Archive for January, 2007

Posted on Jan 31st, 2007

Keep yourself abreast of facts about lung cancer, as the statistics of affliction are staggering and in most cases, lung cancer can even be prevented. Cancer, the dreaded disease, is a malady marked by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which rapidly destroy healthy tissue. Although changes in the lung begin almost immediately upon exposure to carcinogens, lung cancer takes years to develop.

In fact, Mesothelioma research news states that the period of the onset of Mesothelioma cancer could be from 10 to 60 years from the time of exposure to asbestos.

What Do We Know About Lung Cancer So Far?

Lung cancer facts indicate that most people afflicted with the disease are those over fifty who have been smoking for a long period. Research news points out that the symptoms of lung cancer are dependant on several factors, including the location of the tumor in the lung. A chronic cough, repeated lung infections, wheezing, chest pain - any or all of these may be indicative of lung cancer.

Cigarette smoke, with its high concentration of carcinogens, inhaled by both smokers and nonsmokers is the leading cause of lung cancer. Facts about environmental exposure to Radon compounded with smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. Another principal cause of lung cancer is occupational exposure to carcinogens like asbestos, which has been documented in many Mesothelioma lung cancer cases.

Treatment of lung cancer is currently limited in its efficacy. Different types of carcinomas involve different regions of the lung, giving rise to different symptoms, and requiring different lines of treatment.

Lung cancer treatment is also different in cases where cancer cells spread from other organs to the lungs. Apart from surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy in cancer treatment, oncogene research results are positive in their efforts to find drugs that "turn off" the abnormal genes, ending cancer growth.

Lung cancer statistics are in your hands - Do something about it.

Holding your hand in your hour of need, Jon Butt is the publisher of The Mesothelioma Guide, a free resource of Mesothelioma support, advice and legal help along with alternative remedies, natural supplements and more. From mesothelioma treatments to clinics, specialist doctors to hospitals, we help you and your family cope with life by supplying the facts that you need.

Posted on Jan 30th, 2007

There is a new way to treat lung cancer with four-dimensional protons. Sounds way out and kind of science fiction like, but there is some validity to the theory and on-going research. The 4D Proton treatment is different than that of the x-rays traditionally used in radiation type therapies. Protons can potentially obliterate lung tumors without damaging as much localized healthy tissue. There is currently lots of discussion of putting this new technology to work and it has been brought up at the American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting in Seattle.

In fact a small study was already done on four patients using protons to treat lung cancer. X-ray cancer therapies use multiple beams, which also go thru non-cancerous tissue harming the lungs and tissue as they exit. The positively charged subatomic protons only move a small distance thru the body. Right now it is a bit hard to control the Protons trajectories, however the science is a viable option in the future with further research. By using a 4D methodology they can deal with the expanding and contracting of the lung during the process similar to the approach used in the X-ray version of the treatment.

This treatment is not yet available but should be within a year or two, with clinical trials moving forward. The four patients who were tested on were at the Massachusetts General Hospital saw significant results in all cases. Now an algorithm needs to be develop which can guestimate the trajectory of the protons to be displayed during the operation so that the treatment is fired accurately. It is assumed that this can be done soon and it will be great to have a better process available to beat lung cancer. We are progressing well medically as a nation. Think on this.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/

Posted on Jan 29th, 2007

Mesothelioma - Symptoms and Solutions

Symptoms of Mesothelioma can be latent in the body for years. And even when the symptoms do become evident, the symptoms are so general that they can easily be misdiagnosed. The symptoms of this disease can even be confused with pneumonia during its early stages, making it difficult to diagnose. It is therefore important for patients to inform their doctor if they have been exposed to asbestos at any point

Types of Mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma are common forms of Mesothelioma. The rarest form of this disease is pericardial mesothelioma

What are some of the symptoms?

Shortness of breath and chest pains are common. This may be accompanied by a persistent cough. Those with Pleural Mesothelioma may also experience severe breathing difficulty, weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a rasping voice and start coughing up blood. However, there are other patients that may not show any significant symptoms at all.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma can display abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. They can also suffer breathing problems, and chest pain.

Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations.

What causes this?

With Pleural Mesothelioma the build up of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. This is known as pleural effusion. This type of the disease starts in the chest cavity and can then spread to other parts of the body.

In patients with peritoneal mesothelioma the disease starts in the abdomen and can spread from there. These symptoms result from tumours that lean against the abdominal wall. Bowel obstruction, anaemia, fever and problems with blood clotting may also affect peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, starts in the cavity surrounding the heart. With pericardial mesothelioma, the tumours grow in the tissues that surround the heart and can spread from there.

For information on ways to treat Mesothelioma go to: http://www.topmesotheliomalawyer.com/Mesothelioma_Information.php

Caterina Christakos is a published author and internet publisher. Her background is in marriage and family counseling and law.

Posted on Jan 28th, 2007

There are many forms of treatment for Mesothelioma. Their effectiveness is on a cases by case basis. Here are five possible treatments that have been used:

1) Surgery - this is where the cancerous tissue is cut out. In extreme cases where the cancer has spread to the lungs, a lung may be removed.

2) Gene therapy (still in clinical trials) - this is where a "suicide gene" is inserted into the cancer making those cells susceptible to drugs that can be used to kill the malignant cells, leaving the healthy ones behind.

3) Radiation Therapy - high energy x-rays are directed at the cancer cells to kill these cells and/or shrink the tumors.

4) Chemotherapy - drugs are placed directly into the bloodstream through pills or injection. In Mesothelioma cases these drugs can be injected into the chest cavity.

5) Intraoperative Photodynamic therapy - uses drugs and light therapy is used during surgery.The patient is injected with drugs 3 days before surgery. These drugs make them sensetive to light. A special light is shined on the cancer cells during surgery.

Speak to your doctor about the risks involved with each procedure and which would be appropriate for your individual case.

For more information go to: http://www.topmesotheliomalawyer.com/Mesothelioma_Physicians.php

Caterina Christakos is a published author and internet publisher. For more information on the types of Mesothelioma and its treatments go to: http://www.topmesotheliomalawyer.com/

Posted on Jan 27th, 2007

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the ground and mined all over the world. It is so small it can only be identified under a microscope. In the past, asbestos was added to various products such as insulation to increase fire resistant properties. Asbestos exposure, especially of an extended duration, has been linked to mesothelioma and other health problems, including lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects cells in the lining of the chest and abdomen. The tissues in these areas are called the mesothelium, and they produce a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move easily and without irritation or injury in the torso cavity.

Asbestos fibers attach themselves to the lining of the lungs or other parts of the respiratory tract and remain there indefinitely. Asbestos is most dangerous when it is airborne. The fibers are small and light and can stay afloat for a long time and can travel great distances from their source. Since asbestos fibers are microscopic and airborne, people can breathe in asbestos fibers for many years without realizing it. Workers in environments in which construction materials, especially insulation, are handled are at greatest risk. Starting in the 1940s, workers, unaware of the danger, regularly handled and were exposed to large amounts of asbestos, often for long durations. Trades that involved especially high levels of exposure included asbestos production related fields like mining, milling, asbestos tile manufacture, and the manufacture of products that used asbestos. Other industries with high levels of possible exposure included shipbuilding, construction, car repair, and any form of demolition. Today, worker’s exposure to asbestos has been reduced due to government regulations. Still, however, demolition workers are at risk when they disturb antiquated materials that contain asbestos in older structures. It can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms of an asbestos related disease to surface.

Critics have charged that asbestos manufacturers knew of the dangers of asbestos exposure many years before alerting the public of potential health risks. Despite the dangers associated with asbestos, the substance can still be found in thousands of products today. Because of its airborne mobility, its microscopic size and harmful properties, professional assistance is required to remove asbestos. There are professional abatement services that will remove asbestos from homes or other buildings. Asbestos is most harmful when the structure containing it is disturbed, releasing asbestos fibers into the air.

Some observers contend that asbestos product liability lawsuits have resulted in over $100 billion in claims and bankrupted over 100 companies.

