Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyer

In case that you're told you have mesothelioma, it's best to try to grasp what you will be struggling with. Generally, mesothelioma patients were never even aware that they had been doing work around the presence of this carcinogen. Despite the fact that there might be certain individuals who could possibly have been advised, many of them are actually clueless regarding how and to precisely what degree they had been exposed. Getting identified as having mesothelioma can place a lot of strain on the involved individual physically, psychologically as well as financially. In case you decide to follow legal recourse, it is advisable to seek the advice of a mesothelioma legal professional so that you need not worry about the legal concerns.

Whenever you are clinically diagnosed with this disease, you ought not squander too much time. While you might believe you do not have time and fortitude to handle legal challenges, you need to act swiftly. The time limit enables people to record a suit for only a fixed time period once the prognosis is made. The statute of limitation differs from state to state. For people diagnosed with this illness, lawyers could be a worthwhile source of advice. The mesothelioma lawyer or attorney could have information regarding physicians and remedies that may turn out to be beneficial to you.

To be aware of Mesothelioma laws, it is important to fully understand Mesothelioma and its reasons. It is a type of cancer that comes from long-term exposure to commercial asbestos. The cancer is generally dangerous and can affect the lining which blankets the system's internal organs, the methoselium. What makes this specific cancer primarily lethal is that in many instances, medical diagnosis will usually happen too late, quite a few. Indicators will not disclose themselves up until the cancer have progressed to levels where it can't get treated.

As the patient, it's not easy to pick out a mesothelioma lawyer or attorney. This can be a significant issue and never something that may be resolved by reviewing newspaper or TV advertisements. Select a mesothelioma legal practitioner founded upon his or her experience. Investigate the law firms review their accomplishments as well as their commitment to mesothelioma cases. Make certain that you realize precisely how and what you are being charged.

Your lawyer needs to be qualified and professional. First and foremost, you have to be ready to have confidence in them. While the mesothelioma lawyer you decide on could have a great effect on the court case, the end result of the case also depends upon the facts of the circumstances.

Harry Hassami is the author and producers of The Mesothelioma Journal. The complete website information about the mesothelioma.

Considering Lung Cancer - Just a Cough or Something Worse?

Lung cancer is a very common disease in the western world, and it is prevalent and well-known globally as well. How do you know if the cough you are experiencing is just that - a cough, and not something more serious, such as lung cancer? Every year, there are over a million deaths due to lung cancer. How can you make sure you are not one of the statistics?

Lung cancer is a difficult disease to diagnose. The actual signs of the disease are not usually visible until it is nearly too late to cure. The disease itself is an attack on the cells of the lungs. It can affect one or both lungs, but no matter where it tends to start, the disease can spread rapidly from the lungs to the lymph nodes (lymphoma), and to other sensitive organs in the body. Cancer may also spread in a reciprocal direction as well. Our spongy lungs cover a vast area of our upper torso and this "sponginess" is what helps to create an ideal environment for the disease. The walls of the lungs that separate the tissue from the blood allowing for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in a complex cycle are very thin. If cells in the lung become cancerous, it is possible that they could enter the bloodstream at some point and be carried to different organs and tissues within the body.

The risk factor of smoking is taught and advertised to most people on a regular basis in an effort to prevent the possibility of getting the disease, as smoking is considered to be the number one cause of lung cancer. While the risk factors can be more easily deduced, the actual symptoms for lung cancer are not as easy to diagnose as the disease. Many of the symptoms are simply indications that can be experienced on any given day, by any number of people, with any number of milder ailments.

So how can you tell the difference? One way is to "know yourself first." If an individual gets the occasional cough or cold, but over a course of time the coughs and/or colds become much more frequent and harder to treat, a consideration should be given to the possibility of disease. If any of the coughs are paired with a loss of appetite or weight loss, any sign of blood being coughed up, or a change in voice that is unexplained, the advice of a medical professional should be sought. In the same fashion that blood appearing in your urine or faeces can be a major symptom of colon or rectal cancer, the presence of blood coming from the chest when breathing or coughing can be a major symptom of lung cancer.

Because many symptoms of lung cancer are difficult to decipher, a thorough radiological examination, along with a healthy diet that does not include smoking, are the best measures to keep that cough as "just a cough" however any concern that you may have should be referred to a doctor as soon as possible.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is one of the world's leading heart and lung centres, renowned for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. If you're looking for more information about early lung cancer symptoms visit us today.

Lung Cancer From Asbestos: Important Facts to Know and How to Cope With the Problem

What are asbestos? Asbestos are mineral fibers that can be separated into thin, durable threads. These fibers are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals and do not conduct electricity. These minerals have been used widely in many industries. Chemically, asbestos are silicate compound of silicon and oxygen atoms in their molecular structure. The building and construction industries use asbestos for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, roofing, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industries insulate boilers, steam pipes, and hot water pipes with these minerals. For their vehicle brake shoes and clutch pads, the automotive industry makes use of these fibers. Asbestos materials are also used in ceiling and floor tiles paints, coatings, adhesives, plastics and many others.

In recent years, due to widespread public concern about the health hazards of asbestos, domestic consumption had significantly dropped. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, the EPA and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, studies show that constant exposure to asbestos caused an increase in asbestosis syndrome, mesothelioma, gastrointestinal, colorectal cancers and other diseases. Early stage asbestos lung cancer is hard to detect because of lack of apparent symptoms. It usually begins in the bronchial lining or the bronchioles, lung air sacs and trachea. The cancer develops slowly but can spread and invade other parts of the body.

Like any other type of lung cancer, the diagnostic tests include physical exams, x-rays, ct scans, imaging tests, PET scan and biopsies. During the diagnostic procedures, you should provide the medical team with vital and relevant information on the extent of asbestos exposure. Factors such as how long has been the exposure, estimated volume of exposure, source, size, shape and chemical make- up of asbestos fibers, whether you are a smoker or non-smoker and current lung problem are important things your doctors should be aware of. With regards its chemical make-up, studies have suggested that if the exposure is with the amphibole asbestos rather than the chrysotile, the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma lung cancer is greater because of the tendency of the amphibole fibers to lodge in the lungs for a long time.

