Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for roughly 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that grows on the lining of the heart. The lining of the heart is extremely important because it plays an important role in protecting the heart from damage and so pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely serious condition. Pericardial mesothelioma becomes a terminal illness if not treated aggressively in its early stages.

Like all other forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos dust and fibres. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs. From the lungs, the fibres can either pass into the lymphatic system and then be transported to the lining of the lungs or they can gradually move across to the lining of the heart over a long period of time. Over a long period of time, asbestos fibres can accumulate on the lining of the heart and this is when pericardial mesothelioma becomes a likelihood. Due to the fact that asbestos is still present in many public buildings, the possibility of pericardial mesothelioma is a reality for everyone, although for most, very unlikely.

Those with the highest chance of having mesothelioma are those who have been in constant contact with mesothelioma for a length of time as short as a few months. These are people like construction workers and asbestos manufacturers. Those who are in contact with people who are constantly exposed to asbestos are also at risk due to the fact that asbestos fibres can stick to clothes and hair and so can be carried around.

Presently, cases of mesothelioma are increasing including pericardial mesothelioma. Elderly men who are approaching 60 – 70 years of age are just starting to suffer from pericardial mesothelioma due to its long latency period (amount of time the symptoms take to show) of 30 – 50 years. They are suffering because this was the generation who worked with asbestos and amongst asbestos when asbestos was an extremely popular building material in the 1950s – 1970s. These men are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to the dangers of asbestos.

Pericardial mesothelioma has a number of symptoms but these only start to take effect in the cancer’s latest stages when it is almost fully matured and developed. These symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pains and palpitations. Other symptoms typical of all types of mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss. What often makes pericardial mesothelioma so difficult to treat is that its symptoms are typical of many other more common diseases such as pneumonia. To be treated effectively, pericardial mesothelioma needs to be treated aggressively in its early stages and so many patients’ treatments are given too late because of a delay in diagnosis.

Treatments for pericardial mesothelioma are very limited and as yet, success rates for curing pericardial mesothelioma are very low. The chances of a patient’s survival depend largely on how early the cancer is treated and how aggressively. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery. Chemotherapy uses drugs to try to kill off cancerous cells. Radiation therapy uses radiation to try to kill off cancerous cells although this is extremely difficult in the case of pericardial mesothelioma because too much radiation can badly damage the heart.

Dual therapy is a combination of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgery comes in two different types, aggressive surgery and palliative procedures. Aggressive surgery is only used on the strongest of patients such as young and healthy men and consists of removing a large portion of the cancer and attempts to gain control over the cancer. Palliative procedures are a more passive way of dealing with pericardial mesothelioma and just attempts to relieve the patient of the symptoms.

Research is being done into pericardial mesothelioma in research stations all over the USA and many pharmaceutical companies are also attempting to find new drugs for chemotherapy. So far, much research has been unsuccessful.

For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to:

http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

Tags: Illness, Medical

Pericardial Mesothelioma is an extremely difficult cancer to treat and presently, all treatment methods used have a poor success rate. The chances of a patient’s survival depend largely on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. If pericardial mesothelioma is treated when it has fully matured and developed then the chances of survival are very slim and the prognosis for a patient could be only a couple of months.

The latency period of pericardial mesothelioma (30 – 50 years), and its symptoms which are ordinary of other more common diseases such as pneumonia, make it extremely difficult to diagnose and therefore difficult to treat in its early stages. In this way, a lot of pericardial mesothelioma treatments do not aim to cure patients but instead focus on reducing the symptoms.

Before a patient is treated, a doctor will evaluate him or her, and afterwards decide which treatment method is most suitable for the patient’s situation. The patient’s age, medical history, general well being and even weight are taken into account before the doctor will decide which of the three treatments are most appropriate. These treatments are surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Surgery

There are two different types of surgery that can be used one of which is called aggressive surgery. This is the most dangerous of all the treatment methods available and only the fittest of people are deemed strong enough to undergo this. Aggressive surgery consists of removing large chunks of cancerous cells from inside the patient. This is extremely dangerous in the case of pericardial mesothelioma seeing as the cancerous cells are in extremely close proximity to vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Extremely skilled surgeons are needed to perform this operation.

The second type of surgery is palliative procedures and this type of surgery is used only for the purpose of reducing the symptoms of the cancer. Palliative procedures are performed when pericardial mesothelioma is in its latest stages and is practically impossible to cure.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most well known cure of cancers and involves using drugs to kill of cancerous cells. However, many of the drugs used do not have a high success rate although researchers are discovering new combinations of drugs that work more effectively. Many pharmaceutical companies are also endeavouring to find new drugs. Researchers predict that they will soon discover a drug with a significantly improved success rate.

Radiation Therapy

This form of treatment uses doses of radiation to kill cancerous cells. However, in the case of pericardial mesothelioma this is extremely difficult because as well as damaging cancerous cells, the radiation also damages vital organs such as the heart and lungs. This makes using radiation therapy most effectively extremely difficult. The dose of radiation is usually too weak to make a significant impact on curing pericardial mesothelioma.

Dual Therapy

Dual therapy is just a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This consists of using surgery to remove the majority of the cancer cells and then using chemotherapy and radiation therapy to kill off any remaining cells. This has proved to be an effective treatment method however also very dangerous. Only the fittest young people are able to undergo this treatment.

For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to:

http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

Tags: Illness, Health

Mesothelioma is a rare, deadly form of cancer which can occur in a number of types. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of natural fibres which are extremely dangerous if inhaled as fibres. When fibres are inhaled they become lodged in the alveoli of the lungs and over a period of time these fibres make tissue and cells abnormal and cause mesothelioma cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases.

The next most common form, peritoneal mesothelioma, accounts for 20% of all mesothelioma cases and pericardial mesothelioma accounts for the remaining 5%. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissue surrounding the heart. All three of these types of cancer occur in extremely important areas of the human body and this is one of the reasons why it is so difficult to treat. Treatment methods such as radiation therapy can only be conducted with strict radiation dosage restrictions due to the possibility of damaging a vital organ such as the lungs or the heart.

Aggressive mesothelioma surgery is undertaken only by the strongest of mesothelioma patients because weaker patients are at risk of death within the first month after the operation. An experienced doctor will evaluate a patient before deciding that surgery is the best treatment method. He will take into account age, medical record, disabilities, allergies, sex, even weight. The operation will then take place. Mesothelioma surgery consists of cutting open a patient and removing the majority of cancerous cells from either the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart in an attempt to gain long term control over the cancer. Due to the proximity of the cancer to major organs of the body, the operation can only be performed by extremely skilled surgeons. There is a chance that a patient will die during the operation.

A second type of mesothelioma surgery is called palliative procedures. This is a far less dangerous and aggressive form of surgery which does not attempt to gain long term control over the cancer. Palliative procedures are designed to lessen the symptoms for a patient when it is almost certain that the patient will die inevitably from the cancer.

