Can cancer spread to the brain when someone is haveing chemo for lung cancer?

Question by WENDY D: Can cancer spread to the brain when someone is haveing chemo for lung cancer?
I have stage 4 lung cancer. The doctor said it was not in my brain in june 07 I have had 11 chemo treatments so far and it seams to be working.
i’m 46 now. I have been having headaches….

Best answer:

Answer by mytwodogs60463
cancer can spread anywhere in your body.

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Causes ,effects symptoms and treatments of lung cancer

Causes ,effects symptoms and treatments of lung cancer

What is Lung cancer: Cancer which is found in the lungs is termed as lung cancer. Lungs are the softy organs located in the chest on both either side of the heart. Lungs are the essential organs useful in supplying oxygen in the blood to various parts of the body. Lung cancer is referred as the malignant tumor because it spreads through out the body, lung cancer cells usually travels through blood vessels into tissues and lymph nodes. So, during surgery process the lymph nodes are also removed to check for the cancer cells.

Lung cancer can spread to bone, gynecologic sytem, gastrointestinal system, heart and other organs. This kind of spreading nature is defined as metastatic lung cancer.

Occurrence of Lung cancer:

Lung cancer is a combination of several diseases with different types of causes, symptoms and treatments. It is of many types, in which abnormal growth of cells is common in all of them. Generally normal cells plays major role in defining cancer. All the organs and tissues in the body are made up by tiny body cells. These cells have a constant process of dying and replacing new cells. This is the general process carried by them, if there is any malfunction in their life cycle then there is a chance for the occurrence of lung cancer. Tumor occurs due to the formation of excess cells in the body. There are two types of Tumors one is benign tumor and the other is malignant tumor .Benign tumor is not cancerous but can cause damage to the adjacent organs if it grows continuously at a single site. Malignant tumor is cancerous. It spreads through out the body and damages the entire body organs.

Causes of Lung cancer: Many of the researchers doesn’t know the exact cause for the occurrence of Lung cancer, but the risk factors for the occurrence of Lung cancer is identified. Here is the list of risk factors.

Risk factors of Lung cancer:

Smoking: This activity is the major risk factor in causing Lung cancer. Smoking leads to lung cancer and also causes several side effects like digestion problems, burning sensation, headache and site blindness. So avoid smoking to prevent Lung cancer from occurrence.

Second hand of smoking: This activity is also the major risk factor in causing cancer. Passive smoking also leads to lung cancer but at comparatively slow rate.

Age: Generally aged people will be suffering from lung cancer due to decrease in immune power system and increase in pollution causing factors .if the age is above 50 years, there will be more chances of getting lung cancer due to the increase in risk factors.

Radon gas: Radon gas is a mixture of several chemical agents. it is a decay compound of uranium which increases risk factors for lung cancer. Nearly 12 percent of lung cancer is caused due to radon gas.

Asbestos fiber: Exposure to asbestos fiber for longer duration will increase the risk factors for lung cancer.

Air pollution: Air pollution is one of the leading factors for increasing the causes of lung cancer. Pollution from vehicles, factories and power plants can raise the risk factor for up to 2 percent.

Lung diseases: Due to presence of lung disease like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the risk factor rate is increased by 1 to 2 percent in a year.

Family pedigree: Genetic susceptibility also plays major role in increasing the risk factors for lung cancer.

Symptoms and signs of Lung cancer: Lung cancer is termed as a silent disease because it doesn’t show any symptoms in the early stage of its occurrence.

• Jaundice
• Diarrhea
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Digestion problem
• Urination infections
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Pneumonia
• Hoarseness
• Dysphaqia
• Stroke
• Loss of sensations in the body parts
• Blood in sputum
• Persistent bronchitis
• Breathing difficulties

These are the possible symptoms of Lung cancer. If you find any of these symptoms please go for screening test to prevent this slow cancer disease.

Effects of lung cancer:

Sleep disorder: Severe illness, stress, emotional pain and usage of drugs are the driving factors for causing sleep disorder. People suffering with this cancer disease will generally face this disorder .