Wayne Walker is president of CapTran, the leader in litigation financial services. http://www.captran.com

© 2005 Capital Transaction Group Inc

Posted on Jan 26th, 2007

The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were all aware of the health dangers of asbestos. It seems strange that the asbestos industry in many parts of the world chose to ignore the risks.

Even if the ancient wisdom had been lost, insurance companies were refusing to insure asbestos workers, or charging higher premiums for them by the 1920’s. 50 Years later some companies in the asbestos industry were still doing nothing to protect their workers.

To be fair, the workers themselves had the same access to information as the companies, so must also take responsibility for their actions in deciding to work in a dangerous industry. In many respects that decision was similar to the decision that many people still take on a daily basis today - to smoke a cigarette. The apparent benefit of taking home a pay check overrode the distant possibility of death for those workers and their families, just as the immediate pleasure of a cigarette does for smokers today.

Having said that I believe that the employers have a duty to ensure that their workers are in as safe an environment as possible, and that they are aware of the risks, so that if they decide to work there, they are making an informed decision. Clearly this did not always happen, and as a result the industry is going through a series of lawsuits, where people who have become ill are suing for compensation. Many companies around the world have already gone bankrupt as a result of this, and the process appears to be continuing. In the US there is legislation proposed to pay compensation from a central fund, but this proposal seems unlikely to succeed because of the level of agreement that will be required on how the money in the fund will be collected.

Both workers and employers in all types of business would do well to reflect on this sorry saga where no-one with the possible exception of a few lawyers, will ever feel that their decision to either work in, or employ people in a dangerous environment, was justified.

The asbestos site makes it easy to find the information you need if you think you may have been exposed to asbestos. To receive your free 35 page support guide visit the asbestos cancer website.

Posted on Jan 25th, 2007

As with any other form of treatment, Mesotherapy can have Side Effects. Some mild and transient Side Effects that may occur after a Mesotherapy session include swelling, bruising and pain or itching at the injection site. These typically subside in a few hours to a few days. One compound that causes such swelling when injected is the compound lecithin. Some mesotherapists recommend the homeopathic drug arnica to reduce swelling. However, its action has not been scientifically proven. More often, patients are advised to wear loose-fitting clothing, and to avoid exercise for up to two or three days following a Mesotherapy treatment.

Other Side Effects at the injection site can include scarring, pigmentation, or ulcer formation. Sometimes, patients may feel a small lump under the injection site, which reduces or disappears after a few weeks. When non-sterile injection techniques are used, infections may occur, some of which may be potentially serious. Most of these infections have been reported from some South American countries, where unlicensed individuals administer Mesotherapy treatments. It is therefore preferable to receive Mesotherapy from a board-certified physician who practices good infection control.

Mesotherapy patients may have local or systemic allergic reactions to any of the compounds that are injected. These can range from mild to potentially life-threatening. Trained clinicians know how to recognize such reactions, and can promptly administer appropriate treatment. This is another reason it is advisable to go to reputable Mesotherapy clinics. There are occasional reports of unusual skin conditions, including psoriasis, in the scientific literature. Some of these are attributed to the mixing of compounds that may interact with each other.

It is unclear what exactly happens to the fat that is dissolved in Mesotherapy treatments for cellulite and localized fat removal. While Mesotherapy advocates claim this fat is broken down and excreted, such claims remain scientifically unproven.

Mesotherapy provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.

Posted on Jan 24th, 2007

Mesotherapy is used to treat several conditions, including cellulite, localized fat deposits, facial and neck wrinkles, acne, hair loss and stretch marks. Injections of various natural or synthetic compounds are introduced with a tiny needle into the mesoderm, or layer of fatty and connective tissue immediately below the skin. Most people are able to tolerate the slight pain felt during an injection. For people with a low pain threshold, injections can be given under local anesthesia.

Mesotherapy is thought to improve the appearance of cellulite, or superficial fat deposits, through several complementary mechanisms. Fat cells are broken down, new fat is prevented from forming, damaged connective tissue that creates the dimpling effect is broken down, and blood circulation is improved. The end result is a smoothening of the skin.

