What is Mesothelioma

The lining of the lungs is called the mesothelial. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs. The cancer is thought to develop decades after asbestos exposure. Recently, 2003, a blood test has been developed by Researchers from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Australia that can detect the presense of concentrations of soluble mesothelian related (SMR) protein, an indicator of other forms of cancer.

The study is being carefully evaluated to be sure false positives weren't involved. The hope, like with so many other forms of cancer is that with early detection, treatments might increase peole's changes of survival.

Studies show that 10,000 Americans die each year from asbestos exposure. Asbestos lung cancer is not going away anytime soon. Within the next ten years 100,000 people are projected to die from asbestos lung cancer and other forms of cancer that attack the mesothelial.

Diagnosing mesothelioma:

  • X-rays either standard x-rays or CT scans, which give a three dimensional picture of your chest.
  • Sputum cytology test an examination of your sputum (phlegm), since cancer cells are sometimes coughed up.
  • Biopsy a small sample of lung cells removed with special instruments, under local or general anaesthetic.
  • Other tests such as bone, liver or brain scans and blood tests, to see if the cancer cells have spread to other parts of your body.

Mesothelioma cancer treatment

  • Early detection has to lead the list
  • Surgery to remove the tumours.
  • Radiotherapy the use of x-rays to kill cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy anti-cancer drugs that stop the cancer cells from multiplying.

It isn't the purpose of this web site to be the complete guide to asbestos lung cancer, but to open the topic for thought and discussion. Please check with some of the information displayed on this page for more complete education on the subject of asbestos lung cancer.

If you're a Christian and have thoughts about cancer or life after death here is a great site that looks at the question of death and where our real hope lays.

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