4 Steps to Take If You Encounter Mesothelioma

Published on: 16 December 2021 Last Updated on: 01 February 2025
Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be harmful to human health due to its carcinogenic nature. However, if asbestos is such a dangerous element, why did people use it from the 1950s to the 1970s inside their homes? Well, it was due to its heat-proof qualities.

Typically, asbestos was used as insulation material inside houses. However, asbestos can cause various diseases, one of which is mesothelioma. It is a form of cancer that results from prolonged exposure to asbestos. It usually occurs when you breathe in asbestos fibers, leading to a malignant cancerous growth on the lining of your lungs.

Some symptoms might include but are not limited to high-grade fever, respiratory issues, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, dry coughing, and much more.

Finding out that you have mesothelioma can be devastating. That doesn’t mean they should give up hope and count the days they have left to live. Sure, no amount of money will help you improve your mental well-being. However, compensation will enable you to pay for treatment or ensure that your family is well-cared for. That being said, let us look at a few steps you can take if you end up developing mesothelioma.

Research Your Treatment Options

Research Your Treatment Options

While it may be impossible to reverse the lung damage caused by this type of cancer, you still have a few treatment options after contracting mesothelioma. For instance, if you contract pleural mesothelioma, some treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

These treatment options will help slow down the spread of cancer and alleviate some symptoms. Furthermore, doctors might ask you to undergo oxygen therapy to help you breathe easier if your lungs are damaged due to mesothelioma. Plus, they might also suggest you quit smoking to prevent further damage.

The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the stage of cancer. For instance, if your mesothelioma is at its second or third stage, your physician might recommend chemo or radiotherapy as a last resort.

 Consult With Your Primary Care Physician

Once you’ve researched all your treatment options, talking to your primary care physician about which one is right for you is the next step to take. Your doctor will assess your cancer and provide you with a better idea of what treatment option will be the best fit for you.

However, the good news is that sometimes, the symptoms might be due to another medical issue altogether. After all, mesothelioma results from years of asbestos exposure, and symptoms probably won’t show up until fifteen to twenty years after exposure.

So, it would be wise to consult your doctor to rule out all other medical conditions that have similar symptoms as mesothelioma. However, if you’re already diagnosed with this type of cancer, your primary care physician will keep you under observation and refer you to a pulmonologist.

 Hire A Mesothelioma Attorney

If your doctor has diagnosed your cancer, the next step is to hire a competent mesothelioma attorney. A mesothelioma lawyer will help you file your lawsuit on time. That said, there are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits that you can file; a personal injury and a wrongful death claim. In the case of a personal injury lawsuit, your mesothelioma lawyer will help you file a claim for compensation against your employer.

However, you will be eligible for this type of claim if you can provide information about your diagnoses like employment records, medical reports, evidence of exposure at your workplace, and much more. So, go ahead and hire a competent mesothelioma lawyer if you think that your diagnosis was a direct result of asbestos exposure at your workplace.

Search For A Support Network

Search For A Support Network

There is no shadow of a doubt that a mesothelioma diagnosis will affect your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So, searching for a support network for family and friends is vital for recovery. After all, it would help immensely to never feel disheartened and alone after receiving your diagnosis.

If you don’t have any friends or family members to confide in, look for an oncology cancer social worker. They will guide you and help you search for resources to manage your mesothelioma effectively.

In addition, signing up for a cancer support group is another viable option. In fact, you can go online and search for such support groups with the click of a mouse.

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma will undoubtedly leave you in a state of emotional turmoil. While the steps mentioned in this article will allow you to improve your quality of life, don’t forget to prioritize spending time with your friends, family, and loved ones!

So, go ahead and surround yourself with people who will support you and love you during such a testing time of your life. not to mention, leaning on loved ones for help and support will enable you to stay motivated and keep a positive look on life.

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Women should know about Vaginal Dryness and its Treatment

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However, every woman should consult their doctor regarding estrogen therapy, especially those who have previously experienced a case of breast cancer. Estrogen therapy is to be taken with caution in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Off-The-Shelf Treatments: Off-The-Shelftreatments include the use of lubricants. The lubricants are available in two forms which include water-based lubricant or oil-based lubricant. Doctors recommend the use of water-based lubricants over lubricants that have a high dosage of oil in them. Because oil-based lubricants can cause irritation and breakage of condoms during intercourse. Lubricants are available over the counter and help in treating vaginal dryness by moisturizing the inner lining of the vagina. Home remedies: One can prevent vaginal dryness from happening by adopting certain lifestyle changes and including good foods into their diet which includes the following Smoking has been identified as a risk factor for vaginal dryness. Smoking has anti-estrogenic effects that can cause a decline in the levels of estrogen. Estrogen is known to play an important role in lubricating the vagina. Doing regular exercise boosts up the blood circulation in the body and helps maintain normal hormonal balance. Consuming at least 2-3 liters of water daily and keeping you hydrated, to retain the moisture levels in the body. Regular sex- Practicing regular sex can help increase the blood flow to the vaginal tissues, and stimulate moisture production during arousal. Using skin-friendly compounds: The tissue present in the vagina is very delicate and contains good bacteria’s that help clean the bad things naturally and maintains the pH of the vaginal fluid. Using products like harsh soaps, fragrances, and other dyes can irritate the vaginal tissue promoting vaginal dryness. So, try to inhibiting the use of these products to prevent vaginal dryness. Also, using clingy synthetic materials as your undergarment can promote vaginal dryness by restricting the movement of air. Try using cotton and skin-friendly undergarments that soothe your vagina by promoting airflow. If you are also facing problems with vaginal dryness, try to keep it lubricated all the time by following all the mentioned parameters above. A lubricated vagina can make you feel good, fresh, young and can also protect you from harmful bacteria. Read Also: Can Breast Augmentation Cause Cancer? What To Do If You Facing Foreclosure? Testosterone Replacement Therapy What To Expect Just Not Feeling It? Tips For Getting Your Sex Drive Back

