Mesothelioma Doctors-How do You Find the Best One For You

Posted on June 5, 2011 by duncan

Mesothelioma Doctors-How do You Find the Best One For You

Many decades ago, doctors had limited knowledge of mesothelioma cancer, most cases of the disease were seen by family doctors who had very little knowledge about the cancer, the symptoms and methods of treating the cancer.

Although this asbestos related cancer is rare in comparison to other more common types of cancer, there has been a gradual increase in the number of diagnosed cases over the past 20-30 years, some medical doctors have become specialist and experts in the diagnosis and treatment of this terrible disease.

Most times the first medical professional that a mesothelioma patient will have contact with will be their family physician. The family physician will order for several imaging tests once there is reasonable clinical suspicion, to be able to make definitive diagnosis. Once a definitive diagnosis is made, the family physician will refer the patient to an oncologist, who may be located in the area where the patient lives.

However while most oncologists are familiar with mesothelioma, because of the rarity of the disease not all of them have enough experience in treating this type of cancer.

Many patients would rather prefer to look for the best top mesothelioma experts in the country so that they can get the best available medical care.

Most of these top mesothelioma experts work in the nations best hospitals located in the major cities. These doctors have built a reputation over time based on their knowledge and exemplary care. Most of these doctors are usually involved in ongoing research work, so they can give the patient latest information on clinical trials, and other aspects of the disease.

Some of these mesothelioma experts are not oncologists, though they have sound knowledge and experience in cancer treatment. Quite a number of them are respiratory physicians, known as pulmonologists; these are doctors specializing in the treatment of diseases of the lungs. Some other ones are Thoracic Surgeons; these are doctors that specialize in performing surgeries of the lungs, chest wall, esophagus and diaphragm. A patient can make a choice from these different medical experts, all of them can offer good medical care once they become familiar with the persons disease and particulars.

Most of the time, mesothelioma patients living in the small towns will have to travel to the major cities where the large hospitals where these experts work are situated. This usually involves additional expenses on traveling, lodging, feeding etc, but most patients do not mind the extra money that they will have to spend. Most of these hospitals assists out of town patients to find affordable accommodations to stay while some offer their own lodging options to patients who have traveled over a great distance to come to the hospital.

Patients are also advised to check their medical insurance carriers before making a decision on their preferred medical expert. Insurance policies are different and some policies may actually cover travel and other expenses that will be incurred when attempting to see an expert. Again, an administrator in the doctor’s office or hospital personnel may be able to help determine what is covered and what is not. Meeting with a doctor before making a definitive choice is often a good idea. Though he/she may be an expert in the field of mesothelioma, patients should strive to choose someone with whom they believe they can work well. Having a good rapport with your doctor is essential in building trust and open lines of communication are certainly a must. Take time to interview a doctor before making a final decision.

South Carolina

James Bradof, M.D. SC

Tennessee

Spencer McCachren, M.D. Thompson Cancer Center Knoxville, TN (423) 541-1812 Texas Department Of Clinical Investigation University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center 1515 Holcombe Blvd., P.O. Box 39 Houston, TX 77030 (713) 792-7959

Washington

Dr. Eric Vallieres P.O. Box 356310 1959 NE Pacific Seattle, WA 98195-6310 (206) 543-3093 Washington, D.C. Cesar A. Moran, M.D. Department of the Army Armed Forces Institute of Pathology Washington, DC 20306

Dr. Paul Sugarbaker Sugarbaker Oncology Associates, P.C. 110 Irving St., NW Washington, DC 20010 (202) 877-3908 Wisconsin

Joan H. Schiller, M.D. H. Ian Robins, M.D. University of Wisconsin Madison, WI

Bello kamorudeen is an health worker and author of several mesothelioma articles.For a more comprehensive information and complete list of mesothelioma doctors go to http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

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Pulmonary Cancer (Lung Cancer)

Posted on June 5, 2011 by duncan

Pulmonary Cancer (Lung Cancer)

From all major types of cancer lung cancer is the most frequent one and it has the biggest mortality rate, mostly because is very aggressive and invasive. In men lung cancer is the first cause of death and in women the second one, after breast cancer. In some countries, lung cancer has become the first factor of mortality for women too.

Lung cancer cells spread very easily in other parts of the body, a process called metastasis. Mainly because the lungs are heavily vascularized by lymphatic and blood vessels. By these vessels cancer cells travel in near-by organs even in early stages. Although it can disseminate in any parts of the human body, lung cancer metastasis are usually located in neighboring lymphatic nodes, adrenal glands (suprarenal glands), liver, brain and bones.

