Asbestos is a deadly, dangerous substance, but that wasn't known for a very long time while it was in use. Because of that a lot of people were exposed to it in their jobs. It can cause cancer and a similar disease called mesothelioma. This disease is generally fatal, and it can show up five, ten, or even twenty years later. One of the biggest problems is that people who work around asbestos without knowing it (if it's in the walls of the building they work in, for example) and people who live with individuals who work around asbestos can also contract mesothelioma. Many times they don't understand why this has happened to them, and then they eventually find out that they have been inadvertently exposed to asbestos. This can even happen to school children because they attend school in old buildings where asbestos was used for insulation. It's a very tragic thing, and one that countries all over the world have been working to correct for some time.
Unfortunately, this doesn't help people who were exposed years ago and might now just be showing symptoms. This is because the asbestos fibres work their way down into the lungs and don't come back out. They are what causes mesothelioma, and they can also cause this disease to develop in the intestinal cavity and in the heart, which is rapidly fatal in most people. There have been many lawsuits in the UK and the US, as well as other countries, regarding mesothelioma. However, that doesn't mean much to the people who are losing their lives to the disease - other than the comfort that their family will have money and be taken care of. Because asbestos can cause so many problems it's no longer used, and most places go so far as to remove it from their buildings.
This is seen most often in schools, because of the dangers that the substance poses to young children and the desire to keep them healthy and happy. Ever since asbestos was found to be a danger, companies have been specializing in removing it from homes and businesses across the UK and in other parts of the world. It's great that it's being eliminated, because it will stop another generation of people from getting sick from it. However, there's still a concern that there are buildings with asbestos in them and that people don't know that it's there.
This article was written by Tom Sangers on behalf of Claims for you who offer Accident Compensation Claims.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Since mesothelioma is such a rare form of cancer, many people who develop mesothelioma symptoms have never even heard of this disease and are unaware of its symptoms.
Most of the body's internal organs are covered with a protective sac called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma cancer occurs when malignant or cancerous cells appear in the mesothelium. The lungs, heart, and abdominal organs are the most commonly affected organs. Of these, the lung lining (plueral mesothelioma) is most typically infected.
Exposure to asbestos is almost always the cause of mesothelioma. Prior to 1975, asbestos was one of the materials commonly used in the manufacture of building materials. In most cases, symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear for 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, malignant mesothelioma caused 2,704 deaths during 2005. So, even though asbestos has been used sparsely since 1975, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that deaths caused by mesothelioma will peak during 2010.
Until it reaches advanced stages, this form of cancer provides very few obvious symptoms. It remains dormant for years; however, when it becomes active it quickly attacks the mesothelium and becomes almost impossible to treat successfully. The CDC estimates that 75% of the people who discover symptoms will die within one year of being diagnosed with this cancer. The remainder will die 6 months to several years later.
Plueral mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) represents approximately 3 out of 4 of the cases diagnosed. Typical symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and or/chronic coughing. Of course, since these symptoms are similar to those of allergies or the common cold, it does not occur to most people that they are infected with this type of cancer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the stomach and intestines) also exhibits symptoms that are not obviously recognizable as cancer, such as anemia and fever.
It is important to understand that mesothelioma generally takes decades to develop, but once mesothelioma symptoms are discovered (properly diagnosed) it quickly becomes aggressive. The best course of action is to become aware of the symptoms and to immediately seek diagnosis and treatment.
The first (and most important) step toward diagnosis and treatment is recognizing the symptoms of mesothelioma. For a more detailed look at mesothelioma symptoms, visit http://www.symptoms-of-mesothelioma.com.
Most of the body's internal organs are covered with a protective sac called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma cancer occurs when malignant or cancerous cells appear in the mesothelium. The lungs, heart, and abdominal organs are the most commonly affected organs. Of these, the lung lining (plueral mesothelioma) is most typically infected.
Exposure to asbestos is almost always the cause of mesothelioma. Prior to 1975, asbestos was one of the materials commonly used in the manufacture of building materials. In most cases, symptoms of mesothelioma do not appear for 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, malignant mesothelioma caused 2,704 deaths during 2005. So, even though asbestos has been used sparsely since 1975, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that deaths caused by mesothelioma will peak during 2010.
Until it reaches advanced stages, this form of cancer provides very few obvious symptoms. It remains dormant for years; however, when it becomes active it quickly attacks the mesothelium and becomes almost impossible to treat successfully. The CDC estimates that 75% of the people who discover symptoms will die within one year of being diagnosed with this cancer. The remainder will die 6 months to several years later.
Plueral mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) represents approximately 3 out of 4 of the cases diagnosed. Typical symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and or/chronic coughing. Of course, since these symptoms are similar to those of allergies or the common cold, it does not occur to most people that they are infected with this type of cancer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the stomach and intestines) also exhibits symptoms that are not obviously recognizable as cancer, such as anemia and fever.
It is important to understand that mesothelioma generally takes decades to develop, but once mesothelioma symptoms are discovered (properly diagnosed) it quickly becomes aggressive. The best course of action is to become aware of the symptoms and to immediately seek diagnosis and treatment.
The first (and most important) step toward diagnosis and treatment is recognizing the symptoms of mesothelioma. For a more detailed look at mesothelioma symptoms, visit http://www.symptoms-of-mesothelioma.com.
What is Mesothelioma? - Frequently Asked Questions
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is caused due to asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the mesothelium membrane which covers and protects most of our internal organs. It is a disease where the mesothelium cells become abnormal and divide without control, leading to damage of the nearby tissues and organs. This normally affects the lungs, abdomen and the heart.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of Mesothelioma include coughing up blood, shortness in breath, troubled breathing, similar to symptoms of aging and hence normally mistaken for other forms of disease.
What is Asbestos?
It is a group of minerals in fibrous bundle occurring naturally and which is used as insulation in engineering, scientific and construction industries. Release of microscopic fibers from asbestos lead to health complications.
What are the dangers behind Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure leads to a number of minute asbestos particles that lingering in the air and settle on clothing, which becomes easily inhalable. Once inhaled it begins to damage the cellular structure of internal organs, more often the lungs.
Who Are Exposed To Risk Of Contracting Mesothelioma?
People working in places like shipping industries, construction sites and renovation sites where asbestos is used to the maximum are usually subject to exposure. The exposure to asbestos is hardly considered due to the long gap between exposure and onset of Mesothelioma.
Different Types of Mesothelioma?
Pleural Mesothelioma condition affecting lungs and chest cavity.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma condition affecting the abdomen.
Pericardial Mesothelioma affecting the heart.
What are the available treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer?
There is no particular cure for Mesothelioma or Asbestosis, but yes with medical advancements anything may be possible.
Do Mesothelioma victims have a legal recourse?
Subject to law of limitation the victims can initiate legal action through their attorney.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of Mesothelioma include coughing up blood, shortness in breath, troubled breathing, similar to symptoms of aging and hence normally mistaken for other forms of disease.
What is Asbestos?
It is a group of minerals in fibrous bundle occurring naturally and which is used as insulation in engineering, scientific and construction industries. Release of microscopic fibers from asbestos lead to health complications.
What are the dangers behind Asbestos Exposure?
Asbestos exposure leads to a number of minute asbestos particles that lingering in the air and settle on clothing, which becomes easily inhalable. Once inhaled it begins to damage the cellular structure of internal organs, more often the lungs.
Who Are Exposed To Risk Of Contracting Mesothelioma?
People working in places like shipping industries, construction sites and renovation sites where asbestos is used to the maximum are usually subject to exposure. The exposure to asbestos is hardly considered due to the long gap between exposure and onset of Mesothelioma.
Different Types of Mesothelioma?
Pleural Mesothelioma condition affecting lungs and chest cavity.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma condition affecting the abdomen.
Pericardial Mesothelioma affecting the heart.
What are the available treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer?
There is no particular cure for Mesothelioma or Asbestosis, but yes with medical advancements anything may be possible.
Do Mesothelioma victims have a legal recourse?
Subject to law of limitation the victims can initiate legal action through their attorney.
Types of Mesothelioma - Different Areas of the Body Affected
Prolonged exposure to asbestos for long periods of time can result to mesothelioma. Studies show that inhalation/ingestion of asbestos fiber is the only known cause for the disease. This type of cancer is considered rare but about 2,000 people are diagnosed in the US each year. Diagnosis is quite difficult because symptoms typically appear after several decades (30 to 50 years) and often resemble those of other more common illnesses. Prognosis is usually poor, particularly when the disease reached the advanced stages before diagnosis.
Cancer is always separated in two forms: benign and malignant. Benign mesothelioma is very rare; so any mention of the condition often refers to a malignant tumor. Three main types of cancerous cells in mesothelioma include: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and mixed/biphasic (combined epithelioid and sarcomatoid).
Three Main Types of Mesothelioma that Affects Different Areas of the Body :
1. Pleural Mesothelioma. This is the most common type, comprising about 75% of all diagnosed cases. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and spreads from there to other parts of the body. Common symptoms may include: shortness of breath, tightness/pain in the chest, dry cough, weight loss, and fatigue.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This is the type that affects the lining of abdominal cavities. Symptoms are: swelling/pain in the stomach, vomiting, weight loss, bowel obstruction, and fatigue.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma. This type develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart. Symptoms include: chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
How to Diagnose Mesothelioma
Patients must undergo a number of medical tests that include: x-rays, CT scan, biopsy, and MRI. A history about past employment is also required. When results are positive, the doctor will determine the size of the spread of cancer. A permanent cure is not possible but there are several treatment options that can help relieve the suffering of patients: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other alternative therapies. Early diagnosis can provide more opportunities to alleviate pain caused by the disease and prolong/improve patients' lives.
David Austin is an Attorney focused on complex injury cases. You can learn more about Types of Mesothelioma at his website. http://www.Burke-Eisner.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Austin
How Exposure in Schools Can Lead to Malignant Mesothelioma
Most people are aware that malignant mesothelioma results from exposure to asbestos, a compound commonly added to drywall and other construction materials before 1980. When they think of asbestos cancer, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the construction workers who handled the compound directly. However, as more and more cases receive mesothelioma treatment, it is becoming increasingly clear that many of the disease victims didn't even work in the construction industry. In fact, many of those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma were students and teachers exposed at school, long after the construction process was complete.
