Peritoneal Cancer

Mike Armstrong asked:


The experience in markets where critical illness covers had been sold may not have been pleasant. Results may have showed rough policy definitions, non disclosure by critical illness policyholders and moderate claims handling by insurers. This might have led to several problems. To avoid such dilemmas, a standard set of regulations may have been used to achieve a critical illness product of quality. Let’s have a look.

The critical illness definitions used can be put in such a way that questions arising about what is covered may be less. In other words, critical illness definitions explained in the policy may be clearly understandable once read. Furthermore, the critical illness policy may also specify how and when the insured person should make the company aware about a claim. Basically, the claimant may be required to present the critical illness claim in written to the company. This may be done within three months after the critical illness had struck. After this, the claimant may be also required to produce full details of the critical illness. In most of the cases, a claim form may be available so that the critical illness claim may be assessed easily and the payout made quickly.

Moreover, the critical illness policy documentation may include that before payment is done some aspects of the claim might be reviewed. For example, the company may have the right to ask for any proof related to the critical illness claim made as well as the claimant’s health at the start of the policy. Additionally, the insurer may also be able to request the claimant to undergo specific medical tests by any doctor of the company’s choice. Here, cases of non disclosure might appear which could lead to the critical illness claim being rejected. Non disclosure has been and may still be a cause of concern in the critical illness industry.

In addition to, knowing about the complexity of the critical illness conditions covered, the company might lay down some rules. Thus, in the occurrence of a critical illness claim, full clinical, radiological, histological and laboratory evidence might be recommended. They may be as follows:

Cancer

In case of a claim, it may be essential to have a copy of the histological report so that the critical illness is confirmed to be met by all the definitions set by the policy. Details about the tumour may also be required as stipulated by the International TNM Classification of Tumours.

Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

In this case, for facilitating the critical illness claim assessment, past and new ECG reports, hospital reports and laboratory evidence may be essential. Should the complete report submitted reveal that all the circumstances mentioned above are not covered, the critical illness claim might then be declined.

Stroke

Here also, medical reports may be required to confirm the presence of the critical illness at the date of claim. The report might also demand proof of the disease lasting for 24 hours and also the existence of the critical illness even after three months.

Coronary artery bypass surgery

The need for surgery for this critical illness might demand proof of a coronary angiography. A copy of the angiography report accompanied by the surgery report may be enough for the critical illness claim to be accepted.

Kidney failure

To confirm a critical illness like kidney failure, medical as well as laboratory evidence may be supplied. These evidence may include, (e.g. creatinine, creatinine clearance, urinalysis) and a confirmation that regular dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) is carried out.

So, looking at this data, it might therefore be essential that you read your policy well to ensure a worthwhile cover under critical illness insurance.



Gene

Laura Russell asked:


Mesothelioma is the growth of malignant cells in mesothelium, the thin membrane covering the body’s internal organs. This mesothelium lining covers the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities. Pleura is a membrane covering the lungs and it is the most common location where mesothelioma cancer occurs also known as pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneum, the protective covering that lines the abdominal cavity may also develop malignant tumors and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest cancers in the world that is caused only by exposure to asbestos. Its exposure can be direct, by inhalation of asbestos or indirect exposure in which the asbestos particles are inhaled from the clothing, hair, equipment or other articles that were previously exposed to asbestos.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined in different parts of the world due to its wide utility in various industries. However, it is a deadly carcinogen too and a mojor cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos fibers are known to cause cancer of the mesothelium. Asbestos is the fibrous form of several minerals and hydrous silicates of magnesium found under ground. There are 3 types of asbestos, the blue one, the while one and the brown one. Of all these 3 types, the blue one also called amphibole, long and thin in structure is more carcinogenic than white or chrysolite asbestos or the brown one known as amosite.

However, in some cases the brown asbestos has also been found to cause mesothelioma. And it is for this reason that people exposed to asbestos even for a short period are vulnerable to the disease.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Asbestos fibers are very fine and easily make their way to the lungs where they settle down in the parenchyma of the lung and penetrate the pleura that later develops malignant mesothelial plaques.

Pleura, which anchors lungs to the chest cavity, is itself a double-layered membrane. The inner layer called visceral pleura surrounds the lungs, while the outer one, known as parietal pleura, forms the lining of the pleural or chest cavity. The two pleural layers are filled with a fluid that helps them to slide over each other as we breathe. As the disease progresses, the delicate pleural membranes thicken and press the lungs. A fluid secreted by the malignant cells, pleural effusion, may also collect between visceral and parietal pleurae that causes problem in breathing and other complications.

Peritoneum Mesothelioma

The asbestos fibers may also cause cancer in the peritoneum, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. This leads to thickening of the membranes surrounding abdominal organs and collection of a fluid, ascites in the abdominal cavity making it swell.

Though it is yet not clear how peritoneal mesothelioma develops, it is believed that from lungs, the asbestos fibers are transported to abdomen and its organs by the lymphatic system or they may be deposited in the gut through saliva contaminated by the asbestos fibers.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

This is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer that comprises of only 5% of all the mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma cancer, pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers. The lining of the chest cavity which protects the heart is known as pericardium. It is provided with a natural fluid or mucous that provide continuous lubrication to the heart so that it can work properly and perform its functions.

It is a very deadly disease that destroys the tissues around the heart and diminishes the survival chances of the patient. As the asbestos particles settle further into the lining of the chest or pericardial, the cancer spreads in the body. It destroys the heart tissues and muscles that is very hazardous to life and proves fatal for the patient.



Judith