Sun Protection: 3 Things to Take on Your Summer Vacation

July 22nd, 2010 admin No comments

Sun Protection: 3 Things to Take on Your Summer Vacation Author: Lynn Rose

SUN PROTECTION: 3 THINGS TO TAKE

ON YOUR SUMMER VACATION

Packing for a trip is always exciting. Youre not quite where youre going but your close enough to where you know it will soon be a reality.

So you take out all the fun stuff first. You think about the weather. Itll probably be warm, if not hot. But it could be overcast.

Either way, even if you forget everything else, the 3 things you need no matter what:

  1. A broad-based sunscreen. But what does that mean?

Ans. It means it blocks you from UVA as well as UVB rays. It didnt

used to be this way. Not long ago, most companies made it to

protect you from UVB rays, but not UVA which can go deeper

and put you more at risk for skin cancer than UVB.

  1. A hat. You mean a baseball cap? Or a visor?

Ans. Neither. A visor doesnt protect the top of your head and many

skin cancers start on top of the head. A baseball cap doesnt cover

the side of your face or your neck.

The key is to get a UV hat which means just by wearing it it blocks

these rays. But that doesnt mean you can forget the sunscreen.

You still need it on your face, nose, neck, ears and the top of your

head in case you decide to remove that hat for a few minutes.

  1. Shade. You mean I should sit under a tree?

Ans. If you can sit under a tree during all your summer activities,

that could be the right answer. But most of us arent going to

do that.

There are two choices here. (1) Sun protective clothing with a

hood, or (2) A UV Umbrella. Theyre usually not big and clunky

like a rain umbrella and theyre going to cover from your head

to your shoulders.

All of these methods are good; none are fullproof.

Always take into consideration that the suns rays reflect up from concrete, snow and water.

Is it worth it? You decide.

LYNN ROSE lost her husband, Jerry, to skin cancer. Her mission is to educate others about the suns damaging rays, and to design and

manufacture attractive UV Hats and UV Umbrellas. Her umbrellas have

been seen in the hands of actress, Cate Blanchett, and also in the L.A.

Sunday Times Travel Section.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Cancer Prevention: 14 Things You Can Do To Prevent Cancer.

July 21st, 2010 admin No comments

Cancer Prevention: 14 Things You Can Do To Prevent Cancer. Author: James S. Pendergraft

The cost of cancer is very heavy for society, any action to eliminate the causes of the occurrence of a type of cancer is a benefit, not only in lives but also economic and social development. Some cancers could disappear over 90% if we could adopt a new lifestyle and eliminating the causes of these cancers.

Cancer prevention is possible. Almost two cancer could be prevented by eating better. Moreover, early detection of tumors can often eliminate tumors before they become malignant (cervical, colon, prostate and in particular).

There are currently three cancer whose origin is certain hereditary: cancer of the retina, kidney cancer in children and bone marrow cancer of the thyroid.

Some illnesses should lead a policy of vigilance; this is the case for polyps (benign tumors) of the colon.

So Let’s take a look at what you can do to prevent cancer.

1 – Supplies of food and eating habits: Choose a diet mainly based on plant products rich in fruits and vegetables, legumes and other sources of complex carbohydrates and little changed.

2 – Maintenance of body weight: Avoid inadequate and overweight and limit weight gain to less than 5 kg in adulthood.

3 – Maintain physical activity: If your daily activity is low or moderate plan 1h each day of brisk walking (or similar exercise), and during the week at least 1 hour more intense exercises.

4 – Fruits and vegetables: Eat 400 to 800 grams per day of fruits and vegetables throughout the year.

5 – Other food-based plant products. : Eat 600 to 800 grams per day of a variety of cereals, legumes, root vegetables, tubercules, processed preferably little. Limit intake of sugar and sugar products.

6 – Meat: Limit your daily consumption of meat including meats. It is preferable to vary inputs focusing on fresh meat, fish and poultry.

7 – Total Oils and Fats: Limit consumption of fat, particularly those from pork and beef. Choose moderate amounts of appropriate vegetable oils.

8 – Salt and curing: Limit consumption of salted foods and use salt and table salt. Use herbs and spices to season foods.

9 – Storage: Do not eat food that, following a poor conservation (humidity, heat) could be contaminated with mold.

10 – Conservation: Use the refrigeration and other appropriate methods so that perishable foods purchased, then kept at home, remain fit for consumption.

