Cause and Effect of Mesothelioma
The only Malignant Mesothelioma Cause is an exposure to asbestos fibers. These particles are microscopic natural fibers that are most oftenly found in highly industrialised areas and contact with them is the only known mesothelioma cause. The particles become harmful once they enter the body and make their way to the abdominal wall, which they can reach through two methods. They can be ingested and then processed through digestion and then lodged in the peritoneum, hence the name "Peritoneal Mesothelioma". On the other hand, the harmful fibers can be inhaled and then make their way into the lungs and consequentlly the lympth nodes. Next, as most malignant cells do, the cells in the mesothelium begin to divide erratically and without control. This is what makes cancerous cells so harmful for they disrupt the natural process of cell division which provides the basis for biological life. Then the cancerous cells begin to invade and compromise the nearby tissues and organs. This type of cancer can very easily metastasize (spread) from its origin, usually the peritoneum, to other parts of the body. Exposure to Asbestos Fibers the only known malignant peritoneal mesothelioma cause.
After exposed to asbestos fibers, the victim will proceed to develop mesothelioma. Unfortunately, mesothelioma remains fairly asymptomatic in the early stages. It isn't until the malignant cells have spread throughout the body, that the victim begins to exhibit symptoms. By this time, the patient will begin to rapidly deteriorate and develop numerous tumors. Rapid treatment is needed to counter the cancerous cells and stunt the development of the disease. The cause and effect of mesothelioma is very serious and if left untreated, lethal.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Mesothelioma And the Need To Stay Positive
Mesothelioma And the Need To Stay Positive
Diagnosing with mesothelioma is not as easy for a person to endure. The news draws such a damaging impact on a person?s life that he or she may find difficult to fully endure. One reason is that there is no cure for mesothelioma yet and individuals who suffer from the disease have already a death sentence.
Nevertheless, it is important for mesothelioma cancers sufferers to stay positive until their last breath. After all, life is precious and even just merely one day can make a big difference. Gaining knowledge and learning from the suffering and staying upbeat all the time, is what we all have to do whether we live a hundred years or a fleeting time.
This is even more crucial why mesothelioma patients have to maintain a sound and effective relationship with their medical specialists and also seek assistance from their loved ones as much as possible to overcome the burdens of the ailment with love and kindness though it is not easy to sustain.
The trust a mesothelioma patient has in his or her physicians alleviates the pain and helps to minimize the effects of the ailment mental wise. Medical Specialists know how to subdue the chest pain of a patient and bloatong of the stomach and other advance symptoms as much as possible if they were informed beforehand.
Keeping informed about recent research studies attuned to explore responsive cures to address the disease keeps the patient?s hope alive. The symptoms like difficulty in breathing and coughing are some of the earlier symptoms and if these symptoms are made known to the doctor sooner, early detection can counter the effects. The later stages of mesothelioma manifest chest pain and bulging of abdominal areas. Understabding these symptoms better by going over relevant information on the internet or some other good references also aid in alleviating depressions.
Diagnosing with mesothelioma is not as easy for a person to endure. The news draws such a damaging impact on a person?s life that he or she may find difficult to fully endure. One reason is that there is no cure for mesothelioma yet and individuals who suffer from the disease have already a death sentence.
Nevertheless, it is important for mesothelioma cancers sufferers to stay positive until their last breath. After all, life is precious and even just merely one day can make a big difference. Gaining knowledge and learning from the suffering and staying upbeat all the time, is what we all have to do whether we live a hundred years or a fleeting time.
This is even more crucial why mesothelioma patients have to maintain a sound and effective relationship with their medical specialists and also seek assistance from their loved ones as much as possible to overcome the burdens of the ailment with love and kindness though it is not easy to sustain.
The trust a mesothelioma patient has in his or her physicians alleviates the pain and helps to minimize the effects of the ailment mental wise. Medical Specialists know how to subdue the chest pain of a patient and bloatong of the stomach and other advance symptoms as much as possible if they were informed beforehand.
