symptoms of mesothelioma

Minggu, 26 Desember 2010

Weight Loss

Managing symptoms of any disease may even be a greater battle than that of the disease itself. Devastating symptoms can compromise overall health, and affect an individual’s ability to cope with daily life. With mesothelioma, one of the major symptoms of both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is weight loss.

Though weight loss may be dismissed at first, as the disease progresses, the weight loss may become more dramatic and further weaken the patient. Depending on where the cancer is lodged, extreme weight loss can be explained, understood and managed. With malignant mesothelioma, weight loss happens as a result of the effect of the cancer on the organs that are involved.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer comprising the majority of mesothelioma diagnoses. Essentially, the lining of the lung or pleura is ravaged with carcinogenic cells. However, a little less common, peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common mesothelioma diagnosis, where the lining of the abdominal cavity is affected. The rarest mesothelioma cancer is pericardial mesothelioma, where the protective sac surrounded the heart is damaged.

Extreme weight loss as a symptom is often mistaken for another disorder called anorexia nervosa. However, as a symptom of a greater disease, like mesothelioma, extreme weight loss is triggered by serious, underlying conditions. As a symptom of mesothelioma cancer, it is not a neurological disorder, but results from a mechanical or physiological dysfunction. Anorexia nervosa is a devastating disease but is not a symptom of mesothelioma. Individuals suffering from mesothelioma have difficulty ingesting food and liquid rather than choosing not to eat, and the resulting weight loss can be drastic.

To understand weight loss as a symptom of mesothelioma, it is important to look at the various organs that are affected. The mesothelium is a lining in the body cavities. The pleura mesothelium lines the lungs; the peritoneum mesothelium lines the abdominal wall; and the pericardium lines the heart. All mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium, and each type of mesothelioma affects a different lining of the affected organ. Mesothelium cells can become abnormal, especially after a prolonged exposure to asbestos, divide uncontrolled, becoming cancerous. This process is known as carcinogenesis or the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. These cells can metastasize, affecting other, adjacent organs.

With the two most common forms of mesothelioma, pleural and peritoneal, weight loss signifies variants in the presentation of the cancer.

Pleural mesothelioma weight loss may be due to a combination of other symptoms. Severe cases of dysphagia or difficulty swallowing food or liquids can lead to weight loss. In extreme cases, dysphagia can lead to malnutrition, dehydration and anorexia. Weight naturally fluctuates in a healthy individual, but if the weight loss is more than just a couple of pounds it is not normal and there may be a more severe underlying medical problem.

However, minimal weight loss with pleural mesothelioma may be overlooked and considered normal. If other symptoms, like dysphagia, are present the weight loss may be accounted for. Further, if the onset of weight loss is not within an individual’s normal fluctuating range and is new or progressing quickly, pleural mesothelioma may be the cause.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity and can cause pain and weight loss. The pain may trigger an individual to not want to eat, or it may be too painful to eat. With additional pressure on the abdominal cavity, the stomach may have more difficulty with digestion.

In peritoneal mesothelioma, the peritoneum is the membrane or lining of the abdominal cavity, composed of mesothelium – The peritoneum reinforces the abdominal organs, and is a channel for blood, lymph nodes and nerves. The visceral peritoneum is the inner protective lining around the abdominal organs, while the parietal peritoneum is outer layer, lining the abdominal cavity. As the abdominal cavity swells from the metastasizing cells, pain in the stomach may result in an inability to eat.

As advances in treatment for mesothelioma are gaining momentum, the aggressive symptoms, like weight loss, are hard to ignore. Working and living with the symptoms can be as challenging as battling the disease. As with treatment, the prognosis for mesothelioma cancer changes as more medical advancements are made. Early detection and monitoring of developing symptoms is always the best way to fight any devastating disease.

If moderate or extreme weight loss is noticed, seek medical attention.

Sabtu, 25 Desember 2010

Pleural Effusion

If an individual presents symptoms of shortness of breath, dysphagia or difficulty swallowing and chest pain, a medical professional should inquire whether there is a history of prolonged asbestos exposure. With this combination, asbestos disease is usually the diagnosis. However, in some cases, the asbestos disease can progress into mesothelioma.

With mesothelioma, an effusion is a common symptom that can inhibit the normal function of the affected organ. In some cases, the presentation of an effusion signals advancement of the disease or malignant mesothelioma. In addition, effusion may result from a secondary condition like pneumonia or other lung diseases.

The mesothelium is the protective linings surrounding different body cavities. The pleura are the lining around the lung region, peritoneum surrounds the abdominal cavity and the pericardium surrounds the heart sac. Effusion is common with pleural mesothelioma.

