Health Center

Mesothelioma Symptoms

2011-08-14T00:02:00.000-07:00

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma typically develops within the chest cavity and lungs. The most common type of malignant mesothelioma, it often spreads to numerous other organs and lymph nodes in the body. The difficulty in diagnosing and detecting pleural mesothelioma makes treatment tougher. Symptoms such as chest pains, weight loss and fever are far too common to be noticed as a precursor for cancer. More severe symptoms such as breathing difficulties and fluid buildup may not appear until after the disease has progressed. Thesurvival rate for sufferers of pleural mesothelioma is tragically low. Only 8% live beyond three-to-five years after the onset of initial symptoms, and the average life expectancy is closer to 12 months.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

The least common form of malignant mesothelioma,pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart. This rare form of cancer is found in the sac that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. The cancer prevents the heart from transporting oxygen to the body efficiently, and as a result the patient's body deteriorates from an elevated heart rate. Heart attack, nausea, chest pain, and shortness of breath are signs of pericardial mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal area and can quickly spread to the liver, bowel, or spleen. Fluid buildup or severe stomach pain can be a sign of peritoneal mesothelioma, in addition to vomiting, bowel trouble, fever, and tumescent feet. Patients generally only survive 10 months from the day of the initial symptoms.

Malignant Versus Benign

The aforementioned types of mesothelioma are malignant forms, and are thusly the most dangerous. Malignant mesothelioma is often the product of asbestos inhalation from

individuals who have worked or resided in areas not up to current health and safety standards. Since the disease has a high latency period, often times it is not diagnosed until it has progressed far beyond any rectifiable measure.

As the name suggests, benign mesothelioma is a form of non-malignant mesothelioma that is easily treatable. While benign tumors can at times be cancerous, unlike malignant mesothelioma, the tumors do not spread, making it easier to isolate and remove.

Mesothelioma in Uncommon Locations

In addition to pleural, pericardial, peritoneal, and benign mesothelioma, the cancer can also strike the ovaries and testes. These tumors are born in the membrane lining the organs. The total number of cases of testicular or ovarian mesothelioma are less than a hundred, and symptoms are rarely identified. As a result, the prognosis for this type of mesothelioma are not promising. The effects of the disease are such that any individual who has had prolonged asbestos exposure or initial symptoms of mesothelioma should consult a doctor.

Source : http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/types-mesothelioma

Cancer Diagnosed and Staged

2011-08-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

How is cancer diagnosed and staged?

Early detection of cancer can greatly improve the odds of successful treatment and survival. Physicians use information from symptoms and several other procedures to diagnose cancer. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, PET scans, and ultrasound scans are used regularly in order to detect where a tumor is located and what organs may be affected by it. Doctors may also conduct an endoscopy, which is a procedure that uses a thin tube with a camera and light at one end, to look for abnormalities inside the body.

Extracting cancer cells and looking at them under a microscope is the only absolute way to diagnose cancer. This procedure is called a biopsy. Other types of molecular diagnostic tests are frequently employed as well. Physicians will analyze your body's sugars, fats, proteins, and DNA at the molecular level. For example, cancerous prostate cells release a higher level of a chemical called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) into the bloodstream that can be detected by a blood test. Molecular diagnostics, biopsies, and imaging techniques are all used together to diagnose cancer.

After a diagnosis is made, doctors find out how far the cancer has spread and determine the stage of the cancer. The stage determines which choices will be available for treatment and informs prognoses. The most common cancer staging method is called the TNM system. T (1-4) indicates the size and direct extent of the primary tumor, N (0-3) indicates the degree to which the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and M (0-1) indicates whether the cancer has metastasized to other organs in the body. A small tumor that has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs may be staged as (T1, N0, M0), for example.

TNM descriptions then lead to a simpler categorization of stages, from 0 to 4, where lower numbers indicate that the cancer has spread less. While most Stage 1 tumors are curable, most Stage 4 tumors are inoperable or untreatable.

How is cancer treated?

Cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer (how much it has spread), age, health status, and additional personal characteristics. There is no single treatment for cancer, and patients often receive a combination of therapies and palliative care. Treatments usually fall into one of the following categories: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or gene therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is the oldest known treatment for cancer. If a cancer has not metastasized, it is possible to completely cure a patient by surgically removing the cancer from the body. This is often seen in the removal of the prostate or a breast or testicle. After the disease has spread, however, it is nearly impossible to remove all of the cancer cells. Surgery may also be instrumental in helping to control symptoms such as bowel obstruction or spinal cord compression.

