Sunday 22 May 2011

Mesothelioma Surgery Options

It is unfortunate that taking biopsies from buildup of fluid when mesothelioma is suspected of not always conclusive. To ensure that indeed that the disease, mesothelioma surgery was then performed.

One of the less invasive method to perform thoracoscopy, which allows the surgeon to see the area when taking multiple tissue samples. He also can perform pleurodesis (removal of fluid accumulation) at that time if the tumor has not fill the pleural space. This procedure will almost always provide a definitive diagnosis. If this is not possible, biopsy, more invasive open to be done.

Another surgery for mesothelioma is video-assisted chest surgery. In this case, the surgeon makes a small incision, examining the pleural space using a camera, and take a sample which is then sent to a pathologist. This is not the preferred method, because it is more likely to spread the cancer cells than with those thoracoscopy.

When enlarged lymph nodes are found through any tests used imaging, mediastinoscopy is possible to state cancer rates in the area. If the imaging showed that the tumor had invaded the diaphragm, laparoscopy can be used. These procedures are needed to determine whether a patient should undergo extrapleural pneumonectomy or a pleurectomy.

mesothelioma palliative surgery is a procedure that treats the symptoms rather than aggressively attacking the disease. The pleurodesis mentioned above, the collision pleuroperitoneal, pleurectomy, and chest tube drainage, is a type of palliative surgery. The pleural effusion is usually the first symptom that sent the patient to the doctor to diagnose.

Unfortunately, fluid can back constantly if the pleural space is not closed. Powder or talc powder mixture used to complete the closure, by way of video-assisted thoracic surgery (vat). If a tumor that surrounds the lungs and limits the expansion, this method will not be effective.

There mesothelioma that are considered potentially curative surgery. In this case, the ideal is to remove all the disease, while understanding that some cancer cells may remain in the body. Adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy) and then used in hopes of killing remaining cells are left behind.

Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a very serious surgery that mesothelioma will only recommend if the medical team feel the patient has a good chance to survive and recover. They will consider the kidney and liver function, heart function, lung function, age and level of infiltration of cancer. If you have mesotheliom, this type of surgery should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor. You have to really understand both the risks and benefits possible.

While I could go into all the options available, which are required for long here. You can click below to learn more about mesothelioma surgery options, and what you need to know.

Mesothelioma and Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy in malignant mesothelioma is targeted towards patients who are not good candidates for surgery. Chemotherapy is mainly used to inhibit the growth or spread of cancer. Its use varies in different situations, and can be used as neoadjuvant, adjuvant or palliative in relation to the time of surgery or other treatment.

neoadjuvant chemotherapy refers to the use of chemotherapy before using other treatments, usually surgery. This strategy is used to help in shrinking the size of the tumor, so the level of success of any successful treatment will be higher. Chemotherapy can also be used after surgery. If used this way, is called adjuvant chemotherapy. It usually aims to eliminate microscopic residual disease. Finally, if chemotherapy is used to relieve certain symptoms in a patient, is referred to as palliative chemotherapy. It is reserved for patients with more advanced stages of malignant mesothelioma.

Combination chemotherapy drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is ALIMTA (pemetrexed) and Cisplatin. This combination is the first chemotherapy regimen for malignant pleural mesothelioma who have been approved by the FDA, and now the first line of treatment. This combination has been shown to prolong survival time of patients with an average of 3 months compared with a treatment regimen using cisplatin alone.

Before starting treatment with a combination / ALIMTA Cisplatin, patients are required to start supplementation with vitamin B12 and folate. Vitamin B12 should be given intramuscularly one week before treatment and repeated every 9 weeks during treatment. Folate is to be taken orally every day starting at the same time with vitamin B12 injections and continued until 21 days after the last cycle of ALIMTA. An oral steroid medication is also given to minimize the associated skin rash.