There are two main forms of lung cancer:

Lung cancer with small cells: the most aggressive form of lung cancer; it spreads to the neighboring organs very fast.
Lung cancer with non-small cells: the most frequent form of lung cancer. It comprises three subcategories: adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas (or epidermoid carcinomas) and large cell carcinomas (or undifferentiated carcinomas).

Symptoms

Pulmonary cancer symptoms may be mistaken for those of a less severe pulmonary disease. In general symptoms that suggest the presence of a tumor in the lungs assert in advanced stages, when the risk of metastasis is very high also. The symptoms include:

heavily coughing with blood-colored phlegm
shortness of breath
in more severe stages hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
thoracic discomfort and sudden stabs in the pulmonary area
hoarseness
dyspnea
hissing breath (caused by the contraction of the upper airways)
frequent infections, caused by a decreased pulmonary immunity
alterations in the color of the skin
loss of weight
fatigability

Causes

Malignant tumors occur when there is a disorder in the cell’s reproduction process, disorder caused by an alteration of the cellular DNA. Hence it follows a division and a chaotic proliferation of cells from the affected tissue and the tumor formation in the respective tissue.

Alterations of the cellular DNA in lungs may be caused by a number of factors, such as:

Thyroid disorders associated with pulmonary diseases (the thyroid controls the upper furnace, respectively the activity of the heart, of the lungs and of the thymus).
A very toxic work environment or prolonged exposure to toxic substances, chemical volatile substances or particles of dust, coal or asbestos, etc.
Frequent Lung Diseases Inappropriately Treated
A continuous state of sadness and discontent (it inhibits the pulmonary function, causing a poor oxygenation of certain areas of the lungs: the dead cells will no longer be eliminated because of the obstruction of the elimination ways; their accumulation leads to the DNA alteration in time)
Smoking

Treatment

The treatment of lung cancer aims at arresting the proliferation of the malignant cells in the first place. By stimulating the functions of the thyroid and of the thymus, the immune activity will be improved and the number of antibodies released into the body will be increased. These antibodies will remove both the malignant cells located at the point of origin of the disease and the metastases in the body.

By using special acupuncture techniques, the affected lung area is deeply oxygenated and the local metabolism is stimulated. These procedures are necessary for the elimination of the toxins and of the dead cells in the lung area affected by cancer. The resorbtion of the cancer area is accompanied by the regeneration of the tissue by production of healthy cells. If the tumor is very aggressive and it does not allow a complete resorbtion, it will be isolated and calcified. In this case the patient should undergo a support treatment after the end of the treatment. Its duration varies according to the patient’s body.

The results of the treatment depend on the stage of the disease at the moment of the treatment start, on the general condition of the body and on the condition of each organ in particular.

Codrut Tutu MD
Acupuncture and
Apyphytotherapy Specialist

+4 021 619 11 17
+4 0745 430 351

doctor@pirasan.ro
www.pirasan.ro

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Q&A: What gene doesnt work to cause lung cancer?

Posted on June 5, 2011 by duncan

Question by yu: What gene doesnt work to cause lung cancer?
I was doing research to learn more about cancer and i couldn’t find an answer to the following question? What gene does not work that causes lung cancer? Can you please include a source, thank you!

Best answer:

Answer by april
Alpha1-antitrypsin is a molecule that protects alveolar walls against anti-proteases and a deficiency in the molecule.

What do you think? Answer below!

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How Do I Find a Good Mesothelioma Doctor?

Posted on June 4, 2011 by duncan

How Do I Find a Good Mesothelioma Doctor?

Article by Faithe Thomas







Just like looking for the best lawyers to handle a serious case, looking for the best doctors for mesothelioma is very important. If you or your loved one has this form of cancer, only the best trained and experienced doctor can give you the accurate diagnosis and can recommend other recuperative approaches. You will need to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about the disease and medication or other treatment options. You need a doctor who can come up with the correct options in care such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgical appraisal, and/or other more focused forms of treatment. It is of paramount significance to broaden your search for doctors who handle mesothelioma successfully. You want the doctor who also keeps himself informed of the latest procedures and studies.

You also need to know who is the backup physician. With a qualified substitute you can feel rest assured that you will be taken care of when you need medical attention. You have to consider the hospital where the doctor has work privileges. Since you will be visiting the clinic or hospital every now and then, it is important that you are comfortable with the location and quality of care that you would receive at that location.

