The Top 8 Causes of Cancer

Cancer has multiple causes.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Environmental factors are generally thought to be responsible for 80% to 90% of all human cancers. The major environmental factors identified so far include:
TOBACCO: Tobacco in various forms of its usage (e.g., smoking, chewing) is the major environmental cause of cancers of the lung, larynx, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, bladder, pancreas and probably kidney. It has been estimated that, cigarette smoking is responsible for more than one million premature deaths each year.
ALCOHOL: Excessive intake of alcoholic beverage leads to esophageal and liver cancer. Beer consumption may be associated with rectal cancer.
DIETARY FACTORS: Smoked fish is related to stomach cancer, dietary fiber to intestinal cancer, beef consumption to bowel cancer, and a high fat diet to breast cancer. Food additives are also some causative agents.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES: These include exposure to benzene, arsenic, vinyl chloride, asbestos, polycyclic hydrocarbons etc. (e)
VIRUSES: Hepatitis B and C virus is reported to be related to hepatocellular carcinoma. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is associated with cancer cervix.
HABITS AND LIFE STYLE: Habits and lifestyle of people may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. Some examples are the established association between smoking and lung cancer, betel chewing and oral cancer, etc. There are several other environmental factors such as sun light, radiation, air and water pollution, pesticides which can cause cancer.
GENETIC FACTORS: Genetic influences have long been suspected. For example, retinoblastoma occurs in the children of the same parent. The Mongol race is more likely to develop cancer (leukemia) than normal children. However, genetic factors are less conspicuous and more difficult to identify.

Lung Cancer - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Lung cancer is the malignant transformation and expansion of lung tissue, and is the most lethal of all cancers worldwide, responsible for 1.2 million deaths annually. It is a leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancers. The more cigarettes you smoke per day and the earlier you started smoking, the greater your risk of lung cancer. High levels of pollution, radiation and asbestos exposure may also increase risk. There are many types of lung cancer. Each type of lung cancer grows and spreads in different ways and is treated differently. Treatment also depends on the stage, or how advanced it is.
Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Lung cancer that originates in the cells of the lungs is called primary lung cancer; however, cancer may also spread to the lung from other parts of the body. Metastatic cancers spread to the lungs most commonly from the breast, colon, prostate, kidney, thyroid gland, stomach, cervix, rectum, testis, bone, and skin (melanoma). More than 90% of primary lung cancers start in the bronchi such lung cancer is called bronchogenic carcinoma. The specific types of lung cancer are small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. The last three types of lung cancer are often referred to as nonsmall cell lung cancers. Alveolar cell carcinoma originates in the small air sacs of the lung (alveoli). Although alveolar cell carcinoma can occur at a single site, it often develops simultaneously in more than one area of the lung. Less common lung tumors are bronchial carcinoid (which may be cancerous or noncancerous), chondromatous hamartoma and sarcoma. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system; it may start in the lungs or spread to them.
Lung cancer is the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the lung. It can start anywhere in the lungs and affect any part of the respiratory system . When we breathe in, the lungs take in oxygen, which our cells need to live and carry out their normal functions. When we breathe out, the lungs get rid of carbon dioxide, which is a waste product of the body's cells. Cancers that begin in the lungs are divided into two major types, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer, depending on how the cells look under a microscope.
Causes of Lung Cancer
1. Breast cancer
2. Colon cancer
3. Rectal cancer
4. Stomach cancer
Symptoms of Lung Cancer
1. Shortness of breath, wheezing, or hoarseness.
2. Difficulty swallowing.
3. Fatigue.
4. Loss of appetite or weight loss.
5. Constant chest pain.
6. Breathlessness.
Treatment of Lung Cancer
1. Chemotherapy
2. Radiation therapy
3. Surgery

