Straight Talk about Mesothelioma, a blog series created by Michael T. Milano, M.D., Ph.D., a radiation oncology specialist, as a resource for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Many family members, friends, and caretakers ask the same question when their loved one has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma: “What does ‘pleural’ mean?” It’s a good…
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How a PET Scan Can Save Your Life
In medicine, accurate testing for illnesses can be lifesaving. Positron Emission Tomography (or PET) scans allow doctors to do just that: Save lives. PET scans work quickly to check brain function, identify cancerous tumors, and measure blood flow. Although PET scans are only a relatively recent technology, they have already proven themselves absolutely essential –…
How Do You Get Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, chest, abdomen, and heart. Doctors in the U.S. diagnose around 3,000 cases of mesothelioma every year, and that number is rising. There is only one known cause for this aggressive and fatal disease: exposure to asbestos. What Is Asbestos? Asbestos is…
18 Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Mesothelioma
Everyone reacts differently when receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, and that’s completely normal. Some patients are scared about their prognosis, and some are angry when they learn mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Others may scream and cry, while some remain completely silent. Many people go through all of these emotions and feelings over time.…
Types of Mesothelioma Diagnostic Tests You May Have
Straight Talk about Mesothelioma, a blog series created by Michael T. Milano, M.D., Ph.D., a radiation oncology specialist, as a resource for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. Mesothelioma is a serious disease, and specialists do not make the diagnosis lightly. If your doctor determines that mesothelioma is a possibility, he or she will order…
How to Get a Handicap Parking Permit If You Have Mesothelioma
Living with mesothelioma on a daily basis is extremely tiring. Anything that helps to conserve your much-needed energy is a valuable service. Being able to use a handicap permit or disability placard and park close to entrances can make trips to the doctor, the store, or anywhere else a little more manageable. But how do…
Can Hair Dryers Cause Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer, with only one known cause – exposure to asbestos. A hairdresser may not be the first occupation that comes to mind when considering asbestos exposure, but according to a recent report in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, a 49-year-old hairdresser was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma…
Lighthouse Remodel a Reminder of Asbestos Risk
For people who crave the scenic beauty of living by the sea in a home that has stood the test of time, the chance to buy an old lighthouse may seem like a dream come true. But when it comes to remodeling one, the dream may become a nightmare. Lighthouses, like many older structures, need…
District Admits to Asbestos Removal During School Hours
Turmoil is brewing in Lexington-Richland School District Five in South Carolina, and parents aren’t happy. Fitsnews reports that in mid-April, workers in protective gear were seen removing asbestos from Chapin High School during school hours. When a school board member called to inquire about this, she was told that no asbestos removal was taking place.…