11 – additives and residues: The levels of additives and residues are regulated so that their presence in food is not harmful. However, unregulated use or inadequate (situation in developing countries) may be hazardous to health.

12 – Preparation: Do not eat too much grilled food or the cooking juices. Do occasionally eat meat and fish grilled over a flame, salted or smoked.

13 – Dietary Supplements: For those who follow the recommendations outlined above, dietary supplements are probably not necessary to reduce the risk of cancer.

14- Tobacco: Do not smoke. If you smoke, stop as soon as possible. It’s hard to stop, but it’s really very dangerous to smoke! Indeed, all the food tips less than quit smoking. smoking (cigarettes in particular) is the cause of 95% of lung cancer – usually called lung-cancer (if not more, because passive smoking has not yet been sufficiently studied).

To Your Health!

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Effects And Benefits Of Alternative Cancer Treatments For Breast Cancer

July 21st, 2010 admin No comments

Effects And Benefits Of Alternative Cancer Treatments For Breast Cancer Author: Mark Branyon

There is no doubt that breast cancer is a frightening diagnosis for any woman or man. From the moment those two words are uttered, feelings of uncertainty and fear begin to mount. Uncertainty about the future and whether there’s a way to better the chances of survival collide with feelings of life without one or both breasts. Concern about surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatment, as well as whether or not survival is possible at all, is what usually swirls through the mind of any person moments after hearing those two dreaded words.

But there is a silver lining around this dark cloud of bad news. The good news is that tremendous advances in cancer detection and traditional as well as alternative cancer treatments have taken place over the past few decades. As a result, the prognosis for surviving breast cancer, and even avoiding radical surgery, has never been better.

Following the advice and course of treatment recommended by your doctor is of utmost importance. But interestingly, many men and women diagnosed with breast cancer report that their symptoms have been improved, and in some cases reversed, by pursuing one of the many medically-approved alternative breast cancer treatments available today.

Of course, no “one-size-fits-all” alternative cancer treatment exists so finding the right one requires the advice of a physician who is trained in alternative cancer therapies. These physicians take a holistic approach to treating breast cancer. Simply stated, they’ll decide on one or more alternative breast cancer treatments depending on the specific type of breast cancer and the stage of the disease.

Perhaps the most essential alternative cancer treatment involves making specific dietary changes in order to boost the body’s ability to combat malnutrition. Malnutrition is a common consequence of breast cancer, responsible for up to 40% of all cancer-related deaths. Proper nutrition also helps people suffering from the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment by reducing nausea and hair loss, boosting the immune system, and combating the symptoms of organ toxicity.

Only a trained physician who understands the role of proper nutrition in alternative breast cancer treatments can make specific dietary recommendations. However, the general guidelines below typically form the basis of any beneficial physician-approved nutritional plan.

Medical and nutritional research now proves that Zinc is an essential ingredient for anyone seeking alternative cancer treatments. Zinc supports the immune system by increasing antibody production and providing essential nutrition to the macrophage, a critical cell that plays a pivotal role in the immune system.

Foods that are high in Zinc include:

Oysters
Red meat
Poultry
Beans
Nuts
Whole grains
Zinc-fortified breakfast cereals
Dairy products

The body absorbs Zinc better with a diet that is high in animal protein than one that is high in plant protein.

Vitamin A is another essential ingredient in nutrition-based alternative cancer treatments. This vitamin contributes to the support of the immune system by assisting in the development of T both-helper (Th) cells and B-cells.

Foods that are high in Vitamin A include:

Milk
Margarine
Eggs
Beef and chicken liver
Vitamin A-fortified breakfast cereals
Carrots
Cantaloupes
Sweet potatoes
Spinach

Selenium is a trace mineral used by proteins to make antioxidant enzymes called selenoproteins. These selenoproteins combat cell damage caused by free radicals; key contributors to the development of cancer as well as heart disease. Only a small amount of Selenium is required by the body.

Foods that are high in Selenium include:

Brazil nuts
Walnuts
Light tuna packed in oil
Beef
Turkey
Fortified oatmeal
Enriched whole wheat bread
Long grain white rice
Eggs
Cottage cheese
Cheddar cheese

Vegetables grown in Selenium-rich soils, as well as animals that have been fed grain grown in Selenium-rich soils are also good sources of this essential element.