Nausea and vomiting: Body hormone changes, pains, body inflammation, poor blood flow and anxiety are the causing factors of nausea and vomiting.

Fatigue: Due to the excess treatment process of cancer ,body faces severe exhaustion or tiredness.

Delirium: This side effect occurs during the last period of life .Delirium is nothing but the malfunction of the brain due to severe attack of cancer cells in the body.

Constipation: Constipation occurs during the early stage of the cancer. Constipation means slow movement of body waste through the body. Due to constipation the body faces illness.

Treatment methods for Lung cancer:

Curing of this lung cancer should be done in the early stages before it spreads through out the body or else it can’t be cured. Lung cancer can be treated with Surgery, Radiotherapy ,Chemotherapy and Biotherapy.

Surgery: Surgery is carried to remove the lung cancer. Surgery can be carried in the early stages of the tumor occurrence. Surgery will be taken place only if the tumor is located in only one part of the body. During the surgery process the damaged lymph nodes are also removed along with the tumor. During surgery the entire lung or part of it will be removed if necessary. During some cases, the major portion of the lung will be removed along with other tissues for avoiding spreading of the disease. About 20 percent of lung cancer cases will be cured by surgeries but removal is not a cure because the tumor cells spreads through out the lungs. So surgery alone can’t cure lung cancer, we require chemotherapy and radiation therapy for complete curingof this lung cancer.

Radiation therapy: This treatment is based on the extent of the disease. Radiotherapy is a useful process  in removing lung cancer cells by using high intensity x-rays. These high energy x-rays are aimed at the lung tumor to destroy the cancer cells .This process also causes damage to the normal cells for its side effects. There are two types of radiation therapy.

External Radiation Therapy: External radiation therapy process is carried out from outside the body. The powerful x-ray beams are aimed at the effected area from outside the body and destroys the cancer causing cells permanently without re-occurrence. Internal Radiation Therapy: Internal radiation therapy process is carried out from inside the body. The powerful x-ray beams are aimed at the effected part by making small incisions to destroy the cancer causing cells permanently without re-occurrence. This process gives better results than external radiation.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are called as anti-cancer drugs used to destroy lung cancer cells .There are many types of chemotherapy drugs available in the market for the treatment of cancer. This treatment process is carried by either pills or through intravascular injections. The anti-cancer drug enters into the bloodstream and travels towards the damaged tissues of lungs and destroys the cancer cells.
Chemotherapeutic drugs attacks the cancer cells by stopping their unusual growth. The nature of the cancer cells were brought to the normal condition by controlling the divisibility of the cells. These drugs are carried in the bloodstream to kill all the cancer cells within short period of time. Chemotherapy is useful in killing cancer cells, avoids spreading of cancer cells to various parts of the body, stops multiple divisions of lung cancer cells and avoids replacing of non-cancerous cell into cancerous cells.

Biotherapy: Body possesses weak immune system due to the effect of lung cancer cells. So, due to weak immune system in the body, there are chances for the development of lung cancer cells in the body. So this Biotherapy treatment process is useful in rebuilding strong immune system in the body. Biotherapy is also called as immunotherapy or biological response modifier therapy. This treatment process is really useful in repairing, enhancing and stimulating the weak immune system of the body. This process can be carried along with surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs are very useful in blocking the growth of cancer cells. People facing with chronic myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia can use this targeted therapy drugs for better results.

Treatment of recurrence: Surgery is the treatment method for recurrence of lung cancer. This recurrence treatment is very useful in curing the lung cancer. It stops the re-occurrence of this disease after having treatments.

Photodynamic therapy: This therapy is a new method for treating lung cancer by injecting photosynthesizing agent directly into the bloodstream by using intravascular injection. This agent spreads through the cancer cells and itself deposits with the cancer cells and after that doctor performs some surgery to apply a certain wavelength of light through hand held wand. This instrument targets the light directly on the photosynthesizing agent and burns the cancer causing cells. This method is useful in advanced stage of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is termed as a serious cancer disease. It is mainly caused due to smoking of tobacco. This disease can be cured only in the early stage of its occurrence. Lung cancer causes any other cancer related diseases in the body due to its metastatic characteristics. Lung cancer symptoms cannot be identified in the early stages. Later on its improvement we can find some symptoms which are listed above. Lung cancer is the most leading disease around the world.