Schedule cycle of treatment with ALIMTA / cisplatin combination is every 21 days. Treatment consisted of 10-minute IV infusion followed by infusion of ALIMTA 2 hours Cisplatin. The number of cycles is given depends on the response of each patient and side effect profile. Typically, 3 to 4 cycles given before the patients were evaluated for response to treatment. If after evaluation, a satisfactory response to treatment were collected, a set of criteria used to decide whether or not chemotherapy should be continued. These criteria include looking for evidence of tumor shrinkage, stable disease, or continuous improvement. If the tumors shrink or remain stable disease with treatment, then chemotherapy may be continued as long as patients can tolerate. If the progression of the disease is a response to treatment, then chemotherapy should be stopped. Management of patients should now be directed at other options, namely, the possibility of palliative or hospice care.

Side effects to be expected is the same with chemotherapeutic drugs, and usually include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and immunosuppression and increased susceptibility to common infectious agents.

Appropriate chemotherapy schedule should be adjusted for each patient. important factor to consider in coming to this schedule include the patient's response and tolerance profile of regimens. If it is determined that chemotherapy is not effective for certain patients, then other treatment options should be explored without hesitation.

Friday 20 May 2011

Stages of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is treated as unique to each individual patient. Often, the stage of malignant mesothelioma diagnosis determines treatment options. Staging of a particular disease also helps the medical team, not only in treatment planning but also in the estimation of prognosis, and the identification of current clinical trials that the patient may be eligible. Three staging systems currently in use for pleural mesothelioma. None is being used for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Knowledge of how cancer develops is relevant to the staging process. Some staging systems cover only a specific cancer, while others may be used to cover a variety of types. Some common elements found in most test systems, namely, primary tumor location, tumor size, number of tumors, lymph nodes, histologic type, tumor grade and metastasis.

To accurately determine the status of any type of cancer, doctors usually rely on a variety of techniques. These include physical examination, imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. An examination of the patient's blood, urine, serum and tissue biopsy can also provide useful clues. Tumor markers can also be used. Pathology reports are very helpful in providing information on the exact size of tumor, tumor extension to adjacent structures, and tumor histology and grade. Surgical reports also assist staging.

The staging system most common cancer that is used for mesothelioma is the TNM (primary tumor, lymph nodes, distant metastases). Stage I mesothelioma is assigned when only involves the pleura, ipsilateral lung, pericardium of the same hand and the ipsilateral diaphragm. Lymph nodes are not affected. Stage II is assigned when mesothelioma has already involved hilar lymph nodes near the contralateral side. The lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the contralateral side may also be involved. Stage III is assigned when the mesothelioma has spread involving the chest wall, soft tissue, ribs, heart, esophagus and / or other organs in the chest cavity on the ipsilateral side. Lymph nodes may or may not have spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor. Stage IV is assigned when the disease has spread either in the lymph nodes in the chest on the opposite side of the primary tumor, spread to the contralateral pleura, or have spread to organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. The presence of distant metastasis is considered Stage IV.

The Butchart System is the oldest system of classification for cancer. It is also the most widely used system of staging for all cancers. The extent of the primary tumor mass is the primary basis for this system. Stage I is assigned when the mesothelioma is found in any of the pleura, or the ipsilateral diaphragm. Stage II is assigned when the mesothelioma has spread to the chest wall, esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be affected. Stage III is assigned when mesothelioma has invaded the diaphragm and has attained the peritoneum. The lymph nodes outside the chest may also be involved. Stage IV is assigned when there is evidence of distant metastases.

The Brigham System is the latest to develop. Resectability and lymph node status is the basis of this system. Stage I is assigned when Mesothelioma is still resectable, without involvement of the lymph nodes. Stage II is assigned when the mesothelioma is resectable, but the lymph nodes are affected. Stage III is assigned when the mesothelioma is not resectable, has spread to structures in the breast of neighbors, and may or may not have extrathoracic involvement of lymph nodes. Stage IV is assigned when there are distant metastases.

Information obtained from these systems of classification must be disclosed to patients. Patients reserves the right to know the exact state of his illness and all parties will benefit greatly when the information becomes.

Smoking and its effect on mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to deadly asbestos fibers. Although this is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs plural, is in fact lung cancer.