You and your doctor will be partners for the rest of your life. So choosing a doctor should be done painstakingly and with care. Consider recommendations or referrals. Reflect on the credentials of the doctors and verify them. Choose 3 or 4 specialists and study their credentials before finally making appointments with those doctors. Then meet them and evaluate how well you two interact. Second opinions can also be helpful. There are conservative doctors and there are assertive ones. Only you can be the judge as to what kind of doctor is right for you.

You will be telling your doctor important information about your disease ranging from symptoms to how long ago the exposure was and how much time were you exposed to asbestos or asbestos-related substance. After the initial consultation the doctor may feel it necessary for you to undergo some scans like the Chest CT scan or biopsy, contingent on the type of mesothelioma cancer you have. Basically, there are three types of mesothelioma cancer. Pleural lungs, peritoneal (abdominal) and pericardial (heart), any of these can develop within you. As soon as your doctor has arrived at a definite analysis, you will know what type of mesothelioma cancer you have, at what stage and if the cancer has metastasized. Treatments are then scheduled. Whatever the treatments are, your doctor will recommend what is appropriate for you in considering how far along the cancer has progressed.

Having a good effective relationship with your doctor is key to your treatment. Being able to communicate properly with each other makes a big difference in your ability to deal with your cancer. Remember not to leave everything to your doctor. You also have responsibilities. Telling the doctor honestly how you feel, your opinions, and your questions will educate you about your illness. With recent research and discoveries, patients who undergo treatment are experiencing longer remissions than ever before. Mesothelioma patients with proper doctor care are living for longer periods of time.



About the Author

Faithe Thomas has prepared a website to help people find info on asbestos-related illness and possible litigation. Please see http://www.asbestos-litigation.net/

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What is Early Lung Cancer Symptoms

Posted on June 4, 2011 by duncan

What is Early Lung Cancer Symptoms

When the disease is first discovered, the majority of persons with lung cancer show some symptoms. Due to the primary tumor or its spread, so that there are wide variety of the symptoms.

Range in magnitude from slight to severe, a lung cancer can result in pain. It will be helpful if someone understand the specific pain that is linked with lung cancer.

– Chest Pain; The pain on chest is persistent and involved other structures surrounding the lungs.However, one-fourth of all lung cancer patients complain about this pain that is aching and dull in nature.

– Bone Pain; This pain is the most common symptoms that associated with lung cancer that has spread distantly to other locations. Excruciating pain at the location where lung cancer involves the bones has been reported by a person with lung cancer.

– Other areas of pain; back pain or persistent shoulder that unrelated to pain from coughing. If the cancer has spread to the nerves, shoulder pain can be resulted. From the shoulders to the outside of the arm, the pain will be tricled down. It is well known as Pancoast Syndrome.

Smoking is fully responsible for almost 90% of lung cancer cases according to the Mayo Clinic. If you quite smoking, you can subtantially reduce your chances of getting lung cancer. By avoiding second hand smoke you can also lower your risk of contracting the disease and exposure to asbestos and radon.

Early symptoms of lung cancer is present until it has advanced, include a new, waring sign that you may have the disease, persistent cough or changes in a so-called smokers cough. Cough up small amounts of blood may be occured experience chest pain, shortness of wheezing and breath. There are other sign that may be happended sometimes, such as weight loss, swelling of the face and neck and fatigue.

At least when the cancer is actually diagnosed, there are 20% of people who contract lung cancer don’t report any symptoms. Found through regularly-scheduled X rays or computed axial tomograpgy (CAT) scans, the lung cancer shoud be treated differently depend on the stage of the cancer, includes radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.

It is reported by Mayo Clinic that 60% of people diagnosed with the disease die within one year. To make full recovery, it is recommended to have early diagnosed. It is very important to remain alert and to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms mentioned above.

Discover about the health problem here, there are many free tips and information related to health in general

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About the Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Posted on June 3, 2011 by duncan

About the Mesothelioma Lawsuit

The deadliest and most dreaded disease of all, in the present day, is Cancer. Sadly, Cancer has been taking its toll for many ages. The most unfortunate part of it this disease is that there is still no treatment that will completely eliminate this ultimately fatal disease. Although there are no miracle cures, there are medications and treatments that ensure a longer and easier life, but staying ahead of Cancer still remains an uphill task. The most common forms of cancer today are bladder cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostrate, thyroid, colon and rectal cancer, among others, while some of the rarest kinds of this disease are Carcinoma, Sarcoma, and Mesothelioma. In this particular article we shall discuss some of the major facts about Mesothelioma and the Mesothelioma lawsuit specifically.

