.

1. Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke

We hear a dozen times a day how bad cigarettes are for us and the risk of lung cancer. Why? Because smoking is the most significant risk factors for cancer that we can reduce. Did you know that smoking increases your risk factor for devloping dozens of types of cancer?

2. Practice Safe Sex and Limit the Amount of Partners You Have

Having unprotected sex with many partners raises your risk factor for contracting a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV for short. HPV has been linked to several different types of cancers, mainly cervical cancer. It is estimated that almost 80% of women have HPV.

3. Get Regular Pap Smears

Getting a regular Pap smear can detect changes in the cervix before they become cancerous. A regular Pap smear is one of the best tools a woman has to prevent cervical cancer.

4. Pass on that Last Call for Alcohol.

Studies have determined that women who drink alcoholic beverages develop cancer at a higher rate. How much is too much? Based on studies, ladies who consume 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1½ times the risk of women who don't consume alcohol.

5. Get Moving.

Did you know that when you are exercising, you are reducing your risk for many types of cancer? The American Cancer Society recommends exercising 30 or minutes, at least 5 days a week!Exercising doesn't mean having to go to the gym to lift weights. Check out the "Top 10 Ways to Prevent Cancer Through Exercise" for some great gym alternatives.

6. Eat a Low Fat, Sensible Diet.

Eating a diet low in animal fats has been shown to reduce the irsk of many types of cancer. It also curbs obesity, which is a risk factor for many types of cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential!

7. Be Sun Savvy!

Using suncreen properly and staying out of the sun during peak hours is essential to preventing skin cancer. If you are looking for a tan, try some tanning alternives like cosmetic bronzers and self tanning creams. New forumlas don't leave your skin looking orange.

8. Know Your Family History of Cancer

Knowing your family history of cancer is very important to properly assess your risk factor for certain types of cancer. We know that cancers like breast, colon, ovarian, and possibly other types can be hereditary.

If you know that a certain type of cancer runs in your family, let your doctor know. Together, you can determine a prooper screening plan and assess your true risk factor. Genetic testing and counseling are available for some

source:about.com

Gynecologic Cancer

Women and Gynecologic Cancer

Gynecologic cancer is a group of cancers that affect tissues and organs of the female reproductive system. Each type of cancer is named after the organ it originates.

Fast Fact About Gynecologic Cancer

According to the forthcoming United States Cancer Statistics (USCS): 2002 Incidence and Mortality Report (available November 2005)

  • More than 71,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer.

  • More than 27,000 women in the United States died from some form of gynecologic cancer.

  • is the most common gynecologic cancer. [link url=http://cancer.about.com/od/symptoms/index.htm]Ovarian cancer is the most deadly gynecologic cancer.
  • Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of death for women in the United States; however, during the past four decades, incidence and mortality have declined significantly.

  • Other cancers of the female reproductive system are less common.

  • Vulvar cancer, for example, accounts for only 4 percent of cancers in the female reproductive organs. Vaginal cancer accounts for approximately 3 percent of cancers of the female reproductive system.

Types of Gynecological Cancer

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer affects the cervix, which is the opening into the uterus, or womb. Cervical cancer used to be one of the most deadliest cancers, however now that more women are getting Pap smears on a regular basis, the prognosis is much better.

Vulvar Cancer

Cancer of the vulva, a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of a woman’s vagina. The vagina is the passage between the uterus (the hollow, pear-shaped organ where a baby grows) and the outside of the body. It is also called the birth canal.

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a rare kind of cancer in women. It is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina is the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods and through which a woman has babies. It is also called the "birth canal." The vagina connects the cervix (the opening of the womb or uterus) and the vulva (the folds of skin around the opening to the vagina).

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer is a disease of the uterus, or womb. There are two types of uterine cancer, the most common being endometrial cancer. Uterine cancer is the most common type of gynecologic cancer.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer affects the ovaries in the female reproductive system. It is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages and is considered the deadliest gynecologic cancer.

Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Cervical cancer is a malignant cancer of the cervix. Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top. The upper part, or body, of the uterus, is where a fetus grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the (birth canal). The part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix.. Cancer of the cervix (also known as cervical cancer) begins in the lining of the cervix. Cervical cancers do not form suddenly. Normal cervical cells gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turn into cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by several types of a virus called human papillomaviruses (HPV). The virus spreads through contact. Most women's bodies are able to fight HPV infection. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens. Cervical cancer can often be cured when it's found early. Cervical cancer is a carcinoma, typically composed of squamous cells, and is similar in some respects to squamous cell cancers of the head and neck and anus.