Students And Teachers Unknowingly Exposed
Before companies announced the significant dangers of asbestos cancer, few contractors thought twice about using the efficient compound in the construction of school buildings. Without the evidence of its detrimental health effects, it was just a benefit: the compound made materials much stronger without a lot of added expense, which meant safer schools with more money left in the budget for books and other educational tools. Because it seemed like such a good idea, schools across the United States included it in various forms.
The teachers and students at these schools had no idea at the time that even very limited exposure to asbestos could cause malignant mesothelioma. They walked past the piles of dust created by workmen installing and repairing asbestos materials without thinking twice. They had no idea that these piles of dust would later set them on a long and painful path to mesothelioma treatment.
The Danger Of Asbestos Exposure Doesn't Stop At School
Unfortunately, asbestos wasn't only found in school buildings. The same hazardous compounds were often found at personal residences, compounding the risk to children and teachers who were already exposed to the deadly substance while at school. In addition, children whose parents worked with asbestos and teachers married to such laborers had further contact with the dangerous fibers. Any exposure to the compound raises the risk of asbestos cancer, and prolonged exposure like that of students and teachers makes malignant mesothelioma an even higher probability.
How Asbestos Cancer Is Formed
When the students and teachers would pass the piles of dust, they would accidentally inhale the asbestos fibers into their lungs. Once there, the fibers would infect the mesothelium, which is the lining outside of the lungs. Occasionally malignant mesothelioma would be found elsewhere in the body, but the tissue surrounding the lungs is by far the most common site of the disease. Tumors caused by malignant mesothelioma would start to grow within the lining, causing the patient to experience extreme pain and discomfort. Mesothelioma treatment is focused mostly on managing this pain.
However, the danger isn't purely from the asbestos cancer tumors themselves. Mesothelioma tends to metastasize very easily, meaning that it spreads throughout the body quickly. Mesothelioma treatment is not effective at stopping this spread, and all too often the disease is not discovered until it is too late for anything to be done. In addition to spreading fast, mesothelioma can easily become deadly lung cancer as well.
Paying For Mesothelioma Treatment
Although mesothelioma treatment can only be mildly effective, it is nonetheless worth it, if for nothing else than to help ease the intense pain caused by the disease. Sometimes it is only a matter of helping a person afflicted with asbestos cancer to be more comfortable, but the cost of treatment can still be considerably high. To assist with paying for treatment, consider looking into legal options. Courts tend to overwhelmingly serve justice to victims of malignant mesothelioma, holding the companies who failed to protect workers and citizens liable for their actions. You or your family may be able to obtain significant damages awarded, or reach a settlement that will help provide for mesothelioma treatment.
It is important to retain a good mesothelioma attorney when seeking damages to pay for mesothelioma treatment. These attorneys specialize in mesothelioma cases and have the experience, skills, and knowledge background to effectively handle your case. They will also typically have access to a network of experts on mesothelioma treatment and science to rely on in trial. With the help of a mesothelioma lawyer, justice can be served. The companies can be held liable for their omission of vital, lifesaving information. Although lawyers can't remove the asbestos cancer, or make treatment of the disease completely effective, they can make your struggle with the disease more comfortable and ease the burden on your family. If you suffer from malignant mesothelioma, finding an experienced attorney is definitely something to look into.
Joe Belluck is a founder of Belluck & Fox, LLP, a leading mesothelioma law firm. He has worked on hundreds of asbestos cancer lawsuits, and lectures about malignant mesothelioma.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Belluck
The Facts About Asbestos Exposure
No doubt you've heard of asbestos and that long-term exposure to it can be fatal. So what exactly is it? Well, asbestos is used to describe certain fibrous minerals that have great fire-proof and insulating properties and high levels of strength. These qualities have led to asbestos being widely used in construction for years in things like roof coatings, tiles and fences, sheeting, piping, car components like clutches, brake pads and transmission parts as well as mill and roll board.
If you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibres then exposure over a period of time can lead to a number of health concerns. Exposure over time has proven to damage lungs significantly because each time it is inhaled the small fibres stick to lung walls.
The diseases that can be caused by this include mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural plaques and asbestosis. If you're a smoker than the chances of getting one of these diseases following exposure to asbestos are much higher.
Below is some information about the major diseases caused by long-term exposure to asbestos:
Asbestosis
This disease is a progressive disease. It occurs when inhaled asbestos particles scratch the lining of the lungs and cause scars. The scarring makes it difficult for oxygen to pass from the lungs and into the blood stream.
Some of the symptoms of asbestosis are having shortness of breath, and hearing a crackling sound in the lungs when you breath in.
At the time of publication there is no effective treatment for asbestosis.
Lung Cancer
This type of cancer is the biggest killer of all diseases related to asbestos. Most commonly, the diseases affects those people that used to produce asbetsos materials or work with them regularly.
Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer are breathing pattern changes and coughs. It is not unheard of to also have chest pains, anemia and difficulty breathing.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the chest, abdomen, heart and lung membranes. Just about 100% of the cases of this disease are caused because of asbestos exposure. Typically, this disease shows no signs for many years after the exposure to asbestos has happened.
Given the nastiness of these diseases asbestos should be treated with caution. Instead of tackling an asbestos removal project yourself you should consider hiring asbestos removal contractors to minimise the potential harm to those you love.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are worried, contact a pulmonologist; they specialise in lung diseases.
Mesothelioma - Asbestos Poisoning and Mesothelioma Lawyer FAQ's
By Gabriel Killian
If you or anyone you know have been exposed to such things as hazardous materials containing asbestos you may want to get checked out by a physician. Asbestos poisoning can lead to a cancer known as mesothelioma. There are several different types of mesothelioma as well including;Malignant pleural mesothelioma - This type is a malignant cancer of the lungs, which is the most common type of the disease seen in patients suffering due to the inhalation of the asbestos fibers. This can be caused by working in such hazardous occupations as welding and fabrication plants, various types of construction, and many other industrial occuptions handling hazardous scrap materials. Pleural mesothelioma is most commonly apparent before other forms of the cancer, as the lungs are the first organ exposed to the asbestos. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common as opposed to just pleural mesothelioma as the exposure rate of the lungs is higher than other organs, and cancerous growth is more eminent.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects mesothelium lining of the abdomen, and is due to exposure of asbestos dust. Most cases seen are in some way pleural affecting the lungs as the asbestos fibers must be inhaled through the airways in order to enter the body in the first place. That's why you also may see cases in which the patient has both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. The mesothelium lining which lines the body's internal organs is a protective tissue lining in which malignant cells develop in.
Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer of the heart in which the mesothelium of the heart is affected with malignant cancer cell growth. This can be an especially dangerous form of the cancer as it can impair the function of the heart through affective disorder of the protective heart lining or mesothelium of the heart. In cases where tumor growth is present it is especially dangerous of the pericardium. The pericardial lining is present inside the ribs or pleura and in or around the abdominal organs which is the peritoneum. Unfortunately, by the time this disease is diagnosed it is almost always fatal. Because of the rate of use in asbestos type materials several decades ago there has been seen an influx of mesothelioma cases due to the incubation rate of the disease in patients suffering from this type of cancer. It is important that if you even think you may have been subject to exposure of asbestos of any kind including that of old paint or old building materials you get checked out immediately even if no symptoms are present. It's unfortunate that symptoms cannot be used as an indicator for the disease due to the high fatality rate.
If you have been exposed to such materials or even think you may have it is also suggested that you seek the aid of a mesothelioma lawyer who can help make you aware of your rights, and to the fault of the exposure. This can help take a load off on the costs of getting tests run and initiating treatment to help treat the disease before the onset of symptoms occur. They can make you aware of your rights, and what you can do in such a case. They are equipped with many resources to help you find the best physicians and treatments as well.
There are also many mesothelioma attorneys who are now assigned to cases of asbestos poisening who act on behalf of both the affected and the defendant as well. There are several class action mesothelioma lawsuits against asbestos exposure due to the unlawful intent of several companies operating in such unsafe condition; as to make their workers in danger of asbestos poising leading up to mesothelioma disorder. If you think you may have rights to such a mesothelioma lawsuit an attorney can help determine if you qualify, and aide you in getting the process started. They are a good resource and starting point when you become aware that you have been affected by asbestos in your life.
Lung Mesothelioma - Treatment Procedures
By Mohd Rajaei Mohamad Ali
In this article, we will see the procedures for the treatment of a person if he or she was diagnosed as suffering from mesothelioma lung.
The doctor is usually in the lungs, with a specific cavity thoracoscopy. A cut in the chest and the device is in the breast between the two coasts. This procedure is considered Thorakoskopie. Local anesthesia is, in this patient. There is usually quite experienced, but some significant pressure by the patient.
If the doctor finds abnormal growth of tissue, then the doctor cut a few pieces of fabric. These are then observed under a microscope to see the growth of cancer cells as possible. This process is called a biopsy. Biopsy in all forms of cancer, not the lungs of mesothelioma.
The treatment of lung disease can take three forms.
The first mode of treatment is the operation. This is the main treatment method. The doctor in the town of coating the lungs and surrounding tissue. Lung itself may also be deleted - this process is known as Pneumonektomie. Sometimes, part of the membrane of a muscle under the lungs, can also be removed.
The second is the treatment by radiation. This treatment uses x-rays of high energy to destroy cancer cells. The radiation source can be internal or external. If the radiation from a machine, if it is known as external radiotherapy. If Radioisotopes produce radiation are thin plastic tubes in the lungs, then it is also the internal radiation therapy.
While some fluid in the lungs, the breathing process, the doctor may decide to drain the fluid with a needle to stir in the chest. Suction can then be used for the liquid. The process of removing fluid from the chest is known as thoracentesis. The doctor may take a drug pipe in the lung to prevent further accumulation of fluids.
Early and Late Signs of Lung Cancer
by David Silva
As with most cancers, the earlier you detect lung cancer the better your chances of survival. In fact, when it's caught in the first stages, there's an almost 50% survival rate after five years. This is a remarkable number considering the fact that overall, lung cancer has only a 15% survival rate.
So the earlier it's diagnosed the better.
And that's why being aware of the signs of lung cancer can mean the difference between surviving and becoming a statistic.