Asbestosis is a disease in which asbestos fibers can cause scarring, inflammation of tissues and growth of non-malignant tumors in the lungs. They are benign and do not spread to the other organs. On the other hand, with mesothelioma, the growth of tumors that occurs in the serious thin membrane linings are malignant and they grow fast and spread to the other organs. When it occurs in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. It is a rare type of lung cancer. You can detect it by x-rays and confirm by biopsy test. Traditional treatments recommended by a medical team depending on individual evaluation include radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy.

Prognosticating mesothelioma reveal serious mortality rates. Factors which affect prognosis are area of cancer, stage, histology, patient's general health, age and response to treatment. Survival rate for patients with high level of white cell counts, presence of SV40 virus and certain biochemical markers from date of diagnosis is only a few months. The median life expectancy rate is about a year.

There are still many work environments and trades in which people are constantly exposed to asbestos. You may belong to any of these groups. Some of them are operational engineers, steamfitters, sheet metal workers, pipe fitters, plumbers, metal lathers, merchant marine, firefighters, shipyard workers, industrial plant workers, plumbers, construction workers, asbestos plant workers, boilers, longshoremen, railroad workers, industrial painters, workers in glass factory, schools, power plants, cement plants, military, hotels, telephone companies, oil refinery, loading docks, hospitals, chemical plants, heating and air-conditioning, boiler or engine rooms, etc.

If you happen to believe having a prolonged exposure to asbestos and are experiencing abnormalities, it is to your best interest to undergo a comprehensive physical exam. You should have a complete x-ray of the front, back, side, and oblique views. Other tests are pulmonary function test, blood work, a CT scan, etc. Request your doctors to explain to you what the tests reveal. It you are diagnosed with a lung cancer from asbestos, have the courage to face it frontally and disclose your condition to your loved ones. Ask for their support and prayers. Seek a second opinion. Lastly, pray for supernatural healing!

My name is Jet Jones and I research and write about lung cancer info. Please visit my site at http://lungcancer-stages.com/ to find information about lung cancer stages and treatments that can help you better understand this dreaded disease.

First Therapeutic Vaccine for Advanced Lung Cancer Registered in the World

Between 1980 and 2008, the mortality rate from lung cancer in women has doubled. Each year it is seen a growth of 1.7%, while among men the rate is being reduced by 2%. Today, 28.6% of women aged 18 to 64 years and is estimated that 7.6 million people died just 2008 due to lung cancer, a number that it is expected to increased to eleven million in 2030.

It is quite possible that two of the biggest concerns of health-related the citizens express in any country in the world are AIDS and cancer. Although there are other diseases that have less "press" and charge a huge amount of victims every year, especially in tropical regions, the truth is that getting a vaccine effective against cancer or AIDS are among the main objectives of laboratories around the world.

Fortunately, the battle against lung cancer has won a new step: it is a therapeutic vaccine rather than preventive, developed by recombinant technology advanced lung cancer, CimaVax-EGF, that was created in Cuba by scientists at the Molecular Immunology Center Havana.

This Cuban drug was prepared after 15 years of research and is currently being administered in 65 health centers in Cuba and have taken steps necessary to register in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and several other nations.

According to Cuban experts, the drug can not prevent disease but to control advanced cancer to generate antibodies against proteins that trigger the uncontrolled cell proliferation processes.

It consists of a therapeutic tool that is part of the field of immunotherapy, in which it is intended that the patient's immune system triggers an effective response to control the growth of tumors.

The vaccine is composed of epidermal growth factor protein and P-64 K of the membrane, obtained by recombinant means. The vaccine was successfully applied to more than 1000 patients in Cuba, where his health record was held in June 2008.

The result is that the vaccine extends survival time of patients, but does not prevent or cure lung cancer.
Specialists described the vaccine as "very promising" that soon others will come into being tested in China and will open doors in Asia. Is also expected next clinical trial in countries like Australia, Thailand, Malaysia and Britain.

According to Gonzalez (the proyect leader) they are still workings with the principle of this vaccine with the intent to use in developing therapies against other tumors such as prostate, uterus and breast cancer.

Pablo Rodriguez is a freelance writer and medical researcher. He has written multiples articles about cancer and specifically mesothelioma. He is currently studying a writer career at University of Buenos Aires.

If you want to read more articles about cancer and asbestos please check his blog: [http://mesotheliomatoday.com.ar/]

How Lung Cancer Affects the Rest of the Body

Lung cancer is one of the diseases that do not discriminate any age it affects both the young and the old. It basically involves simultaneous growth of cancerous cells in the lung. You might think that this disease is related only to the smokers but that's not true many non-smokers have also been diagnosed with this deadly disease. Besides affecting the lungs, this cancer also causes havoc to other parts of the body more so when it has gone through metastasis.

In most cases this disease is rarely diagnosed especially when it is in its primary stage. In fact most cases are identified when a doctor orders a chest scan for some other health conditions. The first stage mainly involves the growth of the cell inside the lungs. It then begins to invade the tissues of the lungs. Nearby tissues aren't spared also. It has been realized that the tumor may in fact push against the chest and that's when someone starts experiencing some symptoms which include blunt, persistent cough, constant pain in the chest panting and other health conditions such as pneumonia.

Did you know lung cancer may also affect the brain? Well, this very true research has shown that the brain may be affected to the extent of developing some health issues or symptoms. Patients may have vision issues, feel weak on one part of the body or even experience seizures.

Metastasis of lung cancer to the bones also may also happen. A patient may experience discomfort in the backbone commonly known as the vertebrae. The ribs and the thighs aren't an exceptional either patients suffering from lung cancer may also experience weakness in the thighs or some discomfort in the ribs.

The vocal chords of patients suffering from this disease have also been seen to paralyze with time. Patients may also start feeling pain in the shoulders or the deltoids as well. Swallowing also becomes a problem with lung cancer patients. The worst however may result when it proceeds to the esophagus. If an airway and to be precise a large one becomes obstructed then the lobe of the lung may collapse hence exposing it to an infection.