Author shares information on causes, symptoms, effects, risk factors, preventions, treatments, prognosis of diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart attack, obesity and also shares information on Men’s health, women’s health, sexual health, mental health, health and fitness, pregnancy, Blood disorders, Muscles, bones and joints, Health issues, and Weight loss.

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Pleurectomy for Mesothelioma

Pleurectomy for Mesothelioma

Article by Michael Enfield







Mesothelioma is a deadly, aggressive cancer that is almost primarily caused by asbestos exposure. It attacks the special type of cell that forms the lining of your internal organs and body cavities. Of course, as the primary method of asbestos exposure is through inhalation, mesothelioma most often occurs in the lining of the lungs. This is called pleural mesothelioma, and it sometimes requires a surgical procedure called a pleurectomy.

The lining of your internal organs and body cavities is called the mesothelium. The mesothelium is responsible for secreting a lubricating fluid that prevents chafing between different organs. Sometimes, though, cancers like mesothelioma can disrupt the natural secretion and draining process of this fluid. In these cases, the mesothelium can sometimes produce too much fluid. The lubricating fluid can fill the chest cavity, preventing your lungs from having the space to fully expand. This is called pleural effusion.

Additionally, tumors in the pleural mesothelium can painfully press into lung tissue, and they have the possibility of metastasizing and spreading the cancer elsewhere. Thus, doctors may choose to remove this diseased lining through a surgery called a pleurectomy.

With a pleurectomy, doctors locate the diseased tissue and make an incision above it. They will open your chest cavity or use a camera to see into the thoracic cavity. Surgeons then remove the cancerous lining from your lungs and sometimes from the chest wall. In some cases, doctors can also remove tumors that have grown in the lung tissue itself. If your doctors have chosen to administer radiation through brachytherapy, they can insert the radioactive source after your surgery. When the procedure is over, doctors will close the incision and prepare you for recovery.

Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer, and pleurectomy is sometimes simply used for palliative measures rather than as a cure for the disease.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to understand the disease so that you can help choose the best treatment for you. Knowing more about mesothelioma can also help you feel more in control of the situation. For more information regarding mesothelioma, please visit the Mesothelioma Help Center today.




About the Author

Mesothelioma and asbestos exposure often go hand in hand. To learn more about the dangers of asbestos, contact the Mesothelioma and Asbestos Help Center today.

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Lung Cancer – Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Prevention and Treatment

Lung Cancer – Symptoms, Causes, Effects, Prevention and Treatment

Lung cancer is caused by uncontrolled rapid growth of cells in tissues. This type of cancer is most common and results in more than a million deaths  
everyear. This form of cancer is indicated by weight loss or coughing up blood or regularly going out of breath .

Lung cancer can be noticed on chest radiograph also called CT Scan. The treatment that one gets depends on the stage that one is in .Treatment of cancer  
include surgery ,chemotherapy and radiotherapy .

CLASSIFICATION

Lung cancers are classified after studying under them microscope .Classification is necessary as different type of cancer is treated differently.
Large portion of lung cancer are carcinomas – malignancies that grow from epithical cells .Lung-carcinomas are categorized into two types : non-small and  
small-cell lung carcinoma. Non-small cell lung carcinoma and small cell lung carcinoma account for 80.4% and 16.8% frequency of lung cancer, respectively .

NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA

The non-small cell lung carcinomas are grouped together as their prognosis and management are same upto  some extent .They are further classified into three  
types :  squamous cell lung carcinoma ,adenocarcinoma and large cell lung carcinoma .

Squamous cell lung cancer originates near a central bronchus .They account for 25% of lung cancers .