The prognosis for those afflicted with mesothelioma is poor. Due to the difficulty of detecting symptoms and long latency period, often mesothelioma is not diagnosed until it is too late. When an individual is exposed to asbestos fibers that lodge in the pleura of the lungs where it will create scar tissue. This scar tissue eventually turn cancerous and cause mesothelioma. Many people, even if only exposed for a short period of time to asbestos can contract this disease.

While smoking is a very fast to the lungs from damage, it is important to understand that smoking does not cause mesothelioma. However, smoking complicates a person's chances of contracting the disease. Smoking may not cause mesothelioma directly, but can cause other potentially fatal diseases like cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asbestosis. Asbestosis is a form of mesothelioma, but help in the development of cancer.

If a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is vital to stop smoking immediately. The statistics around smoking are devastating. While smoking does not cause mesothelioma, which increases the likelihood of contracting lung cancer by 50% or even more! A patient who is a smoker is more likely to have a related lung disease a person has been exposed to mesothelioma for several years. This prior serves to show how serious and harmful effects of the consumption of snuff is found in the lungs.

Both lung cancer and mesothelioma caused by snuff are very serious because of its difficulty of detection. The severity and type of symptoms depend on many factors. For patients with mesothelioma, the amount of asbestos inhaled and the degree of exposure to determine side effects and severity of cancer. Lung cancer caused by smoking, the number of smokers per day and how long a person has smoked determine side effects and gravity.

A smoker who has been exposed to asbestos at any time in their lives should be tested immediately for both mesothelioma and other lung-related diseases, although symptoms are absent. Again, it is important to understand that mesothelioma and lung cancer are two different types of cancer, both operations with the lungs or surrounding organs.

Wednesday 18 May 2011

Facts about Lung Cancer - Statistics You Must Know About This Type of Cancer

We often can go without realizing the danger, just because we do not know anything about it. As long as you learn some important facts of lung cancer, you will know more about the condition, its spread and severity. Hopefully, this information handy will allow you to identify and more clearly see the threat. In turn, you will have the confidence and willingness to take steps for prevention.

Lung cancer causes the largest number of cancer deaths. Statistics show that this disease causes the deaths of around 175,000 people every year in the U.S. alone. However, this is not because of lack of prevention. In fact, according to medical and scientific community, this is the most preventable of all cancers.

It has been estimated that 250,000 people are diagnosed with the condition every year in the United States alone. Statistics show that most patients 40 to 70 years. The patients, younger than 30, about 1% of all patients. People over age 70 is about 10% of all patients.

There are 20 types of tumors that can grow in the lungs. The most common type has been divided into 2 groups - non-small cell cancer and small cell cancer. There are three subtypes of non-small cell cancer. The large cell carcinoma affects between 10% and 15% of all patients. Squamous cell carcinoma affects about 30% of all patients. adenocarcinoma is the most common type of lung cancer which accounts for 40% of all cases of the condition.

Small cell cancers are the most aggressive of all, though not as common in other types. Statistics show that about 75% of all patients with this condition have metastasizes, spreading tumor, at the time of diagnosis.

85% to 90% of all cases of the condition is caused by smoking. This includes second hand smoke. People who smoke one pack of cigarettes per day is 20 times more likely to develop lung cancer than non-smokers. If you smoke two packs per day, this risk is more than 30 times higher. If you are a smoker increases the risk of second hand 2 to 3 times.

The number of people living within 5 years after being diagnosed with lung cancer is 15% of all diagnosed. It has been estimated that this percentage will increase by 1% every year.

Wednesday 11 May 2011

conditions relating to asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral fiber used for insulation and stronger. The mineral fibers used as raw materials for various products, but until then adjourned until 1973, when the dangerous nature clear. hazardous properties of fibers can cause serious illness and death. There are some asbestos-related condition and include the following.

One of the conditions associated with asbestos is mesothelioma cancer. With this type of cancer found in layers of various organs such as lung, stomach and other internal organs are affected by inhaling asbestos. Asbestos-related symptoms of conditions that are not easy to notice, and many years may elapse before the person gets exposed to asbestos at a time when the symptoms. For this reason, people who suffer from negative effects of exposure to asbestos did not know that they are sick for a long time.