Generally Lung cancer doesn't just affect the lungs it also metastases to other parts of the body. Nearly all the body systems get affected. It is a killer disease and according to statistics it has killed very many people around the globe. Unfortunately many other patients are continuing to perish from this deadly cancer. It is therefore a wise idea that everyone becomes screened to eradicate any possibilities of the disease. Remember the earlier it is detected the better and the faster it can be treated.

Harry Hassami is the author and producers of The Mesothelioma Report. The complete website information about the mesothelioma.

'Panoramic View' of Lung Cancer Gained From Latest Trials

Results from three recent genome-sequencing trials have provided a revolutionary insight into the deadly disease.

Lung cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other form of the disease. Fewer than 20% of the 1.6 million cases diagnosed across the globe every year are still alive five years later.

The trend in new studies focuses on personalised treatment. Genome-sequencing trials are used to match the best possible treatment to the specific genetic make up of a patient's tumours.

In the latest trials, researchers analysed tumour tissue samples from 183 patients suffering from lung adenocarcinomas, 178 suffering from lung squamous cell carcinomas and drilled-down studies of 17 tumours from smokers and non-smokers.

Author of two of the studies, Ramaswamy Govindan from the Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, said:

"For the first time, instead of looking through a keyhole we are getting a penthouse panoramic view,"

He added that previous studies had already looked more closely at personalised treatment but focused on a small number of genes. In contrast, the recent studies gleaned data across an entire genome.

Professor Govindan, who specialises in Medical Oncology believes that these kinds of "cataloguing studies" will revolutionise the way lung cancer clinical trials are designed. Instead of huge, expensive trials that feature a diverse collection of mutations, smaller studies will laser-down into patients' tumours according to their specific mutation. Medical experts are expecting this tailored therapy to be more beneficial for patients suffering from cancer.

The advances of such studies are clear - generic treatments tend to have a far greater number of side-effects as they are simply designed to kill any rapidly dividing cells rather than only attacking the ones spreading the disease. Furthermore, data from the targeted studies not only forms the basis of new treatments, they can cast light on those ones already on the market.

Drugs that treat adenocarcinoma, the strain behind 40 per cent of lung cancer cases, have already been approved. However, there are no approved drugs for treating another very common form of cancer, squamous cell carcinoma. Lung cancer clinical trials based on data from the recent targeted studies could be used to approve existing marketed drugs for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma according to Matthew Meyerson, a researcher from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts who also worked on the trials:

"The data that are really going to be informative is when you combine genomic data with outcomes of targeted therapies."

PSI CRO - Contract Research Organisation

http://www.psi-cro.com/

The Most Common Risk Factors in Lung Cancer

When one thinks of lung cancer, it is thought of as exactly that, however, this deadly disease comes in many shapes and forms, however. The two types of lung cancer that most variations fall under are the non small cell lung carcinoma, or cancer, and the small cell lung cancer (carcinoma), abbreviated as SCLC. The latter has also been called oat cell carcinoma for its "oat cereal like" appearance on the lung. SCLC is the less common of the two types of cancer, but it can be more difficult to treat and cure, as it is a more aggressive type of cancer. Statistics vary, but it is generally agreed that between 15% - 20% of all lung cancer cases are the small cell carcinomas.

So what are the most common risk factors that can lead to the growth of small cell lung cancer (SCLC)?

Smoking - Small cell lung cancer is often associated with a lung cancer that has grown due to an individual's habit of smoking. This may be the most important risk factor. Nicotine is the addictive part of the cigarette, but there are numerous known carcinogens (chemicals that are known to cause cancer) in the tobacco of a cigarette, cigar, or "chew". A carcinogen is a chemical that can alter a cells "make-up" or DNA, in an unhealthy manner. By altering the cells in the body, these abnormal cells change the normal, healthy life of a body cell. The abnormal cells can become cancerous and spread within the organ or to other organs and tissues in the body. If a small cell lung cancer cannot be treated and stopped, death may occur.

Radiation - Radiation can be a useful tool medically, but it can also be a risk factor in the development of this type of cancer. Ionizing radiation, in particular, is the form of radiation to blame. As ionization is the ability of the radiation to alter a cell's make-up by removing an electron from it, this can lead to a death of a cell, or a mutation of the cell that then renders it cancerous and it multiplies. While there is controversy over whether or not any non-ionizing radiation can contribute to cancer, it is generally assumed that it does not. Interestingly, ionizing radiation such as x-rays are used to diagnose and treat cancers of the lung, as they have that same ability to kill cells, in this case, the cancer cells when well-targeted during therapy.

Poor Nutrition - A diet that is lacking in the necessary nutrients to sustain and grow healthy cells throughout the body can contribute to the proliferation of small cell lung cancer. Cells in the lungs rely on the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen in order for us to breathe properly. If the body cells that contribute to this exchange are not healthy, this important function can be hampered. As cells become weaker due to poor food habits, the environment becomes more unstable and prone to the growth of cancer cells.

Asbestos - While asbestos is really a mixture of minerals that are natural to our environment, when inhaled by a human lung it is a potential hazard to one's health, as asbestos is made up of very tiny fibers which can interact with the lung cells and cause irritation. This irritation can stimulate cells to become cancerous and create an environment for small cell cancer to grow.

By educating oneself to the general risk factors of small cell lung cancer, it is always hoped that an individual will avoid the practices that lead to this deadly cancer, while seeking medical treatment if there is any concern about one's own personal risk factors.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is one of the world's leading heart and lung centres, renowned for its expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. If you're looking for more information about early lung cancer symptoms visit us today.

Mesothelioma Cancer: A Brief Introduction

The inhalation of asbestos causes lung and pleural cancer, as it has been demonstrated in animal experiments and epidemiological studies.

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelial cells, and affects the pleura and peritoneum in the 80% and 20% of the cases respectively. It usually occurs in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace at least 15 years before the diagnosis, although sometimes the disease has been developed in people with very little to none exposures. In fact, the relationship between malignant mesothelioma and asbestos exposure was first described in 1960 by Wagner and colleagues in South African crocidolite miners.