Mesothelioma Cancer Stages Explained

Mesothelioma cancer is a type of cancer that attacks the lungs and chest cavity. Also known as asbestos lung cancer, it forms deadly tumors where mesothelial cancer cells form a protective lining over the lungs, heart, and abdominal organs. It is a type of lung cancer that takes many years to develop and produce symptoms. Roughly 3,000 cases per year (mostly men over the age of 40) are reported. It is estimated that number will grow to about 300,000 cases before 2030.
Types of Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer
Epithelial mesothelioma is a rare and fatal form of cancer affecting the membrane lining of the chest cavity, heart, lungs, and abdominal cavity. There are three forms of epithelial mesothelioma: the most common is Pleural Mesothelioma, the second most common, Peritoneal Mesothelioma (accounting for only a quarter of the cases), and the rarest form, pericardial mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of this disease involves the pleura, a thin membrane located between the lungs and the chest cavity. The pleura provide a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not rub and chafe against the chest walls. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma the first being 'diffuse and malignant'. This type is cancerous and is generally fatal within a year of diagnosis. The second type is 'localized and benign' and is generally non-life threatening. It can usually be removed through surgery.
Lung Lining cancer is not to be confused with lung cancer. In lung lining cancer, the effected area of the body is called the mesothelium, a thin membrane that covers many of the internal organs of the body. The mesothelium of the lungs is called the pleura. Lung Lining cancer is also sometimes called mesothelioma after the area in which it occurs.
This thin membrane is comprised of two layers - one that surrounds the organ and another that forms an exterior sac around the first layer. Between the layers of the mesothelium is a fluid that allows vital organs to glide easily against objects that come in contact with them.
Localized pleural mesothelioma is not always caused by asbestos exposure. However, if it has spread to other parts of the body, for instance the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs, then it is considered malignant and is more often than not the result of asbestos exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma appears as a tumor in the peritoneum membrane of the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma is very rare, comprising less than a fourth of all known cases of the disease. There are no effective treatments for this condition, and most patients live less than a year after diagnosis.
Mesentery cancer is likened to peritoneal cancer (mesothelioma). This cancer primarily affects the sections of the peritoneum that attach different organs to the wall of the abdominal cavity, (i.e. mesogastrium for the stomach, mesojejunum for the jejunum). Mesentery cancer includes all abdominal peritoneal extensions. Tumors rarely originate in the actual mesentery, though it is a frequent route for the spread of mesothelioma through the abdominal cavity.
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma, affecting the membrane around the heart (called the pericardium or pericardial sac). In this disease, solid masses and effusion (fluid) develop around the pericardium. Not all effusions are strictly related to mesothelioma.
The Causes
Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers or dust. Workers in the asbestos industry are prime targets for attracting this deadly disease. Asbestos fibers enter the body, either by breathing in the tiny asbestos fibers or by swallowing them. The fibers cause healthy cells to mutate into cancer. Since the body is unable to dispel these fibers, the lungs become inflamed (asbestosis). This condition worsens and eventually becomes malignant. Asbestos exposure is thought to be responsible for roughly 75% of all cases of lung lining cancer.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a very difficult cancer to detect in early stages. The early symptoms tend to be generic and even nonexistent in some cases, and it can take as much as 15 to 50 years after exposure to develop. The first symptom is often constant chest pain, followed by coughing, lung damage, and shortness of breath. Patients who have peritoneal mesothelioma (a less common form of mesothelioma) generally experience abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling, often in addition to the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. They may also develop bowel obstruction or further breathing obstruction.
Stages and Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
There are three staging systems used to determine treatment for mesothelioma: Butchart System, TNM System, and the Brigham System
Butchart Staging System
The Butchart System is the oldest system and the most common. This system concentrates upon determining the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesothelioma into four stages.
Stage I of the Butchart System consists of the presence of mesothelioma in the lining of the right or left lung and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side. Stage II includes the progression of mesothelioma into the chest wall, esophagus, or lung lining on bother sides. There may also be lymph nodes in the chest. The onset of Stage III begins when the mesothelioma surpasses the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. In this stage the cancer may also affect the lymph nodes extending beyond those in the chest. Doctors identify Stage IV, the final stage, when evidence of the spread of cancer to other organs (metastasis) is confirmed.
TNM System
Stage I of the TNM System involves the lining of the right or left lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. At this stage, lymph nodes are not involved. Stage II begins when mesothelioma spreads from the lining of the lung on one side to a lymph node on the same side. At this stage, the cancer may also spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Stage III begins when mesothelioma is present in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side as the primary tumor. In the final stage, Stage IV, the mesothelioma has travelled into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, into the lung opposite the primary tumor, or directly into the organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Metastasis is the final result in this stage.
Brigham System
The Brigham System determines the resectability (the ability to surgically remove) the mesothelioma mass. In Stage I the tumor is resectable, while lymph nodes remain unaffected. In Stage II the tumor remains respectable but the mesothelioma affects the lymph nodes. In Stage III the tumor becomes unresectable. It has penetrated through the diaphragm, or peritoneum. Stage III can occur with or without lymph involvement and extends into the chest wall and heart. Stage IV occurs when doctors discover metastatic disease involving distant organs.
After doctors identify the stage of a patient's malignant mesothelioma, the patient and doctor consider the various treatment options available. Mesothelioma treatment programs are contingent upon many factors, including the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer, the spread of mesothelioma cancer, the characteristics of the cancer cells under a microscope and the patient's age and concerns.