Mesothelioma surgery can also be coupled with radiation therapy and chemotherapy in what is known as dual therapy. Patients would undergo surgery to get rid of the majority of the cancerous mesothelioma cells and then chemotherapy and radiation therapy would be used to kill off any remaining cells. This combination of treatments has proved to be effective and has one of the highest success rates for treatments of mesothelioma cancer.

For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to:

http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk
http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

Tags: Aging, Medical

What is pericardial mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a serious heart condition which consists of cancerous cells building up on the lining of the heart. Similarly to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, this is a terminal illness due to the importance of the area on which it grows.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma and who are most at risk?

The primary cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. Therefore those at risk are those who are most likely to have inhaled these deadly fibres such as construction workers and asbestos manufacturers. Those in contact with these people also have a chance of getting pericardial mesothelioma because these people may have asbestos fibres stuck to their clothes or hair.

What are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma?

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma change from patient to patient. Usual symptoms include persistent coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Other symptoms patients may experience are nausea, weight loss, vomiting and loss of appetite.

What are the treatments available for pericardial mesothelioma?

There are various different treatments for pericardial mesothelioma although none of these have a high success rate. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery are the treatment methods available. Chemotherapy includes using drugs to kill off cancerous cells and radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells although this is difficult in the case of pericardial mesothelioma due to the surrounding vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Dual therapy is a treatment combining radiation therapy with chemotherapy. Surgery comes in two forms; aggressive surgery and palliative procedures. Aggressive surgery is a very difficult procedure and consists of removing large chunks of cancerous cells in an attempt to gain long term control over the cancer. Palliative procedures just attempts to lessen the symptoms for the patient.

How much exposure to asbestos is needed for there to be a possibility of getting pericardial mesothelioma?

This depends on how strong and resistant the person is to disease and on the concentration of asbestos in the environment around him. It is possible to get pericardial mesothelioma from as little as a couple of months of exposure to asbestos although on average it would take a couple of years for enough asbestos fibres to build up to cause cancer.

What is the prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma?

This is highly dependent on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated. If pericardial mesothelioma is treated when it has fully developed and matured then the chances of a patient’s survival is very small. The prognosis could be only a couple of months.

Is there any promising research into cures for pericardial mesothelioma?

Research into cures of pericardial mesothelioma and all other forms of mesothelioma is being done in numerous research labs all over the USA. Many pharmaceutical companies are also working hard to research new drugs for chemotherapy. So far, research has been mostly unsuccessful.

For more information on pericardial mesothelioma such as the risks, causes, symptoms and treatments go to:

http://www.pericardialmesothelioma.co.uk

http://www.pericardial-mesothelioma.co.uk

http://www.asbestos-resource.co.uk

Tags: Cancer, Illness

Treatment for malignant mesothelioma varies due to a number of factors: the location of the cancer, the stage or severity of the cancer , and a patient’s personal preference. Naturally, mesothelioma sufferers whose cancer is caught and treated earlier have a greater chance of prolonging their life. Traditional mesothelioma treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, or a combination of the three which are outlined below.

Surgery

Surgical treatment for mesothelioma is employed to either remove the cancer from the affected area of the body (i.e., the lung or abdominal cavity) or to alleviate pain. If the mesothelioma has spread, it may be impossible to remove all of the cancer with surgery; however surgical intervention may help lessen pain.

Types of Surgery

Pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy refers to the surgical removal of a lung. There are two types of pneumonectomies:

Traditional Pneumonectomy – In which the diseased lung is removed.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy – In which the diseased lung, as well as part of the pericardium, diaphragm or parietal pleura on the same side of the chest, are removed.

Palliative Procedures

These procedures do not cure mesothelioma, but rather function to alleviate or control symptoms:

Thoracentisis – In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the chest cavity, either to drain fluid for diagnosis, or to drain fluid to relieve pain.

Pleurectomy/Decortication – This surgery removes the pleura in order to reduce pain or prevent the recurrence of pleural effusion.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells and/or to keep cancer cells from multiplying. The drugs may be administered intravenously or taken in pill form, and are often used in combination with surgery. Chemotherapy may also kill healthy cell in addition to the cancer cells, so side effects can be quite severe, including: nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, constipation, decreased appetite and mouth sores.

Radiation

Radiation treatment involves the use of high level radiation to target and kill cancer cells in a localized area. The therapy is delivered in several courses, each one breaking down the cancer cells so they may be excreted by the body. Like chemotherapy, radiation may kill or injure healthy cells and thereby cause unpleasant side effects such as: fatigue, hair loss, skin irritation, nausea and difficulty breathing.

Neal Parmar CEO of NPP Entrepreneur and the webmaster at http://www.lawyermesothelioma.net Lawyer Mesothelioma – Offering Expert Information, Malignant Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Cancer Research, Mesothelioma Lawyer, Mesothelioma Attorney, Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases.

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What is Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that grows on the mesothelium, the membrane or hard sac that surrounds the various organs of the body. It guards the organs by producing a favourite type of fluid to promote mobility of the organs. In the case of the lungs, mesothelium fluid allows ease in the movement when ingesting air. Mesothelioma tumor can commence on any area of the mesothelium which can be benign or cancerous. Known to be the cause of Mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a heat resistant fibrous mineral wore in the industry as the main material in making roofing, gasket compounds, floor tiles and patching compounds. Its versatility makes it a component of various products in the market but it is incredibly dangerous when inhaled no matter how tiny the quantity can be. Inhaled asbestos fiber can pass through the air passages which can come in contact with linings of the lungs which can injure the cells and result to pleural Mesothelioma. Swallowed asbestos on the even more hand can effect the fibers lined higher on the abdominal cavity resulting to peritoneal Mesothelioma. There are as well evidences that link Mesothelioma with Thorotrast, a component used for X-rays however its usage has been stopped for a long time.

The symptoms and signs of Mesothelioma can be incredibly common that is why the patient may just take it for granted. The symptoms can occur from both to three months before Mesothelioma is discovered. Pleural Mesothelioma is the ordinarily occurring type which takes part in almost both thirds of the total detected Mesothelioma cases. The linings of the lungs and chest called pleura are the affected regions of Pleural Mesothelioma. Common signs are weight loss however not related with shift in diet, extreme tiredness, difficulty in ingesting, raspy or hoarse voice, constant shortness of breath, cough that have lasted for a long time, pain the chest or back, extreme sweating and recurring fever. For Peritoneal Mesothelioma, usually affected organs of the body are bowel, liver and spleen with signs that are similar to bowel related diseases. Early symptoms include imposition on the abdomen area, recurring constipation or diarrhea, increase in the waist area, infection, vomiting, fever and even anemia. Anyone who encounters these symptoms that have been exposed to asbestos can better consult their doctor for diagnosis to stop further Mesothelioma complicated problems.