The Early Signs
Since the early signs of lung cancer can easily be mistaken for other conditions, it's often difficult to take them seriously. However, if you're experiencing a chronic cough that doesn't appear related to a virus or allergy, wheezing, chest pain, bouts of bronchitis, or a persistent fever ... it's time to pay attention.
Lung cancer symptoms are often related to the location of the lesions, which settle into the tissues of the lung first. That's why the early signs tend to reflect common cold, flu, and bronchial illnesses. Once the cancer moves beyond the bronchia, new symptoms arise.
The Later Signs
Once lung cancer has metastasize and moved beyond the bronchia, the signs can expand dramatically. For instance, if the cancer has spread to the brain, then common signs might include blurred vision, stroke, and migraines. As you can see, these are serious symptoms that could be related to any number of illnesses. The point is this: don't dismiss them.
In addition, signs such as depression, weight loss, fatigue, shoulder pain, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness should be taken seriously.
When To See A Doctor
While you don't want to be running to your doctor every time you get the sniffles, if the above signs show themselves, especially if they're persistent, it's better to be safe than sorry. This is particularly true if you've been a smoker or are currently smoking, or if you've ever been exposed to asbestos over an extended period.
It only takes a few hours out of your life to make an appointment and visit your doctor. Here are the signs that should inspire action:
- Unexplained loss of weight - Persistent shortness of breath - Stubborn respiratory infections that keep coming back - A chronic cough that has no apparent cause - Pain in your chest - Wheezing - Fatigue (again, if it has no apparent cause)
The point to remember is that your immune system is busy fighting the cancer. This is why you may find yourself constantly run down and battling nagging infections. It's also one of the reason you may experience mood changes and irritability.
Conclusion
There is a caveat, unfortunately. Nearly a quarter of the people diagnosed with lung cancer never experience any symptoms at all. So while these lung cancer signs can serve as red flags, their absence doesn't necessarily mean everything is just fine. Another reason to see your doctor for an annual checkup.
How Mesothelioma is Relevant Even Today
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by an exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was widely used, but is now known to be a potentially fatal carcinogen. The asbestos fiber consists of long, thin fibrous crystals and may be mixed with other substances in order to resist heat, electricity and chemical damage. Due to these characteristics, asbestos was used in many buildings and other structures throughout the 1900s. One estimation is that up to 80 percent of all buildings constructed before 1978 had asbestos within the design.
The cancer that this substance can lead to-mesothelioma-can be either malignant or benign. The malignant type of mesothelioma is the most hazardous form of asbestos cancer and is deadly in most cases. It affects the tissue known as the mesothelium, which protects the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs by making a special fluid that allows the organs to move.
So if asbestos is a well known poison, and is no longer used in today's structures, why would mesothelioma still be relevant today? The buildings that contained asbestos are still in existence and many of them, especially those that were made before the 1970s, are undergoing vast renovations. During the renovation or demolition process, the asbestos fibers are released into the air, and from there can be breathed into the lungs, causing untold damage. With more and more people willing to "do-it-yourself," people are more apt to conduct their own renovation projects, rather than contracting professionals. Yet exposure to asbestos, even for brief periods, can be very dangerous-especially without proper precautions.
Another reason mesothelioma is still relevant is because of its long latency period. Due to the way it forms, the cancer may not manifest until anywhere between 20 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is rare in people under the age of 55; three-fourths of people diagnosed with mesothelioma are over the age of 65. Therefore, people are just now discovering these lung abnormalities, that may stem from exposures that happened in the 1960's or 1970's!
As with most cancers, early diagnosis can increase the effectiveness of mesothelioma treatment. However, the symptoms of mesothelioma that do appear early usually mimic those of other ailments-such as emphysema, influenza, or even a common cold. Scientists are scrambling to unlock the technological advances that can help in the detection and treatment of this aggressive cancer, but there's no way to turn back the clock and prevent exposure that may have happened decades ago.
Even people who did not work directly with asbestos can be at risk for mesothelioma. There have been cases, including a recent landmark lawsuit in Australia, involving caretakers of asbestos workers who contracted the disease simply by repeated secondary exposure to the carcinogen, such as washing contaminated clothes.
While asbestos is no longer widely used or considered a "miracle fiber," as it was in days gone by, it still lingers in the infrastructures of the past and is still very present in today's society.
Asbestos.Net is focused on bringing an easy to use and extremely informative website to those searching for information on asbestos and the associated diseases this deadly fiber causes, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. With our informative videos and accurate, oncologist reviewed articles, we trust you will find this to be a true resource.
Asbestosis and Mesothelioma - The Legal Implications
Asbestosis is a devastating disease; it comes as a result of inhaling asbestos fibres earlier in life. It happens early on in life but there is a long latency period and symptoms don't normally begin appearing until later on in life around 50 or 70, making the illness all the more distressing.
Mesothelioma is another by-product of asbestos, a rare form of cancer that affects the cells that make up the lining around major organs like lungs, the heart and the abdomen. Pleural Mesothelioma, the form that affects the lungs is the most common variation of the disease.
Obviously being diagnosed with Mesothelioma is a distressing revelation and affects many who were exposed to Asbestos earlier in life; Asbestos has now rightfully been outlawed on any business' premises. For those who have been affected though there are options for them to consider getting compensation for their suffering.
Businesses who have failed to protect their employees from asbestos poisoning have been prosecuted since 1929, in recent years the number of prosecutions has risen considerably in recent years as more people have been diagnosed with asbestos related illnesses.
The compensation process involves the businesses the sufferer worked for at the time they were exposed to asbestos, the money that is won via these claims is taken from the business' insurance policies. The problem for many sufferers is that the company they worked for at the time may have closed down by the time symptoms and court cases begin, this is not a problem as many legal specialists are able to trace the relevant insurance company even for collapsed companies from years ago.
Some people may think that claiming compensation is opportunistic, in some cases other than this then that may be argued but with Mesothelioma the financial and emotional burden is too great to pass on any assistance even in the form of a compensation cheque.
Ongoing medical costs and potential loss of earnings affecting family expenses would make an already trying time even worse and so seeking legal advice once diagnosed is of paramount importance. You need to be clear of when you were exposed to asbestos and who is responsible for it also. Once your legal council is satisfied that you were made unaware of the dangers of working with asbestos or in an environment with asbestos then the sooner they will be able to proceed with your claim.
What is a Mesothelioma Class Action Lawsuit?
Before understanding Class Action, let's have a brief look over Mesothelioma. It is a lethal form of cancer caused due to inhalation of a mineral called asbestos. It usually infects lungs, and sometimes heart as well as abdomen. This is not only incurable disease; rather it left the person with maximum 5 years of life after diagnosis. People usually get this cancer at their work place while working with asbestos.
Asbestos is used in many types of construction materials including roofing, insulation, and pipe fittings. It has great insulating properties for both temperature and sound, it is resistant to electricity and water as well as it also acts as a flame retardant.
People, who diagnose their disease as Mesothelioma, claim for compensation money since their employer was responsible for their illness. This is the moral duty of employer to inform people about hazardous effects of asbestos and to equip them with protective measures. To claim for compensation money is the legal procedure and it requires a lawyer to file your case. You can easily find some specialized mesothelioma lawyers because of the rising graph of patients. With the help of the lawyer, patients file a lawsuit against their former employer for compensation money in lieu of suffering from disease physically, as well as financially.
Some people step forward to find some other people who may be diagnosed with mesothelioma that may be their co-workers or family members and this leads to filing a Class Action Lawsuit. Sometimes family members also come in the contact with asbestos because of coming in contact with contaminated clothes of the workers. People, who are already informed of hazardous effects of this disease, take care by changing clothes before going home to keep their family members safe. Filing a Mesothelioma Class Action Lawsuit may or may not provide you with desired results but this case can only be determined on a case by case basis.
Introduction to Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused by excessive exposure to asbestos. People usually get exposed to asbestos by inhaling tiny fibers of it from atmosphere. Mesothelium is protective lining on internal organs of the body. On lungs it is called "pleura", on heart it is called "pericardium", and on abdominal cavity it is called "peritoneum."
When Mesothelium is exposed with asbestos, it starts dividing in uncontrolled manner and this condition is called Cancer. Since, it caused on Mesothelium tissue the cancer is called "Mesothelioma". Further, Mesothelioma is categorized into three types: Epithelial which is the most common type of all, Sarcomatoid which is the rarest one and last Biphasic which is the combination of both Epithelial and Sarcomatoid.
Introduction to Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
This type of cancer is rarest as well as most serious form of cancer as it responds at a snail's pace to the treatment. This is called rarest form of cancer as it is found only in 10% to 20% of the patients. In this type of cancer, the cells transform as spindle-shaped pattern that overlap each other and occurs from support tissues of the body such as cartilage, bone, fat and muscle. In advanced stages, it spreads to other parts of the body from these areas such as abdominal organs, lymph nodes, lungs, or chest wall. Cancer in these areas is very painful and difficult to treat and therefore patients suffering with this disease hardly live as long as six months after diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Symptoms of Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Diagnosis of this disease is very difficult because its symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. It is usually diagnosed during biopsy by the extraction of affected tissue. Symptoms of this disease appear after 30 to 40 years after being exposed to asbestos. Therefore, people usually come to know about their disease during advanced stages because of which it responds poorly to the treatment. The common symptoms of Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma are pain because of fluid retention in the pleural area, spinal swelling and cough, accumulation of fluid in abdominal cavity and weight loss. Apart from these symptoms fever, anemia, and blood clotting abnormality are some most common symptoms.
Asbestosis Explained
Asbestosis is the name given to a lung disease caused by long term exposure to asbestos. It is a chronic inflammatory disease, and is most often seen as severe shortness of breath.
The disease itself is usually seen in people who are exposed to high levels of asbestos as a result of their occupations - people who mine, manufacturer products, handle or remove asbestos are most at risk of asbestosis.
The main symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath, especially after periods of exertion. This effect may appear slowly and with little impact at first, but can gradually become more severe over time and even lead, in advanced cases of the disease, to an acute form in which respiratory or heart failure is possible. Clinically, those with asbestosis have a characteristic 'crackling' noise when drawing breath and 'clubbing' or thickening of the fingers. Signs often do not begin to appear until 5 years or more after the initial exposure to the material.
The shortness of breath is caused by inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, which reduces the area available for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide needed for efficient breathing. It begins when tiny asbestos strands are breathed in and lodge deep inside the lungs. The natural defence mechanisms then try to destroy this foreign body, and this response causes inflammation around the asbestos strand. Because asbestos is extremely resistant to being broken down by the body the inflammatory reaction may be chronic. As time goes on the ingested fibres are covered in new fibrous tissue which is not as flexible and is thicker than usual, making gas exchanging more difficult and resulting in the decreased efficiency of the lungs. This fibrous tissue slowly increases in size as the body continues to fight the inhaled asbestos. The more fibres that have been inhaled, the higher is the potential for lung damage.
The treatment of asbestosis relies on managing its effects rather than curing it. Oxygen treatment is often given to relieve the shortness of breath, and nebulizers like those given to allergy and asthma sufferers can also help.
To help prevent future generations suffer from this terminal condition don't take any risks when dealing with asbestos contact a professional asbestos removal company if you need any asbestos removing from your property.
To find out more information about asbestos or Asbestos Removal please visit our dedicated resource and UK Directory for asbestos survey and removal services.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julian_Saunders
Symptoms of Lung Cancer - Things You Need to Know
One vital aspect of recognizing the symptoms of lung cancer is knowing your body and listening to it. Once you are in tuned with your body you will know when to take action. Symptoms of lung cancer usually will occur in the breathing part of your body also known as the respiratory system. If you experience any or all symptoms; you should schedule an appointment to see your doctor right away.
If you have a persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks. This is usually indicative of a respiratory infection or early stages of lung cancer which requires immediate attention from your doctor. If you smoke you may have what is referred to as the smoker's cough.
This cough alone will cause a persistent cough so if you smoke; regular visits to your doctor is imperative because the cough can convert into cancer without you knowing it; and that is because you are so accustomed to coughing. So don't take that for granted. If you smoke; quit. Smoking is like puffing on cancer sticks.
What if you don't smoke and you have a persistent cough for more than 3 weeks. You may have been around people who smoke constantly or exposed to an area where there was constant smoke.
Another symptom of lung cancer is blood or brown tinged colored sputum. Sputum is mucus that you cough up when you have a cold. If you do not have a cold and you cough this up in the morning or during the day pay attention to the color.
The normal color for sputum is clear white or clear pale. Being more lethargic than usual is another sign to look out for. We all experience times when we have less energy; but if you see yourself tiring more often than usual then you may need to take action. Knowing your body ;paying attention to it and taking action can destroy lung cancer in its tracks before it gets out of hand.
Learn "Killer Tactics To Destroy Cancer Cells" by; visiting http://www.getcancerinfo.com grab a copy of your Free report here.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Letty_Barnette
Asbestos, Asbestos Exposure, and Mesothelioma - An Overview
Asbestos
The literal meaning of the word "asbestos" comes from the Greek, and it means "inextinguishable." Rightfully named, this long fibrous mineral has been widely used for thousands of years because of its fireproof qualities. In fact, the ancient Greeks used asbestos for the funeral dress of kings that were to be cremated. Both the Greeks and Romans used asbestos-fiber napkins, which they would clean by throwing into the fire.
In modern times, asbestos has been used for much the same reason. In addition, the mineral is highly resistant to heat, salt water, chemical corrosion and other biological processes. It is lightweight, extremely strong, and can be woven into cloth or mixed with building materials such as concrete. Asbestos has been used for insulation purposes in a variety of items and structures, including ceilings, walls, toasters, and hairdryers. It was widely used on ships and in military applications, and at one point its use was even mandated by the U.S. military.
Unfortunately, it is now known that exposure to asbestos carries with it enormous health risks. Pleural plaques, asbestosis, and mesothelioma cancer are some of the diseases that can be caused by asbestos, especially when the exposure is prolonged and/or repeated. Although the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder observed a "sickness of the lungs" in the slaves who worked with the fiber, and the first case of asbestosis was noted as far back as the 1920s in England, the material was used in industrial applications, and its adverse effects have been ignored or even deliberately covered up, for decades.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos, once disturbed, releases tiny particles which are typically unseen by the human eye into the air. Once inhaled, these particles become lodged in the mesothelium, which is the outer lining protecting the heart, lungs and stomach. The fibers cannot be breathed out or otherwise removed from the body once they are lodged in the body's soft tissues.
Exposure to dangerous asbestos fibers has caused the development of asbestos cancer in a variety of different employees and occupations over the years. Exposure has occurred through the mining of asbestos from the earth, construction or demolition of asbestos-containing building materials, and even by washing clothing that has been contaminated by asbestos. Various asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, have been diagnosed in people from all walks of life.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer whose only known cause is asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma often has a long latency period, and can remain undiagnosed for years or even decades. By the time it is diagnosed, the cancer has usually reached an advanced stage, which makes determining how to undergo mesothelioma treatment very difficult. This means that we do not yet understand the full impact of the widespread usage of asbestos in the early decades of the 20th Century, since so many people are just now being diagnosed.
Mesothelioma symptoms are generally non-specific and resemble those of common sicknesses, such as viral pneumonia, heart disease, flu and bronchitis. These symptoms include dyspnea (shortness of breath) or difficulty breathing, coughing and/or coughing up of blood, chest or abdominal pain caused by excessive fluid, weight loss, husky voice, difficulty swallowing, fever, anemia, bowel obstruction, inability to sleep, and loss of appetite. Because of the resemblance to many other diseases, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed, or not accurately diagnosed until it has reached advanced stages. As with all cancers, mesothelioma can be more effectively treated when it is diagnosed early, but due to its long latency period and its symptoms' similarities to other health issues, it rarely is.
Currently, mesothelioma is incurable. There are treatments which can be used to slow the disease's progress or provide palliative care. Established therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, experimental treatments, and holistic therapies can all be used individually or in conjunction with one another.
The goal and effort of Mesolink.org is to help spread knowledge and awareness of asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it's time to get help.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liam_Connor
Why Asbestos Exposure Can Be Dangerous
Exposure to asbestos in the past currently causes around 4,000 deaths each year in the UK, and this is expected to increase to a peak of 5,000 over the next few years. Thousands more people who worked with the product, either knowingly or unknowingly, are suffering from the debilitating lung disease called asbestosis.
Asbestos was widely used in the building industry for over a century, and was found in tens of thousands of products. The properties of the material mean it is strong while being flexible, and also heat and acid resistant. It was used to lag pipes and insulate electrical cables, prevent heat loss in walls and lofts and as wall boards, ceiling tiles and even combined with bitumen for roofing felt.
Unfortunately, asbestos material is made of thousands of tiny fibres which are easily inhaled if they become separated from the main body or material they are bonded with - if the roofing boards are broken or ceiling tiles are drilled, for example, this can release fibres into the air. This means that people who work as electricians, plumbers or builders may be at high risk of exposure to asbestos if they are working on building erected or renovated before 2000, when the ban on asbestos products came into force.
Once they are breathed in, they lodge deep in the lungs where the bodies own defences actually cause problems. The area around the fibres becomes inflamed, before the fibre eventually becomes covered with scar tissue which is not as efficient at gas exchange as the rest of the lungs. The more fibres that have been breathed in, the greater the damage to the lungs that is likely to occur.
Asbestosis has no cure, and can only be managed with oxygen therapy and other treatments. The other diseases associated with asbestos exposure, lung cancer and mesothelioma, have low survival rates and even those few who are treated successfully do not regain the lung function they had previously.
Don't risk your health. If you have any work that requires asbestos removal then contact a professional company that have a good track record and all of the safety equipment required to remove asbestos safely without the risk to the health of others.
To find out more information about asbestos or Asbestos Removal please visit our dedicated resource and UK Directory for asbestos survey and removal services.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julian_Saunders
Asbestos was widely used in the building industry for over a century, and was found in tens of thousands of products. The properties of the material mean it is strong while being flexible, and also heat and acid resistant. It was used to lag pipes and insulate electrical cables, prevent heat loss in walls and lofts and as wall boards, ceiling tiles and even combined with bitumen for roofing felt.
Unfortunately, asbestos material is made of thousands of tiny fibres which are easily inhaled if they become separated from the main body or material they are bonded with - if the roofing boards are broken or ceiling tiles are drilled, for example, this can release fibres into the air. This means that people who work as electricians, plumbers or builders may be at high risk of exposure to asbestos if they are working on building erected or renovated before 2000, when the ban on asbestos products came into force.
Once they are breathed in, they lodge deep in the lungs where the bodies own defences actually cause problems. The area around the fibres becomes inflamed, before the fibre eventually becomes covered with scar tissue which is not as efficient at gas exchange as the rest of the lungs. The more fibres that have been breathed in, the greater the damage to the lungs that is likely to occur.
Asbestosis has no cure, and can only be managed with oxygen therapy and other treatments. The other diseases associated with asbestos exposure, lung cancer and mesothelioma, have low survival rates and even those few who are treated successfully do not regain the lung function they had previously.
Don't risk your health. If you have any work that requires asbestos removal then contact a professional company that have a good track record and all of the safety equipment required to remove asbestos safely without the risk to the health of others.
To find out more information about asbestos or Asbestos Removal please visit our dedicated resource and UK Directory for asbestos survey and removal services.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julian_Saunders
This is Important - Finding the Right Lawyer For Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related Illnesses
Cancer is a pernicious, aggressive and very painful disease. The very name strikes fear, it is word no one wants to hear in the same sentence with their name. And yet a good proportion of cancer cases could be prevented.
Asbestos related cancers such as mesothelioma are directly related to prolonged exposure to asbestos materials, and as such, could be prevented. While many companies have inadvertently exposed their employees to asbestos, some companies are aware of the dangers, yet do not enforce safety regulations or even worse - disregard the potential hazards altogether.
Employees are sometimes unaware of the dangers, and can eventually succumb to mesothelioma or other asbestos related illnesses. More often than not the victim is the main bread winner for the family. It is doubly tragic that in these cases, not only must the victim deal with a life-threatening disease, but in addition they must worry about the medical bills and debts they may end up leaving their family, along with a loss of income.
It is because of the lack of responsibility of many employers that mesothelioma lawsuits are growing in number. As a head of household, these victims turn to the courts in order to ensure that thier families are not also made to suffer excessive financial burdens.
With the growing number of mesothelioma lawsuits, there are a growing number of mesothelioma lawyers, that is attorneys that specialize in mesothelioma lawsuits and cases. Some firms deal exclusively in mesothelioma cases and do so with such zeal that they become similar to an assembly line. They are not as concerned in getting the best settlement for their clients as much as they are concerned with settling as many cases as they can as quickly as they can.
If you or someone close to you is dealing with an asbestos related illness, take the time and find an attorney that will give your case and situation the attention and you deserve. Remember you are not dealing in bulk, you are an individual - choose a firm that will treat you that way.
Mesothelioma and Mesothelioma lawsuits are fast becoming one on the largest areas of cancer treatment and litigation. If diagnosed or if you know someone who has been diagnosed, find a good resource such as mesothelioma lawyers.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alexander_Sibaja
Mesothelioma Traditional Treatment
Mesothelioma is rare kind of cancer and person dies within year or two after diagnosis. The explore of asbestos would during the work place and military services. It shows symptoms like chest pain,coughing, breathing difficulty which is mis leaded to some common problems and not detected at early stages.
Traditional treatment of mesothelioma
If the mesothelioma is diagnosed at the early stage then doctors prefer to go by the traditional way of treatment of mesothelioma rather than surgery. These include radiation and chemotherapy which are used to kill the cancerous cell responsible for the cancer without harming the patient. The side effect of this therapy is that it kills most of the healthy cells along with the cancerous cell and patient lose their hair, having the feeling of weakness and sickness, problem in eating. Doctored generally go with the chemotherapy to nullify these effects.
The chemotherapy is the treatment which works on the logic of killing the cancerous cells by giving chemical medication. This drug is given on the regular basics may weekly or monthly through blood stream or swallowing the drugs. The patients can stay at the home but may visit the doctor regularly.
Radiation treatment works on killing the cancerous cell with the help of high energy radiation like x-rays and stop them from growing. These are external beam radiation the patients are directed towards directly on the affected parts of the body. This treatment takes 30 days and has to done in same way for some weeks. In the internal radiation therapy doctors put the container of radiative mixture next to affected area either by using surgery or body cavity. Some of them were left in the body and rest are removed. Radiation treatments can be done with the help of radio pharmaceuticals drugs can be given through the ingestion or injected in the body.
Artikel : Radiation Therapy, Mesothelioma and Cancer
Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that can be used in conjunction with other therapies such as chemotherapy and surgery. It can also be administered alone in the treatment of cancer symptoms. Other terms for radiation therapy include - irradiation, X-ray therapy, and cobalt treatment, Radiation therapy is carried out by radiation oncologists and they will liaise with your specialist to decide what amount, type, and frequency of radiation you will require.
How Does Radiation Therapy Work?
Radiation omits high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. These rays are carefully directed at tumours – disrupting cancer cells and injuring them. Thus, preventing further division of cells and stopping tumour growth.
How Much Radiation Treatment Will I need?
Radiation treatment will depend on the following criteria – type of cancer, your general health, any other treatment you are receiving, and your test results. The radiation oncologist will decide the precise location of treatment, the total dose, and the number of repeated treatment required. The total dose of radiation is divided into daily dosages called fractionations. Short intermittent doses of radiation give better results and decrease the amount of damage to normal cells. Radiation treatments are usually administered five days per week for several weeks, but can also given daily for one week or more, or as a single dose.
The exact location on your body where the high-energy rays will be directed will be marked with an indelible ink marker (like a temporary tattoo). This area must not be washed off until treatment has been completed. If for some reason the mark comes of or fades - do not try to recreate it your self (draw it back on) as the mark may be inaccurate, notify your doctor instead.
What Equipment Is Used To Deliver Radiation?
The most likely type of radiation you will receive is ‘beam radiation’. Various machines deliver beam radiation to the cancer cells, including the ‘linear accelerator’ and the ‘cobalt’ machine. Radiation equipment is either located at a local hospital or specialist treatment centre, and is usually given as an outpatient treatment.
Does Radiation Cause Side Effects?
Unfortunately radiation therapy can also destroy some normal cells during treatment, thus resulting in side effects. The amount and type of side effects depends on the – dosage, size of radiation field, and area of the body treated. Some patients do not experience any side effects at all, whereas others can suffer very little to severe. The most common side effects you may suffer are – fatigue, skin reactions/irritations, and a loss of appetite. If you receive radiation treatment within the chest area you may experience – fibrosis pnuemonitis (radiation lung injury), esophagitis (swelling of the esophagitis), sore throat, and hair loss.
Below is a useful set of questions you may want to ask your specialist prior to treatment:
- what is the goal of my radiation?
- how will radiation be given?
- when will treatments begin?
- when will treatments end?
- how will i feel during therapy?
- what can i do to take care of myself during therapy?
- how will we know whether the radiation is working?
- how will radiation treatment affect mya normal activity?
- what are the side effects of radiation?
from : www.mesotheliomalungs.org
Cancer eBooks Collection
Free eBooks :
1. Start Today Stop Cancer
2. Cancer & You
3. Can Some Food Ward Off Cancer
4. Exercise Your Way
5. Winning the Cold War
6. Cell Biology and Cancer
7. Cancer Facts & Figures
8. Breast Cancer Risk Factors & Treatment
9. Prostate Cancer Facts
10. Medical Oncology of Colorectal Cancer
11. Epidemiologic Studies of Cellular Telephones and Cancer Risk
Dying to Look Good
Warning! Cancer-causing ingredients have been found in make-up, shampoo, deodorant, hair dye, nail polish, sunscreen and more... If you buy cosmetics or personal care products without reading and understanding the ingredients on the label, you ARE most likely using products with ingredients that cause cancer, and are skin irritants. Learn how to protect yourself from the many harmful ingredients in the products you use every day.
The 5 Secret Steps To Staying Young
Discover The Secrets To Live YOUR Life Gracefully,
Stay Young And Healthy In Ageless Living Forever.
Why do cancers come back?
A cancerous (malignant) tumour consists of cancer cells which have the ability to spread beyond the original site. If left untreated they may invade and destroy surrounding tissues. Sometimes cells break away from the original (primary) cancer and spread to other organs in the body by travelling in the bloodstream or lymphatic system. When these cells reach a new area of the body they may go on dividing and form a new tumour, often referred to as a ``secondary`` or a ``metastasis``.
How is it treated?
There are five main types of treatment for cancer and these are described below:- Active surveillance (or watchful waiting) Some types of cancer grow very slowly and may cause no problems for many years. In this situation you may not need to have any treatment for some time, but your doctor will monitor you closely so that if the cancer does start to grow you can be given treatment at that time.
Surgery
An operation is done to remove the tumour. Surgery is often used if the cancer is only in one area of the body and has not spread. It may be used to remove lymph nodes if these are also affected by the cancer. It can sometimes be used to remove a cancer that has spread to another area of the body, but this is not common. The type of operation will depend on the area of the body affected by the cancer, and on the size and position of the tumour.
Radiotherapy
This is the use of high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells, but cause as little harm as possible to normal cells. The radiotherapy is aimed at the affected area of the body and is very carefully planned. It can cause side effects and the most common is tiredness. The side effects will depend on the part of the body that is being treated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. There are more than 50 different chemotherapy drugs. Some are given as tablets or capsules but most are given by drip (infusion) into a vein. The drugs go into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body to treat the cancer cells wherever they are. Sometimes just one chemotherapy drug is used, but often a combination of two, three or more drugs is given. Chemotherapy can cause side effects. The side effects will depend on which drug (or combination of drugs) is used. There are now very good ways of preventing or reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapies work by altering the levels of particular hormones in the body. Some cancers depend on certain hormones in order to divide and grow. By altering the level of hormones in the body, or blocking the hormones from attaching to the cancer cells the cancer can be controlled.
Other treatments
Other treatments can be used to cure or control a cancer. These include chemicals which stimulate the body's immune system to attack the cancer cells. They are called biological therapies and include interferon and interleukin. Monoclonal antibodies are drugs that can `recognise' and find specific cells in the body. These drugs can be designed to find a particular type of cancer cell, attach itself to them and destroy them. They can be used alone, or a radioactive molecule can be attached to a monoclonal antibody, which then delivers radiation directly to the cancer cells. Research is trying to see whether vaccines can be given to treat a cancer that has come back or has spread. Vaccines may also be able to reduce the chance of a cancer coming back, but this type of research is in the very early stages.
Diet and lifestyle
There are over 200 different types of cancer. We don’t know the causes for each one of these cancers, but we do know about some. It is important to note that for many cancers, there may be more than one cause. One of the biggest risks is increasing age. Cancer can occur at any age but the risk of developing it increases with age; over 70% of people who get cancer are over the age of 60. We make lifestyle choices everyday; some we know increase our risk of developing cancer, others may have an influence on our risk. For example, smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and is a factor in other cancers, such as bladder cancer and cancers of the mouth and throat. Other factors are heavy alcohol consumption and exposure to sunlight.
In this section, there are a number of questions and answers about diet and lifestyle as causes of cancer. You may also find it helpful to look in our section about diet and the cancer patient, for further information on healthy diets. Enviromental & occupational
A carcinogen is something that causes cancer. Contact with certain harmful substances in the workplace can cause cancer. We know, for example, that 9 out of 10 people who develop mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer affecting the linings of the lung and abdomen) have had contact with asbestos. People who have worked in industries such as ship- building and construction may have come into contact with asbestos. Its use is now banned in this country. For further information about this type of cancer look in our Mesothelioma information centre. Another example is exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace; those used in dye factories, rubber, gas works and other chemical industries have all been linked to bladder cancer. These chemicals have now been banned. See our bladder cancer information centre for further information about this type of cancer. Environmental causes include natural radiation, for example, from the sun. We know that most skin cancers are caused because of prolonged exposure to the sun. It is important to remember that we don’t know the cause of many cancers and that there is often more than one cause. Also, although cancer can occur at any age, one of the biggest risks of it developing is increasing age. In this section, there are a number of questions and answers about environmental and occupational causes of cancer.
Cancer genetics - how cancer sometimes runs in families
This section is for anybody who is worried that cancer might run in his or her family. It is also for people who have been advised, or who have decided, to see a cancer genetics specialist or genetic counsellor. If you don't have at least two relatives with the same type of cancer on the same side of your family, the information in this section is probably not relevant to you. Many people ask themselves why cancer has happened to them or to a close relative. People often feel that cancer is such an awful disease that they want to know why they developed it. They might think about their own medical history or about risks in the environment. People sometimes also think that several cases of cancer in their family might be connected, and that they have inherited an increased cancer risk. However, only a small minority (5-10%, or less than 10 out of 100 cases) of cancers are clearly linked to an inherited gene change. Unfortunately, most cancers happen for reasons we don't fully understand. Cancer is a common disease. It is estimated that in the UK about 1 in 3 people will get cancer during their lives. Most people who get cancer are over 65. It is relatively rare for young people (people under 50) to get cancer. If you have only one elderly relative with cancer, you are not at a significantly increased risk of getting the same cancer yourself. This section outlines our current understanding of how specific genes are sometimes involved in the development of some cancers. It describes how cancer genetic services (also called familial cancer services) are provided by the NHS. It explains some of the science and the practice of genetic testing and addresses the questions you might have about genetic tests. Not all parts of this information will be equally relevant to everyone. The menu on the left hand side can help you find the information that is useful for you. Some key information is repeated in several sections to ensure that anyone dipping into the section sees the information in context. If you think this section has helped you, do pass it on to any of your family and friends who might want to have this information.
Viruses
It is important to remember cancers are not infectious and cannot be caught from someone. However, there are a number of different viruses that are thought to be contributing factors in the development of cancer. For example, exposure to HPV (human papilloma virus) is known to increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer of the cervix. For further information about this, see CancerBACUP's section about HPV. Other viruses include the Epstein-Barr virus, which is linked to some types of lymphoma. There is also a bacterial infection known as H-pylori which is linked to a rare type of stomach cancer.
How is cancer diagnosed? Most people experience symptoms and begin by seeing their GP. If your GP thinks that you have symptoms that may be caused by cancer, s/he will examine you and refer you on to a specialist at the hospital for tests and treatment, if necessary. At the hospital, the doctor will take your medical history and do a physical examination. You may have x-rays and blood tests taken and possibly scans. You may need to have a sample taken of the lump or abnormal area – this is known as a biopsy. The biopsy sample is then analysed in a laboratory and the cells examined so that the doctors can see exactly what type of cancer it is and whether it is likely to grow slowly or more quickly. Scans can measure the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to other tissues or nearby lymph glands (nodes). This process is called ``staging`` the cancer. Once the type and stage of the cancer is known, the doctors can decide how best to treat it.
How is it treated?
There are five main types of treatment for cancer and these are described below:- Active surveillance (or watchful waiting) Some types of cancer grow very slowly and may cause no problems for many years. In this situation you may not need to have any treatment for some time, but your doctor will monitor you closely so that if the cancer does start to grow you can be given treatment at that time.
Surgery
An operation is done to remove the tumour. Surgery is often used if the cancer is only in one area of the body and has not spread. It may be used to remove lymph nodes if these are also affected by the cancer. It can sometimes be used to remove a cancer that has spread to another area of the body, but this is not common. The type of operation will depend on the area of the body affected by the cancer, and on the size and position of the tumour.
Radiotherapy
This is the use of high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells, but cause as little harm as possible to normal cells. The radiotherapy is aimed at the affected area of the body and is very carefully planned. It can cause side effects and the most common is tiredness. The side effects will depend on the part of the body that is being treated.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. There are more than 50 different chemotherapy drugs. Some are given as tablets or capsules but most are given by drip (infusion) into a vein. The drugs go into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body to treat the cancer cells wherever they are. Sometimes just one chemotherapy drug is used, but often a combination of two, three or more drugs is given. Chemotherapy can cause side effects. The side effects will depend on which drug (or combination of drugs) is used. There are now very good ways of preventing or reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapies work by altering the levels of particular hormones in the body. Some cancers depend on certain hormones in order to divide and grow. By altering the level of hormones in the body, or blocking the hormones from attaching to the cancer cells the cancer can be controlled.
Other treatments
Other treatments can be used to cure or control a cancer. These include chemicals which stimulate the body's immune system to attack the cancer cells. They are called biological therapies and include interferon and interleukin. Monoclonal antibodies are drugs that can `recognise' and find specific cells in the body. These drugs can be designed to find a particular type of cancer cell, attach itself to them and destroy them. They can be used alone, or a radioactive molecule can be attached to a monoclonal antibody, which then delivers radiation directly to the cancer cells. Research is trying to see whether vaccines can be given to treat a cancer that has come back or has spread. Vaccines may also be able to reduce the chance of a cancer coming back, but this type of research is in the very early stages.
Diet and lifestyle
There are over 200 different types of cancer. We don’t know the causes for each one of these cancers, but we do know about some. It is important to note that for many cancers, there may be more than one cause. One of the biggest risks is increasing age. Cancer can occur at any age but the risk of developing it increases with age; over 70% of people who get cancer are over the age of 60. We make lifestyle choices everyday; some we know increase our risk of developing cancer, others may have an influence on our risk. For example, smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and is a factor in other cancers, such as bladder cancer and cancers of the mouth and throat. Other factors are heavy alcohol consumption and exposure to sunlight.
In this section, there are a number of questions and answers about diet and lifestyle as causes of cancer. You may also find it helpful to look in our section about diet and the cancer patient, for further information on healthy diets. Enviromental & occupational
A carcinogen is something that causes cancer. Contact with certain harmful substances in the workplace can cause cancer. We know, for example, that 9 out of 10 people who develop mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer affecting the linings of the lung and abdomen) have had contact with asbestos. People who have worked in industries such as ship- building and construction may have come into contact with asbestos. Its use is now banned in this country. For further information about this type of cancer look in our Mesothelioma information centre. Another example is exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace; those used in dye factories, rubber, gas works and other chemical industries have all been linked to bladder cancer. These chemicals have now been banned. See our bladder cancer information centre for further information about this type of cancer. Environmental causes include natural radiation, for example, from the sun. We know that most skin cancers are caused because of prolonged exposure to the sun. It is important to remember that we don’t know the cause of many cancers and that there is often more than one cause. Also, although cancer can occur at any age, one of the biggest risks of it developing is increasing age. In this section, there are a number of questions and answers about environmental and occupational causes of cancer.
Cancer genetics - how cancer sometimes runs in families
This section is for anybody who is worried that cancer might run in his or her family. It is also for people who have been advised, or who have decided, to see a cancer genetics specialist or genetic counsellor. If you don't have at least two relatives with the same type of cancer on the same side of your family, the information in this section is probably not relevant to you. Many people ask themselves why cancer has happened to them or to a close relative. People often feel that cancer is such an awful disease that they want to know why they developed it. They might think about their own medical history or about risks in the environment. People sometimes also think that several cases of cancer in their family might be connected, and that they have inherited an increased cancer risk. However, only a small minority (5-10%, or less than 10 out of 100 cases) of cancers are clearly linked to an inherited gene change. Unfortunately, most cancers happen for reasons we don't fully understand. Cancer is a common disease. It is estimated that in the UK about 1 in 3 people will get cancer during their lives. Most people who get cancer are over 65. It is relatively rare for young people (people under 50) to get cancer. If you have only one elderly relative with cancer, you are not at a significantly increased risk of getting the same cancer yourself. This section outlines our current understanding of how specific genes are sometimes involved in the development of some cancers. It describes how cancer genetic services (also called familial cancer services) are provided by the NHS. It explains some of the science and the practice of genetic testing and addresses the questions you might have about genetic tests. Not all parts of this information will be equally relevant to everyone. The menu on the left hand side can help you find the information that is useful for you. Some key information is repeated in several sections to ensure that anyone dipping into the section sees the information in context. If you think this section has helped you, do pass it on to any of your family and friends who might want to have this information.
Viruses
It is important to remember cancers are not infectious and cannot be caught from someone. However, there are a number of different viruses that are thought to be contributing factors in the development of cancer. For example, exposure to HPV (human papilloma virus) is known to increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer of the cervix. For further information about this, see CancerBACUP's section about HPV. Other viruses include the Epstein-Barr virus, which is linked to some types of lymphoma. There is also a bacterial infection known as H-pylori which is linked to a rare type of stomach cancer.
How is cancer diagnosed? Most people experience symptoms and begin by seeing their GP. If your GP thinks that you have symptoms that may be caused by cancer, s/he will examine you and refer you on to a specialist at the hospital for tests and treatment, if necessary. At the hospital, the doctor will take your medical history and do a physical examination. You may have x-rays and blood tests taken and possibly scans. You may need to have a sample taken of the lump or abnormal area – this is known as a biopsy. The biopsy sample is then analysed in a laboratory and the cells examined so that the doctors can see exactly what type of cancer it is and whether it is likely to grow slowly or more quickly. Scans can measure the size of the cancer and whether it has spread to other tissues or nearby lymph glands (nodes). This process is called ``staging`` the cancer. Once the type and stage of the cancer is known, the doctors can decide how best to treat it.
What Should I Ask My Doctor About Cancer?
Your relationship with your doctor is a critical part of your care. Ideally, you will have one doctor who coordinates all of your care. This doctor should be someone with whom you feel comfortable, someone you feel listens to your concerns and answers all of your questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. Your doctor will explain your diagnosis, health status, treatment options, and progress throughout treatment. There will also be nurses working with your doctor who have specialized knowledge and skills. These nurses are there to assist you with your treatment or any side effects you may have. In many cases, the nurse can answer your questions directly. Nurses can also help you get the answers you need from other members of your health care team.
Like all successful relationships, your relationship with your doctor is a two-way street. It is your responsibility to ask questions and become educated about your treatment and health - to become an active part of your cancer care team. Doctors differ in how much information they give to people with cancer and their families. Likewise, people who are newly diagnosed also differ in the amount of information they need or want. If your doctor is giving you too much or too little information, let them know. Ask them whatever questions you have, and keep them informed of your needs. As in any relationship, clear and honest communication is the key to success. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. The following are examples of questions to ask during the discussion:
* What type of cancer do I have? What is the stage or extent of my cancer?
* What is my prognosis, as you view it?
* What treatment do you recommend and why?
* What is the goal of treatment; cure or control of my symptoms?
* What are the possible risks or side effects of treatment?
* What are the pros and cons of my treatment?