The incidence of mesothelioma is known in countries where there is a national registry of this disease. Thus, the figure ranges between 14.2 and 2.5 cases per million in men and women, respectively, in the United States, 66 and 7 per million in Australia. In Spain for example there is no record of such occupational diseases. In a study conducted in Catalonia between 1983 and 1990, there was an attributable mortality rate of malignant mesothelioma per 100,000 cases of 0.83 and 0.47 in men and women respectively. In patients living in Barcelona and Cadiz with malignant mesothelioma, 62% of cases could be related to occupational exposure to asbestos, while the remaining 38% could be due to domestic or environmental exposures. The fact that mesothelioma can occur as a result of environmental exposure to asbestos is known, as described in populations living near asbestos mines in areas where the houses were painted with paint containing tremolite or in regions with high amount of the silicate in the soil.

The fiber appears to be associated with this tumor are amphiboles, whereas chrysotile, despite being the most commonly inhaled fibers, seems to be of danger. In Spain, the published series of malignant mesothelioma are concentrated in large cities, since, logically, is where there is a greater industrial exposure to asbestos. Patients usually present with a persistent pleural effusion and a computed tomography is used to reveal pleural lesions that may lead to a correct diagnosis of mesothelioma. This, however, requires pleural biopsy using thoracoscopy that has a yield above 90%.

Malignant mesothelioma invariably progresses to death of patients with a median survival of 7 months. With current evidence, neither radiotherapy nor chemotherapy nor surgery have shown any improvement in the prognosis of these patients. Nowadays new treatments are being tested, as the introduction of intrapleural cytokines, photosensitization mesothelioma cell or gene therapy, with no conclusive results to date. The involvement of patients diagnosed in Spain in research studies of new therapies require cooperation between centers to study a sufficient number of patients.

Pablo Rodriguez is a freelance writer and medical researcher. He has written multiples articles about cancer and spefically mesothelioma. He is currently studying to be a writer at University of Buenos Aires.

If you want to read more articles about cancer and asbestos please check his blog:

[http://mesotheliomatoday.com.ar/]

How Is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

If lung cancer is suspected in a patient, a series of different tests will be carried out to confirm the diseases presence (diagnosis), and to determine how widespread the disease has become (staging).

What are X-rays, CT Scans, and MRI Scans?

Usually patients are diagnosed with lung cancer when a doctor orders a chest X-ray which is associated with another illness. If lung cancer is detected by the chest X-ray, a CT (computer assisted tomography) scan, or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan may also be ordered to further confirm both the diseases diagnosis and staging.

CT scans and MRI scans are tests that use computerized imaging to show in greater detail the size, shape, and exact location of a suspected tumour. At the same time the images will show whether the cancer has spread to another part of the body. If the cancer has spread to other organs within the body, further tests will be ordered by the doctor.

What is a Lung Biopsy?

A lung biopsy is where tissue is removed from the tumour and inspected under a microscope to confirm whether cancerous cells are present or not. This may be done via a needle being inserted through the wall of the chest to take a sample from the tumour, or via surgery where the wall of the chest is opened and either part or all the tumour is removed.

Lung biopsies are necessary to determine an accurate diagnosis, and also to identify the specific type of lung cancer present in a patient.

What is a Sputum Cytology?

A sputum cytology is a test used on cells that are coughed up from either the patient's lungs or breathing tubes, and are examined under a microscope to see whether they are cancerous or not. The test may also determine the specific type of cancer a patient has, although it will not show the precise location of the tumour. If the sputum cytology test is found to be positive, further tests will need to be carried out.

What is Staging?

Staging is a scale used by doctors to show how advanced (widespread) the lung cancer is within a patient. Staging also assists doctors to determine an accurate prognosis (a prediction of the likely future outcome of the disease). Once the prognosis has been evaluated by a doctor, an appropriate treatment plan can begin for the patient.

Each different stage of lung cancer is treated differently, and depending on the condition of a patient.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you are interested in reading more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

How Long After You Quit Smoking Before You Are Not at Risk For Lung Cancer?

The earlier on in life you stop smoking, the less at risk you are from developing some degree of lung cancer during your lifespan. However, it is difficult to predict exactly when and from what degree of lung cancer you may or may not suffer. Numerous factors need to be considered such as: the age when you began smoking, how long you smoked for, the number of cigarettes you smoked everyday, and how deeply you inhaled while smoking.

Cutting down smoking certainly helps cut the risk of developing lung cancer, but it is not the same as actually giving up all together. An ex-heavy smoker is more at risk of developing lung cancer than an ex-occasional smoker, who is still more at risk of developing the disease than someone who has never smoked before. When smoking is either cut down or stopped all together, the benefits to the body are almost immediate, showing that it is never too late to give-up smoking even after many years.

Statistics show that the risk of developing some degree of lung cancer for an active smoker, is between 10% and 15%. However, this is reduced considerably by between 70% and 80% once the smoker stops. The benefits to the body begin within the first 30 minutes of smoking the last cigarette, as the blood pressure lowers itself to a normal level, together with the carbon monoxide in the lungs.

Within the first 24 hours, the risk of having a heart attack reduces, and within 48 hours, the nerve endings begin to grow again. Both the ability to smell and taste also improve at this time. Between one month and three months, the blood circulation improves, and the lungs begin to function better. The worst of the nicotine symptoms also tend to subside during this period.

Within nine months, there is a noticeable improvement with problems such as: coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath. During the next five years, the bodies recuperation continues to improve at a noticeable rate, and the probability of a relapse is considerably less with time. Between five and ten years, the risk of a heart attack also reduces to nearly that of a non-smoker.

At the five to ten-year period, the risk of developing some degree of lung cancer drops to one-half of that of an active smoker, together with a reduction in the risk of developing cancers such as: mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas. Within 15 years, the risk of suffering a heart attack is about the same as that of a non-smoker, as is the risk of developing lung cancer.

Although the average bodies recuperation period takes up to 15 years before the risk of developing some degree of lung cancer reduces to that of a non-smoker, previous considerations must be take into account. It takes courage and determination to give up smoking, and a 15 year recuperation period really is worth the effort to bring down the risk of developing lung cancer to that of a non-smoker.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design." If you are interested in reading about how to treat lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

All About Asbestos Cancer (Mesothelioma): Types, Symptoms and Compensation Claims

Of the many injuries and work related diseases, mesothelioma is perhaps the one that draws much attention. Every other day a case is reported or a compensation claim is filed. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is almost always caused by earlier exposure to asbestos, approximately in ninety percent of cases.

