What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Source : www.cancer.gov

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How is mesothelioma diagnosed

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Source : www.cancer.gov

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Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

Source : www.cancer.gov

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What are the risk factors for mesothelioma

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Source : www.cancer.gov

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

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What is the mesothelium

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart.

The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and jobsite exposure information.

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Aadhavan Songs

Aadhavan Songs

Track 1. Yeno Yeno Panithuli – Thamarai – is a dreamy interval with Surya & Nayanthara in Iceland. Composed by Dhinesh.

Track 2. Dekho Dekho – Vaalee – Features the cast counting Surya & Nayanthara at the Chettinadu Palace. Composed by Gayathri Raghuram.

Track 3. Varayo Varayo – Pa. Vijay – Voices: Dr Burn, Karthik & Harini. Romantic interlude with Surya & Nayanthara screened in sets.

Track 4. Masi Masi – Kabilan – Features Surya & Nayanthara,Murali & Saroja Devi filmed in the Kodaikanal.

Track 5. Aadhavan – Muthukumar Romantic interlude with Surya & Nayanthara in South Africa. Composed by Shobi.

Track 6. Vaada – Muthukumar -A song showing Surya dancing at a college .

Aadhavan Songs Download Link

Aadhavan Hassli Hassli Promo Song

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Rajinikanth's gift to his grandson

He might be the reigning superstar to his ardent fans and film-lovers. But for his grandson Yatra, (Dhansuh and Aishwarya's son) Rajini is just a loving grandpa who is looking forward to opportunities to pamper his young grandson.

It is said that both Rajinikanth and Latha Rajinikanth make ample time in their daily schedules just to offer enjoyable company to Yatra. Moreover, now Rajini is said to have constructed a large playground is filled with an amazing assortment of playthings and toys for Yatra's exclusive amusement in his Kelambakkam farmhouse.

Source : http://www.poochandi.com/movies/tamil/news/rajinikanth-s-gift-to-his-grandson-3913.html

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Kanthasamy Release on July 17th

The long wait seems to be finally coming to an end. Kanthasamy, the most-awaited film of the year, which has been in the making for almost two years, will finally release on July 17th, provided there are no last minute issues. The audio was launched recently with much fanfare.

Vikram said that he enjoyed working in Kanthasamy, and has never seen a unit as passionate as this. He also thanked director Susi Ganesan for giving him room to improvise and also for incorporating his ideas and suggestions.

Kanthasamy, starring Vikram and Shreya in the lead roles, has loads of action with a racy narration.It also marks producer Kalaipuli S. Dhanu's 25th year in films

Source : http://www.poochandi.com/movies/tamil/news/kanthasamy-on-july-17th--3923.html

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Sasikumar’s Nadodigal vs Akhil’s Valmiki

For the first time two eagerly awaited class movies are clashing at the Tamil Nadu Box- office, this weekend.

It is billed as the clash of the class cinema- Nadodigal v/s Valmiki. The former is the first release of director turned actor Sasikumar after last year’s trend setter Subramaniapuram purely as an actor. The latter is coming from Vikatan Talkies, a reputed production house whose last release Siva Manasulla Sakthi is the sleeper hit of 2009.

Nadodigal is directed by Samuthirakani, who has made a name for himself as a good television script writer and director, while debutant Anantha Narayanan is Valmiki director. It is Sasikumar’s and Akhil’s big ticket to become saleable solo heroes.

Abhinya, a differently- abled actress who cannot speak or hear is making her debut in Nadodigal as one of the heroines, while the other heroine is Ananya. The sensational Malayalam heroine Meera Nandan, is debuting in Tamil with Valmiki.

Both the films are targeting the upper class audiences of C3 territory- Chennai and Chengalpet multiplexes and Coimbatore.

The best of the screens in these areas have been snapped up by these two films. And both the films carry clean ‘U’ certificate!

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