LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSTIC

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Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Lung cancer suspected should pass the thorough physical examination. The physician may ask the patient to provide a sample of sputum (matter from ther throat and lungs, which is spit out through the mouth). The sputum sample needs to test to see if it contains bacteria, other infection organisms, or cancer cells.

If sputum analysis does not provide a definite diagnosis, additional test are performed. There are diagnostic test include following :

Chest Radiograph (x-ray) > > is used to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the chest or a localized mass in the lungs.

Computed Tomography (CT or “CAT” scan) is a computer assisted technique that produces cross sectional images of the body.

Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI scan) is a diagnostic method in which hydrogen ions within the body (and/or specific body parts) are exited by exposure to a magnetic field. The resulting signals are processed by a computer to create an image of the chest to define the location and extent of lung involvement.

Bronchoscopy is a visual examination of the windpipe and lung branches performed by a pulmonologist (respiratory disease specialist) using a flexible scope. Bronchoscopy may involve brushings (using a small, brush like device to gather cells from the tissue lining the respiratory system).

Needle Biopsy, with CT guidance, may be performed on suspicious areas in the lung or pleura. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) uses a slim, hollow needle that attached to a syringe. The needle is inserted into the suspicious mass and it is pushed back and forth to free some cells, which are aspirated (drawn up) into the syringe and are smeared on a glass slide for analysis. Large needle, or core biopsy, uses a large bore neddle to obtain a tissue sample for analysis.

Bone Scan may also be performed to rule out suspicious of metastasis to the bones. Metastasis is the process where in cancerous cells break away from the original tumor, travel, and grow within other body parts.

MESOTHELIOMA NEWS

Experts Urge Canada to Change Deadly Asbestos Policy

Monday, May 10th, 2010.

World renowned experts, asbestos victims, labour, political leaders, academic researchers and health care providers will gather on Parliament Hill on May 12 to demand that Canada change its shameful course on asbestos, at a 11 a.m. press conference and subsequent rally. They will also call for just transition policies for communities relying on this industry.

"Pretending that there are methods to handle asbestos safely is just like saying there is a safe way to fall from a 15th floor," said Dr. Fernand Turcotte, professor emeritus of preventive medicine and public health at the medical school of Université Laval.

"Suffering from hunger is far less painful than suffering from a dreadful occupational illness like mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure," said Dr. Tushar Kant Joshi, occupational and environmental health physician, Fellow at Collegium Ramazzini in Italy.

After a press conference at 11 a.m. in the Charles Lynch Room, participants will be joined by demonstrators in front of Centre Block at 12:15.

What:

Press conference and demonstration to demand Canada change its shameful course on asbestos

Who:

Pat Martin, NDP MP for Winnipeg Centre

Dr. Kapil Khatter, family physician in Ottawa, President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment

Dr. Tushar Kant Joshi, world renowned occupational health expert

Mike Bradley, Mayor of Sarnia

Dr. Fernand Turcotte, professor emeritus of preventive medicine and public health at the medical school of Université Laval

Dr. Barry Castleman, chemical engineer, environmentalist and asbestos substitutes consultant to the World Health Organization and the World Bank

Hassan Yussuff, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress

Sandra Kinart, Community Health Care worker and community activist whose husband Blayne has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma

When:

Press conference at 11 a.m., Charles Lynch Room (130 S, Centre Block, House of Commons, Ottawa)

Demonstration at 12:15 p.m. in front of Centre Block

About CUPE

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is Canada’s largest union.

With around 600 000 members across Canada, CUPE represents workers in health care, education, municipalities, libraries, universities, social services, public utilities, transportation, emergency services and airlines.

A strong and democratic union, CUPE is committed to improving the quality of life for workers in Canada. Women and men working together to form local unions built CUPE. They did so to have a stronger voice – a collective voice – in their workplace and in society as a whole.

Together they have won the right to negotiate their wages and working conditions; to stop arbitrary action by employers; and to speak out without fear of reprisal.

CUPE members are service-providers, white-collar workers, technicians, labourers, skilled trades people and professionals. More than half of CUPE members are women. About one-third are part-time workers.

CUPE is a modern, dynamic and sophisticated union with more than 70 offices across the country.

Workers, united through CUPE, have the clout and expertise to deal with the growing complexities of our global economy.

MESOTHELIOMA NEWS

ADAO Applauds Assembly Committee on Natural Resources for Passing Resolution to Repeal the Designation of Asbestos Laden Serpentine as the California State Rock

Friday, June 25th, 2010.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) applauds both Senator Gloria Romero for authoring SB 624 and the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources for passing this legislation to remove serpentine, the host rock of asbestos, as California’s official state rock, supporting the eradication of asbestos to promote public health.

“ADAO dedicates our efforts on this campaign to Army Archerd, prolific Daily Variety journalist who died from mesothelioma in September 2009”

“California has the highest rate of mesothelioma deaths in the nation,” said Senator Gloria Romero (D-East Los Angeles). “This bill is about raising awareness to protect the health of our citizens. Serpentine contains asbestos, a known carcinogen. Toxic materials have no place serving as emblems for the State.”

Asbestos causes cancers and respiratory diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer that claim 10,000 people every year in the United States and nearly 100,000 people worldwide. In 1965, serpentine was designated as the state rock of California in order to promote the then-lucrative asbestos mining industry. A practically indestructible lethal fiber, asbestos has been used for decades in numerous industries throughout California including building construction and naval shipyards, as well as in common household products ranging from crayons to blow dryers. Though asbestos is banned in 52 countries, it is not banned in the United States.