Simply put, an effusion is a large amount of fluid. The presence of it is a symptom of a greater disease. For mesothelioma patients, effusion is common and can affect the pleura or pericardium. Fluid collects in the lining between the lungs and chest cavity with a pleural effusion.

Normally, a small amount of lubricating fluid is found in the pleura, pericardium or peritoneum. This fluid comes from the surrounding tissue and vessels. If the fluid exceeds the normal amount – usually a couple of teaspoons – and is not evacuated naturally, an effusion occurs.

If an effusion is present, the collection and retention of fluid inhibits the function of the organ that it is affecting. With pleural effusion – exudate pleural effusion – extreme pressure on the lungs prevents normal breathing and can cause wheezing or shortness of breath.

Exudate pleural effusion is caused by inflammation of the lung from a tumor growth. Sometimes a transudate pleural effusion occurs with mesothelioma when fluid leaks from distressed blood vessels. Often, mesothelioma cancers present symptoms of both transudate and exudate pleural effusion.

The risk with a pleural effusion includes collapsing of the lung or atelectasis. The lung is unable to fully expand, inhabiting breathing. Collection of fluid in the pleura can also lead to pneumonia or other lung disorders, and can present along with pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of effusion includes shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, fatigue or rapid heartbeat. Some individuals experience a drowning or suffocating sensation with a pleural effusion.

Diagnosis of a pleural effusion includes an individual’s medical history, exam and a chest x-ray. Shadows surrounding the lung in a chest x-ray usually point to an effusion.

Chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma can relieve effusion. However, in some cases, if the effusion is severe, the fluid may be drained through a surgically inserted chest tube.

With the constant advancements in research, the survival rate for mesothelioma has drastically improved over the years. Effusion is a serious symptom that may further exacerbate other symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. If an individual presents classic signs of an effusion accompanied by symptoms common with mesothelioma and a history of asbestos exposure, seek immediate medical attention.

Senin, 20 Desember 2010

Peritoneal Effusion

As mesothelioma cancer develops, individuals may present health issues that appear to be asymptomatic. Generalized abdominal or chest pain with difficulty breathing may appear to be a lung-related infection.

It is imperative that with any individuals who may have been exposed to asbestos discloses that information directly with their primary care physician. Often, asymptomatic individuals may dismiss the symptoms as something common, and when symptoms rapidly progress, the diagnosis may be devastating. Early detection and diagnosis for pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma can drastically improve an individual’s overall prognosis. Without early detection, an individual may be subjected to malignant mesothelioma.

An effusion is a large amount of fluid, and is not a condition in of itself, but rather a symptom of a greater disease. For mesothelioma patients, effusion is a common presentation and can affect the pleura, peritoneum or pericardium. The mesothelium is the protective linings surrounding different body cavities. The pleura are the lining around the lung region, peritoneum surrounds the abdominal cavity and the pericardium surrounds the heart sac. Effusion is common with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Normally, a small amount of lubricating fluid is found in the peritoneum. This fluid comes from the surrounding tissue and vessels. If the fluid exceeds the normal amount – usually a couple of teaspoons – an individual may have an effusion.

If an effusion is present, the collection and retention of fluid inhibits the function of the organ. Abdominal pain can signal an effusion, though pain may also be associated with other conditions of the pelvic region and should be ruled out during a medical examination.

Like the pleura and pericardium, there is a small amount of fluid normally found between the parietal and visceral peritoneum. As with other forms of mesothelioma, when the peritoneum becomes inflamed due to cancer or cancerous growths, an effusion can occur.

Pain from a peritoneal effusion can come from the rapid fluid retention in the peritoneum, though individuals may present other symptoms including weight loss, abdominal swelling or bowel obstruction. With peritoneal effusion, weight loss may occur because of the increased pressure on the stomach, an individual may have pain or difficulty eating. Swelling of the abdomen may also place pressure on the bladder and intestines. Seemingly unassociated symptoms – like difficulty evacuating the bladder or bowels – may present before an effusion is diagnosed. Other symptoms of effusion include shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, fatigue or rapid heartbeat.

With some individuals, if the effusion is severe, the fluid may be drained through a surgically inserted chest tube. This has been proven to immediately provide symptom relief to effusion sufferers. Commonly, treatment for mesothelioma cancer, including chemotherapy, has been shown to relieve peritoneal effusion.

With the recent advancements in research, the prognosis for mesothelioma has dramatically improved over the years.

Effusion is a serious symptom that may further exacerbate other symptoms of mesothelioma cancers. If an individual presents classic signs of an effusion accompanied by symptoms common with mesothelioma and a history of asbestos exposure, seek immediate medical attention.