Radiation

Radiation treatment, also known as radiotherapy, destroys cancer by focusing high-energy rays on the cancer cells. This causes damage to the molecules that make up the cancer cells and leads them to commit suicide. Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy gamma-rays that are emitted from metals such as radium or high-energy x-rays that are created in a special machine. Early radiation treatments caused severe side-effects because the energy beams would damage normal, healthy tissue, but technologies have improved so that beams can be more accurately targeted. Radiotherapy is used as a standalone treatment to shrink a tumor or destroy cancer cells (including those associated with leukemia and lymphoma), and it is also used in combination with other cancer treatments.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy utilizes chemicals that interfere with the cell division process - damaging proteins or DNA - so that cancer cells will commit suicide. These treatments target any rapidly dividing cells (not necessarily just cancer cells), but normal cells usually can recover from any chemical-induced damage while cancer cells cannot. Chemotherapy is generally used to treat cancer that has spread or metastasized because the medicines travel throughout the entire body. It is a necessary treatment for some forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Chemotherapy treatment occurs in cycles so the body has time to heal between doses. However, there are still common side effects such as hair loss, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting. Combination therapies often include multiple types of chemotherapy or chemotherapy combined with other treatment options.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy aims to get the body's immune system to fight the tumor. Local immunotherapy injects a treatment into an affected area, for example, to cause inflammation that causes a tumor to shrink. Systemic immunotherapy treats the whole body by administering an agent such as the protein interferon alpha that can shrink tumors. Immunotherapy can also be considered non-specific if it improves cancer-fighting abilities by stimulating the entire immune system, and it can be considered targeted if the treatment specifically tells the immune system to destroy cancer cells. These therapies are relatively young, but researchers have had success with treatments that introduce antibodies to the body that inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. Bone marrow transplantation (hematopoetic stem cell transplantation) can also be considered immunotherapy because the donor's immune cells will often attack the tumor or cancer cells that are present in the host.

Hormone therapy

Several cancers have been linked to some types of hormones, most notably breast and prostate cancer. Hormone therapy is designed to alter hormone production in the body so that cancer cells stop growing or are killed completely. Breast cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing estrogen levels (a common drug for this is tamoxifen) and prostate cancer hormone therapies often focus on reducing testosterone levels. In addition, some leukemia and lymphoma cases can be treated with the hormone cortisone.

Gene therapy

The goal of gene therapy is to replace damaged genes with ones that work to address a root cause of cancer: damage to DNA. For example, researchers are trying to replace the damaged gene that signals cells to stop dividing (the p53 gene) with a copy of a working gene. Other gene-based therapies focus on further damaging cancer cell DNA to the point where the cell commits suicide. Gene therapy is a very young field and has not yet resulted in any successful treatments.

How can cancer be prevented?

Cancers that are closely linked to certain behaviors are the easiest to prevent. For example, choosing not to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol significantly lower the risk of several types of cancer - most notably lung, throat, mouth, and liver cancer. Even if you are a current tobacco user, quitting can still greatly reduce your chances of getting cancer.

Skin cancer can be prevented by staying in the shade, protecting yourself with a hat and shirt when in the sun, and using sunscreen. Diet is also an important part of cancer prevention since what we eat has been linked to the disease. Physicians recommend diets that are low in fat and rich in fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Certain vaccinations have been associated with the prevention of some cancers. For example, many women receive a vaccination for the human papillomavirus because of the virus's relationship with cervical cancer. Hepatitis B vaccines prevent the hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver cancer.

Some cancer prevention is based on systematic screening in order to detect small irregularities or tumors as early as possible even if there are no clear symptoms present. Breast self-examination, mammograms, testicular self-examination, and Pap smears are common screening methods for various cancers.

What is Cancer?

2011-08-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by out-of-control cell growth. There are over 100 different types of cancer, and each is classified by the type of cell that is initially affected.

Cancer harms the body when damaged cells divide uncontrollably to form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors (except in the case of leukemia where cancer prohibits normal blood function by abnormal cell division in the blood stream). Tumors can grow and interfere with the digestive, nervous, and circulatory systems, and they can release hormones that alter body function. Tumors that stay in one spot and demonstrate limited growth are generally considered to be benign.

