Ramanisblog

Tag: Lung cancer

  • Asbestos in the Environment.Help Centre.

    I received a communication from Mr.

    Mesothelioma of the left lower lung.
    Mesothelioma of the left lower lung. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

    Mike Postorino
    (407) 434-0732 Ext: 24
    Public Outreach
    The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com

    asking me if I would publish articles on Mesothelioma ,a form of Cancer in my blog.

    I had written a couple of articles on Cancer and I felt Cancer in any form, more than any thing else, needs awareness.

    I am happy to publish their Guest blog and as I understand there is more to follow.

    The people at  Asbestos .com seem to be offering a Service,which is very noble, and  as the Vedas say,’the succour of the ill , the quenching of thirst and feeding the hungry’, are actions that bring one nearer to God.

    May God Bless them May Prosperity be showered on them.

    About Asbestos.com.

    ‘

    We are here to help you. Whether you, a family member or a friend are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, this site was designed for you. The Mesothelioma Center is committed to being a comprehensive one-stop resource for all asbestos- and mesothelioma-related issues, from occupational exposure to treatment options. We understand that being diagnosed with cancer, especially a cancer as rare as mesothelioma, can be overwhelming.

    To provide the information you need and can trust, we offer a set of free support services capable of answering any question you might have.’

    The services are free of cost.

    Read, digest and consult your Physician wherever necessary.

    Hope none of you have the misfortune to be afflicted with ‘mesothelioma ‘

    For additional information, contact them at the following Link.

    http://www.asbestos.com/

    ”

    Though asbestos is used to manufacture several man-made products, it is in fact a naturally-occurring, fibrous mineral. Asbestos is considered toxic because airborne fibers can be inhaled or ingested and cause tissue damage that can lead to cancer development.
    While the presence of asbestos is prevalent in manmade materials, few people know that this hazardous mineral can be present in state parks and even in the soil and rocks in the communities where they live.
    When asbestos is found in the environment in its natural form, it is called naturally occurring asbestos (NOA).
    Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA)
    Naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) is found in the environment in ultramafic rock, including serpentine rock and near fault zones. NOA is typically not dangerous unless disturbed, but high levels of human activity and natural weathering can cause the rocks to break and release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air.
    In California, the Sierra foothills, Klamath Mountains and coastal mountain ranges contain large deposits of ultramafic rock. Clear Creek Management Area, a popular park for off-roading, hiking and camping is one of the largest naturally occurring asbestos sites in the world. The high level of human activity in the area may disturb asbestos-containing soil and rocks, and pose a threat to visitors to the area.
    In countries like Canada, China and Russia, NOA is mined in large quantities. In the city of Asbest, Russia, nearly half a million tons of asbestos is mined each year. As a result of the mining process, fibers are released into the air causing miners and those who live near the mine to develop several asbestos-related diseases.

    When damaged products containing asbestos are incorrectly dumped or handled, asbestos can be released into the environment and become a health risk. In India, ship-breakers dismantle old, asbestos-laden ships that once belonged to other countries, endangering unsuspecting workers.
    Reducing Exposure to Asbestos in the Environment
    Since asbestos is usually only dangerous when disturbed, there are precautions people can take to enjoy the outdoors safely:
    • Walk, run or hike on paved trails
    • Pave walkways, driveways or roadways that may contain asbestos-containing rock
    • Wet garden soil before working in it to prevent airborne fibers
    • Cover asbestos-containing rock or soil in gardens and yards with mulch or asbestos-free soil
    • Keep windows and doors closed on windy days and during nearby construction
    While some areas are known to contain asbestos, the only way to know if there is asbestos in the soil or rock near your home is to have it tested.
    Bio: Michelle Llamas is a writer for the Mesothelioma Center. She is committed to generating awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and providing information regarding breakthroughs in mesothelioma treatment.

    The Guest Blog is from www. asbestos. com

    Related articles

  • Lung cancer.

    Story.
    Source: Cancer Research/NHS
    Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. In the UK, it is the second most-frequently occurring cancer, accounting for one in seven new cases.
    Nine in ten of these can be squarely blamed on the pernicious effects of tobacco smoking – and unfortunately the majority of cases cannot be cured.
    The risk of lung cancer increases with age. It is less common in people under 40.
    Recently, there has been a decrease in the incidence in men, but lung cancer is now rising in women in many countries – this is directly related to changing smoking habits.

    Professor Gordon McVie, from Cancer Research UK, is an expert in lung cancer, and says that despite the current poor survival rates, optimism is higher than ever among researchers.
    He said: “I’ve have been working to research lung cancer treatment for the last 30 years, and there has never been a more optimistic time.
    “We haven’t made a big impact on cure rates yet, but I do believe that that is simply a question of time.”
    He said that women in Scotland and the north of England were now more likely to die of lung cancer than breast cancer.
    SYMPTOMS
    The key symptom of lung cancer is a persistent cough that gradually gets worse.
    Other symptoms include:
    shortness of breath
    drop in ability to exercise
    persistent chest pain
    persistent cough or coughing up blood
    loss of appetite, weight loss and general fatigue
    At present there is no effective screening test for lung cancer.
    If you are worried that you have lung cancer, your doctor may order a chest x-ray, which allows doctors to look out for shadowy areas on the lungs.
    Sometimes a more detailed series of x-rays, called a CT scan, is ordered.
    In many cases, this will be followed by a bronchoscopy or mediastinoscopy to examine tissue, and possibly collect samples for analysis.
    A bronchoscopy involves putting a thin flexible telescope, often with a grabbing device attached down the airways of your lungs.
    In contrast, a in mediastinoscopy a small cut is made in the neck just above the breastbone or on the left side of the chest next to the breastbone.
    Then a thin scope (mediastinoscope) is inserted through the opening.
    CAUSES
    Most lung cancer cases are caused by smoking cigarettes.
    Even passive smoking can cause a problem, and the longer period over which the patient smokes, the higher the risks.
    Breathing in other carcinogens in the workplace, for example asbestos, can also trigger cancer.
    Some people seem to be genetically pre-disposed to developing lung cancer, and medical checks in smokers may in future look for these key genes to work out how likely lung cancer is.
    TREATMENTS
    Treatment depends on the type of lung cancer and the state or extent of the disease.
    There are two types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The names simply describe the type of cell found in the tumours.
    In NSCLC, the tumour is often located in the outside part of the lung, away from the centre, and if it has not spread, it may be possible to remove it by surgery.
    However, overall less than a fifth of all NSCLC patients are suitable for surgery.
    Chemotherapy and radiotherapy will also be considered in many cases.
    Unfortunately, NSCLC is hard to cure, and in many cases, the treatment given will be to prolong life as far as possible – and relieve symptoms.
    SCLC is different from NSCLC. In particular, it has a tendency to spread to distant parts of the body at a relatively early stage.
    As a result, small-cell lung cancers are generally less likely to be cured by surgery.
    Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used as well.
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3243673.stm