Jumat, 17 Desember 2010

Nausea

Currently, all types of mesothelioma cancers comprise of one percent of the total cancer diagnoses, though the medical community expects that number to increase rapidly over the next couple of decades. With prolonged and persistent asbestos or erionite exposure, the particles can become attached to the mesothelium or lining of the internal organs and incubate over decades. However, there are rare mesothelioma cancer diagnoses where asbestos exposure was not present in an individual’s history.

There are three types of mesothelioma cancer, and the type depends on the nature of the asbestos exposure and what mesothelium is affected. If asbestos particles are inhaled and become lodged in the mesothelium of the lungs, an individual may eventually develop pleural mesothelioma. With this form of mesothelioma cancer, the lungs are affected, and if the cancer metastasizes, other adjacent organs may become cancerous.

The second most common form of mesothelioma cancer affects the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. In this case, asbestos particles are inhaled or unintentionally ingested and become attached to the mesothelium of the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma cancer, where the mesothelium or sac encasing the heart is affected.

Since the abdomen and adjacent organs are affected with peritoneal mesothelioma, nausea and vomiting caused by nausea is a common, often primary complaint, along with increased abdominal pain. In most cases of pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma, nausea and vomiting are not as common, but can be present as a secondary symptom.

If an individual begins to have regular, consistent bouts of nausea, it is critical to immediately figure out the source. Nausea is a common symptom of many gastrointestinal conditions including food poisoning or a stomach infection. For individuals presenting nausea along with other symptoms of mesothelioma cancer, a medical examination is necessary to rule out other possible conditions.

In either pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma, nausea may be an acute or chronic condition. Acute nausea has a quick onset and may not be persistent or regular. Acute nausea may progress into a chronic symptom, where nausea is unrelenting and continuous. With some individuals, nausea may cause vomiting and difficulty eating. Some individuals may even experience loss of appetite because of chronic nausea. Management of nausea and other related symptoms of mesothelioma are critical to the overall health, vitality and prognosis of an individual.

As with all symptoms of mesothelioma, individuals may experience several symptoms concurrently or new symptoms may arise. Further, most of the symptoms associated with mesothelioma cancers are interconnected; nausea may cause weight loss or dysphagia may heighten nausea symptoms. Risks of nausea include dehydration, loss of appetite and weight loss. Any side effect of nausea should also be treated to not exacerbate the condition.

One of the most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma is nausea and may be caused by the new, additional pressure placed on the stomach and abdomen by carcinogenetic cells in the mesothelium.

With all malignant mesothelioma cancers, in some individuals, nausea may be caused by chest, abdominal or heart pain. Severe pain may cause some individuals to become nauseous and often can cause vomiting.

For individuals experiencing nausea, it is important to monitor the totality of the symptoms and duration. Nausea may progress from acute and intermittent to chronic and constant. Any pain associated with bouts of nausea should also be noted, for it may signal other more serious, underlying conditions, like mesothelioma.

Nausea is a common and important symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma, and progression of the nausea may indicate metastasized cells invading other organs. Cases of all types of mesothelioma cancer may peak in the next several decades because of the long latency period that characterizes the disease. Fortunately, the medical community continues to make important progress in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma cancer.

The prognosis for malignant mesothelioma continues to improve, along with all of the other advancements stemming from the on-going research.

If nausea becomes persistent, painful and interrupts daily life, seek medical attention. Other, more common ailments may be the cause of the nausea, though it is sometimes a symptom of a much more serious disease.

Senin, 13 Desember 2010

Hemoptysis

As the widespread use of asbestos-containing products lingers in recent memory, the effects of devastating exposure to airborne asbestos particles have become more prominent. The connection between the pervasive use of asbestos and, at the time, a seemingly innocuous and durable mineral, will mean more individuals will be diagnosed with mesothelioma over time. Between the widespread use of the product and the incubation period – sometimes as long as forty years – mesothelioma diagnoses should rise steadily over the next several years.

Along with expanding medical research into the causes and treatment of mesothelioma, understanding and recognizing the symptoms is important. Early recognition is tantamount to a better prognosis for mesothelioma cancer.

Most of the symptoms of mesothelioma are interconnected, though one of the most distressing symptoms is hemoptysis or coughing up blood. With early detection and and careful monitoring of developing symptoms, progressive hemoptysis can be prevented.

There are three types of mesothelioma affecting different parts of the body: pleural mesothelioma (lungs), pericardial mesothelioma (heart) and peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen). Hemoptysis presents, mainly, with pleural mesothelioma.