Adenocarcinoma starts in perpheral lung tissue . The cases of adenocarcinoma are a result of smoking .They accounts to 40% of non-small cell lung cancers.

SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA

This type of lung cancer is rare . It is sometimes referred to as “oat cell” carcinoma. Most of the times they originate from larger airways (primary and  
secondary bronchi ) and from there they grow at a rapid pace . This type of lung cancer if mostly associated with smoking.

SECONDARY CANCERS

These cancers are classified on the basis of site of origin like breast cancer but has spread to the lung . Majority of the lung cancers in children are  
secondary

STAGING OF LUNG CANCER

Lung cancer staging is used to asses the degree of spread of the cancer from its place of origin . It is an important factor that determines the potential  
treatment of lung cancer. The degree starts from 1A to 4 ,1A being best prognosis and 4 being worst .

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1. Voice becoming hoarse .

2. Sudden loss of weight .

3. Feeling pain in chest region or abdomen .

4. Difficulty in swallowing .

5. Loss of appetite .

6. Running out of breath .

Many of the symptoms of lung cancer mentioned above are non-specific .By the time they notice symptoms or signs , cancer has already spread from place of  
origin . Very few people with lung cancer have signs at time of diagnosis ,these cancers are noticed on routine chest radiograph .

CAUSES

The three main causes of cancer are : carcinogens (which is found in tobacco ) ,viral infection and ionizing radiation .If exposed , it causes changes to  
DNA in tissue lining the bronchi of the lungs . With more and more tissues getting damaged , cancer develops .

SMOKING

Smoking is the main cause of cancer . In one cigarette , there are 60 different known types of carcinogens like radiostopes  and nitrosamine . Smoking is  
believed to cause 80% of lung cancer cases . The risk is generally less in non-smokers.

The time that a person smokes proportionately increases the chances of lung cancer . There has been cases that if a person stops smoking , the damaged cells  
gradually gets repaired .

In non-smokers , passive smoking is the main causes of lung-cancer. Passive smoking is one inhaled from another person’s smoking .

RADON GAS

The gas produced from breakdown of radium .This gas is colourless and odorless .Exposure to radiation ionize the gentic material , causing mutations that  
sometimes turn cancerous .
Exposure to radon gas is the second major cause of lung-cancer after smoking .  

ASBESTOS

Asbestos is responsible for causing a number of cancer ,one among them is lung cancer . In UK , asbestos accounts for 2 to 3% of the total cases of lung  
cancer.

VIRUS

Viruses are responsible for causing lung-cancer in animals .And research has shown of similar potential in humans.

PARTICULATE MATTER
Particulate matter has a direct link to lung cancer cases .The size and quantity of particles in air determines the risk of getting lung-cancer .If  
concentration of particles increases beyond 1% ,then the chances of getting lung cancer increases by 14%.

PATHOGENESIS

Just like may other cancer forms , lung cancer is started by activation of ocnogenes or inactivation of tumor suppressing genes .Ocnogenes are those genes  
that make people more vulnerable to cancer .Ocnogenes are produced from proto-ocnogens ,when the latter is exposed to particular carcinogens.In k-ras proto-
oncogene , mutations takes place which are responsible for 10 to 30% of lung adenocarcinomas . Tumor invasion ,angiogenesis ,apoptosis ,cell profileration  
are regulated by the Epidermal growth factor receptor .Mutations and amplification of EGFR are common in non-small cell lung cancer .The  basis for treatment  
with EGFR-inhibitors are also provided by Mutation and amplification of EGFR .Chromosomal damage can lead to loss of heterozygosity which can result in  
inactivation of tumor suppressor genes . Damage to four of these chromosomes :3p ,5q ,13 q and 17 p are common in small cell lung-carcinoma .The p53 ,which  
is a tumor suppressor gene ,located on chromosome 17p is affected in most of the cases .c-MET ,NKX2-1 ,LKB1,PIK3A and BRAF are also mutated or amplified .