Keeping informed about recent research studies attuned to explore responsive cures to address the disease keeps the patient?s hope alive. The symptoms like difficulty in breathing and coughing are some of the earlier symptoms and if these symptoms are made known to the doctor sooner, early detection can counter the effects. The later stages of mesothelioma manifest chest pain and bulging of abdominal areas. Understabding these symptoms better by going over relevant information on the internet or some other good references also aid in alleviating depressions.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Basics of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The Basics of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Approximately 20 percent of cancers caused by asbestos are peritoneal mesothelioma. This form of the cancer manifests itself in the mesothelial cells of the abdomen when the asbestos fibers become embedded in the space between the cells. It can take as many as 20 to 50 years for the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma to appear. Over these years, the asbestos fibers irritate the parietal layer that covers the stomach cavity and they begin to produce cancer cells. Fluid builds up and tumors eventually form.
What are the Symptoms? Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are swelling and pain in the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and the appearance of lumps under the skin in the abdominal area.
How is It Treated? Since this type of cancer is usually diagnosed very late in its development, a positive mesothelioma prognosis is not likely, and treatment options are limited. Chemotherapy and radiation are typically used to threat the cancer, along with medication to provide pain relief. For many patients, surgery is not an option because at the point of discovery, the cancer has already spread too far and the patient's poor health may make him or her too weak to recover from the trauma of surgery.
How Does Exposure to Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma? It is believed that there are two ways that asbestos can get into your system.
1. They can be ingested and then and consequently move through the digestive system into the peritoneal lining.
2. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and travel to the peritoneal lining through the fluids in the lymphatic system.
Once these fibers get into the system, they become trapped and the body has no way to drive them out.
How Does Someone Get Exposed to Asbestos? There is no test or conclusive way to find out if you have been exposed to asbestos. The only thing you can do is to review your life's history and current living conditions to know if you've ever been at risk for exposure to asbestos. Here are a few of the risk factors.
* Living in an area where asbestos occurs naturally is one factor. Small particles of asbestos can get airborne, making it easy for you to inhale them. You can contact the health department where you live to find out if asbestos is in the local environment. * There used to be many industries that used asbestos regularly. If you ever worked in such a facility, you could have been exposed to it. It is also possible that you may have carried the asbestos fibers home to your family. * Before 1978, a lot of electrical wiring was insulated with asbestos. Asbestos was also woven into clothes and gloves that were worn by those regularly exposed to heat and fire. * Buildings and homes built before 1978 were frequently constructed using material with asbestos in them. Since asbestos is a good insulator, it was often used in floor and ceiling tiles, along with shingles and roofing paper. If any of these things were ever damaged, asbestos fibers could have become airborne.
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. Approximately 20 percent of cancers caused by asbestos are peritoneal mesothelioma. This form of the cancer manifests itself in the mesothelial cells of the abdomen when the asbestos fibers become embedded in the space between the cells. It can take as many as 20 to 50 years for the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma to appear. Over these years, the asbestos fibers irritate the parietal layer that covers the stomach cavity and they begin to produce cancer cells. Fluid builds up and tumors eventually form.
What are the Symptoms? Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are swelling and pain in the abdomen, diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and the appearance of lumps under the skin in the abdominal area.
How is It Treated? Since this type of cancer is usually diagnosed very late in its development, a positive mesothelioma prognosis is not likely, and treatment options are limited. Chemotherapy and radiation are typically used to threat the cancer, along with medication to provide pain relief. For many patients, surgery is not an option because at the point of discovery, the cancer has already spread too far and the patient's poor health may make him or her too weak to recover from the trauma of surgery.
How Does Exposure to Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma? It is believed that there are two ways that asbestos can get into your system.
1. They can be ingested and then and consequently move through the digestive system into the peritoneal lining.
2. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled and travel to the peritoneal lining through the fluids in the lymphatic system.
Once these fibers get into the system, they become trapped and the body has no way to drive them out.
How Does Someone Get Exposed to Asbestos? There is no test or conclusive way to find out if you have been exposed to asbestos. The only thing you can do is to review your life's history and current living conditions to know if you've ever been at risk for exposure to asbestos. Here are a few of the risk factors.