* Are there other treatments for me to consider?
* How often will I need to come in for treatment or tests?
* How long will my treatments last?
* What if I miss a treatment?
* Will my life change? Will I need to make changes in my work, family life, and leisure time?
* What are the names of the drugs I will take? What are they for?
* What other drugs or treatments may I have to take?
* How will you know that my treatment is working?
* Why do I need a blood test and how often?
* If other specialists take part in my care, who will coordinate my entire treatment program?
* What symptoms or problems should I report right away?
* If I do not feel sick, does that mean the treatment is not working?
* What are the chances that my cancer may recur (come back), with the treatment programs we have discussed?
* What can I do to be ready for treatment?
* Will I still be able to have children after treatment?
* Are there any special foods I should or should not eat?
* Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
* What costs will I have?
* What is the best time to call you if I have a question?
Make sure that all your concerns and questions, no matter how small, have been answered. It may take more than one visit to discuss all of your concerns, as new questions may come to mind. It may be hard to remember all your doctor says to you. Some people find it helpful to take notes, bring a family member or friend, tape record the conversations, and/or bring a prepared list of questions and write down the doctor's answers.
Remember that you have the right to a second opinion about your diagnosis and the recommended treatment. Asking for a second opinion does not mean that you don't like or trust your doctor. Doctors understand you need to feel that every possibility for the best treatment is being explored. You can also ask your doctor if they have consulted with other specialists at their treatment center.
Source : American Cancer Society
Like all successful relationships, your relationship with your doctor is a two-way street. It is your responsibility to ask questions and become educated about your treatment and health - to become an active part of your cancer care team. Doctors differ in how much information they give to people with cancer and their families. Likewise, people who are newly diagnosed also differ in the amount of information they need or want. If your doctor is giving you too much or too little information, let them know. Ask them whatever questions you have, and keep them informed of your needs. As in any relationship, clear and honest communication is the key to success. Your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you. The following are examples of questions to ask during the discussion:
* What type of cancer do I have? What is the stage or extent of my cancer?
* What is my prognosis, as you view it?
* What treatment do you recommend and why?
* What is the goal of treatment; cure or control of my symptoms?
* What are the possible risks or side effects of treatment?
* What are the pros and cons of my treatment?
* Are there other treatments for me to consider?
* How often will I need to come in for treatment or tests?
* How long will my treatments last?
* What if I miss a treatment?
* Will my life change? Will I need to make changes in my work, family life, and leisure time?
* What are the names of the drugs I will take? What are they for?
* What other drugs or treatments may I have to take?
* How will you know that my treatment is working?
* Why do I need a blood test and how often?
* If other specialists take part in my care, who will coordinate my entire treatment program?
* What symptoms or problems should I report right away?
* If I do not feel sick, does that mean the treatment is not working?
* What are the chances that my cancer may recur (come back), with the treatment programs we have discussed?
* What can I do to be ready for treatment?
* Will I still be able to have children after treatment?
* Are there any special foods I should or should not eat?
* Can I drink alcoholic beverages?
* What costs will I have?
* What is the best time to call you if I have a question?
Make sure that all your concerns and questions, no matter how small, have been answered. It may take more than one visit to discuss all of your concerns, as new questions may come to mind. It may be hard to remember all your doctor says to you. Some people find it helpful to take notes, bring a family member or friend, tape record the conversations, and/or bring a prepared list of questions and write down the doctor's answers.
Remember that you have the right to a second opinion about your diagnosis and the recommended treatment. Asking for a second opinion does not mean that you don't like or trust your doctor. Doctors understand you need to feel that every possibility for the best treatment is being explored. You can also ask your doctor if they have consulted with other specialists at their treatment center.
Source : American Cancer Society
How Is Cancer Treated?
The number of treatment choices you have will depend on the type of cancer, the stage of the cancer, and other individual factors such as your age, health status, and personal preferences. You are a vital part of your cancer care team - you should discuss with them which treatment choices are best for you. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you have. Make sure you understand your options. A cancer diagnosis usually gives people a sense of urgency in making choices about treatment and services. However, take the time to consider all the options available to you so you will be as well informed as possible.
How is Cancer Treated?
The four major types of treatment for cancer are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biologic therapies. You might also have heard about hormone therapies such as tamoxifen and transplant options such as those done with bone marrow.
What Treatment Will Be Best for Me?
Your cancer treatment will be entirely based on your unique situation. Certain types of cancer respond very differently to different types of treatment, so determining the type of cancer is a vital step toward knowing which treatments will be most effective. The cancer's stage (how widespread it is) will also determine the best course of treatment, since early-stage cancers respond to different therapies than later-stage ones. Your overall health, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences will also play a part in deciding which treatment options will be best for you. Not all types of treatment will be effective in your situation, so be sure that you understand your options. Don't be afraid to ask questions; it is your right to know what treatments are most likely to help you and what their side effects may be.
Palliative versus Curative Goals: Before starting treatment, ask about the goal of treatment. Is the purpose of the treatment to cure the cancer, control it, or treat symptoms? Sometimes the goal of treatment can change
Source : American Cancer Society
How is Cancer Treated?
The four major types of treatment for cancer are surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biologic therapies. You might also have heard about hormone therapies such as tamoxifen and transplant options such as those done with bone marrow.
What Treatment Will Be Best for Me?
Your cancer treatment will be entirely based on your unique situation. Certain types of cancer respond very differently to different types of treatment, so determining the type of cancer is a vital step toward knowing which treatments will be most effective. The cancer's stage (how widespread it is) will also determine the best course of treatment, since early-stage cancers respond to different therapies than later-stage ones. Your overall health, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences will also play a part in deciding which treatment options will be best for you. Not all types of treatment will be effective in your situation, so be sure that you understand your options. Don't be afraid to ask questions; it is your right to know what treatments are most likely to help you and what their side effects may be.
Palliative versus Curative Goals: Before starting treatment, ask about the goal of treatment. Is the purpose of the treatment to cure the cancer, control it, or treat symptoms? Sometimes the goal of treatment can change
Source : American Cancer Society
What Is Remission?
Remission is a period of time when the cancer is responding to treatment or is under control. In a complete remission, all the signs and symptoms of the disease disappear. It is also possible for a patient to have a partial remission in which the cancer shrinks but does not completely disappear. Remissions can last anywhere from several weeks to many years. Complete remissions may continue for years and be considered cures. If the disease returns, another remission often can occur with further treatment. A cancer that has recurred may respond to a different type of therapy, including a different drug combination.
Source : American Cancer Society
Source : American Cancer Society
What Are Symptoms and Signs?
A symptom is an indication of disease, illness, injury, or that something is not right in the body. Symptoms are felt or noticed by a person, but may not easily be noticed by anyone else. For example, chills, weakness, achiness, shortness of breath, and a cough are possible symptoms of pneumonia.
A sign is also an indication that something is not right in the body. But signs are defined as observations made by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional. Fever, rapid breathing rate, and abnormal breathing sounds heard through a stethoscope are possible signs of pneumonia.
The presence of one symptom or sign may not give enough information to suggest a cause. For example, a rash in a child could be a symptom of a number of things including poison ivy, an infectious disease like measles, an infection limited to the skin, or a food allergy. But if the rash is seen along with other signs and symptoms like a high fever, chills, achiness, and a sore throat, then a doctor can get a better picture of the illness. In many cases, a patient's signs and symptoms do not provide enough clues by themselves to determine the cause of an illness, and medical tests such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy may be needed.
How Does Cancer Produce Signs and Symptoms?
Cancer is a group of diseases that may cause almost any sign or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, the size of the cancer, and how much it affects the surrounding organs or structures. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), then symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.
As a cancer grows, it begins to push on nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. This pressure creates some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. If the cancer is in a critical area, such as certain parts of the brain, even the smallest tumor can produce early symptoms.
Sometimes, however, cancers form in places where there may be no symptoms until the cancer has grown quite large. Pancreas cancers, for example, do not usually grow large enough to be felt from the outside of the body. Some pancreatic cancers do not produce symptoms until they begin to grow around nearby nerves, causing a backache. Others grow around the bile duct, which blocks the flow of bile and leads to a yellowing of the skin known as jaundice. By the time a pancreatic cancer causes these signs or symptoms, it has usually reached an advanced stage.
A cancer may also cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or weight loss. This may be caused by cancer cells using up much of the body’s energy supply or releasing substances that change the body’s metabolism. Or the cancer may cause the immune system to react in ways that produce these symptoms.
Sometimes, cancer cells release substances into the bloodstream that cause symptoms not usually thought to result from cancers. For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances which cause blood clots to develop in veins of the legs. Some lung cancers make hormone-like substances that affect blood calcium levels, affecting nerves and muscles and causing weakness and dizziness.
How Are Signs and Symptoms Helpful?
Treatment is most successful when cancer is found as early as possible. Finding cancer early usually means it can be treated while it is still small and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure, especially if initial treatment is to be surgery.
A good example of the importance of detecting cancer early is melanoma skin cancer. It is easily removed if it has not yet grown deeply into the skin, and the 5-year survival rate (percentage of people living at least 5 years after diagnosis) at this stage is nearly 100%. But once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body the survival rate drops dramatically.
Sometimes people ignore symptoms either because they do not recognize the symptoms as being significant or because they are frightened by what they might mean and don’t want to seek medical help. General symptoms, such as fatigue, are more likely to have a cause other than cancer and can seem unimportant, especially if they have an obvious cause or are only temporary. In a similar way, a person may reason that a more specific symptom like a breast mass is probably a cyst that will go away by itself. But neither of these symptoms should be discounted or overlooked, especially if they have been present for a long period of time or are getting worse.
Most likely, any symptoms you may have will not be caused by cancer, but it’s important to have them checked out by your doctor, just in case. If cancer is not the cause, your doctor can help figure out what is and treat it, if needed.
In some cases it is possible to detect some cancers before symptoms occur. The American Cancer Society and other health groups encourage the early detection of certain cancers before symptoms occur by recommending a cancer-related checkup and specific tests for people who do not have any symptoms. For more information on early detection tests, see our document, "American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer." Keep in mind, however, that these recommended tests do not diminish the importance of reporting any symptoms to your doctor.