All three of these diseases may be associated with human papillomavirus infection. The remaining 10% to 20% of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas are becoming more common in women born in the last 20 to 30 years. Cervical adenocarcinoma develops from the mucus-producing gland cells of the endocervix. Most (80-90%) invasive cervical cancer develops in flat, scaly surface cells that line the cervix (called squamous cell carcinomas). Approximately 10-15% of cases develop in glandular surface cells (called adenocarcinomas). Symptoms of cervical cancer may include is pain during discharge that is tinged with blood and bleeding from that is not normal, or a change in your menstrual cycle. Cervical cancer is staged by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging system, which is based on clinical examination, rather than surgical findings. Cervical cancer is found only in women. Cervical cancers usually affect women of middle age or older, but it may be diagnosed in any reproductive-aged woman.

Cervical cancer that is caught early can usually be cured. Microinvasive cancer (stage IA) is usually treated by hysterectomy (removal of the whole uterus). Vaccines have been developed that can protect women from HPV infections. A vaccine that offers protection from the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer is the latest addition to the official childhood immunization schedule. The cervical cancer vaccine currently available in Australia is called Gardasil. This vaccine prevents infection with HPV types 16, 18, 6 and 11. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority (70% internationally; 80% in Australia) of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer strikes more than 10,000 U.S. women each year, killing more than 3,700. The vaccine appears to be virtually 100 percent effective against two of the most common cancer-causing HPV strains. A vaccine for girls and young women protects against the four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. Practicing safe (using condoms) also reduces your risk of HPV.

Cervical Cancer Treatment Tips

1. Surgery treats the cancer in the cervix and the area close to the tumor.

2. Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells.

4. Anticancer drugs for cervical cancer are usually given through a vein.

5. Electrosurgery, cryosurgery, podophyllum, and trichloroacetic acid are methods used to remove HPV in mucosal tissue.

6. A vaccine that offers protection from the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer

7. Practicing safe (using condoms) also reduces your risk of HPV and STD diseases

8. Avoid Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
About the Author

Juliet Cohen writes articles on diseases and conditions and women health care. More information on health related topics visit our site at http://www.health-care-articles.info.

How Helpful Is The Recognition Of Early Symptoms Of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a very deadly disease. The most significant risk factor of this disease is cigarette smoking. Lung cancer proves to be one of the most deadly health problems among Americans.

Studies show that lung cancer account for twenty-eight percent of all cancer deaths among American men and women.

Records further show that lung cancer is the most lethal malignant tumor worldwide causing up to three million deaths annually.

Even with the recognition that cigarette smoking is the major risk factor of lung cancer, it is important to note that not all smokers die of lung cancer but just the same, not all non-smokers are safe from lung cancer.

It is further important to recognize that early symptoms of lung cancer will help ensure proper management of this health risk condition.

Doctors believe that detection of early symptoms of lung cancer will help halt the progression of lung cancer and put the symptoms to remission.

There are various treatments available against this disease but if you will neglect the early symptoms of lung cancer, it may be hard to manage and possibly, it is already impossible to control. This is because advanced stage of the disease already involves secondary cancer sites developed in the other parts of the body.

Various treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, radio immunotherapy and the new lung cancer treatment, photodynamic therapy.

All of these lung cancer treatments will become useless especially if the detection of the cancer is already on its advanced stage.

Thus, it is necessary to recognize early symptoms of lung cancer to ensure you will be able to halt the symptoms and not merely lessen the symptoms.

Early symptom of lung cancer such as persistent coughing is commonly associated with mere itchiness of the throat from smoking. This makes smokers neglect it and set it aside.

Most smokers commonly worry about lung cancer symptoms only when they see blood in the sputum. Do not fall prey to this situation because when you finally see blood in the sputum, this means that you are already on the advanced stage of the lung cancer.

Other common early symptoms of lung cancer that is often neglected are sudden weight loss, chest pain and constant fatigue, when you start feeling all these signs and you are a smoker, you may need to see your doctor and have him test you for possible signs of lung cancer.

The next symptoms of lung cancer, which will point to an advanced stage of the disease are recurring cases of pneumonia or bronchitis, and neck and facial swelling.

Ensure that you will not neglect early symptoms of lung cancer to help you manage the disease properly. Visit your doctor if you are a smoker suffering from persistent coughing and constant fatigue.

Furthermore, if you are working in an environment where you are often exposed to impure air such as chemicals and asbestos ashes, even if you are not a smoker, you may need to check with your doctor when you feel anything similar to the early symptoms of lung cancer.

There is yet no known cure for this disease, thus detection of early symptoms of lung cancer is the only defence you have in order to avoid this lethal cancer from affecting your life.

It will also help to make sure you will not suffer from lung cancer if you minimize smoking or totally eradicate smoking from your life and live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet will ensure you will not suffer from lung cancer and will not experience even the early symptoms of lung cancer.
A look at how you can increase your chances of surviving one of the deadly forms of cancer.

Mark MacKay is a freelance health columnist. He is also the creator of Lung Cancer Treatments, a web site setup to help people find useful and accurate information on Lung Cancer. Visit his site at http://www.Lung-Cancer-Explained.info