* Living in an area where asbestos occurs naturally is one factor. Small particles of asbestos can get airborne, making it easy for you to inhale them. You can contact the health department where you live to find out if asbestos is in the local environment. * There used to be many industries that used asbestos regularly. If you ever worked in such a facility, you could have been exposed to it. It is also possible that you may have carried the asbestos fibers home to your family. * Before 1978, a lot of electrical wiring was insulated with asbestos. Asbestos was also woven into clothes and gloves that were worn by those regularly exposed to heat and fire. * Buildings and homes built before 1978 were frequently constructed using material with asbestos in them. Since asbestos is a good insulator, it was often used in floor and ceiling tiles, along with shingles and roofing paper. If any of these things were ever damaged, asbestos fibers could have become airborne.
How to Choose the Best Mesothelioma Clinical Trial
How to Choose the Best Mesothelioma Clinical Trial
You can find out about good mesothelioma clinical trials in different ways. You can enter for clinical trials do so after hearing about them from your doctor. You can also actively look for clinical trials on the Internet or in other places, hoping to find more options for treatment. Some clinical trials are advertised directly to patients.
Information about mesothelioma cancer resources can be obtained from several resources. These resources can be divided into 2 main types: clinical trials lists and clinical trials matching services.
1- Clinical trial lists
These sources give you the names and descriptions of clinical trials of new treatments. If there is a study you are interested in, you will probably be able to find it in a list. The list will often include a description of the study, the criteria for patient eligibility, and a contact person. If you (or your health care providers) are willing and able to read through descriptions of all the studies listed for your cancer type, then a list may be all you need. Some organizations that provide lists can help you narrow the list a little, according to the kind of treatment you are looking for (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.) and the stage of your cancer.
2- Clinical trials matching services
Over the past few years, several organizations have developed computer-based systems to match patients with studies they may be eligible for. This service is often offered online.
Each may differ somewhat in how it works. Some of the services allow you to search for clinical trials without registering at the site. If you have to register, they usually assure you that your information will be kept confidential. Either way, you will probably have to enter certain details, such as the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and any previous treatments you may have had. When given this information, these systems can find clinical trials for which you may be eligible, and save you the time and effort of reading descriptions of studies that are not relevant to you. Some groups also allow you to subscribe to mailing lists so that you are informed as new studies open up.
Although they are usually free to users, most clinical trial matching services get paid for listing studies or get a finder's fee from those running the studies when someone enrolls. Because of this, there may be some differences in the way they rank the studies, or the order in which they present the studies to you.
Because different services work differently, be sure you understand how the service you are looking at operates. Ask the following questions. (Note that the answers do not necessarily mean that the service is not worth using.) *Is there a fee for using the service? *Do I have to register to use the service? *Does the service keep my information confidential? *Where does the service get its list of clinical trials? *Does the service rank the studies in any particular order? Is this based on fees they get? *Can I contact the service through the Internet or by telephone?
Examples of clinical trials matching services are:
1- The American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Matching Service: The American Cancer Society helps patients find high quality care in clinical trials that best match their medical needs and personal preferences, while helping researchers study more effective treatments for future patients
The TrialCheck® database, developed and maintained by the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, is a comprehensive database that includes the Coalition, National Cancer Institute, and industry trials. To our knowledge, this is the most complete matching database of cancer clinical trials available.
The clinical trials information provided by the American Cancer Society is not biased in any way. It is updated every day, as is the contact information that allows patients to get in touch with the doctors and nurses at cancer centers running each of the studies. You can access the TrialCheck at www.cancer.org (click on "Find a Clinical Trial") or through a toll-free number, 1-800-303-5691.
2- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsors most government-funded cancer clinical trials. The NCI has a list of active studies (those currently enrolling patients), as well as some privately funded studies. You can find the list on their Web site at www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials or by calling 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). You can search the list by the type and stage of cancer, by the type of study (for example, treatment or prevention), or by zip code.
3- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an even larger database of clinical trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov, but not all of these are cancer studies.
4- EmergingMed provides a free and confidential matching and referral service for cancer patients looking for clinical trials at www.emergingmed.com, or you can call 1-877-601-8601.
