Posts Tagged ‘Cancer’
Perhaps one of the words most used and most frightening when it comes to their health and reverse disease. Cancer is the term and is used for a group of diseases that have a common denominator: the transformation of normal cell into one that behaves very dangerous for human body.
The cell is the simplest element, endowed with life itself, which is organized tissues. It consists of a mass of protoplasm surrounded containing a nucleus.
A cell wall surrounds the cell and separates it from its environment. Inside the nucleus is the DNA that contains the information that programs the cell life.
Man is composed of millions of cells.
The cell divides and in doing so their structures are also divided into other exactly the same as above, with the same components and features than the original.
Normal cells grow at a rate limited and remain within their respective areas. Muscle cells are formed and grow in the muscles, not bones, those of the kidneys do not grow in the lungs, etc.
These functions and this growth rate is determined by the DNA. Some cells have less time to live than others, such as intestinal cells have a life span of two weeks while red blood cells live for about three months.
Other cells will live for the lifetime of the person and only divide to replace themselves, this would be the case of bone cells that act when it comes to repair a fracture.
The life of each group of cells is different and operate on it to make its DNA is different for each type of cell. Each cell is distinct.
The blood brings oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular life and collect the waste products produced by cells and transported to the filtering and cleansing organs (kidneys, liver, lungs).
Lymph is a colorless liquid that is composed mostly by lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells and travels through the body through the lymphatic vessels.
The immune system is responsible for defending the body by white blood cells that seek and destroy bacteria and viruses.
Leukocytes travel in the blood and lymph and accumulate in areas where infection is to surround and kill the bacteria or virus and, later, migrate through lymphatic vessels to lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes are like clusters of grapes located in different parts of the body.
Each node receives the cell and this is where they are filtered and destroy bacteria, cell debris and worn themselves.
When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes may swell. If the infection occurs in a tooth, will ignite the neck. If the infection is in one hand, will be increased for those in the armpit. The lymph nodes also can be enlarged when a tumor.
Normal cell becomes a cancer cell to become due to a change or mutation in DNA. Sometimes these cells, whose genetic makeup has changed, die or are eliminated in the lymph nodes. But other times, still alive and reproduce.
The cancer cells look different, either because its form has changed or because nuclei contain larger or smaller.
These cells are unable to perform the functions that correspond to cells belonging to that tissue.
Posted in Lung Cancer | 
Tags: Cancer, cell, Concept, Concept of Cancer, DNA, health, reverse disease | 
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Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of the disease in which cancer cells develop in the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium – the lining of the chest, abdomen and the area around the heart. This form of cancer is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Cancer is one-fifth to one third of cases are diagnosed. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include weight loss, swelling and pain in the abdomen due to fluid accumulation. Victims of other types of mesothelioma can develop pain in the chest wall, the fluid around the lungs, anemia, shortness of breath, or symptoms of anemia, cough, or the tendency to wheeze and cough up blood. In severe cases, can form tumors in the lungs or abdominal cavity, causing the collapse of the lungs.
While only a short period of exposure to asbestos, as little as one or two months, is required for this type of cancer that occurs, you can take a long time before symptoms appear. People who were exposed in the decade of 1940 are only now being diagnosed as mesothelioma cancer has a long latency period. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, the prognosis may vary according to how early it was detected. Research in alternative medicine and conventional therapies for the treatment of this disease continues. Conventional drugs used to fight cancer mesothelioma include Alimta and other chemotherapy drugs, surgery to remove tumors, and radiotherapy.
In addition to these treatments, a series of alternative medicine therapies may be able to reduce the symptoms of mesothelioma. Is called complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, this group of doctors and health care options and practices are not considered part of general medical practice. However, that does not mean they are ineffective. Some health professionals practice both CAM and conventional medicine, and combine the two with good results. This is known as integrative medicine.
Posted in Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Treatment, Natural treatment |
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos fibers, Cancer, cancer cells, Cause of mesothelioma, chemotherapy, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma alternative medicine, Mesothelioma Cancer, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, radiation therapy, symptoms of mesothelioma, symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, treatment of mesothelioma |
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What is mesothelioma?
Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. The mesothelium has two layers, one surrounding the organ itself, and the other forming a lining bag inside it. Between these two layers are usually produces a small amount of liquid to lubricate the movement of organs protected. When the normal cells of the mesothelium out of control and multiply rapidly, it is called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural, which is generated in the lining of the lungs. Other forms are mesothelioma peritoneal, affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity, and mesothelioma pericardial, affecting the lining of the heart.
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is almost always prevent exposure to asbestos fiber. Many people have been exposed in the military, others because of their work, others, secondarily, through contact with workers exposed. Because of its latency, the cancer may not occur for 20-50 years and higher after exposure.