To treat more localized fat deposits, such as love handles, a compound called phosphatidlycholine is commonly injected. This compound is a ‘good’ fat that is naturally produced by the body. When injected into an area with excess fat, it acts by stimulating the removal of stored fat, and blocking the deposition of newly formed fat.

Mesolifts, or facelifts using Mesotherapy, involve the injection of vitamins below facial and neck skin. These vitamins are thought to stimulate the formation of collagen and elastin, two proteins make skin elastic and firm, and to also improve skin circulation. Similar treatments can be used for other parts of the body where the skin can develop wrinkles or may sag, such as the neck and hands.

The benefits of Mesotherapy include minimal invasiveness and no recovery time. Since very small amounts of drugs or other substances are injected, the potential for side effects may be substantially reduced. However, like any other treatment, Mesotherapy can have side effects. Bruising, allergies and infection are some possible side effects.

Mesotherapy provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.

Posted on Jan 23rd, 2007

Mesotherapy Products include a variety of substances that are injected during treatment, and injection devices used to deliver these substances to target areas. Substances used for treatment may be allopathic drugs, homeopathic compounds, vitamins, herbal extracts, or other compounds.

For cellulite treatment and localized fat reduction, practitioners use compounds that efficiently remove fat from cells and move this fat into the general circulation, to be burned during metabolism or excreted. Phosphatidlycholine, or lecithin, is one such compound, and is widely used. Caffeine, L-carnitine and the asthma drug aminophylline are other compounds used for fat reduction. Natural compounds such as artichoke stimulate lymphatic flow to remove fat. Tiratricol, a drug that was originally developed to treat some types of thyroid cancer, is also an efficient fat burner.

For mesolifts or facelifts using mesotherapy, several drugs are available for injection under facial skin to improve skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Estrogen derivatives such as 17 B-estradiol stimulate new collagen formation. Glycosaminoglycans is a natural compound that forms linkages between collagen fibers. Naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid are also used for mesolifts.

The action of many compounds used in mesotherapy is thought to be enhanced by adding other compounds that increase or improve local circulation. Some such circulation-enhancing compounds are pentoxifylline, buflomedil, and the naturally occurring gingko biloba. To reduce pain during mesotherapy injections, local anesthetics may be added to the injection ‘mix’.

A number of specialized injection delivery devices have been developed for mesotherapy. These ensure that the needle only penetrates to a certain depth under the skin, typically two to six millimeters. Some devices are specially fitted for smaller syringes and needles, while others can be used with larger needles. Automated devices often come with dose selection options.

Mesotherapy provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.

Posted on Jan 22nd, 2007

Mesotherapy Injections are usually given with tiny small-bore needles. The injections go to a depth of a few millimeters below the skin, to a layer of fat and connective tissue called the mesoderm. Patients describe Mesotherapy Injections as being relatively painless when compared to conventional injections. The amount of pain felt depends on each patient’s pain threshold and whether a local anesthetic is used during the procedure. Injections are said to feel like a brief burning sensation, an ant bite, or a bee sting. The number of injections given depends on the duration of treatment, which in turn depends on the area being treated and the extent of the condition. Most mesotherapy treatments range from four to ten sessions. Each session is typically one to two weeks apart.

Compounds that are injected depend on what condition is being treated. Very often, mesotherapists add the active compound to treat a particular condition to a base containing local anesthetic and a compound that causes blood vessels in the area to dilate. This helps reduce pain, and improves local circulation in the area to allow the active compound to reach its target cells. The actual compounds themselves may be fat reduction agents, vitamins, muscle relaxants, enzymes, hormones, or some other substance. While the US Food and Drug Administration has approved most of these compounds for use on humans, they are not approved for use in mesotherapy because mesotherapy itself is not considered a formal part of allopathic medicine in the US.

Like any other injections, Mesotherapy Injections carry the risk of side effects including infection, local allergic reactions, bruising, swelling and pain. Infections are usually caused by non-sterile injection practices, and are more common among patients of unlicensed mesotherapy practitioners.

Mesotherapy provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.

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