In order to find out more about Mesothelioma, everyone should be aware that it is one of the rarest kinds of cancer and is most often contracted when contamination occurs in an environment that has asbestos dust in the air. Let us take a look at some of the important things that one needs to know about Mesothelioma when preparing for their Mesothelioma lawsuit.

The internal organs of the human system are covered by a protective lining. The lining around the lung cavity is called the Pleura. The one that lines the abdominal cavity is known as Peritoneum.  Finally, the one that surrounds the heart is known as the Pericardium. For those wishing to know about mesothelioma, let it be clarified that this type of cancer is malignant and affects this protective lining inside the body.  Most research has proven that this type of cancer is most often contracted by those who may have been exposed to asbestos fibers while working in a contaminated environment.  Anyone who suspects occupational exposure to asbestos should research their potential for a Mesothelioma lawsuit immediately upon diagnosis.
When the inner lining or the protective membrane around organs, or the Mesothelium, is affected by this cancer, the cells and tissues start multiplying randomly. These affected cells and tissues affect the neighboring cells and tissues creating a variety of symptoms. One thing is very clear about Mesothelioma.  This disease spreads quite rapidly once it sets into its victim’s body. This may provide a limited window of time to seek compensation and is often the reason many attorneys recommend initiating a Mesothelioma lawsuit as soon as possible. Of course family members can generally still file a Mesothelioma lawsuit after their loved one dies but it is generally a harder legal process ay that time.
Some of the basic symptoms and signs of the disease include: Pain in the chest wall
Shortness of breath
Fluid surrounding the lungs
Hoarseness, coughing, or wheezing

Ever since the disease has been recognized, the efforts to find out a possible treatment have also been in process. There have been constant measures taken up by medical researchers to know more about Mesothelioma and to create a possible medication or therapy to better deal with it.

The best and only way to stay away from the deadly disease is by protecting oneself while working in an asbestos industry. Manufacturing companies must take proper care to ensure that no further lives are put at risk. Until that time, the Mesothelioma lawsuit will remain the primary method for serving justice to negligent parties.

This article is based on Vicki’s extensive research on mesothelioma and asbestos; though he is not an expert in this particular field, he keeps up to date on latest developments and mesothelioma lawsuit. Additionally, he regularly follows www.mesotheliomanews.com.

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How long does it take for lung cancer to develop?

Posted on June 3, 2011 by duncan

Question by StraightEDGE: How long does it take for lung cancer to develop?
By smoking cigarettes?

I’m very concerned for my mom and dad, as they’ve been smoking for thirty years now…I know something is probably seriously wrong with their lungs, but I’m just wondering how long it takes lung cancer to develop.

Thanks…

Best answer:

Answer by Nicole D
It depends. Some people can smoke their whole lives and never get cancer, some can smoke for 5 years and get cancer. Smoking itself does not cause cancer, it raises your risk of getting cancer. My grandfather smokes 4 packs a day, and has problems from smoking but no lung cancer, my aunt smoked 1 year and her lung collapsed. So again it all just depends on genetics, and other factors

Add your own answer in the comments!

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Lung Cancer Treatment and Effective Remedies for Lung Cancer

Posted on June 3, 2011 by duncan

Lung Cancer Treatment and Effective Remedies for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the deadliest type of cancer for both men and women. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than breast, colon, and prostate cancers combined.

Lung cancer is more widespread in older adults. It is rare in people under age 45.

For more information please visit herbalcureindia.com

Cigarette smoking is the important cause of lung cancer.
The more cigarettes you burn per day and the earlier you in progress smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. There is no substantiation that smoking low-tar cigarettes lowers the risk.

Cancer of the lung, like all cancers, results from an abnormality in the body’s basic unit of life, the cell. Normally, the body maintains a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed.

Disruption of this system of checks and balances on cell growth results in an uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that ultimately forms a mass known as a tumor.

Cancer is a class of disease characterized by out-of-control cell growth, and lung cancer occurs when this uncontrolled cell growth begins in one or both lungs.

Rather than developing into healthy, normal lung tissue, these abnormal cells continue dividing and form lumps or masses of tissue called tumors.

Tumors interfere with the main function of the lung, which is to provide the bloodstream with oxygen to be carried to the entire body. If a tumor stays in one spot and demonstrates limited growth, it is generally careful to be benign.

Treatment of Lung Cancer

The diagnosis procedures are Chest X-rays, CT scan, sputum cytology for examination of phlegm and Biopsy. Depending on the consequences of the diagnosis, the physicians administer the treatment. The nature of the cell forms helps the doctors to categorizing it in types.

http://www.herbalcureindia.com/swami-ramdev/divya-swasari-ras.html

The treatment starts with the stage of the cancer. It may be in initial and severe stage. The treatment procedures start after proper diagnosis of the sickness and the physical health of the patient.