Various genetic polymorphisms are supplementary to lung cancer .Some of them include polymorphisms in genes coding for interleukin-1 ,cytochrome p450  
,apoptosis promoters such as caspase-8 ,and XRCC1 ,which is DNA repair molecule . People having these polymorphisms are more likely to develop lung cancer on  
being exposed to carcinogens.

The research has revealed that MDM2 309G allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for developing lung cancer is Asians.

DIAGNOSIS

If a person has reported symptoms that might suggest lung cancer ,then chest radiograph is performed in the first step .The test reveals the widening of  
mediastinium ,atelectasis and pleural effusion .Even if there are no radiographic findings but the hint of lung cancer if high because of things like the  
person being heavy smoker with blood-stained sputum then CT-Scan may provide the necessary data .

If findings are unnatural in cells in sputum ,then they multiplies the risk of lung cancer. Early detection can be done by Sputum cytologic examination  
together with other screening examinations.

The differential diagnosis  for those patients who show irregularities on chest cardiograph consider lung cancer along with nonmalignant diseases. These  
consider infectious reasons like tuberculosis or pneumonia .The above mentioned diseases can lead to lung nodules .

PREVENTION

Prevention ,just like always , is better than cure .Steps in this direction have been taken by may countries by identifying carcinogens and banning them but  
tobacco ,which is the major cause of lung cancer , is still common. Eliminating cigarette smoking is first hand target in the prevention of lung cancer .

Steps to lessen Passive smoking have also being taken by banning smoking in public places and workplaces .

New Zealand has restricted smoking in open places .A similar step is also taken by chandigarh ,india .

Bhutan has criminalized smoking since 2005 .

SCREENING

Screening is used to detect disease by doing medical tests when the patient is not showing any symptoms . Chest radiograph or computed tomography are the  
tests used for screening of lung cancer .But ,results have shown , that screening tests for lung cancer rarely has shown any benefit .

SURGERY

If doctors have detected lung cancer , then CT scan and positron emission tomography are usually applied to check if the disease is placed and surgery can be  
done or it has moved to the point where performing surgery is not possible .

Surgery can only be performed if spirometry reveals good respiratory reserve , but if it is poor , then surgery is not possible . Even surgery has a death  
operative rate of 4.4% but that is because of patient’s lung function and other factors .

CHEMoTHERAPY

Chemotherapy ,along with radiation ,is used to treat small cell lung carcinoma.Primary chemotherapy is also used in metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma  
.

RADIOTHERAPY

Radiotherapy , with chemotherapy ,is given when patient is not fit to under go surgery . This type of high intensity radiotherapy is called radical  
radiotherapy .CHART (continuos hyperfractioned accelerated radiotherapy ) is refined version of this technique in which a high dose of radiotherapy is given  
for a short period of time .

When cancer affects a short section of bronchus , then brachytherapy is given.

EPIDEMOLOGY

Lung cancer is the most widely reported cancer  .There are 1.35 million cases every year and 1.18 million deaths . Lung cancer develop among those who have a  
history of smoking over a long period of years i.e 50 years and above .

In addition to smoking , passive smoking is also a factor that causes lung cancer .Even the emissions from factories , automobiles ,  power plants pose a  
threat to human health .

Lung cancer is found to have a reciprocal effect with sunlight and UVB exposure .This id due to effect of Vitamin D , produced in skin during exposure to  
sunlight .

We, whealthfitness means world fitness health provide important and valuable health and fitness like Lung Cancer Information on our latest  Disease Information Blog . For more information visit our website whealthfitness.com.

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What are the first signs of Lung Cancer?

Question by jayjay: What are the first signs of Lung Cancer?
Hopefully you can tell me from your own personal story.

Hubby is not a smoker but he is a deputy sheriff and he has spent alot of time in the jails. He is being tested for lung cancer since they have found several black spots on his lungs.

Anyone care to share their Personal story of their ‘first’ symptoms and what they were?

Best answer:

Answer by Eddie Cacciatore, Private Eye
I’m sorry to hear. My mother’s breathing was compromised. Less energy.

There’s a smoker at work whose cough won’t go away. I’d bet she’s a candidate.