5- CenterWatch (www.centerwatch.com) is a publishing and information services company that keeps a list of both industry-sponsored and government-funded clinical trials for cancer and other diseases.
6- Private companies, such as pharmaceutical or biotechnology firms, may list the studies they are sponsoring on their Web sites or offer toll-free numbers so you can call and ask about them. Some of these firms also offer matching systems for the studies they sponsor. This can be helpful if you are interested in research on a particular experimental treatment and know which company is developing it.
You can find out about good mesothelioma clinical trials in different ways. You can enter for clinical trials do so after hearing about them from your doctor. You can also actively look for clinical trials on the Internet or in other places, hoping to find more options for treatment. Some clinical trials are advertised directly to patients.
Information about mesothelioma cancer resources can be obtained from several resources. These resources can be divided into 2 main types: clinical trials lists and clinical trials matching services.
1- Clinical trial lists
These sources give you the names and descriptions of clinical trials of new treatments. If there is a study you are interested in, you will probably be able to find it in a list. The list will often include a description of the study, the criteria for patient eligibility, and a contact person. If you (or your health care providers) are willing and able to read through descriptions of all the studies listed for your cancer type, then a list may be all you need. Some organizations that provide lists can help you narrow the list a little, according to the kind of treatment you are looking for (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.) and the stage of your cancer.
2- Clinical trials matching services
Over the past few years, several organizations have developed computer-based systems to match patients with studies they may be eligible for. This service is often offered online.
Each may differ somewhat in how it works. Some of the services allow you to search for clinical trials without registering at the site. If you have to register, they usually assure you that your information will be kept confidential. Either way, you will probably have to enter certain details, such as the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and any previous treatments you may have had. When given this information, these systems can find clinical trials for which you may be eligible, and save you the time and effort of reading descriptions of studies that are not relevant to you. Some groups also allow you to subscribe to mailing lists so that you are informed as new studies open up.
Although they are usually free to users, most clinical trial matching services get paid for listing studies or get a finder's fee from those running the studies when someone enrolls. Because of this, there may be some differences in the way they rank the studies, or the order in which they present the studies to you.
Because different services work differently, be sure you understand how the service you are looking at operates. Ask the following questions. (Note that the answers do not necessarily mean that the service is not worth using.) *Is there a fee for using the service? *Do I have to register to use the service? *Does the service keep my information confidential? *Where does the service get its list of clinical trials? *Does the service rank the studies in any particular order? Is this based on fees they get? *Can I contact the service through the Internet or by telephone?
Examples of clinical trials matching services are:
1- The American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Matching Service: The American Cancer Society helps patients find high quality care in clinical trials that best match their medical needs and personal preferences, while helping researchers study more effective treatments for future patients
The TrialCheck® database, developed and maintained by the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, is a comprehensive database that includes the Coalition, National Cancer Institute, and industry trials. To our knowledge, this is the most complete matching database of cancer clinical trials available.
The clinical trials information provided by the American Cancer Society is not biased in any way. It is updated every day, as is the contact information that allows patients to get in touch with the doctors and nurses at cancer centers running each of the studies. You can access the TrialCheck at www.cancer.org (click on "Find a Clinical Trial") or through a toll-free number, 1-800-303-5691.
2- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsors most government-funded cancer clinical trials. The NCI has a list of active studies (those currently enrolling patients), as well as some privately funded studies. You can find the list on their Web site at www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials or by calling 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). You can search the list by the type and stage of cancer, by the type of study (for example, treatment or prevention), or by zip code.
3- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an even larger database of clinical trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov, but not all of these are cancer studies.
4- EmergingMed provides a free and confidential matching and referral service for cancer patients looking for clinical trials at www.emergingmed.com, or you can call 1-877-601-8601.
5- CenterWatch (www.centerwatch.com) is a publishing and information services company that keeps a list of both industry-sponsored and government-funded clinical trials for cancer and other diseases.
6- Private companies, such as pharmaceutical or biotechnology firms, may list the studies they are sponsoring on their Web sites or offer toll-free numbers so you can call and ask about them. Some of these firms also offer matching systems for the studies they sponsor. This can be helpful if you are interested in research on a particular experimental treatment and know which company is developing it.