People normally working in industries where asbestos was used extensively, such as construction work, plumbing, ship yards, old houses and at power stations, were more likely to have been exposed to breathing in asbestos fibrous materials often over a period of years and thus are more likely to suffer from either asbestosis or mesothelioma among others.

In the United Kingdom alone almost 2300 people a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. At least 3,500 people in Great Britain die every year from asbestos related lung cancer and mesothelioma as a result of past exposure to asbestos fibers.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects the Mesothelium, which is a thin membrane that covers the lungs or the lining of the abdomen. There are two main types of mesothelioma.

1. Peritoneal (if present in abdomen)

2. Pleural (if present in the chest wall)

Pleural Mesothelioma is more common than peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and once swallowed or breathed in tend to stay in human body. With time they undergo changes and start damaging the body. Thus mesothelioma does not appear suddenly but takes several years before the symptoms start becoming evident.

Mesothelioma is often confused with asbestosis. Asbestosis is also a disease of the lungs that is caused by again the presence of deadly asbestos fibres but it is not cancerous and thus can be treated more effectively if diagnosed at an early stage.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to spot as they are very comparable to pneumonia. It is important for a doctor to ask a patient if he has a history of being exposed to asbestos related materials. Early diagnosis can prolong life and improve the chances of survival. The main symptoms of mesothelioma are:

• Shortness of breath, especially during excercise

• Coughing

• Chest pain

• Weakness

• A feeling of tightness in the chest.

Other symptoms that sometimes occur are vomiting, nausea, nail abnormalities, constipation or diarrhea and clubbing of the fingers.

After Diagnosis

The occurrence of mesothelioma is constantly increasing and is expected to surge in the next 15 years. Once the diagnosis is confirm the doctor will decide to start treatment. The main treatment used in asbestosis is oxygen therapy but surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are also used to increase the life span of the patient. The survival from mesothelioma is improving but is still not very promising and varies by area of diagnosis.

Asbestos Compensation Claim

Once a patient has been properly diagnosed and have started treatment he will need specialist care and support. The family should look for the services of a solicitor who specializes in these cases. The matter should be investigated and the responsible party should be held accountable. If needed an asbestos compensation claim should be filed so as to provide monetary help to the suffering family who have to struggle with pain, bills and loss of wages.

Sabeen Nadeem writes about legal and financial matters. She is currently working for Peregrine Claims which offers personal injury compensation services in UK. They have experienced and competent Asbestos Compensation Claims Solicitors and Slips and Trips Experts in UK.

Lung Cancer Awareness: Learn About LCAM and EPA's Awareness Campaigns and How to Participate

November is the international month for lung cancer awareness. Some of the ways people show their support are by wearing a pearl ribbon, wristband, or key magnet chain. The official ribbon color for lung cancer is pearl. Lung Cancer Alliance (LCM) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to providing patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for the disease. Their mission is to win the war against the dreaded disease.

The group has launched an aggressive membership campaign including an educational and information campaign for susceptible people to undergo cancer screening by means of CT scan. A CT scanner can detect early lung disorders and symptoms of cancer which can make it curable. The scanner can take x-ray images which are sliced and reformat in 3-D to visualize the size and shape of lung nodules. This capability can reduce lung cancer fatalities through early detection. Most types of lung cancers are detected during incurable late stages.

The national campaign to increase lung cancer syndrome awareness in the United States is the Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Supporters organize rallies and distribute educational materials. They hold fund-raising events, lobby for a bill for LCAM to be passed in Congress, write press release letters to different newspaper editors, and ask the media for an interview for the public to know more about this leading killer disease. Lung cancer has been responsible for deaths more than prostate, colon and breast cancers combined.

In your area, you can support this campaign in many ways. You can organize an auction or flea market event to encourage people to help raise funds for lung cancer research. Participants pay entrance tickets and buy pearl ribbons. Some hold fun runs like the "Race for Breath" in VA Beach, VA. You can make your voice heard by the media. Many supporters distribute educational pamphlets and LCAM's Public Service Announcement to local media. LCAM has a sample proclamation letter for lung cancer support which you can send to your governor.

One group, the Kozer-Keystone Health System has a range of awareness activities to render health education about lung cancer prevention and treatment. They arrange educational programs by setting up informational tables in many hospitals and alternate places. Free spirometry screenings and lectures are conducted by pulmonologist and oncology experts like Dr. Thomas Prestel, M.D. Chief of Pulmonology at Delaware Country Memorial Hospital, Dr. Rajesh Thirumaran, DCMD medical oncologist, Dr. Daniel DuPont, Taylor Hospital's chief of Pulmonary Medicine, Dr. Asad Khan, Crozer-Chester Medical Center's pulmonologist, Dr. John Lamond, Dr. Leonard Berkowitz, Dr. John Sprandio, medical director of Delaware County Regional Cancer Center,Dr. Walter Scott, chief of Thoracic Surgery at Fox Chase Cancer, etc. Employees of Kozer-Keystone are also encouraged to support these activities by their active participation.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the second leading cause of lung cancer deaths next to smoking is radon exposure. Each year, it claims 20,000 American lives. The public is encouraged to learn more about the risk from radon. You can't see, smell, or taste it. Unless you conduct a radon level test in your home, you will not be able to detect it.

In 2008, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Radon Video Contest, a public radon awareness campaign for the submission of a 30-60 second video with the theme "Radon: Test, Fix, Save a Life". The winning video entry featured the true story of lung cancer survivor Eddie Metcalfe. EPA is now promoting "The Eddie's Story" Radon Public Service Announcements (PSAs) all over the country to highlight the dangerous health risk radon. Now, they are sponsoring media campaigns like Living Healthy and Green featuring a former professional football player, Fuad Reveiz who builds radon resistant homes and EPA's annual radon poster contest.

To learn more about radon, you should read "A Citizen's Guide to Radon" and visit the websites of the EPA, WHO, National Cancer Institute, American Lung Association, Radon Mitigation System, U.S. Surgeon General, etc. You should also take steps to do your part in encouraging your community to conduct lung cancer awareness activities including radon level testing of homes, schools and buildings in your community. Radon level testing is done by testing kits which are affordable and easy to use. If a high radon level is detected, the problem can be remedied immediately to protect yourself and your family.