Common features of asbestos-related condition is chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and chronic cough. Examples of asbestos-related conditions, including diffuse pleural, thickening and lung cancer. This condition primarily causes shortness of breath and disability, and some of them are fatal. One of the most serious condition is a malignant mesothelioma and symptoms can last up to fifty years to become reality. These include persistent cough, swelling, fever, anemia, night sweats and weight loss. Doctors treat the disease with chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

Because asbestos-related conditions take a long time before gaining the attention of research shows that people will still suffer from the condition after 2030. If one is suffering from a condition caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace, he may claim for damages successfully. Examples of people who suffer like he made successful claims include employees who work closely with other people who use asbestos, people who live in places where asbestos used or removed, and relatives who died from asbestos-related diseases

stage four of lung cancer

The most advanced form of non-small cell lung carcinoma stage four lung cancer. This stage is considered not curable, and doctors focus on treating symptoms of illness to improve quality of life. Although NSCLC usually present early symptoms, up to 40 percent of patients diagnosed with fourth stage NSCLC.

What Means

TNM system expressed tumor size (T), whether it has metastasized (M) and if the lymph nodes (N) involved. In stage 4, the tumor could be the size, has definite metastases and may involve lymph nodes. There are different levels of involvement. Because the tumor could be the size, stage 4 can be assigned to T0 or T1-4. T3 and 4 show the growth has invaded other structures such as space, esophagus, pleura, or heart.

N0 means no lymph node involvement, so that in the advanced stages of NSCLC amount will be 1-3. A '1 'means involving nodes on the same side of the body it begins. A '2 'indicates the involvement of distant nodes is still on the same side. A '3 'means that malignant cells that affect the opposite side of the chest and above the collarbone.

Metastasis M0 means no, so it will always be a minimum of M1 assignment for advanced cancer cases. Cancer is considered inoperable when they have to migrate to other parts of the body.

NSCLC is symptomatic

Even from the beginning, the disease usually presents symptoms. Because of the progress they get worse and new problems may develop. The problems include coughing up blood, also called hemoptysis and causing dysphonia in a voice hoarse voice. Other symptoms include chest pain and Pancoast syndrome, which causes pain in the arm. Finally, fluid build-up in the lungs can cause pneumonia.

Coping

While the physical pain and discomfort can be overcome with palliative care, emotional disturbance is also a concern. Support group helps patients with stage 4 cancer find hope for life. Patients are encouraged to appreciate family time or time with loved ones, and have hope for the future of the children or grandchildren. Support available via phone, in person or via the Internet multimedia.

Monday 9 May 2011

claims of mesothelioma

If you or your family member recently received a diagnosis of Mesothelioma, you will no doubt be interested to find out what help is available to them at your position. In addition to obvious you need assistance in dealing with illness and trauma that surrounds it, you may be entitled to claim compensation Mesothelioma. Compensation is paid where there is proven to cause disease. But there are special rules for Mesothelioma compensation claim and you should take legal advice as soon as possible.

In cases of Mesothelioma claims, compensation is usually claimed from the insurance company is at fault for letting you, or your family members, to come into contact with asbestos. Because mesothelioma can take between 30 and 40 years to develop after exposure to asbestos, in many cases responsible company ceased to exist several years ago, but the compensation will be sought from the insurance company companies involved. Insurance companies must be tracked and blame must be proved and it is important that legal advice should be sought as soon as possible which will increase your chances of securing compensation.

There are lawyers who specialize in making the claim Mesothelioma and by making a quick search of the Internet you should be able to find one in your own place. A local law firm is not important, but experience in making the claim is Mesothelioma. Although this time there will be many important issues on your mind, it's worth taking the time to deal with compensation issues at your convenience, as you may find the award of compensation is very useful in the future. Once you have secured the services of a specialist Mesothelioma claims, they will deal with everything for you related to compensation, and you will be able to get along with other pressing issues.

A Mesothelioma claims will generally be made for compensation includes many different elements. For example, the disease itself, loss of revenue, the items required as a result of illness, special diet, mobility aids, care provided by family members, care provided by a professional, hospital travel costs etc. All additional costs will be charged will definitely place a heavy burden on your financial situation, so it is very important that you seek professional advice, and set the wheels in motion to get you going Mesothelioma compensation claims.