Mesothelioma Cancer: Early Recognition of Symptoms is Key to Successful Treatment

Symptoms of mesothelioma take many years to become apparent. In other words it has a long latency period. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. The person may repeatedly visit the doctor with the symptoms but more often considered as respiratory infections. The non-specific symptoms make it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. Even people exposed to asbestos start showing the manifestation late in their life. By the time, mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is already widespread. However, the awareness of mesothelioma has made people detect it in early stages.
Manifestation of mesothelioma largely depends upon the location size and nature of the tumor. Sign and symptoms also depend upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign type of mesothelioma usually does not manifest itself. On the other hand, malignant type of mesothelioma has severe symptoms. It is mostly due to the pressure exerted on surrounding soft tissues. The malignancy may invade surrounding tissues or may result in pericardial or pleural effusion. Invasion of the chest wall may lead to chest pain.
The early symptoms to watch out for are:

• Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum
• A cough or a change in cough pattern
• Dysphagia or Difficulty in swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Significant Weight loss.

Among all types of mesothelioma, the pleural form is the most prevalent form. As a result the pleural symptoms are the most common manifestations of mesothelioma. When in early stages, the symptoms are more or less like pneumonia and hence often misdiagnosed. However these symptoms along with history of asbestos exposure should ring alarms for mesothelioma. Physicians should be well aware of it as usually they are the first to get in contact with the patient.
Pleural mesothelioma
Dyspnoea or shortness of breath along with chest pain is common manifestation of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion caused by collection of fluid between the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. On chest radiography a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion may be evident indicating viral pneumonia.
The less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:

• Chest pain
• Pain in the lower back
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Muscle weakness and sensory loss
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Hoarseness of voice
• Coughing up blood

A majority of patients do not show any sign and symptoms until late.Peritoneal mesothelioma
It involves structures like abdomen, stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel. The origin of peritoneal mesothelioma is usually abdomen, from where it spreads to adjoining organs. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

• Pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Bowel obstruction
• Anemia or swelling of the feet
• Abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
• Swelling of the feet
• Fever
• Impaired bowel function

The symptoms are a consequence of pressure exerted by the growing mass. This growing tumor can also cause breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma in peritoneum, owing to its space occupying tendency may give rise to bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting.Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very uncommon form affecting the pericardium. Pericardium is the cavity between the linings of the heart. The tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding heart tends to spread from there. Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations. Involvement of the membrane around the heart (pericardium) may cause heart rhythm disturbances.
The symptoms for all types of mesothelioma become more acute and obvious with the progression of the disease. In spite of it, it can be mistaken as other disease condition. The only differentiating feature is the history of exposure of asbestos. Therefore, it is critical to investigate one's exposure to asbestos. Symptoms like pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue and weight loss may be very common, but the doctor should elucidate the history of asbestos exposure to rule out the presence of tumor.