More dangerous, or malignant, tumors form when two things occur:

a cancerous cell manages to move throughout the body using the blood or lymph systems, destroying healthy tissue in a process called invasion
that cell manages to divide and grow, making new blood vessels to feed itself in a process called angiogenesis.

When a tumor successfully spreads to other parts of the body and grows, invading and destroying other healthy tissues, it is said to have metastasized. This process itself is called metastasis, and the result is a serious condition that is very difficult to treat.

In 2007, cancer claimed the lives of about 7.6 million people in the world. Physicians and researchers who specialize in the study, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer are called oncologists.

What causes cancer?

Cancer is ultimately the result of cells that uncontrollably grow and do not die. Normal cells in the body follow an orderly path of growth, division, and death. Programmed cell death is called apoptosis, and when this process breaks down, cancer begins to form. Unlike regular cells, cancer cells do not experience programmatic death and instead continue to grow and divide. This leads to a mass of abnormal cells that grows out of control.

Genes - the DNA type

Cells can experience uncontrolled growth if there are damages or mutations to DNA, and therefore, damage to the genes involved in cell division. Four key types of gene are responsible for the cell division process: oncogenes tell cells when to divide, tumor suppressor genes tell cells when not to divide, suicide genes control apoptosis and tell the cell to kill itself if something goes wrong, and DNA-repair genes instruct a cell to repair damaged DNA.
Cancer occurs when a cell's gene mutations make the cell unable to correct DNA damage and unable to commit suicide. Similarly, cancer is a result of mutations that inhibit oncogene and tumor suppressor gene function, leading to uncontrollable cell growth.

Carcinogens

Carcinogens are a class of substances that are directly responsible for damaging DNA, promoting or aiding cancer. Tobacco, asbestos, arsenic, radiation such as gamma and x-rays, the sun, and compounds in car exhaust fumes are all examples of carcinogens. When our bodies are exposed to carcinogens, free radicals are formed that try to steal electrons from other molecules in the body. Theses free radicals damage cells and affect their ability to function normally.

Genes - the family type

Cancer can be the result of a genetic predisposition that is inherited from family members. It is possible to be born with certain genetic mutations or a fault in a gene that makes one statistically more likely to develop cancer later in life.

Other medical factors

As we age, there is an increase in the number of possible cancer-causing mutations in our DNA. This makes age an important risk factor for cancer. Several viruses have also been linked to cancer such as: human papillomavirus (a cause of cervical cancer), hepatitis B and C (causes of liver cancer), and Epstein-Barr virus (a cause of some childhood cancers). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) - and anything else that suppresses or weakens the immune system - inhibits the body's ability to fight infections and increases the chance of developing cancer.

What are the symptoms of cancer?

Cancer symptoms are quite varied and depend on where the cancer is located, where it has spread, and how big the tumor is. Some cancers can be felt or seen through the skin - a lump on the breast or testicle can be an indicator of cancer in those locations. Skin cancer (melanoma) is often noted by a change in a wart or mole on the skin. Some oral cancers present white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue.
Other cancers have symptoms that are less physically apparent. Some brain tumors tend to present symptoms early in the disease as they affect important cognitive functions. Pancreas cancers are usually too small to cause symptoms until they cause pain by pushing against nearby nerves or interfere with liver function to cause a yellowing of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Symptoms also can be created as a tumor grows and pushes against organs and blood vessels. For example, colon cancers lead to symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and changes in stool size. Bladder or prostate cancers cause changes in bladder function such as more frequent or infrequent urination.
As cancer cells use the body's energy and interfere with normal hormone function, it is possible to present symptoms such as fever, fatigue, excessive sweating, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. However, these symptoms are common in several other maladies as well. For example, coughing and hoarseness can point to lung or throat cancer as well as several other conditions.
When cancer spreads, or metastasizes, additional symptoms can present themselves in the newly affected area. Swollen or enlarged lymph nodes are common and likely to be present early. If cancer spreads to the brain, patients may experience vertigo, headaches, or seizures. Spreading to the lungs may cause coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, the liver may become enlarged and cause jaundice and bones can become painful, brittle, and break easily. Symptoms of metastasis ultimately depend on the location to which the cancer has spread.