Effects Of Smoking and Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by exposure to deadly fibers of asbestos. Although this is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs plural, not the reality of lung cancer.

The prognosis for those suffering with mesothelioma is poor. Because of difficulty in detecting symptoms and a very long period of dormancy, many times a Mesothelioma was not diagnosed until too late. When a person is exposed to asbestos fibers, they become lodged in the lung pleura where they will create scar tissue. Scar tissue is eventually going to change carcinogenic and mesothelioma will occur. Many people, even if only open for short periods of time to asbestos, likely contracted the disease.

Although smoking is a very quick way for the lung damage, it is important to understand that smoking does not cause mesothelioma. However, smoking does not complicate a person's chance of contracting the disease. Smoking is not to cause Mesothelioma directly, but can cause other life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive disease emphysema, lung and asbestosis. Asbestosis is not a form of Mesothelioma, but assist in the development of cancer.

If a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is imperative that they stop smoking immediately. Statistics surrounding the smoking ruin. Although smoking does not cause mesothelioma, this increases the chances of developing lung cancer by 50% or even more! A patient who smoked were more likely to have lung-related diseases than people who have been affected by mesothelioma for several years. This fact before going to show just how damaging and serious effects of smoking on the lungs.

Both cancer Mesothelioma and the lung caused by smoking is very serious because of difficulty in their detection. The severity and type of symptoms depends on many factors. Mesothelioma For patients, the amount of asbestos inhaled and the level of exposure will determine the severity of side effects and cancer. For lung cancer caused by smoking, the number of cigarettes per day and how long someone has smoked will determine side effects and severity.

A smoker who had been exposed to asbestos at any point in their lives should get tested immediately for both mesothelioma and other types of lung-related diseases, even if symptoms are not there. Once again, it is important to understand that Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer are two separate types of cancer, whether associated with lung or surrounding organs.

Saturday 7 May 2011

What causes secondary brain tumors?

When cancer spreads from its original location to other parts of the body, the new tumor has the same kind of abnormal cells and the same name as the primary tumor. Cancer that spreads to the brain from other parts of the body is different from primary brain tumors. When cancer cells spread to the brain from other organs (such as lung or breast), doctors may call the tumor in the brain secondary tumors or tumor metastases. secondary tumors in the brain is much more common than primary brain tumors.

What causes secondary brain tumors and who is at risk for brain tumors?

No one knows the exact cause of brain tumors. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops a brain tumor and another does not. However, it is clear that brain tumors are not contagious. No one can "catch" the disease from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely to develop brain tumors. The risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease.

Following risk factors associated with an increased opportunity for the development of primary brain tumors:

    Being male - In general, brain tumors are more common in males than females. However, meningiomas are more common in women.

    Race - Brain tumors are more common among whites than among people of other races.

    Age - Most brain tumors are detected in people aged 70 years or older. However, brain tumors are the second most common cancer in children. (Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer.) Brain tumors are more common in children younger than 8 years compared to older children.

    Family history - People with family members who have gliomas may be more likely to develop this disease.

    Being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals in the workplace:
    
        Radiation - Workers in the nuclear industry have an increased risk of brain tumors.

        Formaldehyde - Pathologists and embalmers who work with formaldehyde have a risk of brain cancer. The scientists have not found an increased risk of brain cancer among the types of workers exposed to formaldehyde.

        Vinyl chloride - Workers who make plastics may be exposed to vinyl chloride. This chemical may increase the risk of brain tumors.

        Acrylonitrile - People who make textiles and plastics may be exposed to acrylonitrile. This risk may increase the risk of brain cancer.

Scientists are investigating whether mobile phones can cause brain tumors. Studies so far have not found an increased risk of brain tumors among people who use mobile phones.

The scientists also continue to study whether head injury is a risk factor for brain tumors. So far, this study found no increased risk among people who had head injuries.