Mesothelioma Prognosis and Care
Mesothelioma Prognosis and Care
Around 2,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US on a yearly basis. Once the patient of mesothelioma is diagnosed, a health care provider will discuss prognosis and will give a result of the impact of cancer on your body. To get rid of poor prognosis, early detection is an absolute must. Recent study has come to the conclusion that mesothelioma symptoms may not make its presence felt until 15 to 30 years after asbestos exposure.
Factors Affecting Prognosis
Diagnosis of mesothelioma normally takes place when it has reached the advanced stages of development. The main reason behind this is that patients take plenty of time in displaying symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma. Apart from that, mesothelioma symptoms are pretty general and quite a number of times resemble less complicated conditions, which makes the process of diagnosing cancer lot tougher.
Because of this, there is hardly a surprise that the prognosis for the majority of patients is not good, but lots of health care providers can advice treatment routines like radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to assist in dealing with the disease.
Stages of Mesothelioma and other factors
Health care providers normally address the cancer with regard to stages. There are four different kinds of stages. The significant factor here is that once mesothelioma cancer has reached the advanced stage, treatment routines are not going to be that effective. If you are diagnosed with stage three or four mesothelioma, surgery is not going to be useful.
Apart from cancer stage and patient age, there are other factors as well that affect prognosis. It includes mesothelioma type, tumor size, tumor location and whether it can be removed through surgery and effects of other symptoms. Malignant mesothelioma is normally diagnosed in people that has attain the age of more than 50. Few individuals already have number of medical issues because of old age, making treatment quite tough.
Complications Associated with Mesothelioma
Some of the complications associated with mesothelioma are mentioned below.
* Digital clubbing * Pain in chest region * Pleural effusion * Ascites * Pleural thickening * Respiratory failure
Kinds of Mesothelioma
Find below information of various kinds of mesothelioma.
* Benign Mesothelioma - It is non-cancerous kinds of mesothelioma. Benign mesothelioma is rare form of cancer and is not fatal if treated on time. It can occur in the body either in form of cysts, tumors or plaques.
* Pleural Mesothelioma - It affects the lung membranes. Pleural mesothelioma is quite identical to lung cancer.
* Perineal Mesothelioma - It affects the heart lining.
* Malignant Mesothelioma - It affects the membranes of certain big cavities.
* Peritoneal Mesothelioma - It affects the abdominal membrane. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most occurring form of mesothelioma.
* Pericardial Mesothelioma - The rarest type of mesothelioma cancer which comprises of only 5% of all the mesothelioma cases is pericardial mesothelioma. It has been observed that middle aged people are most likely to develop this type of mesothelioma and men are more vulnerable to this cancer due to their exposure to asbestos.
Around 2,000 new mesothelioma cases are diagnosed in the US on a yearly basis. Once the patient of mesothelioma is diagnosed, a health care provider will discuss prognosis and will give a result of the impact of cancer on your body. To get rid of poor prognosis, early detection is an absolute must. Recent study has come to the conclusion that mesothelioma symptoms may not make its presence felt until 15 to 30 years after asbestos exposure.
Factors Affecting Prognosis
Diagnosis of mesothelioma normally takes place when it has reached the advanced stages of development. The main reason behind this is that patients take plenty of time in displaying symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma. Apart from that, mesothelioma symptoms are pretty general and quite a number of times resemble less complicated conditions, which makes the process of diagnosing cancer lot tougher.
Because of this, there is hardly a surprise that the prognosis for the majority of patients is not good, but lots of health care providers can advice treatment routines like radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to assist in dealing with the disease.
Stages of Mesothelioma and other factors
Health care providers normally address the cancer with regard to stages. There are four different kinds of stages. The significant factor here is that once mesothelioma cancer has reached the advanced stage, treatment routines are not going to be that effective. If you are diagnosed with stage three or four mesothelioma, surgery is not going to be useful.