After exposure, asbestos particles become attached to the lungs, and remain there for decades. With pleural mesothelioma, the particles instigate a cellular chain-reaction, causing the pleura or the lining of the lungs to become cancerous. If left undetected or untreated, malignant mesothelioma may develop.

Early detection is paramount and can prevent an additional life threatening condition. Understanding the underlying structure of the lungs can help determine the cause of hemoptysis or whether hemoptysis is actually present. In some cases, bloodied mucus is mistaken for hemoptysis.

Through the trachea or windpipe, air travels into the lungs through the bronchi. Within the bronchi, air disseminates into smaller bronchioles, ending at the alveoli or tiny air sacs, surrounded by blood vessels. At the alveoli, air is divided into oxygen or waste. Oxygen is absorbed into the blood and waste or carbon dioxide is exhaled.

Hemoptysis can originate in the trachea, bronchi or lungs. A thorough examination of the color and consistency of the expectorated or coughed up blood will determine the source. Generally, bright red blood is from the respiratory tract, where dark red blood is from the gastrointestinal tract. Most cases of hemoptysis are considered minor and non-life-threatening.

It can be hard to distinguish hemoptysis from other types of minimal, internal bleeding. Blood vessels and other blood carriers are extremely fragile and can easily rupture. Sometimes bleeding in the upper respiratory tract or regurgitated blood from the gastrointestinal tract can mimic hemoptysis. This “pseudohemoptysis” often signals a different type of illness, and does not typically last.

Bloodied mucus typically is present with acute or chronic bronchitis or pneumonia, and overall, differs significantly from hemoptysis. However, these illnesses and other lung-related diseases could cause minor hemoptysis. Occasionally, hemoptysis is self-regulating and benign: if an individual coughs too hard, the blood vessels can rupture, causing a trace amount of blood to be expectorated. These cases are usually one-time and resolve on their own.

Major or massive hemoptysis is distinguished by the amount of blood expectorated in a period of time, typically a twenty-four hour period. Massive hemoptysis is life threatening where more than six hundred milliliters or two-and-a-half cups of blood are expectorated, which can lead to asphyxiation. Due to the volume coughed up, the lungs can become full of blood.

Minor hemoptysis caused by coughing and shortness of breath can signal a more severe, underlying health issue. As other early symptoms of mesothelioma cancer present – including shortness of breath, pain in the chest, coughing – hemoptysis may begin, slowly and irregularly. A little blood in expectorated mucus should not be ignored, especially if it becomes more persistent and the consistency changes.

If detected and treated early, progression of minor to major hemoptysis can be prevented. However, with pleural mesothelioma, massive hemoptysis can signal the rapid carcinogenesis or the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells.

Asbestos products are all but gone, but the damage left behind is devastating. The recent rise of mesothelioma cases is staggering but not surprising, considering the latency period associated with the disease and the rampant use of asbestos at one time in our Nation’s history.

With any individual expectorating blood should be seen by a medical professional immediately.

Minggu, 12 Desember 2010

Fluid Effusion

An effusion is a severe symptom of mesothelioma and if not treated, can lead to death. As with all types of mesothelioma, symptoms result from the unintentional and prolonged exposure to asbestos. Presentation of asbestos disease is often a precursor to mesothelioma.

With mesothelioma, effusion is a common symptom that can inhibit the normal function of the affected organ. In some cases, the presentation of an effusion signals advancement of the disease or malignant mesothelioma. In addition, an effusion may be a result of a secondary condition like pneumonia or other lung diseases.

For mesothelioma patients, an effusion is common and can affect the pleura or pericardium. Fluid collects in the lining between the lungs and chest cavity with a pleural effusion. In a pericardium effusion, fluid collects in the protective sac surrounding the heart. Normally, a small amount of lubricating fluid is found in the pericardium.

If an effusion is present, the collection and retention of fluid inhibits the function of the organ. With pleural effusion – exudate pleural effusion – extreme pressure on the lungs prevents normal breathing and can cause wheezing or shortness of breath. Exudate pleural effusion is caused by inflammation of the lung from a tumor growth. Sometimes a transudate pleural effusion occurs with mesothelioma when fluid leaks from distressed blood vessels. Often, mesothelioma cancers present symptoms of both transudate and exudate pleural effusion.

The risk of a pleural effusion includes collapsing of the lung or atelectasis. The lung is unable to fully expand, inhibiting breathing. Collection of fluid in the pleura can also lead to pneumonia or other lung disorders, and can present along with pleural mesothelioma.

