|
| Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment |
| Wednesday, November 5, 2008 |
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
As mesothelioma is termed as the form of a lung cancer, it is difficult to diagnose and recognize it. Instead, the diagnosis starts with the complete medical tests and physical examinations for mesothelioma patients. The various medical tests and physical examinations include:
- X-ray
- Computed Tomography Scan
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Positron Emission Tomography
- Biopsy
- Thoracoscopy
- Peritoneoscopy
Treatment of Mesothelioma
The malignant mesothelioma would not be healed completely, instead the growth of the mesothelioma cancer will be reduced by some traditional and alternative treatment methods once it is discovered at an early stage, so that the patients' quality of life would be improved. Traditional mesothelioma treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and palliative treatments. Alternative treatments are nothing but the advanced and enhanced version of traditional treatment which includes immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, gene therapy, alternative therapies like acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs and massage, etc. |
posted by Elena @ 8:48 AM   |
|
|
|
|
| Types of Malignant Mesothelioma |
|
Malignant Mesothelioma
 Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lung and chest cavity due to the exposure of asbestos. Malignant mesothelioma affects the people who are working in the steel, mining, plumbing, insulation and electrical industries. Probably, there are two types of malignant mesothelioma (i) Pleural mesothelioma and (ii) Peritoneal mesothelioma. Major symptoms of malignant mesothelioma includes chest pain, cough, shortness of breath and severe weight loss.
Pleural Mesothelioma
 If the mesothelioma attacks the pleural area, it will be called as Pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is nothing but the dual layered mesothelium membrane that enclose the lungs. The outer layer called as parietal layer attaches to the chest wall, whereas the inner layer known as visceral layer wraps around the lungs. The narrow space between the two layers is called the pleural area. It is mainly caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Major symptoms of pleural mesothelioma includes shortness of breath, severe cough, sweating, painful inhalation, chest pain, weight loss, fever, lower back pain, continual fatigue, etc.
Peritoneal or Abdominal Mesothelioma
 Abdominal mesothelioma is otherwise called as Peritoneal mesothelioma. As it name implies, it is a cancer of the tissues in the abdominal cavity. Major symptoms of abdominal mesothelioma includes stomach pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, anemia, fever, etc. |
| posted by Elena @ 7:48 AM |
|
|
|
|
| About Mesothelioma |
|
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused mainly due to the inhalation of asbestos, a thin fibrous mineral. Mesothelioma is otherwise called as the cancer of mesothelium - Mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects the internal organs of the body. Asbestos are very harmful and toxicity to living beings. The inhalation of such a toxic asbestos fibers cause lung cancer and serious illnesses. Various asbestos fibers including chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. Mesothelioma can be identified by the following signs and symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Pain in the chest
- Wheezing
- Bleeding while cough
|
| posted by Elena @ 8:09 AM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