Prevention of Mesothelioma can be best done by avoiding contact with asbestos which is proven to be its main causing professional. Asbestos is observed almost everywhere can it be at home, at work or in any public buildings. Workers included with it must take extra care and precautions to avoid contact through inhalation or drinking. Low rates of Mesothelioma cases are discovered for the past 20 years however nowadays, the number of affected individuals has been growing to a large degree. In United States almost 2,000 new cases are observed each year. It happens mostly with men since it’s ordinarily the ones included in business and cases that include the apply of asbestos. Factory workers, miners, railroad laborers, gas mask makers, insulation workers and ship builders are the typically asbestos related victims.

The patients or the individuals affected with Mesothelioma can file lawsuits against asbestos makers, manufacturers and employers since they have the duty to protect their workers from the negative effects of asbestos including Mesothelioma. Many law firms and lawyers are today available to help the sufferers fight for their right and to attain the justice that they deserve.

For more information on mesothelioma, please visit http://www.the-mesothelioma-cancer.com

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a tumor of the membrane Peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin membrane in the organs in the abdomen consisting of mesothelial cells.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is associated to coming about from having previous exposure to asbestos, and in many cases is found through routine abdominal xrays and CT scans showing something different than normal.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can stay dormant in your body for many years, before it will be seen, and for this reason many people years after they have been exposed to asbestos will be diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma. About 20% of all mesotheliomas are Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and they can be of two types: malignant and benign.

What are the Symptons of Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

– abdominal pains
– weakness
– weight loss
– loss of appetite
– nausea
– abdominal swelling

The symptoms become more severe over time and should be checked out by a doctor. If they do not, they will cause increasing pressure on your abdomen organs, causing much discomfort, and will lead to bowel obstruction and distention.

How is peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosed?
A peritoneoscopy is performed, and if there is a reason to be concerned, a biopsy is performed. A biopsy is the process of taking a piece of tissue to be given to a pathologist for analysis. The pathologist uses a microscope to analyse the tissue and make the actual diagnosis.

Currently, it is still unknown why Asbestos causes the mesothelial cells to be cancerous, and it is unsure how many fibers are needed for the tumor to occur. Many treatments exist for peritoneal mesothelioma, however a cure has yet to be found.

What are some of the treatments available for Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
– chemotherapy
– radiation therapy
– surgery.

If you are feeling any of the symptoms noted above, ensure you have it checked out early. The earlier the diagnosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, the better chance the treatments will be effective.

Michael Kralj is author of the Blog Mesothelioma Info and Updates found at http://mesotheliomainfoupdates.blogspot.com. Learn more about Mesothelioma and its treatments.

Tags: Medical, Disease

Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor of the pleura or peritoneum. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos. Asbestos is
Usually used as a fire resistant and heat resistant insulating material. You can get three types of asbestos white which
Is very common, blue and brown which is the most dangerous. Asbestos is now controlled by stringent regulations.

Mesothelioma causes pain and breathlessness. If you have the tumor of the pleura, this is the membrane surrounding
The lungs, other symptoms which may occur are chest pain, cough and difficulty breathing more so if the pleura effusion
Develops the outer and inner layers of the pleura can become thickened. Excess fluid will fill the gap between them when
This happens it means that the lungs can not expand, making you have shortness of breath.

If you have the tumor in the peritioneum it can cause a obstruction of the intestines or a enlarged abdomen. .Mesothelioma can
Be diagnosed by a chest x ray and also a biopsy. This is where a small amount of cells or tissue are taken from the body
To be looked at under the microscope. If Mesothelioma is diagnosed and the cancerous tumor is small enough, surgery
Can be fairly successful if not and the tumor is large there is not any successful treatment, although sometimes radiotherapy
May be offered to help ease the symptoms. Mesothelioma of the peritoneum cannot be operated on and there is no other form of treatment and will usually lead to death with in one or two years.

Mesothelioma can develop even after dealing with asbestos for just a short time. The usual gap between a person working with asbestos and being diagnosed can be up to twenty or thirty years. Mesothelioma is contracted by people who work
With blue and brown asbestos.

http://www.understand-cancer.com/

For more information on Mesothelioma cancer click here

Tags: Aging, Health

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the linings of the chest (the pleura) abdomen (the peritoneum) or heart (pericardium). This cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous incombustible mineral used for fireproofing, electrical insulation, building materials, brake linings, and chemical filters. When this chemical is inhaled, it can be extremely toxic and cause this type of cancer.

Asbestos was widely used especially before mid-1970s in industrial products such as cement, brake and clutches, roof, floor and ceiling tiles, textiles, and insulation.

The people that are most likely to suffer from mesothelioma are those who were exposed to asbestos fibers at work. Since mesothelioma usually has a latency period of 20-50 years where the illness is not apparent, most people with this cancer did not know about it until it was too late. The disease usually appeared many years after having been exposed to asbestos, even if it was only during a short summer job. The jobs that are believed to have been exposed to considerable amounts of asbestos are: workers in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, insulators, who are also known as asbestos workers, boilermakers, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters, plasterers who worked with fireproofing spray, shipyard and Navy workers, electricians, mechanics, bricklayers, millwrights, carpenters, steel workers, refinery and other industrial workers, maintenance workers, and many others.

There are also other people who have been exposed to asbestos in their homes without even being aware of the danger. There were those people who were family and friends of those who worked with asbestos products. These workers would bring asbestos particles stuck to their clothes, shoes, hair and skin. This is known as household exposure.

However, mesothelioma is still considered as a cancer with a relative small reach. Not everyone who was once exposed to asbestos developed this cancer later on. The figures are still low compared to other types of cancer: about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the US every year. Although it seems to affect mostly men, increasing the risks with age, it can appear on anyone at any point in their lives. The asbestos found in finished products in the houses like walls, tiles, and pipes do not pose a threat unless they are damaged or disturbed. It is only this way that the asbestos fibers are released into the air and inhaled or digested which may cause the cancer.

Since Mesothelioma is primarily a personal injury occurring from the work place, those injured should be able to take action against irresponsible businesses that exposed its employees to this cancer-causing material. This disease can actually be completely prevented, since the only known cause is asbestos exposure. This disease not should continue killing people. The horrific effects of asbestos were well-known by companies making good use and big profits out of this material. Many companies even tried to hide the awful truth about the deadly effects of asbestos to its workers and their families. Of course, this was easy because for most cases it took 20 years to be diagnosed.

There are many treatments to combat this cancer such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. However, this is one of the deadliest cancers because the time between it is diagnosed and the person dies, averages to less than 6 months. Because of this rapid nature of Mesothelioma, it is imperative to take action against those companies that lied to its workers before it may be too late.