How is cancer classified?

There are five broad groups that are used to classify cancer.

Carcinomas are characterized by cells that cover internal and external parts of the body such as lung, breast, and colon cancer.
Sarcomas are characterized by cells that are located in bone, cartilage, fat, connective tissue, muscle, and other supportive tissues.
Lymphomas are cancers that begin in the lymph nodes and immune system tissues.
Leukemias are cancers that begin in the bone marrow and often accumulate in the bloodstream.
Adenomas are cancers that arise in the thyroid, the pituitary gland, the adrenal gland, and other glandular tissues.

Cancers are often referred to by terms that contain a prefix related to the cell type in which the cancer originated and a suffix such as -sarcoma, -carcinoma, or just -oma. Common prefixes include:

Adeno- = gland
Chondro- = cartilage
Erythro- = red blood cell
Hemangio- = blood vessels
Hepato- = liver
Lipo- = fat
Lympho- = white blood cell
Melano- = pigment cell
Myelo- = bone marrow
Myo- = muscle
Osteo- = bone
Uro- = bladder
Retino- = eye
Neuro- = brain

What Cause Asbestosis?

2011-08-07T03:51:00.000-07:00

Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was used extensively until the mid 1970's as an insulator and fire retardant. It comes in several colors depending on what mineral it is found with. White and brown asbestos are the two more dangerous colors, white being associated with magnesium, and brown being associated with grunerite and iron. There are two general types of asbestos, amphibole and chrysotile. While all asbestos is considered dangerous or even deadly, the most dangerous asbestos is composed of tiny fibers that are too small to be seen without the aid of a microscope, but that are very tough and difficult for the body to get rid of. These fibers are 50 microns or more long and 0.5 microns or less in circumference.

Everyone is exposed to some asbestos, but prolonged or heavyasbestos exposure builds up to cause serious problems within the body. In the past, before asbestos was regulated at all, the families of people who worked in the asbestos industry were frequently exposed to asbestos at high levels as a result of asbestos dust and fibers brought home by the worker on their clothes and shoes. There are still many occupations where workers come in contact with asbestos at some level.

The asbestos fibers, called amphiboles, travel down the trachea and into the lungs. Once in the lungs the fibers move into the small air sacks, or alveoli, where oxygen is transferred into the blood stream, and carbon dioxide is taken out of the blood stream to be exhaled. The lungs have special cells called macrophages whose purpose is to destroy any foreign matter that is inhaled into the lungs, whether it is dust, pollen, or in this case, asbestos fibers. There are also hair-like fibers that try to push foreign substances out of the lungs far enough that the body can expel them by coughing. Because asbestos fibers imbed themselves in the lungs' lining and because they get so deep into the lungs, coughing does not get rid of all the fibers. Likewise, because asbestos fibers are very fine, but also quite long, the microphages cannot completely cover them. As a result, when the macrophage cells attempt to break down the asbestos fibers, some of the liquid they produce escapes the confining walls of the macrophage. The liquid then irritates the alveoli causing it the alveoli to become inflamed. In turn, the on-going irritation causes scar tissue to build up in the alveoli. As more and more scar tissue builds up the lungs become stiff, and unable to function efficiently at providing oxygen for the blood stream, and unable to efficiently remove carbon dioxide.

The scar tissue continues to build up until it has reached a level where it is recognized as pulmonary fibrosis. At this point the lungs are dry and crackly and the person suffering from asbestosisexperiences shortness of breath and chest pain. Initially the shortness of breath is primarily a problem when the person is exercising or otherwise exerting himself, but gradually worsens until even at rest the person cannot get enough air to breathe comfortably.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with asbestosis or pulmonary fibrosis, it is extremely important that you seek regular checkups with your doctor to ensure that this condition does not develop into one of the several cancers that are caused by asbestos, such as malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer, or potentially even cancer of the colon.

source: http://www.asbestos.net/diseases/asbestosis/what-causes-asbestosis

How to Lose 5 Pounds Quickly?

2011-08-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well to be very honest there is no way you can actually lose 5 pounds of fat in 1½ weeks. It could appear like to do lose 5 pounds in that time scale but it would mainly be water. Some people will argue that it is good enough to just fit in the dress whether it is water or fat they lost.

SAFER DIETS

Now that we have made it clear that you will not be losing 5lbs worth fat, one could say that it doesn’t matter which diet you follow. All fast diets will bring the same result. As tempting as it is to follow a fad, fast style diet try not to. All of these fad style, 7-10 day diets have been criticized about their safety and the strain they place on the body. In addition, chances are that you will not do it just once but most probably every time an outfit doesn’t fit. Yo-yo style dieting can have negative health effects. Below are some suggestions.

CALORIES

Calories do matter. Even if you do follow a healthy balanced diet, if you consume more calories than you use then you will store them as fat. It is harder to do so with a healthier diet as this kind of diets consist of a high amount of foods which are low in calories, such as vegetables. Think about it, how much salad would you need to consume in a day to reach 3000kcal? Moreover, you are likely to suffer from gastrointestinal complaints after all that green, with the most common being the ‘embracing wind’.

A point to make
In reality all these calorie calculations do not work to the letter. The business of losing weight and dieting is a lot more complicated than simple numerical calculations.
The calculations assume that people burn calories at a constant rate and it is all of it fat. However, in reality metabolism can slow down as part of energy/calorie restriction and also the body will be losing glycogen, water and protein as well. Use them as a guide only

Apart from some very few exceptions (severe illness being one of them) the task of losing 5 lbs of fat in 1 week or even 10 days is more like mission impossible. So concentrate in lowering calorie intake within safe and healthy ranges. The average recommended calorie intake for women is approximately 1500 – 2000kcal and for men and young adults is 2000 – 2500 kcal. The amount of calories used everyday depends on many factors such as body size, age, and physical activity.

In general, if you are consuming astronomical numbers of calories then try to lower it down to the recommended values and do account for factors which may influence calorie usage. For an average calorie intake aim for about 500 kcal reduction and is recommended not to go bellow 1200kcal intake per day.

What will you get with a 500kcal reduction? If we go back to the calculations you have:

500kcal x 7 days = 3.500kcal in a week which is about 1 lb of fat.

EXERCISE

Exercise will increase the amount of calories you burn, simple. If you lower your food intake by 500kcal you burn 1lb of fat so if you use 500kcal through exercise you just increased your fat burning potential. As mentioned above in reality it doesn’t work like that; however the truth is that you will increase the amount of calories you use and increase your weight loss with exercise. See 10 fitness tips for women for more details.

Be aware: It does make sense that the more you exercise the more calories you will burn. However, it may be tempting but do not take on a really heavy and intense workout 2 hrs a week for a week in order to maximize weight loss. If new to exercise you will get DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) which means that every muscle you worked will hurt. You don’t want to be the girl/guy in the party who ‘looks really good in that outfit but what is it all about with the Robocop movements?’

Aim for 1 hour a day. Start with light exercises or a run. Maybe try adding exercises from Pilates which can help you cheat a bit with a flat stomach effect. Do consult a medical professional and a fitness professional to make sure is safe and appropriate before taking on any exercise.

BE STRICT BUT CHOOSE HEALTHY

You only have 7 – 10 days to lose the extra pounds. It will require being strict with food intake. However, do be healthy and do make healthy food choices. Consuming 1200kcal from McDonalds is not healthy and the pickles do not count towards your 5 a day regardless what the advert said. Follow a balanced diet such as a modified Mediterranean, the zone diet, the new Atkins diet etc. Some diets are more general some can be more specific with meal plans. Choose what suits you as an individual. In general aim for loads of vegetables and fruit, a moderate amount of protein and a low amount of carbohydrates and sugars. I would say if you can avoid any refined sugars is the best. See some of my other articles for more details on healthy diets such as Diet Tips: The role of proteins in weight loss and Weight loss: an introduction to a healthier life.

Some easy ways to cut down calories is to avoid alcohol, refined sugars, fizzy drinks, milkshakes, snacks such as energy or cereal bars and finally hot drinks such as sugary coffees, and rich hot chocolate. Coffee is actually considered by some researchers as a way to increase metabolism and fat burning. However, too much coffee is not good for your nervous system and can give you palpitations, increased heart rate and can make you feel anxious and restless. You don’t want that so don’t drink yourself senseless with coffee.

Cheat

There are small little things you can do to cheat your way to the outfit without necessarily losing all the weight.

1. Avoid foods that can make you bloat. A large amount of vegetables, especially if eaten raw can make you feel bloated and as mentioned above can give you gastrointestinal complaints. It may contradict previous advice of adding fruit and veg in your diet. Well you can do both. In moderation is the answer. Maybe steam your veg especially carrots which can be hard to digest, and have a mixture of raw salads and cooked vegetables instead of just salads.

Breads and refined carbs can also make you feel bloated. As I have mentioned above try to avoid them.

2. If there is still an inch left, then try some of the control underwear. This is not a weight loss tip and most definitely will not help you lose weight; however some of the control underwear can help shave an inch from the body. Don’t go for the really tight, I can’t breathe type, just normal control.

For future reference

It may be too late now but you will find that for the future this is a very valuable point. Allow more time for losing the extra pounds. Make it a rule that you will try the outfit at least 2 weeks before the big event. What can you do in 2 weeks? A lot more and you have a lot more chances in actually losing 5 lbs in 2 weeks. You may still have to be strict with your diet and all the above but you will get better results with less heartache.

Make long term changes

Eating healthier and exercising is best kept for long term. Why only use them as a remedy for emergencies and not adapt our lifestyle to a healthier option? It doesn’t have to be a forever dieting and exercising life or even be massively dissatisfied about your weight. Make small changes in your diet and add 30min of exercise is good enough. This way you will be able to control your weight better and also lose weight easier for when you need to.

How to Lose 5 pounds summary
1. You will most probably not lose 5lbs of fat in 7 – 10 days. Even if you lose 5lbs it will be some fat but mainly glycogen, water and some protein.
2. It is best to follow a healthy diet combined with exercise and do not lower your calorie intake to much. It is not good and you will not lose more fat.
3. Do little things which can help you cheat your way in the outfit.

The above are only weight loss tips. It is always recommended to consult the appropriate health professionals before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle.

source: http://www.weightlosshelpandtips.net/2011/07/how-to-lose-5-pounds-quickly/

What is Mesothelioma?

2011-08-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can arise in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. Some cases have even been reported to develop in the lining of the testicles as well. The three major types of mesothelioma are called pleural mesothelioma(lung), pericardial mesothelioma (heart) and peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen).

Combined, these cancers affect 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States each year. Receiving a diagnosis can be difficult due to the similarity of symptoms to other, more common conditions and doctors may overlook mesothelioma as a diagnosis. Another contributing factor that makes these cancers difficult to diagnose is the severe latency period of symptoms. From the time of someone's initial exposure to asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma, signs of development may take as long as 20 to 50 years to arise.

Mesothelioma Symtomps and Cure

2011-08-06T18:57:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a fatal type of cancer, which occurs in the thin lining of the organs called the Mesothelium. This kind of cancer is usually associated with asbestos exposure in the workplace. The following should help with learning how to identify symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma has a long latency period, which delays the appearance of symptoms. Many times, it is typical for Mesothelioma symptoms to appear decades after the asbestos exposure. By this time, the illness is in advance stages and recovery chances very slim. Mesothelioma symptoms are;

· Respiratory Problems,

· Difficulty Breathing,

· Persistent Coughing,

· Weight Loss,

· Abdominal Pain,

· Fatigue

· Fever

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Asbestos Exposure History

Mesothelioma symptoms resemble the symptoms of many of the minor and major conditions. Because of this many a times patients failed to recognize symptoms of mesothelioma cancer on time.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

The only commonly known risk factor associated with Mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. People that have been exposed to asbestos, which is a naturally occurring mineral, share an asbestos illness risk factor and Mesothelioma risk.Location and industries that are known for containing risk of asbestos explosure include but are not limited to:

· Navy yard workers

· Insulation installers

· Construction workers

· Electricians

· Plumbers

· Pipe fitters

· Welders

· Railroad workers

· Power plant workers

· Chemical plant workers

· Shipyard workers

· Boilermakers

· Auto mechanics

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma cancer is a difficult disease to detect. Doctors rely on a patient’s history to come up with a diagnosis of Mesothelioma cancer. X-rayis the most popularly used imaging exam for the detection of Mesothelioma cancer. After this further scanning is ordered to verify the diagnosis and MRI is one of these scans. CT scan is another one of these scanning procedures that makes quality detailed images that can tell doctors about the kind of cancer that a person has and at what stage it is in.