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Acne

Role Of Diet, Hormones & Skin Care On Acne

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Pollution particles can settle on the skin, potentially clogging pores and contributing to breakouts. Humidity can increase oil production, leading to more frequent acne flare-ups. Understanding how these external elements influence your skin can help you take preventive measures and adapt your skincare routine accordingly. Lifestyle and Stress Management Lifestyle choices and stress levels can play a significant role in acne management. Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate sleep can worsen acne symptoms. Smoking narrows blood vessels, lowering blood flow to the skin and decreasing oxygen and nutrient delivery. Excessive alcohol consumption may dehydrate the skin and impair its barrier function. Inadequate sleep can significantly raise stress levels and trigger hormonal fluctuations that result in breakouts. Stress can exacerbate acne by boosting the production of stress hormones like cortisol, leading to increased oil production and inflammation in the skin. Exploring ways to manage stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and lifestyle adjustments can be valuable to your acne management strategy. Engaging in physical activity not only aids lower stress but also increases blood circulation, which can benefit overall skin health. Proper sleep is crucial for skin repair and regeneration, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Conclusion In conclusion, comprehending the intricate interplay between diet, hormones, skincare, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices in the context of acne is essential for effective management. While dietary choices and hormonal fluctuations can influence skin health, a well-thought-out skincare regimen tailored to your skin type and suitable acne products can make a significant difference in managing acne. Read Also: The Chinese Have The Best Diet In The World – Here’s Why How To Choose The Right CBD Capsules For Your Needs Peptide Therapy: Types And Benefits

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Hormone Replacement Therapy

The 4 Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

During menopause, estrogen levels in your body drop. Some women experience unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), also known as Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT), is the most effective way to treat these menopausal symptoms. HRT involves estrogen-containing medications that replace the hormones that are no longer produced after menopause. Studies have found that hormone therapy also helps to prevent bone loss and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women. If you want to relieve the symptoms of menopause, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of hormone replacement therapy can help you determine the right type for you. Highlighted below are the four types of HRT for menopause. Here are the 4 types of Hormone Replacement Therapy: 1. Estrogen Pills One of the most common forms of HRT is an oral medication. The pills include conjugated estrogens and are typically taken once daily without food. However, some have more complicated dosing schedules. Pros Like other forms of HRT, estrogen pills can lessen or remedy the bothersome symptoms caused by menopause. They also reduce the risk of osteoporosis (weakening of the bones). Cons Estrogen, on its own, slightly increases the risk of thrombosis and stroke. When used with the hormone progesterone, the risk of heart disease and breast cancer is heightened. Like other HRT treatments, oral estrogens have side effects. These include painful swelling of the breasts, vaginal discharge, headache, and nausea. People with liver problems should opt for other forms of estrogen as oral estrogens can be hard on the liver. In addition, estrogen may not be absorbed, especially if you are taking certain medications or if you have stomach problems. 2. Skin Patches Another type of HRT is skin patches, with examples including Alora and Estraderm. There are also combined estrogen and progesterone skin patches. Follow the instructions and replace the patch once or twice weekly. Pros First, the patch is convenient. You can stick it without worrying about taking oral medicine every day. The patch is also great for people with liver ailments as the estrogen goes passes directly into the bloodstream, avoiding the liver. Studies have proved that patches do not present a risk of thrombosis to postmenopausal women compared to oral estrogens. Cons Estrogen patches do have side effects. These include painful swelling of the breasts, vaginal discharge, headache, and nausea. The patch can also irritate the skin on which it is applied. Do not expose estrogen patches to high temperatures or direct sunlight. The heat can bring about the rapid release of estrogen from some. Therefore, do not use a tanning bed or sauna when wearing an estrogen patch. 3. Topical treatment Estrogen gels, creams, and sprays are another way of incorporating estrogen into your body. Like skin patches, this type of estrogen treatment is directly absorbed into the blood. They are normally administered once a day. Pros Since these topical estrogen treatments journey directly into the blood, they are low risk for people with liver problems. Cons A possible problem with the use of this type of estrogen treatment is that the gel, cream, or spray can be rubbed or washed off before being completely absorbed. Always let the treatment of dry before dressing and apply after bathing. Since estrogen is directly absorbed through the skin, do not let your family members come into contact with these creams or gels. Ensure you clean and dry your hands after using the medication. 4. Vaginal Suppositories These types of estrogen treatments are applied directly to the vagina. These treatments are most suitable for women who suffer particularly from vaginal dryness, itching, pain, or burning sensation during intercourse. The medication includes vaginal tablets, creams, and vaginal rings. The exact dosing schedule depends on the product. However, the vaginal ring must be replaced every three months. Pros Research has proved that vaginal suppositories are more effective in treating vaginal symptoms of menopause than other types of estrogen treatment. Some vaginal rings produce low doses, impacting the surrounding region only. This is favorable since they do not subject the whole body to high amounts of estrogen. In theory, this reduces the risks of estrogen treatment and is a safe method to reassure women unable to receive systemic treatment. Cons Vaginal suppositories containing low amounts of estrogen are only useful for menopausal symptoms brought about due to hysterectomy. They do not treat other symptoms, such as hot flashes. Although high doses of suppositories offer solutions to these symptoms, they may carry risks of cancer. 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