“ADAO dedicates our efforts on this campaign to Army Archerd, prolific Daily Variety journalist who died from mesothelioma in September 2009,” said Linda Reinstein, CEO and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “A longtime fixture on the red carpet, Army’s death is unfortunately not unique and the death toll will continue until the United States Congress passes legislation banning asbestos. More than 7,000 Californians have died from asbestos-related diseases.”

On behalf of asbestos victims and their families, the John McNamara Foundation, and The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, ADAO applauds our political leaders as this legislation moves forward to repeal serpentine as the state rock.

NON HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA

What is?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, NHL, or sometimes just lymphoma) is a cancer that starts in cells called lymphocytes, which are part of the body's immune system. Lymphocytes are in the lymph nodes and other lymphoid tissues (such as the spleen and bone marrow). These will be described in more detail in the section "The lymph system and lymphoid tissue."

Some other types of cancer -- lung or colon cancers, for example -- can spread to lymph tissue such as the lymph nodes or bone marrow. But cancers that start in these places and then spread to the lymph tissue are not lymphomas.

There are 2 main types of lymphomas.

Hodgkin lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin disease, or Hodgkin's disease) is named after Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who first described it.

non-Hodgkin lymphoma

These 2 types of lymphomas differ in how they behave, spread, and respond to treatment.

Doctors can usually tell the difference between them by looking at the cancer cells under a microscope. In some cases, sensitive lab tests may be needed to tell them apart.

Hodgkin disease is discussed in a separate American Cancer Society document. Our other documents focus on non-Hodgkin lymphoma in children and lymphomas of the skin.

PLEURAL FLUID

Pleural fluid is a serous fluid produced by the normal pleurae. Most fluid is produced by the parietal circulation (intercostal arteries) via bulk flow and reabsorbed by the lymphatic system. Thus, pleural fluid is produced and reabsorbed continuously. In a normal 70 kg human, a few milliliters of pleural fluid is always present within the intrapleural space.[2] Larger quantities of fluid can accumulate in the pleural space only when the rate of production exceeds the rate of reabsorption. Normally, the rate of reabsorption increases as a physiological response to accumulating fluid, with the reabsorption rate increasing up to 40 times the normal rate before significant amounts of fluid accumulate within the pleural space. Thus, a profound increase in the production of pleural fluid—or some blocking of the reabsorbing lymphatic system—is required for fluid to accumulate in the pleural space.

ASBESTOS LUNG DISEASE

Asbestos Lung Cancer Among Workers

Studies show an increase in lung cancer among workers exposed to asbestos. This increase is particularly significant among asbestos–exposed workers who smoke. A dose–response relationship exists both for the degree of asbestos exposure and the amount of cigarette smoking. See Asbestos and Cigarettes.
Asbestos Lung Cancer Explained

Most asbestos lung cancer starts in the lining of the bronchi, the tubes into which the trachea or windpipe divides. However, asbestos lung cancer can also begin in other areas such as the trachea, bronchioles (small branches of the bronchi), or alveoli (lung air sacs). Although lung cancer usually develops slowly, once it occurs, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body.

The two most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer (SCLC), in which the cancer cells are small and round, and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in which the cancer cells are larger. Sometimes a cancer has features of both types, and is called mixed small cell/large cell cancer.

Non–small cell lung cancer accounts for almost 80% of lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20% of all lung cancers (American Cancer Society, Lung Cancer). Although the cancer cells are small, they can multiply quickly and form large tumors. The tumors can spread to the lymph nodes and to other organs.

Early–stage asbestos lung cancer may be asymptomatic (without symptoms). The methods used to diagnose asbestos lung cancer include imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm (spit) samples. See Asbestos Lung Cancer Diagnosis.

PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA

Welcome to the Pleural Mesothelioma

Part of our mission at PleuralMesothelioma.com is to provide current, reliable data on all topics relating to pleural mesothelioma cancer. We are dedicated to compiling the latest and most up-to-date information on pleural mesothelioma and offer a number of resources to those coping with the pulmonary cancer. From treatment options to top doctors and the best cancer centers in the United States, PleuralMesothelioma.com is a one-stop resource for pleural mesothelioma patients and their families.
The Next Step: Life After a Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

After a patient has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, one of the first concerns for a patient and their family will be available treatment options to improve prognosis. The following include important topics for recently diagnosed pleural mesothelioma patients.


Improving Pleural Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

While prognosis for pleural mesothelioma patients typically ranges between four and 18 months, there are several traditional and alternative treatment methods that may prolong a patient’s life expectancy. Some prognostic factors cannot be changed, but improving patient heath and treatment efforts, quitting smoking, and the addition of immune-boosting therapies are a few ways to potentially improve a patient’s life expectancy.
Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Treatment

Receiving an official pleural mesothelioma diagnosis often comes after a series of imaging tests, collection of fluid samples and a tissue sample known as a biopsy. The stage of development the cancer has reached by the time of diagnosis has a great impact on available pleural mesothelioma treatment options.

Pleural Mesothelioma Causes

Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. Used in many industries throughout the 20th century, asbestos was found in thousands of products and those who worked with the material in an occupational setting are most at risk for developing pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma research is exploring other risk factors, but none have been proven like the link between asbestos and pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma and Veterans

As a result of their exposure during military service, U.S. veterans account for a sizable percentage of pleural mesothelioma patients. The group of veterans most at risk is naval veterans and this is a result of the mass amount of asbestos material used on naval vessels. Navy veterans who worked in shipyards or aboard vessels experienced more asbestos exposure than the average member of the Armed Forces and can claim benefits from the VA system for this service-related condition.
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