Besides food, it’s possible to get the required amounts of Zinc, Vitamin A and Selenium by taking food supplements and vitamin pills. Remember though, there is more to consider than these three nutrients when developing nutritional-based alternative breast cancer treatments.

Introducing these nutrients in the wrong quantities, or overlooking other essential ingredients when developing alternative cancer therapies, can actually negate the otherwise beneficial results of a good nutritional plan. That’s why it’s so important to consult a medical professional who specializes in alternative cancer treatments.

For more information on physician-guided alternative breast cancer treatments, visit http://www.newhopemedicalcenter.com/breast-cancer.aspx

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments Author:

Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments Author: James S. Pendergraft

Oral cancer is generally described as cancer of head and neck. It can affect any part of the mouth like tongue, cheeks, lips, hard palate, soft palate, floor of the tongue, internal lining of the cheeks, gums, lymph nodes etc. the most common form of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma which affects the flat skin like lining of the mouth. 90% mouth cancer patients have been detected with this form of mouth cancer.

There are other types of oral cancers affecting different areas of the mouth like the salivary gland cancer affecting the saliva producing gland, lymphoma which is caused in lymph around the tonsils and base of tongue and melanoma affecting the skin pigmentation cells around the mouth and lips.

Causes:

The causes of skin cancer are many and can’t be restricted to anything in particular. Few major causes of oral tumor are smoking (cigarettes, pipe, hand rololed cigarettes like bidis or the one containing canabis) , alcohol, chewing of tobacco, beetlenut, gutka or pan, UV rays from sun which affects lips or pale skin and at times previous cancer which might reoccur. Other probable causes are poor dietary habits lacking essentially zinc, vitamin A, C, E, selenium .infection from HPV (human papilloma virus) which generally infects vulva, vagina and cervix.

Symptom:

The symptoms for oral cancer are very general which might sometimes turn out to be some other disease but nevertheless it is better to go to a dentist or a general physician or ENT specialist to rule out any possibility. The few visible symptoms are: white or red patch on the lips, inside of the mouth or around mouth which has been there for long , loose teeth, bleeding from mouth, soreness of lips and tongue, swelling in mouth, swelling in throat, ulcer of mouth and lips, a lump or thickening of lips mouth or tongue.

Treatment:

After mouth cancer has been established using X- Rays, MRI scan, endoscopy, CT scan and biopsy confirms the multiplicity of cells then the medical practioner suggests treatment based on the physical stat and age of the patient, extent of infection and location of infection. Radiotherapy is commonly used method where radiation is used to destroy the cancerous cell in the affected area. At times surgery is performed to insert radioactive pellets in or around the tumor which gradually destroys the infected cells.

Surgery is another method used to remove the tumor from the infected area. It may be performed before or after radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is another treatment used for destroying cancerous cells. Anti cancerous drugs are used to shrink the tumor and later on surgery is performed to remove the infection. Time period of treatment and the strength of the medicine are dependent on the extent of infection.

Oral cancer is very common and can be avoided by taking care of ones lifestyle. Excessive intake of alcohol and cigarettes etc should be avoided. Chewing of tobacco should be strictly avoided and nutritious food should be incorporated in daily diet. After all health is wealth.

To Your Health!

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Mesothelioma Law Author: Katie

Knowing the mesothelioma law

July 20th, 2010 admin No comments

Mesothelioma Law Author: Katie

Knowing the mesothelioma law is very important as it can save you from a number of hurdles and can give you the opportunity for claiming compensation if he was exposed to asbestos in workplace. Mesothelioma laws are very simple and easily understandable and are meant for people who develop one of the most fatal diseases known as mesothelioma.

A person can take help from mesothelioma law as soon as he finds out that he is being exposed to asbestos or he was previously and now has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. The mesothelioma law takes into consideration the pain the person has been bearing, the medical cost and other costs that have been taking place during this place.

What is mesothelioma?

Before getting to know the mesothelioma law, it is significant to know what exactly mesothelioma is (click here to know more about mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is developed in the mesothelium (lining of organs such as lungs, heart and abdomen). The cause of the disease is simply exposure to asbestos.