Do you want to know more about mesothelioma cancer? Visit http://www.Hugesettlements.com to find a mesothelioma lawyer

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Mesothelioma diagnosis is very important as far as an early treatment is considered. It helps with better pain management. Mesothelioma diagnosis is confusing as the symptoms mimic many lung infections

Don’t sit there and keep guessing. Consult your physician.

Get Mesothelioma tests done.

An early initiation of treatment will help reduce the cancer pain considerably.

Valuable Imaging techniques used in Mesothelioma tests are X Ray, CT (Computerized tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and PET (Positive Electron Tomography)

Invasive procedures for Tissue and fluid samples are also done. Usually invasive procedures {which invade the body} are required to make a final confirmed Mesothelioma Diagnosis (Thoracoscopy, Peritoneoscopy and Biopsy)

Recently the first ever Blood test for Mesothelioma have been devised as reported by Pacific North-West Research Institute. This is based on the fact that Mesothelioma cells release tumor markers called SMR (Soluble mesothelin-related) proteins.

Two important questions you should answer before you go ahead with the Mesothelioma diagnosis are:

Have you been exposed to asbestos? (Although not all the Mesothelioma cases are direct results of asbestos exposure there is a strong association between the two.)

Do you experience Mesothelioma symptoms?

Tips

If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos then get Mesothelioma tests done at the earliest.

Warnings

Mis-Diagnosis and late diagnosis is a grave error in Mesothelioma as the treatment becomes difficult with late diagnosis.

Dr. Mateen M.D. shares his expert opinions and Information on the Deadly Cancer Mesothelioma on his site
Mesothelioma Cancer
Guide. Also visit our Lawyers
section and Mesothelioma
FAQs.

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Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos. People who have received
asbestos exposure of as little as one or two months to very low doses are at risk of
mesothelioma cancer. A person exposed to asbestos could develop mesothelioma after 50 years of exposure. The 2 common types of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma (lung cancer) and peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen organs).

There are no immediate symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. The symptoms of mesothelioma may appear in 30 – 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer: shortness of breath and pain in the chest.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer: abdominal pain and weight loss, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever.

Please note that these symptoms may be due to other reasons.

Treatment Options for Mesothelioma Cancer
Following are the options for mesothelioma treatment:

1. Radiation therapy
2. Chemotherapy
3. Surgery
4. Photodynamic therapy

Radiation or chemotherapy combined with surgery may increase the survival time by double.

Copyright 2005, P. Mehta

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Tags: Disease, Medical

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Most asbestos lawsuits have been filed by people who have worked in environments where they have been exposed to asbestos, and who subsequently developed an asbestos-related illness such as asbestosis or mesothelioma. The purpose of asbestos lawsuits is to recover financial damages from the employer responsible for maintaining the safety of the workplace, or from some other company that was negligent in manufacturing or in recommending a hazardous material.

Financial damages usually include the cost of medical bills, other costs associated with the disease, lost wages, and sometimes compensation for loss in quality of living or potential for future earnings. Mesothelioma cases usually recieve the highest settlement amounts — typically being settled out of court for about $3 million each.

The History of Mesothelioma Lawsuits

The first asbestos products lawsuit took place in Texas in 1966 when Johns-Manville, Fibreboard and Owens-Corning Fiberglas were sued on behalf of Claude Tomplait, an asbestos worker. Tomplait lost this case, but it was quickly followed up by another one in 1969 which was won and upheld in appeals in 1973.

In the late 1970s the legal battles took on a different tone. It was found that asbestos companies were involved in a conspiracy to suppress knowledge about the harmful effects of asbestos. By 1982 punitive damages were being awarded to sufferers of asbestos-related diseases, and many of the major companies responded by seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

This complicated the legal situation considerably. Things also changed in the 1980s because successive waves of new workers were coming forward with asbestos-related diseases. These included workers in construction companies, asbestos distributors, and companies involved with asbestos-related products such as brake linings and insulation.

Eventually, many of the major bankrupt asbestos companies set up settlement trusts to handle problem cases separate from the litigation process. Most lawyers will simultaneously proceed with litigation against the companies while negotiating with the settlement trusts. Normally, when a settlement is reached with the trust it will be for much less money, and payments are often spread over many years.

How do lawyers proceed with mesothelioma cases?

Most lawyers in this field will do an examination of each claim on an individual basis. Since they often take on such cases on a “contingency” basis, they will usually not take on a case unless they have a reasonable chance of winning. This means that a history of contact with asbestos is usually not sufficient to proceed. A person should have tangible evidence of the presence of mesothelioma before a serious case can be undertaken.

The lawyer will look at all relevant information including medical records, family history, work history, exposure to asbestos. They normally have to be satisfied of two things before beginning — there must be a diagnosis of mesothelioma, and there must be defendants who can be held responsible. Once they have these two things they are usually prepared to take on the case.

How are the lawyers paid?

Most lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means they do not get paid until the case is settled in their client’s favor. A standard rate is 30% of the gross settlement. When selecting a lawyer, be careful of how the funds are dispersed. Some will take their 30% and then pay the legal fees out of the client’s portion. This means they will actually be getting more than 30% — sometimes closer to 40 or 50%. Look for a firm that pays the fees out of the gross settlement amount. And be sure that there are no circumstances in which you will be billed for costs if your lawyer loses the case.

Workers’ Compensation or 3rd Party Litigation

Normally when a claim is made against an employer, the case is handled by Workers’ Compensation. In most jurisdictions this is a “no fault” insurance system. All employers must have this kind of insurance. So when a claim is made against the system, there is no need to establish that the employer was at fault. All the system has to do is establish that the employee has been injured or disabled because of his or her employment.

A workers’ compensation claim can usually be finalized within 6 to 12 months.

When filing a civil lawsuit against a 3rd party such as a product manufacturer, the process is considerably more complicated. In this case, the lawyers representing a mesothelioma victim will usually name several defendants — sometimes as many as 30 or 40 mining companies, manufacturers, distributors, brokers, insulation contractors, general contractors, etc. — to attempt to spread the damages over as many parties as possible and increase the chances of receiving a sizable settlement.

Experienced lawyers will attempt to settle with defendants before actually going to court. If the case does get to court and a verdict is reached it is almost certain to be appealed. In such cases it can take years to reach a final resolution.

If you have been exposed to asbestos…

If you have been exposed to asbestos, the best advice is to have a thorough medical examination to determine if you have any signs of mesothelioma. If you do, then it is best to consult with a lawyer about your situation as soon as possible.

For more information about the causes, symptoms and early detection of Mesothelioma visit MesotheliomaAdvisors.com.

Rick Hendershot is a writer and publisher of The Linknet Publishing Network featuring Power Listings to promote your products or services.

Tags: Medical, Disease

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Paul Kraus is a mesothelioma survivor and the author of Surviving Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Characterized by a shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, this is often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). 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. Be aware, however, that these symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. Obtaining a diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other, less serious conditions.

