General Facts of Lung Cancer By K. Ngo

Lung cancer is a disease of uncontrolled damaged cell growth in tissues of the lungs. This growth may spread to other organs, adjacent or non-adjacent tissue beyond the lungs. Lung cancer accounts for one of the most cancer-related deaths in both men and women, is responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide. In 2008, an estimated of 1961,840 Americans are expected to die from lung cancer, accounting for about one-third of all cancer deaths. More women have died each year from lung cancer than from breast cancer sine 1987. After several decade of increase, a female lung cancer death rate is now in a plateau and becomes the second cause of death behind breast cancer. From 1990-1994, death rates among men have decreased by 1.3% per year. Both indicators are good signs showing a decrease in smoking rates over the past 30 years in both men and women.

Just a bit over 215,000 new cases of lung cancer, accounts for an estimated of 15% of all cancer, were diagnosed in 2008. For treatment purposes, lung cancer is classified as small cell or non-small cell. These cells are treated differently. Treatment options vary by type of cells and the stages of cancer. Treatment methods may include one or a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy and surgery. Because the cancer has usually spread by the time it is discovered, radiation and chemotherapy are often used, and if necessary, in combination with surgery. Common lung cancer symptoms may include shortness of breath, persistent cough, or coughing up blood, chest pain, voice change, weight loss and recurrent pneumonia or bronchitis. Smoking cigarette is no doubt the biggest risk factor to lung cancer. Risk increases with the amount and the duration of cigarette smoking. There are many cancer-causing chemical compounds in tobacco smoke. Smoking cigars and pipes also cause lung cancer even though not as high a risk as smoking cigarette. Second hand smoke, occupational or environmental pollution or exposure to radon, asbestos and certain metals such as chromium, cadmium and arsenic, are factors to risk of lung cancer. Genetic plays an important role in the development of the disease, especially in those with the disease at a younger age.

Early detection has not proved to reduce mortality. Chest X-ray and bronchial passages fiberoptic examination is not too effective in reducing lung cancer deaths. Between 2000 and 2003, the 1-year relative survival rate has increased to 41% compared to 35% during the 1975 - 1979 period. However, only 15% of all the patients survive past the 5-year relative in all stages of the cancer combined.

Live well, eat healthy, exercise, stay optimist, don't ever smoke or quit smoking will help prevent getting cancer in the first place.

Paying attention to the water you drink daily is one way to prevent cancer development. About 70% of the bodies' weight is water. It is the very thing the body needs most. Water is accountable for many body functions. Drinking enough clean and fresh water not only improves your overall health and well-being, it may also prevent you from many ailments and sicknesses. Give your body the quality water it deserves and in turn, it will serve you with the optimal health and appearance you have always desired. For the best possible water for your health, right from the faucet, for pennies per gallon, please visit Drinking Water Safety. After all, who wants to fill 70% of their bodies' weight with impurities, toxins and chemical treated water?

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Types of Pain and Medications Used For Mesothelioma By Frederick Schenk

Almost everyone with mesothelioma experiences pain, the more so as the disease advances. Most patients use of a variety of pain medications to reduce pain and maintain their quality of life. Here are the kinds of pain that people with mesothelioma must deal with, and the types of pain medications used to control the pain.

Mild to moderate pain

Non-opioids: Examples are acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. You can buy many of these over the counter, without a prescription. Some stronger NSAIDs do require a prescription.

Tingling and burning pain

Two other groups of drugs, antidepressants and antiseizure medications, have proven to be very useful in managing tingling and burning sensations. Taking an antidepressant does not mean that you are depressed or have a mental illness, and taking an antiseizure medication does not mean that you are going to have seizures. If your doctor prescribes one of these s/he is simply making use of some additional therapeutic properties of these drugs.

Antidepressants: Drugs such amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin and trazodone have proved helpful in alleviating pain when there has been nerve damage. They are also helpful as aids for sleeping. A prescription is needed for these medicines.

Antiepileptics: Carbamezeping, lamotrine, and gabapentin are three of the most used antiseizure medications. All of these require a prescription.

Moderate to severe pain

Opioids: Examples are hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, fentanyl and methadone. All of these medications require a prescription. Nonopioids may also be used along with opioids to control moderate to severe pain.

Breakthrough Pain

ACTIQ (Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate) is the first analgesic (pain relief) drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for breakthrough pain. It comes as a lozenge on a handle, a lollipop for pain. Fentanyl, ACTIQ's active ingredient, is a very effective opiate, 100 times stronger than an equivalent dose of morphine. It dissolves in saliva, and is absorbed through the mucus membranes that line the mouth. Pain relief occurs within 5 to 10 minutes. People find the drug easy to use, effective, and easily tolerated. Oxycodone and hydromorphone can also be used for breakthrough pain, but neither of these are available as lozenges in the mouth absorption.

You may also wish to read the companion article, "Your Part in Managing Your Mesothelioma Pain."

As a veteran California mesothelioma lawyer Frederick Schenk understands the obstacles in front of a mesothelioma patient. He offers information regarding treatments for mesothelioma pain and the different kinds of mesothelioma pain at California Asbestos Law.

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The Warning Signs of Pleural Mesothelioma By Aaron Almus

If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, whether directly or from a spouse whom was, then you will want to read this article. There are two main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma that you need to look out for: difficulty breathing and chest pain. I will explain each in this article so that you have a better awareness of when you need to put the pride away and go see a doctor.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the lungs and abdomen. Estimates show it affects over 2000 people every year in the states alone. This disease is the direct result of asbestos exposure. However, nearly a quarter of all diagnosed had no exposure to asbestos. So even if you never had exposure and you find yourself with the following pleural mesothelioma symptoms you need to see a doctor.

Pleural mesothelioma is cancer that is found in the pleura of the lungs. The pleura is the lining or membrane that surrounds the lung tissue. This lining has two layers: visceral and parietal. The visceral is the inner layer while the parietal is the outer. In between them is lubricating fluid to help the two layers slide over each other as our lungs contract and expand for our breathing. When one begins the early stages of pleural mesothelioma the cancer can cause the layers to become thicker. This can result in the pleural mesothelioma symptoms; difficulty breathing and chest pain.

Obviously difficulty breathing is a common symptom for many ailments. So don't conclude that you have mesothelioma. You need to visit a doctor as soon as you can.

In pleural mesothelioma you begin to have shortness of breath and difficulty breathing because of the two layers of the lining pushing against each other. The layers create more tension because they become thicker as mesothelioma develops. This can also cause discomfort from swallowing and regular coughing. It can also cause hoarseness of the throat and coughing up of blood.

Another symptom is pain in the chest. Naturally as the layers become thicker due to the growth of cancer cells and push against your lungs causing shortness of breath they can also cause chest pain because of the added pressure. The pain typically begins on the side and spreads up to your shoulders and neck.

If you experience either of these symptoms you should consult a doctor right away. As pleural mesothelioma spreads the symptoms will become worse. Visit a doctor and make it a point to notify him or her if you have had any exposure to asbestos and your history of it. There is evidence that a person can get this cancer indirectly from exposure to someone that had direct exposure with asbestos. So if your spouse worked in a high asbestos exposure occupation make sure you tell your doctor.

To learn much more about the different types of mesothelioma, visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Cancer-Help.info/ where you will find this and much more, including the most common occupations for asbestos exposure, mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma treatments.

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