My name is Jet Jones and I research and write about alternative cancer cures Please visit my site at http://lungcancer-stages.com/ to find information about lung cancer stages and treatments that can help you better understand this dreaded disease.

Common Early Signs That You May Have Lung Cancer

Warning signs of lung cancer may be more apparent in some sufferers than in others, depending on the type of cancer, and the stage that it has reached within the body. Lung cancer may show either moderate signs of being present, or may even show no signs at all. Most people when diagnosed with lung cancer, are usually in the later stages of the disease, which can be attributed to either the early warning signs being put down to other illnesses, or by being simply overlooked all together.

Common Early Warning Signs of Lung Cancer

1. A persistent cough, also called a smoker's cough, that is usually attributed to heavy smokers. It usually starts first thing in the morning when a considerable amount of phlegm (a sticky liquid secreted by the mucus membranes) can be found in the throat. To clear the phlegm, it may be necessary to cough repeatedly, as phlegm acts as an irritant within the area of the throat. Persistent coughs may also affect those who have been exposed to throat, nasal, or lung irritants over a period of many years.

2. Coughing up small amounts of blood, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pains, are also signs that lung cancer may be present within the body. Although often attributed to ageing, being a little out of trim, or slightly overweight, these conditions are usually caused by the growth of cancer cells within the lung, and their invasion into the surrounding tissues. These conditions should always be checked by a doctor, especially if they persist.

3. A dull aching pain in the shoulder that may move down the outside of the arm, is another warning sign that often gets over-looked. The pain may often get put down to something else, such as, the after effects of playing football, doing exercise, or even working excessively. But this type of shoulder pain is also a warning sign that lung cancer may be developing. The pain is often caused when cancer cells have invaded the nervous system, which may also attribute to a dull pain in the back.

4. A notable weight loss when eating normally should be another cause for concern. The weight loss may also be accompanied by continued and excessive fatigue even after a good nights sleep, together with depression and mood swing changes. These signs are often associated with lung cancer, and are usually categorized as being nonspecific as they are easily attributed to other causes.

5. Recurrent chest infections or pneumonia are often warning signs that the airways from the lungs may be obstructed, causing small abscesses (cells) to grow on the inside of the obstructed tubes, which overtime may grow into malignant tumours. The obstruction of the airways is usually caused when a portion of the lung has either partially or completely collapsed due to the cancer spreading.

Important: If any of these warning signs are apparent, an appointment should be made to see a doctor. If after consultations with the doctor, he is still unable to reassure as to the reasons for the existence of these conditions, then it is advisable that a second or even third opinion be sought.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design." If you are interested in reading more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Besides the Lungs, Other Organs Affected by Lung Cancer

Unfortunately for many sufferers, lung cancer is seldom diagnosed when it is in its early stages, and is usually only discovered by accident when either a routine chest X-ray, or a CT (computer tomography) scan is ordered by a doctor for another health issue. Some 25% of all lung cancer sufferers tend to show no signs of having lung cancer present, meaning that when the disease is eventually diagnosed, it is usually in its late and final stages. Other organs in the body at this stage have also usually been caused some degree of damage. This damage is usually permanent.

As the disease develops within the lung, the outer tissues of the lung are invaded by cancerous cells, as are other nearby tissues. This development enables the lung cancer to be able to spread to other organs in the body with relative ease. The disease can infiltrate the liver and adrenal glands, which often occurs over a period of time without any noticeable symptoms to the sufferer. When symptoms of visual problems begin to occur, it is usually because the lung cancer has spread to the brain, which may cause the sufferer to have a seizure. A loss of strength may also be noticed.

Bones can also be affected by lung cancer, usually noticeable with a discomfort in either the vertebrae (backbone), or the ribs and thighs. The nerves can also be attacked, which causes many sufferers to experience continuous aching pains in the (deltoids) shoulders, and a pain that runs along the outer side of the arm. Vocal chords may be affected when the cancer has spread to the esophagus (the conduit that connects the mouth and stomach) causing difficulty in swallowing. This is usually caused when a portion of the lung has collapsed, resulting in a severe, difficult to treat lung infection.

Other common symptoms caused by lung cancer are a lack of appetite, a noticeable weight loss (usually occurring rapidly), headaches, sluggishness, memory loss problems, bleeding and clotting. These symptoms often go untreated for long periods of time before a sufferer feels the need to deal with them, as they often get associated with other less serious health issues. When a sufferer has been diagnosed with late stage lung cancer, most of the damage has already been caused to the body, resulting in a sufferer having a low prognosis (life expectancy), usually under five years from when the disease was first diagnosed.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you are interested in reading more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Lung Cancer Remission - What Does It Mean?

When mentioning the word remission, many people tend to have a misconception to exactly what it means. It is usually used by doctors after a cancer patient has successfully carried out a course of treatment. Although, many people seem to think that once the word has been mentioned, the cancer patient is no longer at risk from a recurrence of the disease, due to having been considered completely cured.

However, this is a misinterpretation of the word and something that can easily cause future problems for a patient who thinks that he or she is no longer at risk from the disease. Cancer patients can quickly revert to the unhealthy life-style that may have existed before cancer was diagnosed, and easily forget about continuing to look after the body in the way that it should be looked after even though it is still vital to prevent a recurrence of the disease.

What remission actually means: is a period of time where cancer is either responding to treatment satisfactorily, or is being controlled by the treatment that is being administered to a patient. With a complete cancer remission, all signs and symptoms of the disease have usually disappeared, and it may be considered that after several years or so with no signs or symptoms recurring, the disease has finally been cured.

This would also be another misconception of what may still be going on within the body. Although there may be no signs or symptoms of cancer being present, it does not actually mean that the disease does not exist still, as cancer cells may continue to grow within the body for many years. This may be both during treatment or afterwards, and before any visible signs or symptoms of the cancer reappear.