The treatments of lung tumor are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, Targeted Therapies/Biologic Therapies, Photodynamic Therapy, Follow-up testing.

Our medical team acts as a launch pad of the Apollo Hospitals renowned for its world class treatments of lung cancer. One will get treatment at an affordable price with free consultation and no waiting periods for the treatment.

Home Remedies for Lung Cancer

Ginger is a widely utilized herb and is well known for its efficacy in combating side effects such as nausea.

Garlic, which is a accepted antibiotic boosts immunity and offers increased protection from germs. If you are able to withstand the extremely strong flavor, chew a clove or two of fresh garlic daily. Or use a garlic press to extract the juice and drink it.

Both garlic and ginger are said to be very effectual in cleaning the blood of impurities and garlic, in particular, improves the operational functions of white blood cells.

The intensive cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy along with prescription medications result in a higher presence of impurities and waste in the blood, so using garlic and ginger can help in purifying.

Asparagus root juice, if taken thrice daily, is also said to be useful in relieving the side effects of lung cancer. The juice can be obtain by boiling a handful of the roots in water.

Home remedies are popular forms of alternative therapy and while their treatment capacity remains inconclusive, many people have report high efficacy and continue to use them.

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Cytoreductive Surgery for Mesothelioma

Posted on June 3, 2011 by duncan

Cytoreductive Surgery for Mesothelioma

Article by Michael Enfield







Cancer is deadly not only due to the presence of tumors, but also because of its ability to metastasize, or spread throughout your body. During this process, tiny bits of the original tumor break off and travel through the bloodstream. They can then leave the blood and anchor in other areas of your body to grow. This can result in a number of tumors throughout your body, which may require a major surgery such as a cytoreductive process.

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer almost primarily caused by asbestos exposure. Although mesothelioma has a long latency period, it is one type of cancer that can spread quickly and aggressively once it manifests. This means that you may not develop this cancer until thirty years after your initial exposure to asbestos. However, once mesothelioma arrives, it typically claims your life in less than five years.

Although mesothelioma is a devastating cancer, some surgeries have proved to increase your lifespan if you are suffering from this disease. One process, called cytoreductive surgery, has been shown to extend a peritoneal mesothelioma patient’s prognosis by an average of 15 months.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is mesothelioma that occurs throughout the abdomen. Because this is a large area, you can develop a high number of tumors in your internal organs and the lining of your abdomen. Rather than attempting to remove these tumors one by one, surgeons can use cytoreductive surgery to remove as many as possible during one surgery.

With cytoreductive surgery, doctors will make a long incision down your abdomen and basically open it to the full view of the surgeons. They will then try to remove as many tumors as safely possible. Because this takes away the “bulk” of your tumors, it is often called debulking surgery. While this is a major process, it has been shown to have success for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you consider all of your treatment options before you embark on a treatment plan. For more information regarding the types of mesothelioma and your treatment options, please visit the informative Mesothelioma Help Center today.



About the Author

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. To learn more about the dangers of asbestos as well as its associated health risks, visit the Asbestos Help Center today.

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Lung Cancer Symptoms

Posted on June 2, 2011 by duncan

Lung Cancer Symptoms

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that leads to uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues of the lung. It is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women after breast cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Lung cancer symptoms may not show in the early stages. The symptoms only show after the cancer has spread to other areas. Some sites of metastasis for this type of cancer are the liver, the brain, the kidneys, bones and the adrenal glands.

Some common symptoms of lung cancer include coughing up blood, shortness of breath, weight loss and chest pain or pain in the abdomen. Other signs include wheezing, hoarse voice, loss of appetite, fatigue as well as difficulty when swallowing. Clubbing of the fingernails is another sign though is uncommon. Symptoms such as bone pain, fever and weight loss are nonspecific especially in the elderly and this may be attributed to comorbid illness.

Breathing with difficulty is another of the lung cancer symptoms. This happens when the cancer grows in the airway interfering with the airflow and thus causing breathing difficulties. This may lead to accumulation of secretions making the patient vulnerable to pneumonia.

A tumor in the apex of the lung may invade the sympathic nervous system. This may lead to changes in the sweating patterns as well as problems in the eye muscle. Invasion of the sympathic nervous system affects the brachial plexus causing weaknesses in the hands.  Chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan can be used to detect lung cancer. Diagnosis of the disease is confirmed with a biopsy.

Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on cancer and its treatment Cancer

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