Apart from cancer stage and patient age, there are other factors as well that affect prognosis. It includes mesothelioma type, tumor size, tumor location and whether it can be removed through surgery and effects of other symptoms. Malignant mesothelioma is normally diagnosed in people that has attain the age of more than 50. Few individuals already have number of medical issues because of old age, making treatment quite tough.
Complications Associated with Mesothelioma
Some of the complications associated with mesothelioma are mentioned below.
* Digital clubbing * Pain in chest region * Pleural effusion * Ascites * Pleural thickening * Respiratory failure
Kinds of Mesothelioma
Find below information of various kinds of mesothelioma.
* Benign Mesothelioma - It is non-cancerous kinds of mesothelioma. Benign mesothelioma is rare form of cancer and is not fatal if treated on time. It can occur in the body either in form of cysts, tumors or plaques.
* Pleural Mesothelioma - It affects the lung membranes. Pleural mesothelioma is quite identical to lung cancer.
* Perineal Mesothelioma - It affects the heart lining.
* Malignant Mesothelioma - It affects the membranes of certain big cavities.
* Peritoneal Mesothelioma - It affects the abdominal membrane. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most occurring form of mesothelioma.
* Pericardial Mesothelioma - The rarest type of mesothelioma cancer which comprises of only 5% of all the mesothelioma cases is pericardial mesothelioma. It has been observed that middle aged people are most likely to develop this type of mesothelioma and men are more vulnerable to this cancer due to their exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment
Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment
Occupational hazards have always existed in many industries. In the years dating back to the 1940's asbestos was considered a miracle discovery due to the insulation values. Asbestos was used in the retention of heat in ship building, construction, and equipment manufacturing. Today however, asbestos has been recognized as a highly dangerous airborne fiber that lodges in the pleura area of the chest cavity. This fiber bonds with normally healthy cells and corrupts the ongoing natural mutation of cell reproduction. The resulting disease is known as asbestos lung cancer or Mesothelioma. There is little known about asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma cancer treatment. The standard cancer treatments have had little or no long term success. The three most common types of treatment available are surgical removal of the cancerous tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The use of radiation therapy consists of placing concentrations of high intensity x-rays directly to the affected area to shrink tumors and or to kill cancer cells. Up until this last year, the use of radiation therapy has been the norm in combating this terrible disease. Chemotherapy is becoming more popular in the health care field as a treatment for mesothelioma. Chemotherapy is defined as a use of drugs to kill the cancer cells in one particular area. Chemotherapy drugs are general ingested in pill form or are injected into a vein or directly into the affected area. When chemotherapy is applied by injection the most popular method is to deliver the medication straight to the chest cavity or tumor. Chemotherapy has some downsides or side affects. Generally the patient suffers from extreme nausea, hair loss, and exhaustion. Due to the extreme side effects this treatment it is not recommended for extremely ill or physically weak patients. The most invasive form of mesothelioma cancer treatment is surgical removal of the tumor or the entire affected lung. The procedure known as pleurectomy decortication is the removal of the abdominal lining and the tissue that surrounds it. This is done to relieve pain and avoid the fluid build up between the lung and the chest cavity. A more invasive form of surgery is referred to as extrapleural pneumonectomy. This procedure is designed to remove the lung and the lining along with the diaphragm. Health care professionals have found that a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy have increased success by a larger percentage. The combination of different chemotherapy drug types and experimenting with dosages have also increased the survival rate to 9 to 12 month longer that with out the treatment. We all know that as with many forms of cancer there is no cure for this dreaded disease. The health care professionals mentioned in this article are fighting an uphill battle in an attempt to bring a cure to this disease. Many health care professionals believe that any cure that may be derived will come from research and development in the DNA make up of a single human cell.