What types of products generally contain asbestos?
These products generally contain asbestos in varying concentrations. This list is not exhaustive and is intended only as a general reference.
* Coatings shaped or molded, used for thermal insulation of pipes and boilers
* Asbestos spray used as fire protection in ducts, in firebreaks, panels, partitions in, in the floor boards, ceiling panels and around structural steel
* Insulating boards used for fire protection, thermal insulation, the partitions and pipes
* Coatings used asbestos in firebreaks and ceiling cavities
* Double-pressed cardboard, paper and paper products used for the insulation of electrical equipment, asbestos paper may also be used as a flame retardant coating on the panels of wood fiber
* All asbestos cement products, both flat corrugated sheets used for roofing or wall covering, cement products were also used in the gutters in the rain and water tanks
* Textured finish (such as Artex)
* Roofing material made of bitumen
* Tile Vinyl or thermoplastic
Posted in Asbestos, Causes Mesothelioma |
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos fibers, Avoid asbestos exposure, Avoid contact with asbestos, Cancer, Cause of mesothelioma, Causes Mesothelioma, Malignant Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Cancer, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma, the stage of mesothelioma |
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The pleura in a double layer covering the lung
The pleura is a membrane consisting of two thin sheets (visceral and parietal). They are the lungs and the inside of the chest cavity. In case of illness the space between the two pleural (pleural cavity) may fill with fluid, which causes breathing difficulties.
Asbestos case
It is assumed that about half of all malignant mesothelioma is caused by asbestos dust. Mesothelioma can develop decades after exposure to asbestos. If the asbestos dust may cause cancer should notify the appropriate accident insurance of the employer with whom the patient was exposed to dust, even if the patient is retired.
The lungs ‘walled’
The pleural mesothelioma is spread across the pleura and may invade nearby organs like the lungs or diaphragm. Arise breathing problems, coughing and chest pain. For the diagnosis is used in radiography, computed tomography or other methods of examination of the chest. It also collects fluid from the pleural cavity.
Surgery, radio and chemotherapy
The type of treatment depends on the spread of cancer. Typically, therapy is a combination of surgery, radio and chemotherapy. If pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed in a very advanced stage of recovery is not possible.
Pleural metastases
Much more frequent pleural mesothelioma are pleural metastasis, ie secondary tumors. Pleural metastases arise mostly from malignant tumors of lung, breast, stomach and esophagus.
Posted in Asbestos, Mesothelioma Surgery |
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos dust, asbestos fibers, Avoid asbestos exposure, Cancer, chemotherapy, Combination therapy, Lung Cancer, Malignant Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatment, Pleural Mesothelioma, radiation therapy, surgery, treatment of mesothelioma, treatments for lung cancer |
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Other risk factors
* Exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral used as insulation in homes and buildings, also increases the risk of lung cancer. In houses, this material is not dangerous as they are not broken or handled in the open air, which may be the case during the renovations.
* Wood stoves, if they are not waterproof, are sources of fine particles in the air of homes, particularly dust and ashes. Wood smoke contains over 7,000 toxic substances. NB In its natural form, talc may contain asbestos. However, Canadian law requires, since 1973, as consumer products containing talc (body powders, face and baby) are free of asbestos.
* Being frequently exposed to air pollution. The air pollution is responsible for 5% of all deaths from cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lungs. The particles from burning coal, oil, natural gas and the incineration of garbage are damage. The problem is especially crucial in countries poorer and densely populated, particularly in Asia, but relates to some degree, all major cities.
* Having a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Twenty studies (cohort or case-control) on eating habits show a slightly reduced risk among consumers of fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene (sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, spinach and other green vegetables dark, winter squash, etc..). In general, consumption of fruit and vegetables exert a protective effect in people exposed to smoke tobacco.
Epidemiological studies indicate that consumed in supplement form (at a dose of 20 mg or more per day), beta-carotene slightly increases the risk of lung cancer and mortality among smokers. It is not known if this negative effect persists when the beta-carotene is used in combination with other carotenoids in supplements.
Potential risk factors
* Smoking marijuana. For now, the data tend to show that marijuana does not increase the risk of lung cancer. Smoke marijuana, or cannabis, although exempting nicotine, contains several carcinogens found in tobacco smoke. Researchers believe that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) present in cannabis smoke’s effect. Marijuana smoke is often inhaled deeply and held longer in the lungs. Some data suggest that marijuana may cause oral cancer.