In June 1997, Mr. Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma (a “terminal” cancer) and given only a few months to live. More than eight years later, he is alive with a good quality of life having rejected surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He took an alternative approach to healing his cancer that encompassed mind, body, and spirit.

In his book about mesothelioma, Kraus sets out how he beat the odds. The introduction reflects Paul’s inspiration and committment to life:

“In my eighth year after diagnosis I remain well. I have outlived my prognosis by at least seven years and the medical specialist I visited not long ago told me that ‘you will be around for a lot longer yet.’ My survival has been hard work. The underlying assumption with all that I have done, and continue to do, is a strong belief that our bodies are designed with amazing self-healing capacities.”

Mr. Kraus has made himself available to other patients who would like to speak with him. The Surviving Mesothelioma website provides details about the book, how to speak directly with Mr. Kraus, facts and statistics about mesothelioma, conventional, alternative, biological and immuno-therapies, the latest medical news, directories of clinics that take a holistic approach to healing, and a patient forum where patients can share information and discuss issues of importance.

Get more information here: Understanding Mesothelioma

About the author:
Judith Brandy is a writer, science fiction fan and cancer survivor who runs a SF website and a couple blogs on science fiction and dealing with cancer. Yes, it’s an odd combination, but Judith’s mission is to be both a haven against the storm of living with a serious illness and an educator on how-to take preventative, proactive steps. Her mission is to bring this information to the science fiction community.

Visit her sites here: Science Fiction Buzz and Understanding Mesothelioma

Tags: Health, Cancer

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Symptoms of mesothelioma take many years to become apparent. In other words it has a long latency period. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. The person may repeatedly visit the doctor with the symptoms but more often considered as respiratory infections. The non-specific symptoms make it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. Even people exposed to asbestos start showing the manifestation late in their life. By the time, mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is already widespread. However, the awareness of mesothelioma has made people detect it in early stages.

Manifestation of mesothelioma largely depends upon the location size and nature of the tumor. Sign and symptoms also depend upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign type of mesothelioma usually does not manifest itself. On the other hand, malignant type of mesothelioma has severe symptoms. It is mostly due to the pressure exerted on surrounding soft tissues. The malignancy may invade surrounding tissues or may result in pericardial or pleural effusion. Invasion of the chest wall may lead to chest pain.

The early symptoms to watch out for are:

• Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum
• A cough or a change in cough pattern
• Dysphagia or Difficulty in swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Significant Weight loss.

Among all types of mesothelioma, the pleural form is the most prevalent form. As a result the pleural symptoms are the most common manifestations of mesothelioma. When in early stages, the symptoms are more or less like pneumonia and hence often misdiagnosed. However these symptoms along with history of asbestos exposure should ring alarms for mesothelioma. Physicians should be well aware of it as usually they are the first to get in contact with the patient.

Pleural mesothelioma

Dyspnoea or shortness of breath along with chest pain is common manifestation of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion caused by collection of fluid between the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. On chest radiography a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion may be evident indicating viral pneumonia.
The less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:

• Chest pain
• Pain in the lower back
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Muscle weakness and sensory loss
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Hoarseness of voice
• Coughing up blood

A majority of patients do not show any sign and symptoms until late.

Peritoneal mesothelioma

It involves structures like abdomen, stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel. The origin of peritoneal mesothelioma is usually abdomen, from where it spreads to adjoining organs. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

• Pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Bowel obstruction
• Anemia or swelling of the feet
• Abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
• Swelling of the feet
• Fever
• Impaired bowel function

The symptoms are a consequence of pressure exerted by the growing mass. This growing tumor can also cause breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma in peritoneum, owing to its space occupying tendency may give rise to bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting.

Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very uncommon form affecting the pericardium. Pericardium is the cavity between the linings of the heart. The tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding heart tends to spread from there. Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations. Involvement of the membrane around the heart (pericardium) may cause heart rhythm disturbances.

The symptoms for all types of mesothelioma become more acute and obvious with the progression of the disease. In spite of it, it can be mistaken as other disease condition. The only differentiating feature is the history of exposure of asbestos. Therefore, it is critical to investigate one’s exposure to asbestos. Symptoms like pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue and weight loss may be very common, but the doctor should elucidate the history of asbestos exposure to rule out the presence of tumor.

Don Lawson is a webmaster who researches and writes about important topics concerning people in today’s society. You can learn more about Mesothelioma and its causes, symptoms, treatment options and clinics.

Tags: Aging, Medical

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, caused by previous exposure to asbestos. In this deadly disease, cancerous (malignant) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most organs of the body. The most common site of cancerous cells accumulation is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the lining of the abdominal cavity (called peritoneum) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

Mesothelioma diagnose is often difficult from two reasons.

1. Its symptoms are quite similar to those of a number of other common condition conditions. No very special concerns when people experience persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations, fever, difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are typical of far more common diseases such as pneumonia. Only a previous exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma.

2. Mesothelioma has a very long latency time period (time between getting the cancer and feeling the symptoms of it). It can stay dormant in your body for many years, displaying symptoms that doesn’t require a special medical attention. Many times mesothelioma is diagnosed to late, when treatment methods loses the main capacity of cure.

Currently, is not completely proven why asbestos leads cancer in the mesothelial cells. On the other hand it is still undeterminated how many fibers are needed to be inhaled in order that the cancer tumor to be live. Getting mesothelioma is in close relation on asbestos exposure duration and on the environmental concentration of asbestos as well. Body resistance plays also an important role in mesothelioma equation. It is possible to get mesothelioma from as little as a couple of months of asbestos exposure or it would take few years of asbestos inhalation to cause cancer.

Very important for potential mesothelioma patients is to associate the above symptoms with their occupational history. If those symptoms overlap a previous asbestos exposure, the respective person must ask a special medical investigation.

Valerian D is a freelance writer specialized in health issues such as malignant mesothelioma

Tags: Cancer, Disease

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma is a kind of permanent cancer disease. Mesothelioma cancer occurs when tissues of our lungs or abdominal components get affected. In more cases asbestos exposure was identified as the reason for mesothelioma disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear immediately after it’s exposure, it takes time between twenty to thirty years. This enables the disease identification process a critical one.

Treatments for mesothelioma depends on the stage of the cancer, the specific part being affected, the total amount of space being affected, how long one have the problem, the look of the cancer cells under microscope and the age factor of the patient. These are the factors that are being considered before choosing the treatment option.

Treatments for mesothelioma include Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy.

Surgery: There are two types of surgeries available one is aggressive surgery and another one is called palliative procedures.

Aggressive surgery is done through a procedure named extra pleural pneumonectomy, by which the pleura, the lung, the diaphragm and the pericardium are removed. The aggressive surgery’s motive is to remove as much mesothelioma tumor as possible.