Most people who have known risk factors do not get brain cancer. On the other hand, many who get this disease have none of these risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their doctor. Doctors may be able to suggest ways to reduce risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.

What is a primary brain tumor?

Tumors that start in brain tissue is known as primary brain tumors. (Information about secondary brain tumors appears in the following section.) Primary brain tumors are named for the type of cell or a part of the brains where they began.

Primary brain tumors are the most common are gliomas. They begin in glial cells. There are many types of gliomas:

    Astrocytoma - a tumor derived from star-shaped glial cells called astrocytes. In adults, astrocytomas usually occur in the brains. In children, they occur in the brainstem, the cerebellum and brains. A grade III astrocytoma is also called anaplastic astrocytoma. A grade IV astrocytoma is usually called glioblastoma multiforme.

    Brain stem glioma - These tumors occur in the lowest part of the brains. Brain stem glioma is usually diagnosed in children and middle-aged adults.

    Ependymoma - tumor is derived from the cells lining the ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. They are most commonly found in children and young adults.

    Oligodendroglioma - This rare tumor arises from cells of the fatty substance that covers and protects the nerve to do. These tumors usually occur in the brains. They grow slowly and usually do not spread into surrounding brain tissue. They are the most common in middle-aged adults.

Some types of brain tumors do not begin in glial cells. The most common are:

    Medulloblastoma - These tumors occur mostly in the cerebellum. This is the most common brain tumors in children. It is also called primitive neuroectodermal tumors.

    Meningioma - These tumors occur in the meninges. Usually grow slowly.

    Schwannoma - A tumor arising from Schwann cells. This line of nerve cells that control balance and hearing. this nerve in the inner ear. These tumors are called acoustic neuroma. This is most common in adults.

    Craniopharyngioma - a tumor growing at the base of the brains in the vicinity of the pituitary. The most common types of tumors in children.

    Germinal cells of brain tumors - these tumors originate from germ cells. Most germ cell tumors arising in the brains of people younger than 30 years. The most common form of germ cell tumors of the brains is a germinoma.

    Pineal region tumors - brain tumor is rarely appear on or near the pineal gland. The pineal gland is located between the brains and the cerebellum.

Thursday 5 May 2011

common cause of lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates that 222,520 new cases of lung cancer in the United States will be diagnosed and 157,300 deaths from lung cancer will occur in 2010. The U.S. National Cancer Institute, approximately one out of every 14 men and women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with lung cancer at some point in their lives.

Lung cancer is predominantly a disease of older people, nearly 70% of people diagnosed with lung cancer in 65 years, while less than 3% of lung cancers occur in people under 45 years.

Lung cancer is uncommon before 1930, but rose dramatically during the following decades as tobacco smoking increased. In many developing countries, the incidence of lung cancer began to decline after public education about the dangers of smoking and the use of effective cessation programs. But lung cancer is still among the most common form of cancer in men and women worldwide. In the U.S., lung cancer surpassed breast cancer as the most common cause of cancer deaths in women.

What causes cancer?

Smoke

The incidence of lung cancer associated with smoking, with around 90% of lung cancers that arise from the use of tobacco. Risk of lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the time where smoking has occurred, doctors see these risks in packets-year history of smoking (number of packs of cigarettes smoked per day multiplied by the number of years smoking). For example, as someone has smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 10 years had smoked 20 pack-year history. While the risk of lung cancer increases, even with a history of smoking 10-pack-years, are people with a history of 30 pack-years or more is considered to be at highest risk of developing lung cancer. Among those who smoked two or more packs of cigarettes a day, one in seven will die of lung cancer.

Cigar and pipe smoking can also cause lung cancer, although the risk is not as high as with smoking. So while someone who smoked a pack of cigarettes a day had a risk of developing lung cancer is 25 times higher than non-smokers, pipe and cigar smokers have an increased risk of lung cancer is about five times greater than non-smokers.

Tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds, many of which have been shown to cause cancer or carcinogenic. Two major carcinogens in tobacco smoke are chemicals known as nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The risk of lung cancer decreases each year after cessation of smoking as normal cells grow and replace damaged cells in the lungs. In former smokers approach to the risk of lung cancer from nonsmokers about 15 years after quitting.