* Smoking the hookah (pipe eastern water pipe, hookah). The data are currently insufficient to determine the impact of this practice on the risk of lung cancer. The amount of tobacco smoke hookah is much lower than that found in cigarettes.Smoking the hookah is a tradition in North Africa and the Middle East. The smoker draws through a long pipe, smoke flavored tobacco. Although filtered water, smoke contain certain amounts of nicotine, carbon monoxide and other harmful substances.
Posted in Asbestos, Malignant Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma |
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos fibers, Avoid asbestos exposure, Avoid contact with asbestos, Cancer, Cause of mesothelioma, cause of oral cancer, Causes Mesothelioma, diet, Lung Cancer, Lung cancer risk factors, Oral Cancer, Overview of Lung Cancer, risk of lung cancer, smoke, smoke tobacco, smoking cigarettes, smoking hookah, smoking marijuana |
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Avoid these factors reduces the risk of lung cancer. However, most people who have a risk factor will not be affected by this cancer. In addition, sometimes the disease occurs even in the absence of all these risk factors.
Major risk factor
* Smoking cigarettes. By far, this is the most important risk factor. Smokers are 10-25 times more likely to have lung cancer than non-smokers. The risk depends on the age at which smoking began, number of years and the amount of cigarettes smoked per day. Although lung cancer takes several years to occur, physiological changes in lung tissue are visible long before.
On other types of cigarettes. Cigarettes “exotic” (kreteks, bidis, etc..), Often flavored, are not safer than cigarettes, according to the American Cancer Society. Some have no filter, others contain less tobacco, but more nicotine than regular cigarettes. Note that chewing tobacco is one of the main causes of oral cancer.
Light cigarettes: Safer? According to experts at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, believing that it reduces their risk of cancer by choosing cigarettes low in tar or nicotine is often error. The slight protective effect is counteracted by the fact that most people who smoke these cigarettes more deeply inhale the smoke without realizing it, to get the same amount of nicotine.
Other risk factors
* Smoking a pipe or cigar. Their smoke is also harmful to lungs than cigarettes. However, pipe smokers and cigar smokers generally less frequently than cigarette smokers, making them less risky.
* Being frequently exposed to secondhand smoke. Among non-smokers, there is the main risk factor for lung cancer. The proof has been established by studying the spouses of smokers. Studies show that their risk increases by 20% to 30%, compared to spouses of non-smokers.
* Being exposed to carcinogens in the context of a job. Carcinogens may cause genetic mutations that cause cancer. This is the case of exposed workers to asbestos (minors in an asbestos mine, construction workers), radon (in uranium mining), chromium (welders) or vapor ovens gas. Among these workers, the risk of lung cancer is even higher if they smoke cigarettes. Those in frequent contact with chemicals or minerals that could be inhaled (arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, gasoline, diesel exhausts, dust talcum, etc..) and who do not respect security measures have also increased risk.
* Being exposed to carcinogens at home. Exposure to high concentrations of radon in the home increases the risk of lung cancer, especially among smokers. Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally in soil and rocks, resulting from the degradation of uranium. It is colorless, odorless and invisible. The risk occurs in houses built on soil containing high concentrations of uranium. Radon seep through the basement through dirt floors, concrete walls (and even more if they are cracked), drains and sump pumps.
Posted in Asbestos, Causes Mesothelioma |
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos fibers, Avoid asbestos exposure, Avoid contact with asbestos, Cancer, Cause of mesothelioma, cause of oral cancer, Causes Mesothelioma, exposed to carcinogens, Lung Cancer, Lung cancer risk factors, nicotine, Oral Cancer, Overview of Lung Cancer, risk of cancer, risk of lung cancer, smoke, smoke tobacco, smoking cigarettes |
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Mesothelioma cancer is directed specifically to the mesothelial cells. Mesothelioma typically attacks the thin membrane lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, known as the mesothelium. It is estimated that 2000-3000 new cases of mesothelioma occur each year. Mesothelioma Symptoms typically occur 20 to 50 years after exposure, making it difficult to diagnose many inactive cases in the country.
Causes
Mesothelioma cancer is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. The exact way in which asbestos causes mesothelioma is still under investigation, medical professors have four different theories:
Once that is inhaled asbestos can stay within the organs of the body causing the cells to mutate and become cancerous.
* Asbestos causes irritation and inflammation of the mesothelial cells, which results in irreversible scarring, cellular damage and eventually cancer.
* Asbestos fibers enter the cells and alters the function of cellular structures that are essential for normal cell division, causing cell changes that lead to cancer.
* Asbestos causes radical production. These molecules causes damage to DNA and causes cells to become cancer cells.
* The presence of asbestos causes the cells to produce oncoproteins. These molecules cause mesothelial cells ignore the normal restriction of cell division, and this can lead to cancer.