What do you think? Answer below!

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Finding The Best Mesothelioma Treatment Center

Finding The Best Mesothelioma Treatment Center

When I was looking for a reliable mesothelioma treatment center that can provide me all the legal information on mesothelioma, one of my friends has suggested me to go for New Mesothelioma Treatments. After visiting the website I really found the required information about mesothelioma treatment that I was looking for. In this article I am going to discuss why I was appreciated by this informative website.

As all we know that mesothelioma is a rare cancer cause of asbestos to exposure. Mesothelioma is such a disease that can spread out in quick manner if you don’t take any treatment in the time. As per as precaution is concerned you need to have basic knowledge about mesothelioma disease that can help you to prevent from some unexpected incidents. To get legal information or to get some ideas about mesothelioma disease and about its symptoms you need to research on Internet. You will find lots websites are on the Internet that are providing mesothelioma information. Make sure before taking any step or any medicine on the basis of these websites you need to consult with your doctor. Because these web sites are not often reliable as per as mesothelioma treatment is concerned.

Like me if you are also interested in getting knowledge about mesothelioma diseases and the way to get rid of this serious disease you need to go through a reliable website that can provide all the information about new mesothelioma treatment. While I found difficulties in finding out a good website, one of my friends has just suggested me to get for New Mesothelioma Treatments website. After visiting this appreciating website I really satisfied with the information they provided on the website – thanks New Mesothelioma Treatments for providing such needful information for the mesothelioma patients. I think these information would be useful to all the patients who are suffering from mesothelioma diseases.

So if you are looking for the mesothelioma information and also want to visit mesothelioma treatment center I would recommend you to go through this website in order to know about new mesothelioma treatment

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Lung Cancer Staging – The Four Stages of Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer Staging – The Four Stages of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer staging refers to a system of classifying where the cancer is in its growth. This allows physicians a guide to help determine what treatments would be most effective and how aggressively those treatments should be administered. It is also a way of determining the potential outcome of a particular case of lung cancer. The lower the stage, the better the odds of a full recovery.


The process of deciding what stage a lung cancer has reached is called “staging the lung cancer.” This is accomplished through a series of tests, such as x-rays, blood tests, bone scans, etc. The goal is to determine the size of the tumor or tumors and if the cancer has spread to other tissues (metastasized). X-rays, MRIs and CAT scans help to determine the size and location of the tumors. Bone scans and blood work can help to determine whether the cancer has spread to other organs or to the bones. PET scans can indicate whether or not a tumor is actively growing.


Lung cancer staging is also dependent on the type of cancer. For instance, in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there are four stages, while in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) there are two … limited stage and extended stage. Here’s a quick overview to give you an idea of the differences between the various stages:


Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stage I: The cancer is confined to the lungs. This stage obviously offers the best prognosis. Lung cancer caught in this stage has better than a 49% five year survival rate.


Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stage II: The cancer is confined to lung tissue and the lymph nodes within the lungs, the recovery rate is 40-50%


Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stage II: The tumors have spread from the lungs, but are confined to the chest area. Larger, more invasive tumors are generally diagnosed as belonging to this stage.


Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stage IV: The cancer has spread away from the chest and invaded other parts of the body such as the liver, adrenal glands, bone, brain, and/or other sites.


Small Cell Lung Cancer Limited Stage: The cancer is confined to the chest area, and has not spread outside the point of origin.


Small Cell Lung Cancer Extended Stage: The cancer has spread beyond the chest to other parts of the body.


The treatment recommended by your doctor will take into account the stage of the lung cancer, as well as the size and location of the tumors and your general overall health. Of course, you’ll have input into how aggressively the cancer should be pursued and all that entails. More and more oncologists are coming to accept that the prognosis of a patient with lung cancer — as it is with any cancer patient — is profoundly affected by the patient’s attitude and decision making.