The word remission does not get publicized much, as it is considered to be a delicate subject when talking about the prognosis (life expectancy) of a cancer patient, and more so when talking about lung cancer where around 50% of all patients diagnosed with the disease will die within the first five years after diagnosis. Depending of the type of cancer a patient is diagnosed with, will also greatly affect the patients cancer "remission period" after a successful course of treatment.

There are various modern-day treatments used to fight cancer, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stereotactic body radiosurgery, and surgery. But there are equally as many alternative medicines that can also be used to treat a variety of different types of cancers. Alternative medicines for the treatment of cancer are considered to be a good option by many sufferers, as they do not harm the body like many of the traditional treatments do, and can even be used after a successful course of treatment has finished to prevent a recurrence of the disease.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Adenocarcinoma Lung Cancer

Glandular tissue cancer is a type of adencarcinoma, and can affect different parts of the body. Such affected regions in the body include the stomach, the breasts, the colon, cervix, prostate and pancreas just to name a few. One particularly common type of glandular cancer is adenocarcinoma of the lung.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lung is responsible for approximately 40 to 50 percent of diagnosed lung cancers each year. It is a form of non-small cell lung cancers, which accounts for close to 80% of all lung cancers. Detecting such illnesses early on in its journey will definitely increase survival rates in addition to helping alleviate many its side effects. Nevertheless, adenoid cystic carcinoma may not be easily visible during its early stages.

Its origin is typically found surrounding parts of the lungs and is often found in women, even in non-smokers. One of its subtypes known as BAC or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma is found in many non-smoking women. The majority of patients tend to be of Asian decent, and most sufferers are usually under the age of 45. Lung cancer in general is continuing to increase over the years, perhaps due to the increasing amount of smokers across the globe. There have been many suggestions as to the increase in cancer numbers. One being the addition of cigarette filters which have demonstrated to potentially allow even more smoke to be inhaled deeper in the lungs, thus triggering adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Even though early symptoms, for example chest pain or fatigue, tend to be overlooked, there have been some well-known symptoms associated with ACC. Since this form of cancer is prone to spreading from the outer lung, symptoms including coughing up blood and a chronic chough are generally seen. It's imperative to consult your doctor if you have been experiencing any of these signs.

Obviously daily life choices including diet, alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking known as the main cause, and other environmental factors will make you more or less susceptible to adenocarcinoma cancer. Unfortunately adenoid cystic carcinoma of the lungs have affected non-smokers, most commonly caused by radon exposure in the home. While the severity of this cancer varies significantly depending on the affected organ or glandular tissue, there are a few common symptoms. Anything from fatigue, unexplained weight loss or bleeding can all occur, regardless of the organ affected. Because lung adenocarcinoma is a multi-factorial illness, many factors may be the cause of such a serious condition.

Lung cancers are serious problems, threatening many lives across the globe. Among them is adenoid carcinoma of the lung, which in the beginning stages, may not be detected. While we may think that only people who smoke are prone to getting this disease, non-smokers can also be affected. Head on over to http://adenoidcysticcarcinoma.net/ to learn more about this rare yet serious condition.

Treatment for Mesothelioma Cancer

When learning about mesothelioma, you should search for words like cached similar mesothelioma, or mesothelioma cached similar. This is because there are a variety of cancers linked to mesothelioma and asbestos cancer.

But how is mesothelioma cancer treated?

Well, in order to explain this, we must first discuss a little about what exactly mesothelioma is, and how it attacks the body. During the attachment of mesosomes, squamous cells rise up from the linings of embryonic body cavities. These squamous cells are located in the peritoneum, the pericardium, and the pleura. The peritoneum is a thin membrane that lines the abdominal and pelvic cavities, and spans across the majority of your abdominal viscera.

The pericardium is located just outside of the heart, surrounding it with a multiple layered sac of fluid that lubricates the surfaces near the heart, preventing damage from friction. The pleuron, grouped into two sections, the visceral pleura, and the parietal pleura, is highly susceptible to pain. It is understood, that mesothelioma cancer, is one of hardship and grief.

As with all cancer growth, it manipulates the integrity of cell walls, mutating the human form. Mesothelioma cancer begins in the lungs. It is contracted by swallowing or breathing in asbestos fiber, which are so small, that the naked human eye cannot see them.

It takes a long time for mesothelioma cancer to set in. In some reported cases, it has taken tens of years for a victim to realize they have this cancer. This is one of the reasons it is so deadly, taking host to more than 3,000 per year.

When being treated for mesothelioma cancer, a patient will undergo several forms of therapy. The most common form includes a series of x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. In addition, you may find that a doctor might recommend biopsies to assist in determining which type of treatment plan will work best for you. As no one person is the same as another, nor is treatment and it will vary from one patient to another. An oncologist or physician will help you to figure out what works best with your body to meet your needs.

In addition, surgery, radiation treatment, and chemotherapy have been known to assist in the fight against cancer. This is the same with mesothelioma cancer treatment. When you began treatment, you will learn that the object of this treatment is finding and eliminate any and all tumors. The variety of theory helps by solving the question of exactly where they are located, and the spread of each tumor. There are my symptoms that will be relieved by following a doctor's orders, and attending these treatment sessions.

In this particular cancer, a victim may find difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and harsh stomach aches. As a result, depression is likely, and fighting off disease will be more difficult than usual. If you find yourself with these or other symptoms, you should seek help from your doctor or physician right away.

How to Treat Lung Cancer Caused By Melanoma

Of the many different types of cancer that exists, asbestos caused lung melanoma, also know as bronchial carcinoma and mesothelioma, is now responsible for 1% of all cancer related deaths worldwide. Mesothelioma cancer is directly associated with the exposure to asbestos, of which shows no immediate detrimental signs to the health, and takes many years to develop within the body. Although it is extremely difficult to treat, once diagnosed, Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery, have all been used with a certain degree of success.

Chemotherapy is commonly used to treat mesothelioma cancer due to its ability to either, attack directly, or to poison the dividing cancer cells anywhere in the body. However, healthy cells are also affected during the treatment, causing side effects that are usually attributed to the patients hair falling out as the hair cells are attacked along with the gastrointestinal, and normal bone marrow cells. Dacarbazine and Temozolomide, are two chemotherapy drugs that are often used with melanoma spread cancers, of which up to 20% of all patients who have been treated with either one of the drugs, have experienced a notable reduction in the size of their tumours.