Palliative procedures will be done when the mesothelioma disease is at the matured stage. The motive of this procedure is to give relief to the patient from the symptoms.

Chemotherapy: In chemotherapy drugs are being used to treat mesothelioma cancer. The drugs may be in the form of pills or injections. To improve the results of chemotherapy some drugs may be used as mix in some proportion and this has given a good improvement in the treatment results.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses radiations to kill mesothelioma tumor. This procedure is complex to undergo as the tumors are surrounded by sensitive parts of our body. There are possibilities that the heart and lungs being damaged by the radiation. Lower dose radiation is one solution to slightly overcome from this critical issue.

Though mesothelioma is a permanent cancer disease and the survival rate is very low, timely identification and perfect treatment at the right time could able to help us survive some long time.

Chris Jack is the CEO of Mesothelioma Infobase. To have more information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatments visit Mesothelioma Infobase.

Tags: Cancer, Aging

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma, the deadly disease which has topped news headlines for the last decade, is contracted through exposure to airborne fibers of asbestos. Sadly, the under-regulation of asbestos usage in years past, and arguably still today, exposed millions to airborne fibers and as a result thousands contracted the disease.

It can be safely said that almost everyone in the world has been exposed to asbestos in varying degrees. Because of the unique nature of the disease, even those who have suffered only minimal exposure are at risk of contracting the disease. In effect, virtually everyone has some risk of contracting Mesothelioma.

But this sort of statement perhaps oversteps the bounds of rationality. While it is certainly true that individuals who have been exposed to small amounts of asbestos for relatively short periods of time have contracted the disease, this is a rarity rather than a regularity. In fact, the vast majority of Mesothelioma cases involve individuals who were exposed to airborne asbestos fibers for intense and extended periods of time.

The industries most in danger of prolonged exposure and thus of contraction are shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, textile manufacturing, insulation work in construction, and brake repair personnel. There are, however, some other minor factors which can affect the likelihood of contracting the disease. Among these is radiation exposure. There have been causes in which individuals who were exposed to radiation have subsequently displayed signs of and ultimately contracted mesothelioma. However, empirical studies to attempt to verify this correlation have not proven out this claim very strongly.

Another more certain cause of the disease was the taking of the Polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963. Some batches of this vaccine were contaminated with Simian Virus 40 which has been detected in a host of rare cancers including Mesothelioma.

Those involved in construction or who lived in homes in the Cappadocian region of Turkey are also particularly at risk. In this region, homebuilders used Erionite, which is a type of zeolite silica stone. Exposure to the fibrous strands of this building material have led to an annual death rate of roughly 1% of the population which dies of mesothelioma each year in Turkey.

One of the most influential factors affecting Mesothelioma contraction is genetics. Some individuals who have been exposed to long periods and high quantities of asbestos have not contracted the disease. As a result, doctors have concluded that genetics play a major role in determining whether or not patients contract the disease. Unfortunately, the gene variability which offers some resistance to the disease also means that some are particularly vulnerable to asbestos exposure.

Robert Linebaugh writes about health issues, and focuses on mesothelioma. Learn more at http://www.justmeso.com .

Tags: Medical, Aging

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Much has been written about asbestos related diseases such as Mesothelioma over the last couple of years. The focus has been on three main areas:

a) The unfortunate victims of mesothelioma such as former employees of asbestos mining companies who caught these diseases whilst in the course of their employment. We have seen the heart rendering images on TV of these people, all of them in their retirement years, gasping for air and suffering enormously.

b) Whether the asbestos mining companies knew that asbestos mining was a danger to human life.

c) The Multibillion dollar class actions filed by the victims against their former employers seeking compensation.

Two issues that have not been addressed are the financial costs to society of asbestos related diseases such as Mesothelioma cancer and who pays for these costs. Secondly, should asbestos mining companies be paying compensation not only to the sufferers of mesothelioma and other diseases but also to Society also?

There are two costs to society that can be identified. The first is the cost to the public health system. The second cost is the loss of tax revenue by governments due to Asbestos mining companies claiming a tax deduction for the compensation payments that are made to the victims.

In illustration of the costs to the public health system, the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia has stated that by 2020 there will be 13000 cases of mesothelioma and 40000 asbestos related lung cancer diseases, totaling 53000 people and this is only in Australia! This means that 53000 people will need to have constant medical attention for the next 15 years or so. The question therefore, who pays for the cost? The answer of course is the current taxpayer and the next generation of taxpayers.

In relation to tax revenue, governments are essentially missing out on tax revenue as the asbestos companies are claiming the compensation payment as a tax deduction. For illustrative purposes, assume that an asbestos mining company pays out $100m per year over five years to the victims. Also assume that the corporate tax rate is 30 per cent. Therefore over five years, a respective government is losing $150m in revenue. Essentially it means that the asbestos mining companies are sharing the costs with the taxpayer. They pay 70 per cent of the compensation payment and the taxpayer pays the remaining balance. Most people would view this as totally inequitable.

It can be seen that the Asbestos companies are only paying a part of the costs and not the full cost.
To rectify this, there are two possible solutions.

a) Respective Governments should also join class actions with Mesothelioma sufferers against the asbestos mining companies seeking compensation for medical and future medical costs. This would not be unprecedented as various State Governments of the United States sought compensation against the Tobacco Companies to pay for the medical costs of its citizens who needed medical attention because of the ill effects of smoking.

b) Governments deny a tax deduction for Mesothelioma compensation payments made by the asbestos mining companies.

Until either part a or part b happens, it is the taxpayer who will be unfairly burdened with the additional financial costs of Asbestos related diseases such as Mesothelioma.

Author: Alex G Melan

About the Author: Website Publisher and Author

Website: http://www.mesotheliomamedic.com

Tags: Health, Illness

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

During World War II Asbestos was hailed by many as a miracle mineral. Almost anything could be built or manufactured from this mineral. The building and construction industries used it as an additive to strengthen cement and plastics. Asbestos fibers can be separated into thin threads which do not conduct electricity and are not affected by heat or chemicals.

The four main types of asbestos are: Amosite with brown fibers, Anthophyllite with gray fibers, white Christie, and blue Crocidolite. Chrysotile has curly fibers while the other three have rod like fibers. These fibers break into dust quite easily and drift in the air. They can stick on skin, clothing, and can easily be swallowed or inhaled.

Use of asbestos skyrocketed during World War II. Shipbuilding used asbestos extensively in freighters and support vessels to insulate boilers, steam pipes and hot water pipes. Asbestos became the miracle construction material as it was easily obtained, processed, and transported.

After WWII cars used asbestos in break shoes and clutch pads. Asbestos found its way into residential and industrial building materials, water supply, sewage materials, ceiling and floor tiles, and vermiculite garden materials to name a few products.