To learn more about lung cancer stages and for a comprehensive selection of articles covering all aspects of this dreaded disease, its symptoms, treatments, and more, visit http://www.lungcancerinsights.com

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Mesothelioma Causes-5 Deadly Risk Factors Unveiled

Mesothelioma Causes-5 Deadly Risk Factors Unveiled

There are several risk factors that are linked with the development of mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is exposure to asbestos fibers. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly predispose one to the development of this type of cancer. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco.

1 -Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was very popular amongst builders and contractors for many years because of its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning.

Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans had already been exposed to this harmful substance. Over 700,000 schools and buildings in the United States today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Asbestos exposure can also occur through other ways. Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railroads and for insulation manufacturers and gas mask manufacturers.

The occupations commonly affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers – especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Sometimes family members related to the workers got secondary exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that were brought home on the workers clothes and also become at risk for contracting mesothelioma. Serpentine fibers and amphiboles are the 2 primary types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber and the most frequently used. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually comprise one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The crocidolite type of Amphiboles also known as “blue asbestos” is thought to be the leading contributor to cancer caused by asbestos.

2Smoking.

Risk of mesothelioma is increased greatly in smokers who are ex

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What is the life expectancy for Small Cell Lung Cancer with out treatments?

Question by pdiduvall: What is the life expectancy for Small Cell Lung Cancer with out treatments?
My mother (age 63) was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Cancer in June 08. She has choosen not to have any treatments for it. At the time of the diagnosis it had not spread to other areas.

Best answer:

Answer by tmann
Wow! My mom is going through the same thing right now and the doctor told her today that she could expect to live 5 months to 5 years with chemo therapy but, without it only god knows sweetie. It all depends on how aggressive the cancer is and when god chooses to call her home!

What do you think? Answer below!

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Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung Cancer Symptoms

As such, it starts off as a respiratory disease. Unfortunately, it can develop well beyond that. Lung Cancer SymptomsThis evolution has caused a massive amount of confusion to the point that two results, Mesothelioma and lung cancer, are often used interchangeably when they should not be.

Asbestos exposure can often lead to cancer in the person exposed if the fibers of the mineral in question are breathed into the lungs. Any form of cancer is simply bad news. That being said, there are different types and each comes with its own issues, treatments and potential outcomes. With asbestos exposure, the two most common forms of cancer are Mesothelioma and lung cancer. They are distinct health problems. Let’s take a closer look.

Lung cancer obviously impacts the condition of your lungs. Lungs are the biomechanism we use when breathing. They introduce oxygen into our body and expel carbon dioxide and other minor gases like nitrogen. Breathing in air from the environment can be hazardous. In the case of asbestos, we can breathe in tiny fibers of minerals in asbestos forms. Once in our lungs, they are very hard to get out. Slowly, they can cause damage to the structure of the lung material. Scarring, known as asbestosis, and tumors can occur. The tumors can grow and are known as lung cancer. There are various forms of lung cancer, and that discussion is beyond the scope of this article.

Lung Cancer Secrets Revealed Click here

Mesothelioma is often talked about as though it is a form of lung cancer. It is not. To understand this form of cancer, one has to first understand what the mesothelium is. The mesothelium is with us from birth. It is a layer of cells that lines the internal organs and areas of the body. It lines the lungs. It lines the abdomen. It lines areas of the heart. The purpose of the mesothelium is much like oil in a car engine – it acts as a lubricating surface that allows the organs in the body to move without friction. Without the mesothelium, bending over would be difficult and probably a very painful proposition.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in this lining. It is caused by asbestos being inhaled into the lungs. From their, the asbestos fibers are absorbed into the body. How exactly they get into the mesothelium is unknown, but they clearly due. Mesothelioma can spread throughout the entire body core or remain in a particular area. If caught very early, treatment options exist. If caught late, it is rarely survived.

So, how do Mesothelioma and lung cancer get confused when it comes to asbestos exposure? Well, Mesothelioma often occurs in the mesothelium lining around the lungs. Although not technically lung cancer, once can see how the two would get confused. Still, it is important to remember that each is unique and calls for different treatments.

lung cancer treatment breakthroughs Click here

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