A pericardial effusion, a common symptom of pericardial mesothelioma, is the collection of fluid in the surrounding sac of the heart, and is caused by inflammation or disease. Putting additional stress and pressure inhibits the proper function of the heart, leading to decreased blood and oxygen circulation. If the pericardial effusion is severe, it can lead to heart failure.

When fluid collects in the peritoneum – the lining around the abdominal cavity – it is a symptom of advanced peritoneal mesothelioma. Within the abdomen, the parietal peritoneum is the outer layer and visceral peritoneum is the inner layer. Parietal peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity, and visceral peritoneum surrounds the organs. Like the pericardium, there is a small amount of fluid normally found between the parietal and visceral peritoneum. As with other forms of mesothelioma, when the peritoneum becomes inflamed due to cancer or cancerous growths, an effusion can occur.

Symptoms of effusion include shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, fatigue or rapid heartbeat. Some individuals experience a drowning sensation with a pleural effusion. Chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma can relieve an effusion. However, in some cases, if the effusion is severe, the effusion may be drained.

Effusion is a serious symptom that may further exacerbate other symptoms of mesothelioma cancers. If an individual presents classic signs of an effusion, seek immediate medical attention.

Jumat, 10 Desember 2010

Dysphagia

Considered to be one of the primary symptoms of mesothelioma, dysphagia or difficultly swallowing can rapidly progress in an individual. However, many with a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis experience most, if not all, of the symptoms associated with this devastating disease. Many symptoms of mesothelioma are linked, causing a painful physiological chain reaction in the body.

Dysphagia is connected to several other symptoms of mesothelioma including chest pain, malnutrition, abnormal weight loss or in severe cases, anorexia.

Dysphagia presents in those diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of mesothelioma cancer. Since the mesothelium of the lungs is affected during the progression of the disease, individuals have difficulty breathing and swallowing.

With a rare form of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, the sac surrounding the heart is affected and an individual may also present dysphagia. As the increased pressure around the heart causes very little oxygen to pass, patients may experience shortness of breath and possibly develop dysphagia. With peritoneal mesothelioma – affecting the abdomen and possibly other organs including the liver and spleen – dysphagia may not be present.

Dysphagia is classified into two types, oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia. The classifications point to the origin of the dysphagia rather than any resulting symptoms. Typically, oropharyngeal dysphagia results from muscular, neurological or nerve dysfunctions. With an eventual mesothelioma diagnosis, individuals suffering from difficulty swallowing suffer from esophageal dysphagia. For pleural mesothelioma, esophageal dysphagia is a mechanical reaction to the growing mesothelium on the lungs.

Difficulty swallowing is the primary presentation of dysphagia, though many individuals also complain about coughing or choking during eating. As the carcinogenesis of the mesothelium progresses, pressure in the chest builds up which causes individuals to have difficulty breathing. Specifically, the expanding mesothelium places pressure on the esophagus, restricting breathing. From this, difficulty regulating breath leads to difficulty regulating swallowing. Breathing is imperative while eating and drinking, and if the lungs are beginning to compress, swallowing becomes challenging.

Primarily, dysphagia is characterized by difficulty swallowing, which often progresses to coughing while eating or drinking. Some individuals have difficulty swallowing solid food or liquids, but in some exceptional cases, dysphagia causes difficulty swallowing for both. Coughing during ingestion can lead to asphyxiation or food particles ingested directly into the lungs. If food is swallowed, it may be extremely painful as it travels to the stomach.

As the dysphagia worsens, individuals may experience sensations of choking, as if food is stuck in the throat or the chest. Usually this complaint occurs several seconds after swallowing and is a primary red flag for dysphagia. Further, individuals may drool, vomit or have food exit through their nose. Dysphagia may also develop into an aversion to food in some individuals, including temperatures of the food, flavors or textures.

As the dysphagia progresses, pleural mesothelioma sufferers may have occasional difficulty swallowing solid food, but can swallow liquids easily. Typically, as the mesothelioma cancer advances, individuals may begin to have trouble swallowing every time they eat, and may begin to have difficulty drinking. Soon, the pressure surrounding the esophagus is too great and liquids become difficult, if not, impossible to swallow.

If dysphagia progresses quickly, an individual will likely not be receiving the necessary proper nutrition to remain healthy and vibrant. This quick progression may lead to malnutrition, dehydration and abnormal weight loss. In some extreme cases, individuals with progressive dysphagia develop anorexia.

Malignant mesothelioma, regardless of type, is a devastating disease, which is made worse by its progressive, interconnected symptoms. If an individual is presenting early symptoms of dysphagia, seek immediate medical attention. Progressive dysphagia caused by a spreading mesothelioma cancer robs the sufferer from essential nutrients, hydration and calories, and may exacerbate any underlying causes.