What is asbestos?
Asbestos are minerals used as insulators because of their characteristics of being fire resistant and heat resistant. Asbestos is known as the miracle mineral for this reason. They are used in the manufacturing of numerous products such automobiles, building, construction, railroad, shipyard, factory and the like. People who are working in asbestos mine are at a big risk of getting mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma law:
the mesothelioma law is not only restricted to the treatment of mesothelioma but also includes personal injury law. Through the mesothelioma law one can acquire compensation for their loss. However, the mesothelioma law is much diversified and one needs to know everything about it before they can proceed with the procedure. It is helpful to hire a mesothelioma lawyer or attorney. A mesothelioma lawyer can easily guide you through if you wish to file a legal suit.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Mesothelioma: Beware the Dangers of Asbestos Author:

Mesothelioma: Beware the Dangers of Asbestos Author: Patricia Woloch

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the thin tissue layer coating many of your organs. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 2,000-3,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.

There are three types of mesothelioma cancer. Each is classified based on where it occurs in your body:

Pleural malignant mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your lungs. It is the most common form of the disease.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue around your abdomen.

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around your heart.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the region of your body affected by the cancer. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Shortness of breath

Painful breathing

Painful coughing

Chest pain near the rib cage

Lumps of tissue under your chest skin

Weight loss

Dry cough

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

Abdominal pain

Abdominal swelling

Change in bowel habits (frequent diarrhea or constipation)

Lumps of tissue in abdomen

Weight loss

Nausea

Vomiting

Causes of Mesothelioma

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a harmful fiber used as insulation. People who have a high exposure to asbestos are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. This exposure most commonly occurs in the workplace. Frequently, blue collar jobs in mines, ship yards, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and railway facilities place people at greatest risk of asbestos exposure.

If asbestos dust is breathed or swallowed, the fibers can settle in your lungs or stomach, resulting in an irritation that ultimately causes mesothelioma. People with very high levels of exposure to asbestos are at greater risk of contracting mesothelioma than people with lower levels of exposure. It can take as long as 30 to 40 years for the disease to develop.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Over the years, many lawsuits have been filed and won on behalf of people exposed to asbestos at work. If you have been diagnosed with this rare cancer, you should consult an experienced mesothelioma attorney at once to see if you have a valid claim.

It is important to choose an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma claims. This is a highly complex area of the law, and you should not trust your case to someone lacking the proper experience. Several factors complicate many of these claims, including:

The long delay between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma

The widespread use of asbestos in many common products

The ability to develop mesothelioma from second-hand exposure to asbestos

These factors can often make it difficult to prove precisely where you were exposed to this dangerous fiber. You will need a lawyer who can skillfully work with these factors and still help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are most likely looking at a lifetime of pain, medical expenses, and lost earning capacity. You should be compensated for your injuries. Why trust your mesothelioma claim to someone who is not an expert?

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Cancer Help: How Self Hypnosis Can Help Cancer Sufferers Author:

July 19th, 2010 admin No comments

Cancer Help: How Self Hypnosis Can Help Cancer Sufferers Author: J Seymour

Help with cancer primarily comes from your physician but you can augment your medical interventions with the support of self-hypnosis. Disease and pain are frightening and they can guide you to an unhealthy frame of mind. You can fight cancer conditions including a tumor and leukemia with a combination of oncology and hypnosis.

Mind-Body Connection

Your mind has a profound effect on your physical body and vice versa. Your physical state can make create negative thought processes that are detrimental to your recovery. You begin to exercise thoughts about pain and your illness that cycle through your mind until they overwhelm you with fear and anxiety.

The fear and anxiety are very powerful in your psyche and your emotional state reverberates throughout your system. You are probably familiar with the physical bodily responses you have to fear, sadness and stress. These negative emotions have an effect on your immune system and your ability to fight infection.

Self-Hypnosis to Break the Cycle

In order to achieve maximum results in your medical treatment plan, it helps to use your subconscious mind. This process begins with entering a very relaxed state that is open to suggestion. The relaxation is healthy for you and you can feel the blood flowing through your system, delivering revitalizing nutrients and oxygen to your cells.

As you enter various modes of visualization, your mind is able to create new responses, replacing the negative, unhealthy cycle of fear and anxiety. Your new focus is on healing and on blocking pain. These elements work together to help you work with your treatment plan, with calm determination.

Importance of Visualization

Your subconscious mind is a place of images. You are better able to communicate with this realm through visualization. This process helps your subconscious adopt a new understanding of the importance of your treatment. It is receptive to seeing the healing in your body and it can even make your medication work better.