Immunotherapy is another option, as it works by boosting the ability of the immune system, which in turn allows the immune system to fight off the cancerous cells. The side effects are less severe than those of chemotherapy, however, patients usually suffer from heavy flu-like symptoms which are prolonged by the duration of the treatment. Interferon Alfa and Interleukin-2, are two drugs that are often used to treat melanoma spread cancers, of which when administered to patients in high doses, help to stimulate the immune system.

Stereotactic Body Radiosurgery is also used to treat mesothelioma cancer. The patient is first immobilized in a frame to stop any movement, as computer imaging techniques are then used to identify precisely where the cancerous cells are. These cells are in turn destroyed by being given high dosages of radiation. The treatment is particularly effective against mesothelioma cancer, as it allows high dosages of radiation to be administered precisely, which destroy the cancerous cells while causing minimal damage to the surrounding cells that are healthy. Although, this treatment is only recommended for use on relatively healthy patients.

Surgery is a last result, and is something that is not usually recommended with melanoma spread lung cancers. The prognosis is often poor, as the patients five-year to ten-year survival rate is usually estimated to be under 25%.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of "The Oxford Quill," a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as, "Professional Article Writing, 'Proofreading, and Website Design." Philip's business also offers an extensive selection of professionally written e-books. If you would like to know how asbestos actually causes lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-does-asbestos-cause-lung-cancer

Signs That Lung Cancer Has Metastasized

There are two main types of lung cancer that someone can be diagnosed with: small-cell, and non-small cell. Both types may slowly grow in the body over a long period of time before finally being discovered. A diagnosis of the disease may not be until a patient has been ordered to take a chest X-ray, which is usually related to another illness. Because of this late discovery, the disease is usually in its final and most dangerous stage.

A late stage cancer is categorized as "Stage 4," and means that the disease has reached its final stage after having "metastasized" (spread from its origin). Patients diagnosed with late stage cancer usually have a very low survival rate. About 30-40% of patients diagnosed show some signs that the cancer has metastasized. Only a small percentage of these patients will survive for more than five years after diagnosis.

When a patient experiences symptoms such as severe headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and vomiting; it usually means that the cancer has metastasized to the brain. Neurological disorders such as seizures, ataxia, and confusion may also be experienced. A CT (computer assisted tomography) scan, or a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan may be ordered to determine the exact location and size of the tumor in the brain.

A continual dull aching pain in the back (usually over the area of the spine), may indicate that the cancer has metastasized to the spinal cord. Bladder or bowel dysfunction may also be experienced together with some degree of sensory loss. Paraparesis (a weakness of the limbs), or paraplegia (an impairment in motor or sensory function of the lower extremities) are other symptoms that may be experienced.

Commonly found in non-small cell cancer patients when the cancer has metastasized, are small bone fractures. These small fractures may result in severe pain and discomfort for many sufferers. Pains are usually localized in bones such as those found in the hands, feet, ribs, spine, pelvis, and proximal long bones (parts of the bone [arm or leg] that are located nearest the body). An X-ray is usually ordered to determine the exact location of the cancer.

When the liver has been affected, a patient may experience a notable weight loss (usually rapidly over a short period of time). Although there may be no apparent reason for this, it can sometimes be associated with an unexplained loss of appetite. Signs of jaundice (yellowing of the skin), nausea, fever, and a pain in the right upper quadrant may also be apparent.

Other symptoms that may indicate the cancer has metastasized include: coughing up small amounts of blood, wheezing, a shortness of breath, and severe chest pains.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (Stage 1) - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages and Treatment

Symptoms

Stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may be present in a sufferer without showing any signs or symptoms. It is usually diagnosed when a doctor orders a patient to take a chest X-ray which is often associated with another illness. Symptoms may include: a persistent cough (smoker's cough), shortness of breath, wheezing, and recurrent bronchitis or pneumonia. At this early stage, other symptoms are not usually present in a sufferer.

Diagnosis

Stage 1 NSCLC is localized (contained within the lungs) and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

Stages

- 1 The cancer is localized within the lungs but has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.

- 1A (the tumor is 3 cm or less in diameter).

- 1B (the tumor is between 3-5 cm in diameter).

These stages may also be described with a system called TNM (T = tumor size, N = nodes, and M = metastasis [spread of cancer]). Example:

- 1A (T1N0M0) Meaning that the tumor is less than 3 cm (T1), with no nodes (N0), and no metastasis (M0).

- 1B (T2N0M0) Meaning that the tumor is greater than 3 cm (T2), with no nodes (N0), and no metastasis (M0).

Treatment

Surgery is usually considered as the primary option for Stage 1 lung cancer treatment where removal of the tumor may be done via various different techniques. These techniques may include: segmentectomy (removal of a small segment of the lung), lobectomy (removal of the lobe of the lung), or pneumonectomy (removal of the entire lung).

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) may be used when either the location of the tumor is difficult to reach using traditional surgery, or when the general health of the patient is not at its best and considered that the patient would not be able to tolerate a full surgical procedure. VATS is also less intrusive on the patient than traditional surgery.

If the cancer is considered to be inoperable, radiation therapy may be used to treat it.

Stereotactic body radiosurgery (SBRS) is one treatment that may be considered. This is where the patient is first immobilized in a frame to stop any movement, then computer imaging techniques are used to identify precisely where the cancerous cells are. These cells are then in turn destroyed by being given high dosages of radiation.

Conventional radiation therapy's are not usually recommended with Stage 1A lung cancer, although with Stage 1B, adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy used after surgery to kill off any remaining cancerous cells) may be offered.

Philip Albert Edmonds-Hunt is from the County of Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. He has travelled most of Europe, and he has lived in Spain on more than one occasion. Philip has also travelled much of the USA and now lives and works as a Freelance Writer and English Teacher in Mexico. He is the owner of The Oxford Quill, a small but reliable business offering a range of services such as Professional Article Writing, Proofreading, and Website Design. If you would like to read more about lung cancer, check out: https://sites.google.com/site/theoxfordquill/how-to-treat-lung-cancer-caused-by-melanoma