CHOSING A MESOTHELIOMA DOCTOR

By Peter Lenkefi

Mesothelioma Cancer is considered, within the medical profession, to be a serious illness. Mesothelioma Doctors are now available to those who are sufferers of Mesothelioma Cancer. Mesothelioma Doctors are well educated in the cause of Mesothelioma Cancer, diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cancer, the affects of Mesothelioma Cancer and the available treatment for Mesothelioma Cancer.Therefore, when choosing a Mesothelioma Doctor, ensure that they have expertise, or quality experience in the area of Mesothelioma Cancer. This can be achieved through your general GP’s general enquiries on your behalf, or through conducting your own research.You might even consider making enquiries with the American Cancer Society, who hold a variety of information about different types of Cancer and where to seek help. When seeking help it is best to research all your available options and then choose the best one for you.

Some of the important information that you might need to tell your Mesothelioma Doctor include, what types of symptoms you are experiencing, how long ago since you were exposure to an Asbestos related substance and for how long where you exposed to the Asbestos related substance.After you receive and initial consultation from your Mesothelioma Doctor, you may be required to undergo either a Chest CT scan, or a biopsy, depending on which type of Mesothelioma Cancer your Mesothelioma Doctor considers that you have.Essentially, there are three possible types of Mesothelioma Cancer that you could have. These include, Pleural (Lungs) Mesothelioma Cancer, Peritoneal (abdominal) and Pericardial (heart). Once your Mesothelioma Cancer doctor has made a definitive diagnosis, he/she will then be able to tell you which type of Mesothelioma Cancer you have, at what stage the Mesothelioma Cancer is, whether it has spread to surrounding organs, or whether it is contained within the original area of the diseases initiation.Your Mesothelioma doctor will then discuss your treatment options in relation to the type of Mesothelioma Cancer that you have and what stage the Cancer is at. Your Mesothelioma Doctor should explain these options in detail, including any side affects and the recovery period. Your Mesothelioma Doctor should also explain to you what the results of not undergoing these recommended treatment options could be. Essentially, your Mesothelioma Doctor should give you a detailed explanation of your entire prognosis.Your prognosis should include details regarding any risks that you may be subjected to, the chances of the Cancer reoccurring following treatment and how long you are expected to survive once treatment has been implemented. Keep in mind that through ongoing research into Mesothelioma Cancer, treatments are becoming more effective and patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, who

undergo treatment, are surviving for longer periods of time.

MESOTHELIOMA – AN ASBESTOS RELATED LUNG CANCER

By Jill Kane

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer located in the lining of either the lungs, abdomen or the heart. These linings are thin layers of tissue covering the organ. The pleura is the tissue covering the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity which cushions and protects the lungs. The peritoneum lines the abdominal wall and surrounds most of the organs in the abdomen. The pericardium is the tissue surrounding the heart.

Mesothelioma is a rare but very serious cancer. There are three types of mesothelioma based on the types of cancerous cells. The most common type is epithelioid and consists of 50-70% of total cases and has the best prognosis. The second type is called sarcomatoid, consists of 10-20 % of mesothelioma cases and is more unpredictable in nature. The third type of mesothelioma is called biphasic, it is a combination of the other two types and consists of 20-35% of all cases.

There are an estimated 2000-3000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year. The majority of these cases begin in the chest wall (pleural mesothelioma), a few start in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and very rare are the cases starting in the lining surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

The pleura is a thin lining of mesothelial cells. There are two pleuras in the chest, the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. The parietal pleura lines the chest wall including the inside of the ribs, diaphragm and pericardium. The visceral pleura covers the lungs and filters fluid to and from the chest. If the pleura becomes diseases it is not effective at eliminating fluid from the chest resulting in pleural effusion or too much fluid in the chest.

Mesothelioma is usually the result of exposure to asbestos. Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have had jobs where they breathed asbestos fibers. It may take up to 60 years from the time of asbestos exposure until mesothelioma develops.

Although rare, mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer which is often in its advanced stage when a diagnosis is made. In general, prognosis for mesothelioma patient is poor, however, some patients live with the disease for a long time. As mentioned earlier, the type of mesothelioma has an impact on the prognosis, as well as, the age of the patient, how much tumor has developed and if treatment is rendered. There are many variables in evaluating a mesothelioma case, so only the patients doctor can determine the best treatment and possible prognosis on an individual basis.

SEEKING MESOTHELIOMA HELP

By Peter Lenkefi

If you, or someone you know has been diagnosed with, or thinks that they might have Mesothelioma Cancer, it is often daunting and can be difficult to know where to seek help. However, you are not alone, there are organizations and doctors who can help.With the current research and new knowledge about Mesothelioma Cancer, seeking help has become easier, as there are now established support organizations and more knowledgeable doctors who can help you, your friend, or your family.In most Mesothelioma Cancer cases, the disease has developed as a result of exposure to an Asbestos related substance. In most cases people who develop

Mesothelioma Cancer worked directly with an asbestos related substance, or were exposed to an Asbestos related substance, over a long period of time, in their place of work.Early intervention provides sufferers of Mesothelioma Cancer their best chance of survival, following appropriate treatment. This is why it is important that if you, or someone you know, are experiencing the effects of Mesothelioma Cancer, you should seek help.Some of the types of symptoms that you should be looking for include, coughing, breathlessness, chest pain, abdominal pain and fatigue and immune deficiency related illnesses, such as colds. If you think you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment you’re your local GP and seek a referral to a

Mesothelioma Cancer Specialist. If you are then diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer you might then consider contacting a Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer.Some of the support organizations that you might consider contacting include, the American Cancer Society, who can provide information about other support networks in your area. If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer, there is no need to suffer in silence, as there are many positive steps you can take towards securing your future, there is always help to be found.

Currently, there are new treatments for Mesothelioma being discovered and implemented and through greater knowledge and early intervention; these new treatments are proving to be effective. Of course, being diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer can be a difficult time for both you and your family, however, there are many Cancer support agencies that also offer support to the families of Cancer victims. Research has shown that early intervention and treatment of Mesothelioma Cancer has helped many patients live up to 7 years beyond their expected survival rate, without seeking help and undergoing treatment. So, we encourage you to take the time to seek help if you have been exposed to, or diagnosed with Mesothelioma Cancer. It will be a positive step towards saving your own life, or that of another.