Occupational hazards have always existed in many industries. In the years dating back to the 1940's asbestos was considered a miracle discovery due to the insulation values. Asbestos was used in the retention of heat in ship building, construction, and equipment manufacturing. Today however, asbestos has been recognized as a highly dangerous airborne fiber that lodges in the pleura area of the chest cavity. This fiber bonds with normally healthy cells and corrupts the ongoing natural mutation of cell reproduction. The resulting disease is known as asbestos lung cancer or Mesothelioma. There is little known about asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma cancer treatment. The standard cancer treatments have had little or no long term success. The three most common types of treatment available are surgical removal of the cancerous tumor, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The use of radiation therapy consists of placing concentrations of high intensity x-rays directly to the affected area to shrink tumors and or to kill cancer cells. Up until this last year, the use of radiation therapy has been the norm in combating this terrible disease. Chemotherapy is becoming more popular in the health care field as a treatment for mesothelioma. Chemotherapy is defined as a use of drugs to kill the cancer cells in one particular area. Chemotherapy drugs are general ingested in pill form or are injected into a vein or directly into the affected area. When chemotherapy is applied by injection the most popular method is to deliver the medication straight to the chest cavity or tumor. Chemotherapy has some downsides or side affects. Generally the patient suffers from extreme nausea, hair loss, and exhaustion. Due to the extreme side effects this treatment it is not recommended for extremely ill or physically weak patients. The most invasive form of mesothelioma cancer treatment is surgical removal of the tumor or the entire affected lung. The procedure known as pleurectomy decortication is the removal of the abdominal lining and the tissue that surrounds it. This is done to relieve pain and avoid the fluid build up between the lung and the chest cavity. A more invasive form of surgery is referred to as extrapleural pneumonectomy. This procedure is designed to remove the lung and the lining along with the diaphragm. Health care professionals have found that a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy have increased success by a larger percentage. The combination of different chemotherapy drug types and experimenting with dosages have also increased the survival rate to 9 to 12 month longer that with out the treatment. We all know that as with many forms of cancer there is no cure for this dreaded disease. The health care professionals mentioned in this article are fighting an uphill battle in an attempt to bring a cure to this disease. Many health care professionals believe that any cure that may be derived will come from research and development in the DNA make up of a single human cell.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
How to Choose the Best Home Care Service For Mesothelioma Patients
How to Choose the Best Home Care Service For Mesothelioma Patients
Much of the care that you are going to get as a mesothelioma cancer patient will be given in an outpatient setting, which includes home care. In many ways, home care for the person with cancer is no different than the home care that is given to people with other kinds of illness.
A mesothelioma patient will need help with diet and nutrition, physical therapy, home health aides, speech and respiratory therapy, personal care, emotional support, volunteer services, pharmacy, support from clergy, and other kinds of care.
Also skilled nursing services involving the use of an oncology nurse specialist, who is an expert in cancer care might be available for home care treatment of the mesothelioma patient. Many of these same services are also offered as part of hospice care.
Some of the home care services that could be provided for the mesothelioma patient are:
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy or biologic therapy (which use different parts of the body's immune system to fight cancer or lessen the side effects of some cancer treatments)
- blood products
- pain management
- antibiotic treatment
- nutritional support
- anti-emetic therapy (treatment for vomiting)
- hydration (giving of fluids, usually IV or through a feeding tube, for patients who cannot drink enough liquids). These infusion therapies can be given at home by home care agencies.
There are some points that you must consider if you want ton choose the best home agency for your care. You must first of all discuss with your health team to know the types of services you will need. Then you can find agencies that offer those services.
Find out about the accreditation, licensing, and certification of the agencies that you are considering. Also ask questions about your prospective agencies quality of cancer care, the type of experience they have with providing cancer care services, and the skills and training of staff at the agencies you are considering.
There are a number of questions you might ask when you're looking at a home care service:
Certification
Are the home care providers that you are considering Medicare-certified? Medicare-certified programs have met federal requirements for patient care and management. Home care providers are closely supervised and controlled. Medicare certifies only agencies with skilled nursing care. To find a Medicare-approved home health agency, you can visit "Home Health Compare" on the Web at www.medicare.gov. This helpful tool is listed under the search tool "Compare Home Health Agencies in Your Area" on their home page. It gives you names, addresses, and phone numbers of nearby agencies. You can also look at quality measures and compare how well the home care agencies deal with common health problems.