Passive smoking

passive smoking or inhaling smoke from smokers who share a residence or work permit with smokers, is also a risk factor that made for the development of lung cancer. Research has shown that nonsmokers who live with smokers have a 24% increase in risk of lung cancer compared with smokers who do not live with a smoker. It is estimated that 3000 deaths from lung cancer occur each year in the U.S. as a result of passive smoking.

Asbestos fibers

asbestos fibers, silica fibers, which can hold a lifetime in the lung tissue after exposure to asbestos. The workplace is a common source of exposure to asbestos fibers, asbestos was widely used in the past both as heat and sound insulation. Currently, the use of asbestos is restricted or prohibited in many countries including the U.S. Both lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the lungs and pleura, the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum) is associated with exposure to asbestos. Cigarette smoking drastically increases the chance of developing lung cancer associated with asbestos workers exposed to asbestos. Asbestos workers who smoke have a risk five times higher lung cancer than nonsmokers, but asbestos workers who smoke have a risk of fifty to ninetyfold larger than non-smokers.

Radon gas

Radon gas is a gas, an inert chemical nature, which is a natural decay product of uranium. Uranium decays to form products, including radon, which has issued a type of ionizing radiation. Radon is a gas known to cause lung cancer, with an estimated 12% of lung cancer deaths from radon, or about 20,000 lung cancer deaths associated each year in the U.S., making radon the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. As with exposure to asbestos as smoking increases the risk of lung cancer with radon exposure. Radon can travel through soil and into homes through foundation cracks, pipes, ducts or other openings. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one in every 15 homes in the U.S. contains dangerous levels of radon. Radon is invisible and odorless, but can be detected with simple test kits.

Tend to the family

While the majority of lung cancer related to smoking, the fact that not all smokers eventually suffer from lung cancer suggests that other factors such as individual genetic susceptibility may play a role in the cause of lung cancer. Numerous studies have shown that lung cancer is more likely to occur in both smoking and nonsmoking relatives of those who have been suffering from lung cancer than the general population. Recently, the largest genetic study of lung cancer ever conducted, involving more than 10,000 people from 18 countries and chaired by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) identified a small region in the (DNA) genome that contains genes seems to give an increased susceptibility to lung cancer in smokers. Specific gene, which lies q arm of chromosome 15, coding for proteins that interact with nicotine and other tobacco toxins (nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene).

Lung Disease

The presence of certain diseases of the lungs, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased risk (05:56 times greater risk of non-smokers) for lung cancer development even after the effects of smoking at the same time is excluded.

History of lung cancer

Congratulations from lung cancer have a higher risk of both lung cancer than the general population had developed lung cancer at first. Cancer survivors from non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs, see below) has an additive risk of 1% -2% a year to develop a second lung cancer. In survivors of small cell lung cancer (SCLCs, see below), the risk of developing lung cancer both approaches 6% annually.

Air Pollution

Air pollution from vehicles, industry and power stations, increasing the chances of developing lung cancer in people who are affected. Up to 1% of lung cancer deaths from breathing polluted air, and experts believe that prolonged exposure to highly polluted air can carry the risk of developing lung cancer similar to passive smoking.

what is lung cancer?

Lung cancer, like all cancers, results from abnormalities in the body's basic unit of life, cells. Normally, the body has a system of checks and balances on cell growth so that cells divide to produce new cells only when new cells are needed. Disruption of the system of checks and balances on cell growth results in the uncontrolled division and proliferation of cells that eventually form masses known as tumors.

Tumors can be benign or malignant, when we speak of "cancer", we refer to these tumors are malignant. Benign tumors can usually be removed and not spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, grow aggressively and attack other tissues in the body, allowing the entry of tumor cells into the bloodstream or lymphatic system, then to other sites in the body. deployment process called metastasis, the growth areas of the tumor on this site is called metastasis. Since lung cancer tends to spread or metastasize very early form, it is very life threatening cancer and one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Although lung cancer can spread to all organs of the body, certain organs - particularly the adrenal gland, liver, brain and bones - are the most common site of metastatic lung cancer.

lungs is also a very common site for metastases of tumors in other parts of the body. Tumor metastasis is made of the same type as the tumor cells (primary) origin. For example, if prostate cancer spreads through the bloodstream to the lungs, it is the metastasis of prostate cancer in lung cancer and lung cancer.