Asbestos - As a Factor Causing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a complicated syndrome which is caused due to exposure to unsafe asbestos. This cancer spreads in the membrane surrounding the area of lungs, heart and stomach. It takes several years to detect the cause of this disease. Asbestos can be inhaled anywhere, in the place of work or in schools with asbestos walls. Even at home if the clothes are washed with asbestos there are chances of getting this awful disease.
Asbestos occur naturally in the environment in the form of group of minerals. Earlier its use was tremendous because of its strength, effectiveness and its resistance to heat. In 80% cases affected due to this cancer, the main offender is asbestos. When asbestos is burnt, hazardous fibres are released in the air. The linings of lungs build up cancerous cells due to the penetration of these fibres.
There are three types of this malady. The one which causes pain in the chest, chronic cough, croakiness is Pleural-mesothelioma, which many a times is diagnosed as pneumonia. The lungs are affected in this type of cancer. Pericardial-mesothelioma interfere the function of heart membrane followed by symptoms like rise and fall in heart beat, chest pain, and low energy level. The third type which hurtles the stomach cavity is Peritonial-mesthelioma. The symptoms can be pain and uninhibited growth of cancer cells.
Imaging equipment like x-rays and scans are helpful for the diagnosis of this ailment. Though a meticulous series of physical tests is carried out, to get more correctness, Biopsy is suggested. This includes a microscopic examination of a body tissue. Amongst the most recent tests, Mesomark is considered to be the faultless detection test. When the spread of the disease in the body is known, further treatment can be done fast.
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are the common treatments for this disease. More often two or more cures can be combined to get better results. Surgery is not done in many of the patients due to late diagnosis. With the inventions in medical science, efforts are being made to make the patients live longer with treatments like angiogenesis, immunotherapy and gene therapy.
The treatment for Mesothlioma is high-priced. The patients or family members of victims, often find it unmanageable to go for doctors. Consultation from an Attorney can always help them to get reparation from corporations. Thus the fees for hospital, surgical treatments, chemotherapy and expenses for burial can be arranged with this.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Treatment & Mesothelioma Information

Doctor appointments are critical to make sure you're staying in proper health. However, exposure to asbestos presents an added urgency for routine appointments. Because asbestos related diseases take decades to form, early detection is critical for proper treatment. People who have jobs in industries like construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing are particularly susceptible of contracting these conditions.
Even with the best screening techniques available today mesothelioma often can escape diagnosis. The best thing to do is get screened early and consistently, especially if you had exposure to asbestos. Medical technology has breakthroughs every day and eventually a cure will be found. However, until then, the victims of mesothelioma should take action against those responsible. Contact a lawyer in your state today so you can receive compensation for your suffering.
The affected areas from mesothelioma cancer are the lining of the internal organs in the body. Because of the location of the infected cells, mesothelioma does not respond well to conventional treatments unlike most other forms of cancer. In addition, there are no blatant symptoms of the disease, so doctors cannot properly diagnose the illness until it's significantly advanced. Because of these factors, the effectiveness of many conventional treatments are limited.
When treating mesothelioma, doctors use several treatment options. Surgery, radiation treatments and chemotherapy have been traditional options for slowing the growth of cancerous cells. Doctors dealing with mesothelioma have to plan an innovative method of attack to combat this condition. New treatments like angiogenesis, photodynamic and gene therapy hold new hope for victims of mesothelioma everywhere. Depending on the state and location of the cancer, doctors will choose the best course of action for the circumstances. If it's discovered early enough, doctors can prolong the life of the victim, but sadly cannot cure the disease.
The three main types of malignant mesotheliomas are epithelioid, sarcomatoid and mixed/biphasic. Epithelioid is the most common kind as around 50-70% of all mesothelioma cases reported are this type. Epithelioid also has the best chances of survival. It affects the internal organs and internal surfaces coverings. Sarcomatoid is a much more serious condition as it affects the secondary tissues in the body such as cartilage, muscles, bone and fat. However, this cancer is much rarer, as it only occurs 7-20% of the time. Mixed/biphasic is having both types of the cancer at once, and this makes up 20-35% of the occurrences.
There are three targeted areas that mesothelioma can affect. Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleural cavity around the lungs and is responsible for a majority 75% of all cases diagnosed. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 10-20% of all cases and affects the tissues in the abdomen (especially the stomach and intestines). Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form which affects the sac and lining surrounding the heart.