Creating a healthy vision of your self is an important component that is very difficult to achieve without the guidance of self-hypnosis. It is especially important to choose a recording that is created by a professional hypnotherapist who has a prominent history in the field.

Help with Cancer

You dont have to do cancer self-help all by yourself. A self-hypnosis recording developed by a professional is an ideal complement to your treatment plan. You can fight your condition using medical interventions paired with hypnosis in order to treat the illness with your mind and body.

An outstanding selection is by the legendary Duncan McColl. His recordings are masterful, offer the relief you need and the guidance you want. Duncans recording can be found here – Help With Cancer

Kathy Welter-Nichols is another talented hypnotherapist who is a master of visualization. Her recording is available here – Fight Cancer Other valuable selections are available here – Cancer Self-Help

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Praline Pecans: A Great Snack For Cacncer Survival Author:

Praline Pecans: A Great Snack For Cacncer Survival Author: Benjamin Bradley

Pralines and nougats are almost of the same type, they only differ in the preparation of the ingredient. Like nougats, pralines are almost always chewy but sometimes it can have a hard consistency, depending on the composition it was made of. Nougats are usually used in chocolates and candy bars like praline pecan.

There are two variations of nougat:

1. White nougat because it is made up of egg whites beaten to have a soft consistency.
2. Brown nougat since it is made from caramelized sugar, thus, making it firmer and crunchy.

Praline in Other Parts of the World

In most parts of Europe, pralines are made from hazelnuts and almonds. Back in the seventeenth century when pralines originated in France, the original recipe was almonds based with a sweet coating of caramelized sugar. In Belgium, Netherlands and Germany, praline is the term used for filled chocolates. In the United Kingdom, pralines are either the chocolate filling or the whole nut pralines. In Louisiana and Texas, praline mixture is incorporated with cream and pecan nuts. Praline candies are more popular in New Orleans and other cities in the Deep South like South Carolina, Savannah, Charleston and Georgia.

Praline Pecans Creation

Praline pecans’ basic ingredients are granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, cream, vanilla, and of course pecan. The use of pecan nuts is one variation made by the United States since pecans are abundant in the southern regions of the country. But no matter what type of nut is used, still praline pecans are delicious treats and addicting.

The confection made of pecan nut kernels are stirred and mixed in boiling sugar syrup until it is crisp and brown. Its rich creamy taste makes the praline pecan’s flavor different but deliciously tasting than any other delicacy. Once you taste it, you will agree that nothing will ever beat the sweet taste of praline pecans.

Praline Pecans for the Holidays

Praline pecan has been around the bend for quite some time. Its origin dates back some 200 years ago. Though it has developed other varieties, the original praline pecan remains to be the most loved. Its recipe has been passed on from generation to generation. And till now, praline pecan is still the all-time favorite holiday treat well-loved by families.

In the South, praline pecans are a Christmas tradition. It is the famous delicacy served during parties. It is given as gifts, too. If you live in New Orleans near the French Market, you can watch how this delicacy is made. But if you can, it is easy to make them yourself, if you know and you have the “right touch.”

Tanner’s Pecan and Candies has the best praline pecan in town. You do not need to look anywhere else, because here, you will be offered many choices of pecan nut products. For an absolutely sure delectable goodness of praline pecans and other pecan candied products. Grab a bite now of the best praline pecans at our very own Tanner’s Pecan and Candies.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Condensed Review of Osteosarcoma Among Youth Author:

Condensed Review of Osteosarcoma Among Youth Author: Trevor Price

Childhood osteosarcoma is a form of malignant bone cancer and the 6th most common form of cancer in children under the age of 15. The disease affects over 500 adults and 400 children every year, with a two-thirds survival rate.

Causes of Osteosarcoma

Unfortunately, the causes behind osteosarcoma are not known. Theories exist about environmental triggers such as fluoride in drinking water or exposure to radium.

Symptoms Associated with Osteosarcoma

Typically, the most common side effect associated with osteosarcoma is pain, often emanating from the tumor location. Larger tumors, particularly those on the knees, can appear as swelling. In addition, because the affected bone is usually weaker, it’s more susceptible to breaking.

Over 50% of all cases of childhood osteosarcoma occur around the knee area.