The image of lung cancer

Pictures of lung cancer

The main function of the lungs is to exchange gases between the air we breathe and the blood. Through the lungs, carbon dioxide removed from the blood and oxygen from inhaled air enters the bloodstream. right lung has three lobes, while the left lung is divided into two lobes and a small structure called a language which is equivalent to the middle lobe on the right. main roads in the lungs are the bronchi, which arise from the trachea. branches of the bronchi in the airways become smaller called bronchioles that end in tiny sacs called alveoli where gas exchange occurs. The lungs and the chest wall is covered with a thin layer of tissue called the pleura.

Lung cancer may occur in the lung, but 90% to 95% of lung cancer is estimated from epithelial cells, cells that line the airways, both large and small (bronchi and bronchioles), for this reason, lung Lung cancer is sometimes called bronchogenic carcinoma or lung cancer. (Carcinoma is another term for cancer.) Cancer can also arise from the pleura (mesothelioma) or rarely by supporting tissues in the lungs, for example, blood vessels.

how to cure of mesothelioma?

There are three types of traditional treatments for patients with malignant mesothelioma. Often two or more of the combined treatment:

    Surgery (cancer)


    radiotherapy (using high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), and


    chemotherapy (using drugs to fight cancer).

More information

Operation: There are several types of operations used in the treatment of mesothelioma.

    pleurectomy is the removal of some layers of the chest or abdomen and some surrounding tissue.


    Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a lung may be removed in an operation called pneumonectomy.


    In extrapleural pneumonectomy lung will be removed along with the layers and the diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe), the affected side. In this operation, the pericardium was removed as well.


    Sometimes pleurectomy / decortication performed. In this operation, the lining of the lungs to be removed along with the most tumor.

Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in an area where cancer cells are found (internal radiation).

If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may drain fluid from the body by a needle into the chest or abdomen and using gentle suction to remove fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given by pill, or it can be inserted into the body with a needle in a vein or muscle.

chemotherapeutic agents can be administered either systemically (via the blood stream) or intrapleurally (in the pleural cavity). When given intrapleurally, the treatment is localized in the tumor. These drugs are generally very toxic and you should discuss its use very carefully with your doctor.

What is the prognosis mesothelioma?

As with most cancers, often the prognosis for this disease depends on how early it is diagnosed and how aggressively treated. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often found at the stage where cure is unattainable. Many will succumb to the disease within a year of diagnosis.

Mesothelioma treatment options (traditional and new therapies being studied)

Treatment options are determined by the stage of mesothelioma (the extent to which the tumor has metastasized). There are three intermediate stations currently in use, and each one measures something different variables.

The oldest staging and the most frequently used is the Butchart system, based mainly on the size of the primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.

Butchart system of primary tumor mass level

    Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left breast and may also involve the diaphragm on the same page.


    Stage II: Mesothelioma attacks the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.


    Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes than those of the breast may also be involved.


    Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.

Newer TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.

TNM system: the variable T (tumor), N (lymph nodes) and M (metastasis)

    Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left breast and may also have spread to the lungs, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same page. Lymph nodes are not involved.


    Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same page. It also may have spread to the lungs, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same page.


    Stage III: Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall muscles, ribs, heart, esophagus or other organs in the chest on the same page with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.


    Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread to lymph nodes in the chest on the opposite side of the primary tumor, spread to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extended to the organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this phase.

Brigham System is the latest system and stages mesothelioma after resectability (the ability to eliminate tumor surgery) and lymph node involvement.

Brigham System: the variables of tumor resectability and nodal status

    Stage I: Mesothelioma surgery and no lymph node involvement


    Phase II: mesothelioma surgery, but with involvement of lymph nodes


    Stage III: Mesothelioma surgery extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum, with or without glandular involvement extrathoracic


    Stage IV: distant metastatic disease