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Treatments of Mesothelioma vary and depend on different issues, like the stages of the disease, your overall health, the opinion of your doctors, and what you choose. There are three types of Mesothelioma treatments:

· Palliative treatments

· Curative treatments

· Experimental treatments

For more information on the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of Mesothelioma check with your doctor at your earliest.

Source: http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com/symptoms-diagnosis-mesothelioma/

7 Workplaces That May Cause Asbestos Explosure

2011-08-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

The most cases of asbestos exposure occur in the workplace; even with heighten awareness of asbestos exposure throughout the nation, there are still workplaces that are dens where workers are repeatedly exposed to the deadly substance.

7 Workplaces to Beware from!

The 7 workplaces to watch out for Asbestos Exposure are:

· Asbestos mines

· Asbestos processing plants and manufacturing plants

· Shipyards

· Automobile manufacturing plants

· Metal works

· Oil refineries

· Power plants and chemical plants

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos exposure is the number one risk factor for those who have contracted anyone of the different types of Mesothelioma cancers. Asbestos is a substance that consists of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. People that have been exposed to asbestos, share an asbestos illness risk factor and Mesothelioma risk.

Source: http://www.mesotheliomaresourceonline.com/workplaces-asbestos-exposure/

How to Protecting Children From Mesothelioma,Most FAQ's

2011-08-06T18:30:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma, it is extremely difficult for parents to comprehend. It is not something that parents expect to hear from their child’s doctor. There are many ways that you can protect your children from asbestos exposure.

Take a look at how you can protect your children from mesothelioma:

1. If my child is exposed to asbestos, will that pose a serious threat to his or her health?

Children that are exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma.However, not all asbestos exposure results in health problems in children. Health risks due to asbestos exposure involved are determined by the duration of that exposure.

2. Are children at risk for developing mesothelioma if a parent is suffering from mesothelioma cancer?

Mesothelioma is not inherited or contagious. However, children that live in a home where a family member has worked with asbestos can have mesothelioma through second hand exposure. Family members that have worked in places where asbestos is present can carry asbestos dust home on their clothing, hair and shoes thus exposing their children to asbestos which could result in mesothelioma. Children can also be exposed to mesothelioma if they live in homes that were built around 1930 and1980. Protect your family from asbestos exposure by hiring a licensed asbestos inspector to test your home for asbestos materials.

3. What are the symptoms that are associated with asbestos exposure and mesothelioma cancer in small children?

Some of the symptoms include shortness of breath, anemia, fever, pain in the chest and abdomen area, persistent dry cough, and loss of appetite. Symptoms are also similar to those in adults that are suffering from mesothelioma.

4. What can be done for children that are suffering from mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma cancer is a progressive disease that gets worse and the prognosis is not good for both children and adults. Because mesothelioma is very rare in children, very little research and treatment options are available. Treatments for adults are tried with children but the prognosis is still very poor.

5. How vulnerable children are to asbestos exposure?

Mesothelioma is still very rare in children. Most victims are male and are between 50 to 60 years old.The majority of mesothelioma sufferers get mesothelioma by being exposed to asbestos at work or by second hand exposure. If you suspect that your child might have been exposed to asbestos particles, contact the doctor as soon as possible.

6. What are the causes of mesothelioma in children?

Mesothelioma cancer is often caused by asbestos exposure in adults. The exact cause of mesothelioma in small children is still not known. Adults that are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer usually have a history of asbestos exposure. Also it takes decades to detect this cancer in adults.

Mesothelioma Lawyers Can Help

If your child has been exposed to asbestos or is suffering from mesothelioma, you should contact a mesothelioma lawyers to see if you are eligible for compensation for the pain and suffering that is associated with this deadly disease.

Reduce Acne Naturally

2011-08-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

1. Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts and Seeds

Increase the variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds in your diet. The easiest way to do this is to create delicious smoothies and juices from ripe fruit, have at least one salad every day — even just as a side dish — with your main meal, and snack on nuts and dried fruits. Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds are fantastic for acne because they contain selenium (Brazils) and zinc (pumpkin seeds), deficiencies in these minerals have been linked to acne.

2. Water

Drink plenty of water every day. Aim to drink at least two litres of still mineral water. If the skin becomes dehydrated, dead skin cells are not effectively shed, which can lead to blocked pores and further acne.