Risk Factors

Age

The risk for developing osteosarcoma peaks during the adolescent growth period. Some researchers think that there may be a correlation between rapid bone growth development and a child’s risk for developing the cancer.

Gender of the Patient

Osteosarcoma typically occurs in males and is seen twice as frequently as in young women.

Exposure to Radiation

If a patient has been subjected to radiation treatment for other cancers or conditions, they will have a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Additional Bone Diseases

Patients who have suffered from other bone diseases, like Paget’s disease of the bone, have an increased risk of being diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Typically though, this occurs in adults and is rare with children.

Genetics

Childhood osteosarcoma is often more prevalent in children with certain rare cancer syndromes that are inherited – such as retinoblastoma or Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Types of Osteosarcoma

There are three sub-types of osteosarcoma that can be recognized by how they appear on X-rays and under a microscope. Some of these sub-types have a better prognosis than others.

The three sub-types of osteosarcoma are high-grade, intermediate and low grade. High-grade is a conventional development of the disease characterized by small cell formation. Intermediate grade is periosteal, meaning the membrane around the bones is affected. Low grade is also periosteal, but also includes low grade intrasseous.

How Osteosarcoma is Treated

Osteosarcoma is occasionally treated with surgery – at which point the afflicted limb or a portion of the afflicted limb is amputated. Usually, the patient or parents of the patient choose to use the same surgeon for both the biopsy and the therapeutic surgery.

Patients or the parents of patients should consult with their surgeon about the best method and how best to remove the cancer while saving as much use of the affected arm or leg as possible.

Despite the prevalence of surgery, most cases of childhood osteosarcoma are treated with chemotherapy in conjunction with surgery. There are a variety of drugs used in osteosarcoma chemotherapy programs, with each dose determined by the individual patient and disease.

A child suffering from this affliction – and the parents of this child -have very difficult decisions to make when presented with options of chemotherapy and surgery. Those facing the prospect of an amputation should definitely seek a second medical opinion before moving forward.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags:

Mesothelioma Stages: the Butchart System Author: Patricia

July 18th, 2010 admin No comments

Mesothelioma Stages: the Butchart System Author: Patricia Woloch

The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other conditions, making diagnosis complicated. Yet, it is these complications that lead physicians to discover the unique features of a given disease, that, once isolated, make it possible to identify the specific disease and make a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

And, so it is with mesothelioma. Diagnosis starts with a medical history review, examination, and diagnostic testing. During your medical history review and examination you will learn facts that he will use as clues to direct him. Your symptoms, your work history, and likelihood of exposure to asbestos and other facts, combined, will give him an idea what to look for, and thus, a list of diagnostic tests to run that will give him the foundation for a his diagnosis. If he suspects mesothelioma, you can expect the following list of tests to be done:

X-rays of chest, abdomen or both

Pulmonary function tests (to measure breathing capacity)

CAT scan or MRI

Biopsy (if a mass is present it is needed to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis)

Progression of Mesothelioma

Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, its progression is measured by classifying symptoms into four stages, called staging. Staging systems measure the extent that the primary mass has spread within the body. It does not account for secondary tumors or complications caused by the cancer. All staging systems describe the stages that originate from the pleura, since over 80% of mesothelioma cases manifest in the pleura. Only two are used for peritoneal mesothelioma. The Butchart System is not used to stage peritoneal mesothelioma or mesothelioma originating in other organs (see TNM system.)

Staging

Of the three main staging systems for mesothelioma, the Butchart System, named for Dr. Eric Butchart who developed it, is the oldest.

Stage 1

At this stage, the primary tumor is isolated to the pleura on one side or the other, and possibly the diaphragm on that same side. It may also have reached the pericardium, the mesothelial membrane encasing the heart.

Stage 2

At this stage the primary mass is present in both lungs, and may have spread to other organs or lymph nodes within the chest cavity.

Stage 3

The primary mass has entered the peritoneum through the diaphragm. It may also have spread to lymph nodes outside of the chest cavity.

Stage 4

This stage is called distant metastatic cancer as it has spread to other parts of the body by way of the blood stream.

Treatment of mesothelioma varies by stage ranging from surgery, radiation and clinical trial in Stage I, to draining the excess fluid from the chest or abdomen, palliative surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a clinical trial of a combination of these treatments.

Categories: Uncategorized Tags: