Mesothelioma a cancer caused by asbestos

The internal organs of the human body are encased in a protective sac called the mesothelium. Examples of mesothelilial membranes are the peritoneum (abdominal organs), pleura (lungs), and pericardium (heart).

Under specific conditions, the cells of the protective membrane divide uncontrolled and become cancerous. This disease is termed as Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos dust.

The disease is found to occur among those who work in shipyards, asbestos mines and factories, industries that produce asbestos based products, and the heating and construction businesses. Approximately 3,000 cases occur each year in the US, and most patients are between 50-70 years old. Statistics show that males are commonly affected and among them whites more than African Americans.

First studied in the late 1700s in depth studies were only done in the 1960s. Tumors of the Mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. The malignant Mesothelioma are categorized into three types:

* Epithelioid, accounting for 50-70% of mesotheliomas.

* Sarcomatoid, accounting for 7-20%.

* Mixed or bi-phasic, accounting for 20-35%.

When asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs they travel through large air passages to reach the smaller passages and from them the pleura. In the pleura they damage: the mesothelial cells leading to cancer; lung tissue causing lung cancer; and the development of scar tissue within the lungs known as asbestosis. When asbestos fibers are swallowed they reach the abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Research reveals that the disease only manifests 20-50 years after being exposed to asbestos dust. The symptoms are not specific to the disease but a patient may develop:

* Breathlessness.

* Chest pain accompanied by tightness believed to be caused by accumulation of fluid in the pleura.

* Low back pain.

* Swelling of face and arms.

* Sensory loss.

* Muscle weakness.

* Nausea.

* Vomiting.

* Weight loss that is unexplained.

* Persistent dry cough.

* Sore throat.

* Anemia.

* Fever.

* Constipation.

* Problems with blood clotting.

Since the above are common to minor ailments, patients often ignore the symptoms. It is advisable to consult a doctor if any of the above symptoms persist or if you feel you have been knowingly or unknowingly exposed to asbestos.

A doctor will:

* Take down a detailed medical history and try and determine the symptoms and risk factors.

* Do a thorough physical examination and check for signs of:

o Pleural effusion, fluid accumulated in the chest cavity.

o Fluid in the abdominal cavity.

o Pericardial effusion, fluid in the lining of the heart.

* Take a chest x-ray and check for thickening of the pleura, calcifications, and lowered lung fissures.

* Ask for a CT scan to determine clearly the location, size, and extent of the problem if any is suspected.

* Recommend tests of tissue samples and pleural fluids.

Other risk factors are cigarette or cigar smoking, exposure to radiation, exposure to zeolite a compound that is similar to asbestos, exposure to or infections caused by SV40, a Simian virus.

Those who work in a risky environment should wear protective clothing, have the surroundings tested regularly for suspended asbestos particles, and ensure that they have regular medical tests and report to the doctor any ailments that persist.

Being aware of the disease and its problems helps.

Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for http://www.1888Discuss.com/health/ , the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Health Forum including topics on health care, Children's Health Issues, addiction, Cancer, fitness equipment, Burns & Injuries and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Health Article Submission Directory http://www.1888Articles.com/health-articles-8.html

Mesothelioma Cancer ? An Overview

The cause of mesothelioma cancer:

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos without sufficient protection over one?s mouth and nose. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which was discovered in the 1860s but not properly used until the 1930s. Asbestos was used hugely in construction due to its property of being fireproof even at high temperatures. It was not until the 1960s that it became clear that asbestos was causing a number of diseases. These diseases include mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

Asbestos as the cause of mesothelioma:

When exposed to asbestos without sufficient protection, a person will inhale many tiny asbestos fibres that are suspended in the air. These will pass into the respiratory system and get most probably get lodged in the lining of the lungs. An accumulation of these fibres can cause the cells around it to become abnormal and this can lead to mesothelioma. Through the lymphatic system, asbestos fibres can become lodged in the lining of the abdomen or in the lining of the heart.

The suffering endured by patients of mesothelioma:

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on what type of mesothelioma a patient has. However, there are several common symptoms of all types. These include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, coughing up blood, weight loss and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually take affect only when the mesothelioma cancer has fully matured and developed. Due to the fact that these symptoms are frequent for a number of more common diseases such as pneumonia, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

The treatments available for mesothelioma:

As yet, all treatments for mesothelioma have a low success rate. The effectiveness of treatment depends largely on how aggressively and early the cancer is treated. If treated in its later stages when it has fully developed, it is extremely difficult, almost impossible to cure. Treatments include surgery which comes in two forms, aggressive surgery and palliative procedures, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and dual therapy which is a combination of all three main treatments combined. Dual therapy has shown the most promising signs so far as a curer for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma research:

Research is being undertaken in numerous research labs all across the United States although so far no breakthroughs have been made. Many pharmaceutical companies are also endeavouring to find new drugs for chemotherapy. Researchers have recently predicted that a long awaited new treatment method for mesothelioma is on the way to being discovered.For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to: http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk, http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk and http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

Who Is At Risk From Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer which is fairly rare although in the last few decades the number of people who have died from it have dramatically increased. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos without sufficient protection. When a person is exposed to asbestos, he or she inhales tiny asbestos fibres which are suspended in the air. These fibres pass into the respiratory system and end up becoming lodged in the lungs. An accumulation of asbestos fibres in the lining of the lungs like this can cause nearby cells to deform and eventually leads to what is known as pleural mesothelioma. Accumulation of asbestos fibres in the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma and build up of fibres around the tissue of the heart can cause pericardial mesothelioma. Asbestos fibres reach these places over time or because they have been transported there by the lymphatic system.

Mesothelioma has a very large latency period (time between getting the cancer and feeling the symptoms of it). This period is usually between 30 ? 50 years and so a person who bears mesothelioma is unlikely to know that they have got it. This is why mesothelioma is so hard to diagnose in its early stages because it shows no symptoms and the few symptoms that it does show such as wheezing and shortness of breath are typical of far more common diseases such as pneumonia. The likelihood of being cured depends largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. If it is treated when it has fully developed and matured then it is extremely difficult to cure.

In this way, those at risk are those who have worked amongst asbestos. Construction workers, asbestos manufacturers or those who have lived within a mile of an asbestos factory are the people who have the largest contact with asbestos. Those who are in contact with these people are also at risk because asbestos fibres can stick to clothes and hair. The majority of people who are discovering that they have mesothelioma are elderly men of about 60 ? 70. This was the generation which worked with asbestos a lot without sufficient protection. Many of these men are now lodging multi million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to the dangers of asbestos.For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to: http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk, http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk and http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

Mesothelioma Types

Mesothelioma Types

Exposure to asbestos or asbestos related products can cause a rare type of cancer called Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is separated into two groups, malignant and benign.

The three main types of malignant mesotheliomas are epithelioid, sarcomatoid and mixed/biphasic. Epithelioid is the most common kind as around 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases reported are this type. Epithelioid also has the best chances of survival. It affects the internal organs and internal surfaces coverings. Sarcomatoid is a much more serious condition as it affects the secondary tissues in the body such as cartilage, muscles, bone and fat. However, this cancer is much rarer, as it only occurs 7-20% of the time. Mixed/biphasic is having both types of the cancer at once, and this makes up 20-35% of the occurrences.

There are three targeted areas that mesothelioma can affect. Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleural cavity around the lungs and is responsible for a majority 75% of all cases diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 10-20% of all cases and affects the tissues in the abdomen (especially the stomach and intestines). Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form which affects the sac and lining surrounding the heart.

Regardless of the type, mesothelioma is fatal. Survival rates are usually only 1-5 years after diagnosis. If you or a loved one has been affected by mesothelioma, you may have the legal right to seek compensation for your suffering. Please visit http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com for more information.

This article may be freely re-printed as long as this resource box is included and all links stay in-tact.

"Why Exercise Equipment Can Be A Boon For The WorkingPaul Johnson

Exercise equipment manufacturing companies have researched
that maintaining health is the one of the foremost goals of
every workingman or woman. They feel that without fitness
it would be difficult for them to enjoy the life or become
successful.

The employers look for employees that are fit and active.
Even the children feel happy with fit and sturdy parents.
This enhanced quest for fitness has motivated the exercise
equipment manufacturers to produce long lasting, cheap and
affordable fitness equipment.

Exercise Is Necessary For Social And Professional Success
You need high level of energy of achieve success in
professional as well as social life. This is more so in the
case of parents because they need extra energy to cope-up
with their busy professional schedules and responsibility
towards the kids.

This energy can be obtained only through regular exercise
and workouts. Regular exercise increases your stamina and
enhances your concentration, productivity and confidence.

However, the working people are too busy to maintain
outdoors exercise schedule and that is where home exercise
equipment as exercise bikes and other fitness equipment
chip in.

This is more because most of the people who start an
exercise routine quit within a few weeks. Every morning you
have to get up, get ready and catch the early morning bus
or start early in your car.

You have only one option but to skip your morning jogging
in the central park because it is 15 minutes away. If you
can't do a full routine exercise, isn't there an option?
Home Exercise equipment is a simple answer to this crisis.
These simple and economic fitness equipments allow you to
exercise at your home.

Some exercise equipment as bike even allows you to use your
newspaper reading or TV time for dual purpose. You can read
newspaper or watch morning news while exercising. Is it not
an interesting way to keep fit and stay informed at the
same time?

Home Exercise Equipment- An Affordable Reason To Stay Fit

Many people harbor a myth that Exercise equipments are
expensive, and do not last long. However, the increasing
demand and subsequent for exercise equipment has led to the
induction of many innovative technologies in the production
of exercise equipment.

New home exercise equipments are very sturdy and use high
grade of metal and plastics. Cost of startup exercise
equipment is much lesser than the annual fees of an average
gym.

If you are looking for even economic options, you can find
discounted and sparingly used equipments in garage sales
and online auction sites. Cheap exercise equipments are not
necessarily low value ones and you can easily find a
sparingly used fitness machine that can work wonders on
your body.

Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 5Jesse Cannone

Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts: Part 5
by Jesse Cannone, CFT, CPRS

Welcome to article number five in our 5-part series Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts. In this article we are going to cover some basic, yet powerful training principles that are often overlooked and are responsible for nearly all bodybuilding injuries

If you missed any of the previous articles, you can view them using the links below.

Heres a breakdown of the articles to look for:

1. Article #1 - Choosing The WRONG Exercises
2. Article #2 - Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results
3. Article #3 - Targeted Stretching
4. Article #4 - Targeted Exercises
5. Article #5 - Rest, Recovery, and Injury Prevention

Article #5 - Rest, Recovery and Injury Prevention

Many of the injuries that bodybuilders suffer from could be easily prevented just by allowing the body enough time to rest

While most bodybuilders dread hearing the word rest, many fail to realize that there is far more to rest than just avoiding overtraining. When you perform a tough workout you not only stress that muscle or muscle group, you also place stress on the cardiovascular, neuromuscular and components of the immune system

For example, many bodybuilders will train their chest 2-3 times a week and spend an hour or more performing dozens of exercises just for the pecs

While this may sound ok to some, when you add in the stress of other workouts it can quickly add up to too much stress in one or more ways. I hear bodybuilders all the time say I let my body rest by splitting up my workouts and I worked chest yesterday so today Ill train my back thats NOT rest!

When you train your back, your chest still gets worked, stressed and it also slows down your bodies ability to recover from stress and repair damage from previous workouts

So dont kid yourself and think that you can train this way over the long term it may take years or just a few weeks, but sooner or later your body will break down!

Let me give you a real life example from my experience

I, like nearly every single bodybuilder out there, created muscle imbalance unknowingly by following the workouts recommended in all the books, magazines, etc

I trained 4,5 and sometimes even 6 days a week and thought that I was resting enough by splitting my workouts to make a long story short, after just a few years I had tendonitis in both triceps because I worked chest, tris and shoulder too often, too intensely and didnt balance out my training

I also had lower and middle back pain, knee problems and IT band tendonitis because my lower body workouts werent balanced I spent too much time doing heavy squatting, too often and neglected important muscles

These injuries stayed with me for months, years and I still can have an occasional flare up if I dont stay consistent with a balanced training program. I was able to create all this damage by the age of 22 I am now 28 and will have to spend the rest of my life trying to prevent these old injuries from coming back and causing more pain and problems

Dont do what I did! And if you already have, you better act fast and take a serious look at your training and your goals because if you dont, you will spend the rest of your life in pain and frustrated by all the injuries, big and small.

So heres my

5-Step Formula for Quickly Eliminating and Preventing Aches, Pains and Injuries

Step 1. Rest and Recovery

The first thing you need to do is REST! And no, I dont mean take a day or two off I mean no workouts for at least a week or more you need to give your body a chance to reduce the inflammation before you can begin work on eliminating or correcting the cause of the problem.
You may also want to use things like a heating pad, hot tub or massage to help reduce the inflammation and speed up the healing and recovery

Step 2. Identify Muscle Imbalances

The next thing you need to do is find out which muscle imbalances have created your injury or are causing your pain and work towards correcting them you can do this quickly and easily by performing physical assessments in which you are looking for strength and flexibility imbalances in all opposing muscle groups.

You can do these assessments yourself and they are covered in our Lose the Back Pain Video http://www.losethebackpain.com

Step 3. Increase Flexibility in Tight Muscles with Targeted Stretching

In order to correct a muscle imbalance, you need to increase the flexibility and range of motion in the muscles that are too tight and causing a problem.

As we discussed in the previous articles, you have got to know what muscles NEED to be stretched before you start stretching. General stretching may or may not help it may even make things worse! You have got to target the right areas and the only way to ensure that you are, is to do assessments and find out.

Step 4. Strengthen Weak Muscles with Targeted Strength Exercises

The other major step in correcting muscle imbalances is to strength the weak muscles that are being overpowered by the strong and tight opposing muscle(s).

The same is also true for strengthening you have to make sure that you choose the right exercises and the only way to know for sure is thru assessments dont use guesswork when choosing exercises!

Step 5. Monitor and Modify Your Program

The key to long term pain relief and injury prevention is to consistently monitor your progress and adjust your program for example, as you work on correcting and preventing muscle imbalances the strength and flexibility of your muscles will change and therefore, you must then re-assess and change your program and workouts accordingly.

You will typically see changes in your strength, flexibility and bio-mechanics in as little as 2-4 weeks so I recommend that you re-assess yourself at least every 4-6 weeks.

So there you have it 5 simple steps that you can take right now to work on eliminating any pain or injuries you currently have AND make sure you never create any new ones to deal with in the future.

Following these steps will not only help you eliminate aches, pains and injuries and it will also allow you to train more intensely and productively to get you the results you want.

Hope you enjoyed and benefited from this article series and we look forward to hearing of your success.

-------------------
Article courtesy of Jesse Cannone of http://www.losethebackpain.com. Find out exactly whats causing your back pain and injuries and the steps you need to take to quickly get rid of your pain and become injury free.

"Why Exercise Bikes Might Be the Ultimate FitnessPaul Johnson

Exercise bikes are the first things that come to your mind
when you talk about home exercise equipments. Exercise
cycles popularly known as exercise bikes have gained so
much recognition that they are next to TV in demand and
popularity among the household items.

The best part about workouts with exercise bike is that it
has no side effects or no rules to follow. This makes it a
tremendous gizmo to chop off that extra fat just like that.
Most health conscious people keep the exercise bike in
their home for fitness.

There are fundamentally two types of exercise bikes,
upright bikes and recumbent bikes. Upright bikes are more
like real bicycles with the exception that they do not run
on road. Recumbent bikes on the other hand, have bucket
seats and the pedals out in the front. These exercise
cycles are fit for overweight people and those suffering
from backaches.

Exercise Bikes the Easiest Way to Burn Fat

Unlike big exercise machines and gym equipments, exercise
bike are simple to use and free from side effects. The
functions of this exercise equipment are simple and
everybody in you family, even kids can use it. Just sit on
it, start pedaling and see your fat start burning.

The exercise bikes have a regulator gear to control the
power exerted and you can adjust it according to the
workout required. Adjustable seat and handle makes it
possible for persons of all age and size to use the same
equipment. You can't go wrong with an exercise bike. It
counts your miles and gives better control on your diet
management program.

Exercise Bikes: Mix Workout With Entertainment

The biggest excuse for inability to exercise is lack of
time. Exercise bike is an appropriate solution for all such
problems and excuses. If you are a TV buff and spend most
of your free time watching TV, you can keep the exercise
bike in the TV room and enjoy the movie or your favorite
soap while exercising.

You can even read a book, newspaper or help your kids with
their homework while pedaling and burning out those extra
inches from your waistline. You do not have to take a step
out of your home for exercise and you can spend that time
with your family and enjoy the workout without missing any
important phone call.

Exercise Bikes-The Economic Exercising Alternative

Besides simplicity, the second best thing about the
exercise bike is its cost. Bikes with several features are
available to fit all the budget requirements. The basic
equipment comes for as low as $50.

For a trial, you can even start with a used bike. There are
ample of used bikes available on sale through online
stores, auctions and garage sales. Moreover, the bikes have
a long life and low or even no maintenance requirement.
Select the right exercise bike for yourself and get going
for a healthy and fit body.