3. Probiotics And Prebiotics

Antibiotics destroy the bacteria in your digestive system, which can lead to poor digestion, constipation and reduced absorption of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients — all of which can lead to more acne because your body isn't able to get rid of waste effectively and toxins get expelled via the skin instead. If you have been taking antibiotics for your acne, it's vital you replace the "friendly" bacteria in your digestive system with a good quality probiotic, such as Nature's Biotics.
Prebiotics are foods which help re-establish the good bacteria in the gut — these include honey, onions, artichokes and bananas. Taking a probiotic supplement and eating prebiotics foods will help restore the levels of beneficial bacteria that are destroyed by antibiotics.

4. Supplements And Superfoods

Sometimes it's not possible to get all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients required to obtain and maintain clear skin. We can be eating all the right foods, but because of other factors — such as long-term antibiotic use — we may not be absorbing everything we need from our diets. There are a few supplements that are particularly useful to those with acne, including:
Maca — a powdered Peruvian root vegetable that helps balance and stabilize the body's systems and helps normalise hormones. It tastes delicious blended into smoothies, a little bit sweet and little bit savoury. Maca is also rich in essential amino acids, fatty acids, phytochemicals and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, silica and iodine.
Nature's Living Superfood — A nutrient-dense, mineral-rich superfood, it contains a full spectrum of absorbable nutrients: vitamins, minerals, trace minerals.

5. Use Only Natural Products On Your Skin

Many skin care products on the market contain chemicals that can aggravate acne-prone skin. By overloading the skin with harsh chemicals that strip the skin's natural oils, the skin will produce more oil to compensate — which can lead to more blocked pores and acne! Use products that contain natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, which is known for its antibacterial properties. The best method for dealing with acne-prone skin is the less-is-more attitude. Use as few products as possible so your skin gets a chance to heal on its own. If you wear make-up, buy formulas that are non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic (non-pore blocking).

6. Reduce stress

Stress is on of the biggest precursors of acne, especially beyond puberty. Controlling stress can reduce the release of the stress hormone cortisol, and therefore reduce the severity of the acne. Id you suffer from stress regularly, learn to recognise the early symptoms and take action. There are various ways you can reduce stress and become more relaxed:
Exercise — especially Yoga and T'ai Chi. Moderate exercise will increase blood flow to the skin and aid healing, as well as improve the health of your internal organs enabling them to get rid of waste more effectively.
Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation

7. Reduce Your Intake Of Sugar And Refined Carbohydrates

There is recent research pointing the finger at diet — eating refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, rice, flour etc) and sugar leads to a surge in insulin and an insulin-like growth factor called IGF-1. This in turn leads to an excess of male hormones, which encourage the skin to excrete large amounts of sebum. This grease-like substance encourages the growth of bacteria responsible for acne.
Refined carbs/sugar = more insulin = more hormones = more sebum (oil) = more bacteria = more acne

8. Reduce Your Intake Of Caffeine

Caffeine increases the levels of stress hormones in the body and can aggravate acne. Avoid coffee, tea, chocolate and other stimulant containing drinks.

9. Reduce Your Intake Of Dairy And Red Meat

Dairy products and meat are hard for us to digest, and are acid-forming in the body. The condition of the skin is linked to the health of your internal organs. If you're struggling to digest high levels of animal protein, your body won't get rid of waste products effectively, and they will be released via the skin as acne. Dairy and red meat also contain high levels of hormones which can increase our our levels, and result in more acne. Many people are also intolerant to dairy products without realising it, and a mild intolerance can manifest itself as acne. There are plenty of alternatives to dairy these days — and you can create simple and nutritious nut milks at home, such as the calcium-rich sesame and banana super smoothie.

10. Sunshine And Fresh Air

Sunshine stimulates the creation of vitamin D in the body — an essential vitamin for healthy skin. A little bit of fresh air and sunshine every day will also reduce stress and increase oxygen to the skin. Even when it's overcast, the sun's rays reach us, so take a 10 minute walk outside every day. Don't get burnt in the sun though — apart from increasing the risk of skin cancer, burnt and heavily tanned skin forms a thick layer on the skin's surface that doesn't exfoliate quickly enough and leads to blocked pores.

source: http://www.acne-advice.com/articles/top_ten_tips.shtml