Accreditation
Is the agency you are considering accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, such as the Joint Commission? You can look up the agency on the Joint Commission Web site at www.qualitycheck.org. The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits health care organizations and programs that volunteer for their review. Accreditation is an important measure in selecting quality health care services. You can ask to see the results of the home care agency's most recent Joint Commission survey.
References
How many years has the agency been serving your community? Can the agency give you references from cancer care professionals, such as an oncologist, oncology nurse, cancer center, or an oncology social worker, who have used this agency? Ask for names and phone numbers. A good agency will give these to you if you ask. Talk to these people about their experiences. You may also wish to check with your local Better Business Bureau, your local Consumer Bureau, or the State Attorney General's office. They can tell you if complaints have been filed against the agency.
Licensure
Is your prospective care provider licensed by your state?Most states require licensing of home health agencies.
Consumer information
Does the agency have written statements that list services (including cancer care services), eligibility requirements, costs and payment procedures, staff job descriptions, and malpractice and liability insurance? Ask that they send you any brochures or other information they can share about their services.
Much of the care that you are going to get as a mesothelioma cancer patient will be given in an outpatient setting, which includes home care. In many ways, home care for the person with cancer is no different than the home care that is given to people with other kinds of illness.
A mesothelioma patient will need help with diet and nutrition, physical therapy, home health aides, speech and respiratory therapy, personal care, emotional support, volunteer services, pharmacy, support from clergy, and other kinds of care.
Also skilled nursing services involving the use of an oncology nurse specialist, who is an expert in cancer care might be available for home care treatment of the mesothelioma patient. Many of these same services are also offered as part of hospice care.
Some of the home care services that could be provided for the mesothelioma patient are:
- chemotherapy
- immunotherapy or biologic therapy (which use different parts of the body's immune system to fight cancer or lessen the side effects of some cancer treatments)
- blood products
- pain management
- antibiotic treatment
- nutritional support
- anti-emetic therapy (treatment for vomiting)
- hydration (giving of fluids, usually IV or through a feeding tube, for patients who cannot drink enough liquids). These infusion therapies can be given at home by home care agencies.
There are some points that you must consider if you want ton choose the best home agency for your care. You must first of all discuss with your health team to know the types of services you will need. Then you can find agencies that offer those services.
Find out about the accreditation, licensing, and certification of the agencies that you are considering. Also ask questions about your prospective agencies quality of cancer care, the type of experience they have with providing cancer care services, and the skills and training of staff at the agencies you are considering.
There are a number of questions you might ask when you're looking at a home care service:
Certification
Are the home care providers that you are considering Medicare-certified? Medicare-certified programs have met federal requirements for patient care and management. Home care providers are closely supervised and controlled. Medicare certifies only agencies with skilled nursing care. To find a Medicare-approved home health agency, you can visit "Home Health Compare" on the Web at www.medicare.gov. This helpful tool is listed under the search tool "Compare Home Health Agencies in Your Area" on their home page. It gives you names, addresses, and phone numbers of nearby agencies. You can also look at quality measures and compare how well the home care agencies deal with common health problems.
Accreditation
Is the agency you are considering accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body, such as the Joint Commission? You can look up the agency on the Joint Commission Web site at www.qualitycheck.org. The Joint Commission is an independent, not-for-profit organization that evaluates and accredits health care organizations and programs that volunteer for their review. Accreditation is an important measure in selecting quality health care services. You can ask to see the results of the home care agency's most recent Joint Commission survey.
References
How many years has the agency been serving your community? Can the agency give you references from cancer care professionals, such as an oncologist, oncology nurse, cancer center, or an oncology social worker, who have used this agency? Ask for names and phone numbers. A good agency will give these to you if you ask. Talk to these people about their experiences. You may also wish to check with your local Better Business Bureau, your local Consumer Bureau, or the State Attorney General's office. They can tell you if complaints have been filed against the agency.
Licensure
Is your prospective care provider licensed by your state?Most states require licensing of home health agencies.
Consumer information
Does the agency have written statements that list services (including cancer care services), eligibility requirements, costs and payment procedures, staff job descriptions, and malpractice and liability insurance? Ask that they send you any brochures or other information they can share about their services.
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