General Cancer Signs and Symptoms
It is important to know what some of the general (non-specific) signs and symptoms of cancer are. They include unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, pain, and changes in the skin. Of course, it’s important to remember that having any of these does not necessarily mean that cancer is present -- there are many other conditions that can cause these signs and symptoms as well.
Unexplained weight loss: Most people with cancer will lose weight at some time with their disease. An unexplained (unintentional) weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer, particularly cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
Fever: Fever is very common with cancer, but is more often seen in advanced disease. Almost all patients with cancer will have fever at some time, particularly if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system and reduces resistance to infection. Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as with leukemia or lymphoma.
Fatigue: Fatigue may be a significant symptom as cancer progresses. It may occur early, however, in cancers such as with leukemia or if the cancer is causing a chronic loss of blood, as in some colon or stomach cancers.
Pain: Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers, such as bone cancers or testicular cancer. Most often, however, pain is a symptom of advanced disease.
Skin changes: In addition to cancers of the skin (see next section), some internal cancers can produce visible skin signs such as darkening (hyperpigmentation), yellowing (jaundice), reddening (erythema), itching, or excessive hair growth.
Specific Cancer Signs and Symptoms
In addition to the above general symptoms, you should be watchful for the following common symptoms, which could be an indication of cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of these, but it is important to bring them to your doctor’s attention as soon as possible so that they can be investigated.
Change in bowel habits or bladder function: Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may indicate colon cancer. Pain with urination, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as more frequent or less frequent urination) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Any changes in bladder or bowel function should be reported to your doctor.
Sores that do not heal: Skin cancers may bleed and resemble sores that do not heal. A persistent sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer and should be dealt with promptly, especially in patients who smoke, chew tobacco, or frequently drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should not be overlooked in either case.
Unusual bleeding or discharge: Unusual bleeding can occur in either early or advanced cancer. Blood in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine is a sign of possible bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
Thickening or lump in breast or other parts of the body: Many cancers can be felt through the skin, particularly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer. Any lump or thickening should be reported to your doctor, especially if you’ve just discovered it or noticed it has grown in size. You may be feeling a lump that is an early cancer that could be treated successfully.
Indigestion or trouble swallowing: While they commonly have other causes, these symptoms may indicate cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or pharynx (throat).
Recent change in a wart or mole: Any change in color or shape, loss of definite borders, or an increase in size should be reported to your doctor without delay. The skin lesion may be a melanoma which, if diagnosed early, can be treated successfully.
Nagging cough or hoarseness: A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box) or thyroid.
While the signs and symptoms listed above are the more common ones seen with cancer, there are many others that are less common and are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your body functions or the way you feel, especially if it lasts for a long time or gets worse, let your doctor know. If it has nothing to do with cancer, your doctor can investigate it and treat it, if needed. If it is cancer, you’ll give yourself the best chance to have it treated early, when treatment is most likely to be effective.
A sign is also an indication that something is not right in the body. But signs are defined as observations made by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional. Fever, rapid breathing rate, and abnormal breathing sounds heard through a stethoscope are possible signs of pneumonia.
The presence of one symptom or sign may not give enough information to suggest a cause. For example, a rash in a child could be a symptom of a number of things including poison ivy, an infectious disease like measles, an infection limited to the skin, or a food allergy. But if the rash is seen along with other signs and symptoms like a high fever, chills, achiness, and a sore throat, then a doctor can get a better picture of the illness. In many cases, a patient's signs and symptoms do not provide enough clues by themselves to determine the cause of an illness, and medical tests such as x-rays, blood tests, or a biopsy may be needed.
How Does Cancer Produce Signs and Symptoms?
Cancer is a group of diseases that may cause almost any sign or symptom. The signs and symptoms will depend on where the cancer is, the size of the cancer, and how much it affects the surrounding organs or structures. If a cancer spreads (metastasizes), then symptoms may appear in different parts of the body.
As a cancer grows, it begins to push on nearby organs, blood vessels, and nerves. This pressure creates some of the signs and symptoms of cancer. If the cancer is in a critical area, such as certain parts of the brain, even the smallest tumor can produce early symptoms.
Sometimes, however, cancers form in places where there may be no symptoms until the cancer has grown quite large. Pancreas cancers, for example, do not usually grow large enough to be felt from the outside of the body. Some pancreatic cancers do not produce symptoms until they begin to grow around nearby nerves, causing a backache. Others grow around the bile duct, which blocks the flow of bile and leads to a yellowing of the skin known as jaundice. By the time a pancreatic cancer causes these signs or symptoms, it has usually reached an advanced stage.
A cancer may also cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or weight loss. This may be caused by cancer cells using up much of the body’s energy supply or releasing substances that change the body’s metabolism. Or the cancer may cause the immune system to react in ways that produce these symptoms.
Sometimes, cancer cells release substances into the bloodstream that cause symptoms not usually thought to result from cancers. For example, some cancers of the pancreas can release substances which cause blood clots to develop in veins of the legs. Some lung cancers make hormone-like substances that affect blood calcium levels, affecting nerves and muscles and causing weakness and dizziness.
How Are Signs and Symptoms Helpful?
Treatment is most successful when cancer is found as early as possible. Finding cancer early usually means it can be treated while it is still small and is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This often means a better chance for a cure, especially if initial treatment is to be surgery.
A good example of the importance of detecting cancer early is melanoma skin cancer. It is easily removed if it has not yet grown deeply into the skin, and the 5-year survival rate (percentage of people living at least 5 years after diagnosis) at this stage is nearly 100%. But once melanoma has spread to other parts of the body the survival rate drops dramatically.
Sometimes people ignore symptoms either because they do not recognize the symptoms as being significant or because they are frightened by what they might mean and don’t want to seek medical help. General symptoms, such as fatigue, are more likely to have a cause other than cancer and can seem unimportant, especially if they have an obvious cause or are only temporary. In a similar way, a person may reason that a more specific symptom like a breast mass is probably a cyst that will go away by itself. But neither of these symptoms should be discounted or overlooked, especially if they have been present for a long period of time or are getting worse.
Most likely, any symptoms you may have will not be caused by cancer, but it’s important to have them checked out by your doctor, just in case. If cancer is not the cause, your doctor can help figure out what is and treat it, if needed.
In some cases it is possible to detect some cancers before symptoms occur. The American Cancer Society and other health groups encourage the early detection of certain cancers before symptoms occur by recommending a cancer-related checkup and specific tests for people who do not have any symptoms. For more information on early detection tests, see our document, "American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer." Keep in mind, however, that these recommended tests do not diminish the importance of reporting any symptoms to your doctor.
General Cancer Signs and Symptoms
It is important to know what some of the general (non-specific) signs and symptoms of cancer are. They include unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, pain, and changes in the skin. Of course, it’s important to remember that having any of these does not necessarily mean that cancer is present -- there are many other conditions that can cause these signs and symptoms as well.
Unexplained weight loss: Most people with cancer will lose weight at some time with their disease. An unexplained (unintentional) weight loss of 10 pounds or more may be the first sign of cancer, particularly cancers of the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, or lung.
Fever: Fever is very common with cancer, but is more often seen in advanced disease. Almost all patients with cancer will have fever at some time, particularly if the cancer or its treatment affects the immune system and reduces resistance to infection. Less often, fever may be an early sign of cancer, such as with leukemia or lymphoma.
Fatigue: Fatigue may be a significant symptom as cancer progresses. It may occur early, however, in cancers such as with leukemia or if the cancer is causing a chronic loss of blood, as in some colon or stomach cancers.
Pain: Pain may be an early symptom with some cancers, such as bone cancers or testicular cancer. Most often, however, pain is a symptom of advanced disease.
Skin changes: In addition to cancers of the skin (see next section), some internal cancers can produce visible skin signs such as darkening (hyperpigmentation), yellowing (jaundice), reddening (erythema), itching, or excessive hair growth.
Specific Cancer Signs and Symptoms
In addition to the above general symptoms, you should be watchful for the following common symptoms, which could be an indication of cancer. Again, there may be other causes for each of these, but it is important to bring them to your doctor’s attention as soon as possible so that they can be investigated.
Change in bowel habits or bladder function: Chronic constipation, diarrhea, or a change in the size of the stool may indicate colon cancer. Pain with urination, blood in the urine, or a change in bladder function (such as more frequent or less frequent urination) could be related to bladder or prostate cancer. Any changes in bladder or bowel function should be reported to your doctor.
Sores that do not heal: Skin cancers may bleed and resemble sores that do not heal. A persistent sore in the mouth could be an oral cancer and should be dealt with promptly, especially in patients who smoke, chew tobacco, or frequently drink alcohol. Sores on the penis or vagina may either be signs of infection or an early cancer, and should not be overlooked in either case.
Unusual bleeding or discharge: Unusual bleeding can occur in either early or advanced cancer. Blood in the sputum (phlegm) may be a sign of lung cancer. Blood in the stool (or a dark or black stool) could be a sign of colon or rectal cancer. Cancer of the cervix or the endometrium (lining of the uterus) can cause vaginal bleeding. Blood in the urine is a sign of possible bladder or kidney cancer. A bloody discharge from the nipple may be a sign of breast cancer.
Thickening or lump in breast or other parts of the body: Many cancers can be felt through the skin, particularly in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes (glands), and the soft tissues of the body. A lump or thickening may be an early or late sign of cancer. Any lump or thickening should be reported to your doctor, especially if you’ve just discovered it or noticed it has grown in size. You may be feeling a lump that is an early cancer that could be treated successfully.
Indigestion or trouble swallowing: While they commonly have other causes, these symptoms may indicate cancer of the esophagus, stomach, or pharynx (throat).
Recent change in a wart or mole: Any change in color or shape, loss of definite borders, or an increase in size should be reported to your doctor without delay. The skin lesion may be a melanoma which, if diagnosed early, can be treated successfully.
Nagging cough or hoarseness: A cough that does not go away may be a sign of lung cancer. Hoarseness can be a sign of cancer of the larynx (voice box) or thyroid.
While the signs and symptoms listed above are the more common ones seen with cancer, there are many others that are less common and are not listed here. If you notice any major changes in the way your body functions or the way you feel, especially if it lasts for a long time or gets worse, let your doctor know. If it has nothing to do with cancer, your doctor can investigate it and treat it, if needed. If it is cancer, you’ll give yourself the best chance to have it treated early, when treatment is most likely to be effective.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