In the 1970’s the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of asbestos in several products that could release asbestos fibers into the environment during use, following the discoveries of the health dangers of asbestos dust inhalation. Regulations governing the use of asbestos and concern of public opinion since 1970 have created a significant drop in the use of asbestos in the United States.

In 1989 all new uses of asbestos were banned by the Environmental Protection Agency while any old uses before that year were still permitted. The EPA suggested that schools inspect for damaged asbestos and eliminate any exposure or enclose it in protective barriers. Vermiculite, widely used in horticulture, became a concern of the EPA that recommended outdoor use, limiting the amount of dust used, and keeping vermiculite damp.

Asbestos may create serious health hazards such as coughing, lung damage, shortness of breath, and lung cancer. Most people do not become sick in the early stages of development, but usually need continued exposure, often on jobs such as mining, milling, manufacturing asbestos products, and building construction. Firemen, demolition workers, drywall removers, and any other workers in trades that involve destruction of buildings, ships, and automobiles are also exposed to the hazards and risks of asbestos.

Over a period of years continual exposure to asbestos can cause very serious health problems, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of carcinoma of the membrane that lines numerous cavities of the body, including the lungs, abdomen and heart, and has been associated with exposure to asbestos dust. In mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelioma metastasize and damage adjacent organs and tissues.

Risk of developing mesothelioma takes a long period of time, often as long as twenty-five or thirty-five years before full blown symptoms appear. Not all workers who have been exposed will develop diseases caused by asbestos, but workers who have been exposed to it may bring fibers on their clothing, hair, shoes, and skin home to their families. To circumvent this risk, most industries require workers to bathe and change their clothing before they leave work.

Many studies have been conducted involving the risks of diseases caused by exposure to asbestos. The results of one such study involving the risks of smoking and exposure to asbestos proved extremely hazardous.

Grant Davis, is a freelance writer and has worked in a variety of fields, including teaching.

For further information on asbestos, such as risks, research, lawsuits and disease support groups visit:

http://www.asbestos-headquarters.com

Tags: Medical, Health

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

2021

Mesothelioma is a disease where the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal. It is called the cancer of the mesothelium. They can damage the tissues and other organs of the body. They can also affect the other cells and spread throughout the body.

It was hard to find any information before the Internet era. Now, with the invention of Internet, information on anything can be achieved. Around 2000 cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed in US alone. In the past 20 years mesothelioma cases have gone high. Mesothilioma mainly affects men than women and it gets riskier as people age.

How do people get Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is the main factor for this disease. People in factories who work under the asbestos roof or people who manufacture asbestos sheets or asbestos related products tend to get this disease. Around 70-80 percent cases for mesothelioma are because of asbestos. However, there are some cases where the person with mesotheliioma has no exposure to asbestos. The tiny particles or dust of the asbestos float in the air, and when they are inhaled, it leads to health problems. Exposure to asbestos also increases the possibility of lung cancer, and other cancers. Smoking as well as exposure to asbestos could lead to cancer in the air passageways.

Who can develop mesotheliioma?

The risk associated with asbestos was unknown for a long time. Millions of people have been exposed to this dust since 1800’s. But, nowadays, people wear protective equipment while working with asbestos related products. There have been cases where people who have worked with asbestos for many years as well as people who have worked for a very small time too have got this disease. Not all workers get this disease. Even, family members have the history of getting mesothelioma or other asbestos related disease. This could be because of the dust brought by the worker from his hair or clothes, so it is necessary that the worker at the factory take bath before leaving the workplace.

Symptoms: Mesothelioma usually occurs after 30 years of exposure to asbestos dust. Shortness of breath and chest pain is the first indication. Mesothelioma is treated by surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy etc.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn615.html

Tags: Health, Aging

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells, which cover most internal organs. The two places in which mesothelioma can develop are the lungs and the abdomen, but it is most commonly found in the lungs.

Mesothelioma which affects the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma, and in 70-80% of cases is caused by asbestos fibres being breathed in and becoming stuck in the tissue which covers the lungs (pleura). It is not known for certain what causes mesothelioma in the other 20-30%, although research is continuing.

Who suffers from mesothelioma?
2,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the UK and the number of people who die from it is expected to rise to a peak between 2011 and 2015. This is because the disease can take 15-40 years to develop, and blue and brown asbestos (thought to be the most likely types to cause mesothelioma) were banned only in the late 1908s.

85% of the people who suffer from mesothelioma are male, and this is thought to be because it is mostly men who worked in trades involving asbestos. Most of the women who develop mesothelioma are thought to have breathed in asbestos fibres whilst cleaning the clothing of husbands who worked with the material.

Tradesfolk who are particularly likely to have handled asbestos and are at high risk of developing the industrial illness mesothelioma include:

- Metal plate workers

- Plumbers

- Gas fitters

- Carpenters

- Electricians

- Builders

- Decorators

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

- pain in the lower back or side of chest

- shortness of breath

- persistent cough

- weight loss

- difficulty swallowing

These symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has mesothelioma as they could apply to a range of other illnesses, but it is much more likely if they have had contact with asbestos.

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?
The majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma only see their doctor when it has reached an advanced stage, and at this point the likelihood is that survival will be less than a year.

This very much depends on a range of factors, however, which include blood count, general health, and the type of mesothelioma from which a person is suffering.

One study found that 3 years after diagnosis, 1 in 10 people had survived, and after 5 years, survival rate was 1 in 20. However, other studies found a much better survival rate, with one study finding that 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients survived for 5 or more years, although this study only looked at people with epithelioid type tumours.

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but a range of drugs and treatments such as chemotherapy can help to delay the symptoms of the disease.

What should someone do if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If there is a history of contact with asbestos in the workplace, an industrial illness claim may well be an option to consider. If successful, it will provide financial support to help the mesothelioma patient and their family pay for treatment and care, as well as substantial compensation for the exposure to asbestos that caused the illness.

Although most compensation claims have to be started within 3 years of the injury occurring, the nature of asbestos-related disease means that the disease does not become obvious for many years, so industrial illness claims are still valid as long as they are begun within 3 years of diagnosis.

Editorial notes: YouClaim provides an absolutely cost-free, risk-free compensation service to people who have been injured through no fault of their own. Get free legal advice on making a personal injury claim at http://www.youclaim.co.uk or call 0800 10 757 95.

Author: Alexandra Gubbins of http://www.youclaim.co.uk.

Tags: Medical, Health

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma Cancer

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a serious malignant tumor that affects the torso of the human body. There is a strong link between mesothelioma and contact with asbestos particles via breathing or swallowing.

There are three common forms of mesothelioma:

1. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the chest cavity (after breathing the particles) before spreading to other areas.

2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma starts in the abdomen (after swallowing the particles) and accounts for about 10-20% of Mesothelioma patients.

3. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the cavity that surrounds the heart.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early on because the symptoms are often mistaken for those of other, less serious ailments. To make matters worse, it often takes many years for the symptoms to show up after the contact with asbestos takes place. Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Even a small exposure to this cancer-causing material can result in malignant mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has a latency of up to thirty-forty years, and many individuals previously exposed to asbestos are now displaying symptoms. This means the average age of mesothelioma patients is between 50 and 70 years. Men are typically affected more, because of the common presence of asbestos in industrial settings. There are three major types of malignant mesothelioma. Epithelial, sarcomatoid, and mixed. Epithelial mesothelioma is most common. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to respiratory distress, a lasting cough, and pneumonia. In addition, symptoms are often mistaken for less serious ailments, and many patients do not show any signs at all.

Individuals with pleural mesothelioma may amass some fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity. This can be detected through a chest x-ray, as well as CT scans.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is based on a biopsy. This exam will test a tissue sample for the presence of malignant and/or pleural mesothelioma.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos is the principal cause of Mesothelioma. Asbestos is a type of insulation material, which was commonly utilized in the past in the following industries:

Steel Workers

Brake Mechanics

Insulators

Boilermakers

Ship fitters

Maintenance Workers

Pipe Fitters

Construction industry

Shipbuilding industry

Automotive industry

Other manufacturing industries

Mesothelioma appears most often in people who worked in the above industries and were exposed to asbestos in their workplace. The utilization of asbestos was very prevalent after 1940’s. However it would take 10-40 years after the first exposure for the first symptoms of mesothelioma to become noticeable, which made it very difficult to diagnose. The peak in mesothelioma cases is projected to be reached near year 2010 according to studies. There are three frequently used types of asbestos: white, brown, and blue. Brown and blue asbestos are more frequently associated with mesothelioma. These types of asbestos have been restricted by most countries in the 1990s. A record of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases.

Asbestos is a very dangerous material and can cause serious damage to your health. It is made up of very minute fibers, which can find their way to pleura (outside lining of the lung) and damage the cells pleura are made of. These fibers can also be passed on to clothing, which makes them dangerous not only to the person exposed to asbestos, but to their family members as well.

Smoking

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

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not materialize 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 because of 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, difficulty 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. Once Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the likelihood of recovery varies according to several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, how much it has spread, and the age of the patient.

In general, the earlier that Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of survival. If you feel that you have experienced any of the typical Mesothelioma symptoms, pay a visit to your doctor for professional advice.

Mesothelioma diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often complicated, because the symptoms are similar to those of several other conditions. Diagnosis begins with an assessment of the patient’s medical history, as well as any history of asbestos exposure. A 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 found. 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, lit 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 and extent of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a precise effort to find out whether the cancer has proliferated 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 extended beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Mesothelioma treatment

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general well being. Typical treatment options consist of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is a frequent treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from moving materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of applying chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To ease symptoms and control discomfort, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has accumulated in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be administered through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms.

Note of Urgency

Mesothelioma is a life-threatening disease and cannot be left untreated. The sooner it is diagnosed the better a patient’s chances are of fighting this deadly cancer. Please contact a qualified doctor immediately if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Read more Facts about Mesothelioma. Alan Hood is a contributing writer at Houston Medical Center

Tags: Aging, Medical

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma: A Full Spectrum Examination

Receiving much press in recent years ~ both because of the number of people affected, as well as the sometimes sensational, multi-million-dollar lawsuits that have been filed, fought, won & lost ~ is a rare form of cancer known as malignant mesothelioma, whose principle cause is exposure to aspestos fibers.

Asbestos, a known toxin since the 1930’s, is an inexpensive fibrous material that is extremely durable and heat resistant. Because of these properties it was, for many years, heavily used in industry throughout the United States. Even after its carcinogenic (cancer-causing) properties were discovered, many industries continued to use asbestos, putting at risk those who were exposed to it. Asbestos-containing products remain, to this day, in buildings, ships, industrial facilities and other environments. The EPA has stated that asbestos “presents an unreasonable risk of injury to human health.” Even low levels of asbestos exposure can trigger not only mesothelioma, but also asbestosis, pleural disease and lung cancer: diseases that are caused almost exclusively by asbestos. The statistics for recent years show an average of 3000 people per year dying of aspestos-related causes.

Because aspestos products have been used so heavily by industry, many people have come into contact with asbestos fibers via their jobs (e.g. via occupational exposure). There is also a risk to the family members of those working in at-risk occupations; this exposure is called paraoccupational exposure. People who live near sites that have asbestos around the facility are also at risk. Refineries, power plants, factories, shipyards, steel mills and building demolition are types of work sites that can release asbestos fibers into the environment and contaminate nearby residential neighborhoods. Mesothelioma can result from very small fibers or dust particles at low exposure levels. (Most such exposure would likely have occurred prior to 1973, but the latency period can be up to 40 years for most types of lung cancer to develop.) Trades in which aspestos exposure is likely include:

~ Asbestos product manufacturing (insulation, roofing, building, materials)

~ Automotive repair (brakes & clutches)

~ Construction/contractors

~ Maritime

~ Miners

~ Offshore rust removals

~ Oil refineries

~ Power plants

~ Railroads

~ Sand or abrasive manufacturers

~ Shipyards / ships / ship builders

~ Steel mills

~ Tile cutters

Malignant mesothelioma is the formal medical name for this form of lung cancer. (A lay term for the equivalent condition is Aspestos Cancer). Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma or cancer of the lung lining is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is cancer of the stomach lining and is the next most common form.

The onset of mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer is usually very slow: the time between aspestos exposure and the onset of symptoms can be many years. The most common mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain and pain in the lower back. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing, coughing, weight loss and fever.

Symptoms for Pleural Mesothelioma (involving the lung / chest area) are:

~ chest pain and pain in the lower back

~ difficulty breathing

~ coughing

~ weight loss

~ fever

~ muscle weakness and sensory loss

~ swelling of the face and arms

~ hoarseness

~ coughing up blood

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma (involving the abdominal / stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel) are:

~ abdominal bloating due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity

~ nausea & vomiting

~ swelling of the feet

~ fever

~ impaired bowel function

Diagnosing mesothelioma (within the framework of western medicine) can be challenging, because the symptoms are quite similar to those of other illnesses and conditions. A western medical diagnosis of mesothelioma might include any or all of the following: a review of the patient’s medical history and asbestos exposure; a complete physical examination, with x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function test; a CAT scan or MRI of the chest or abdomen; a biopsy.

In the case of pleural mesothelioma, a thoracoscopy may be performed where the doctor looks inside the chest cavity with an instrument called a thoracoscope that is put into the chest between two ribs. The thoracoscope allows the doctor to gather tissue samples and look inside the chest. For cancer in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), a western MD may perform a peritoneoscopy where a small opening is made in the abdomen and an instrument called a peritoneoscope is inserted in the abdomen cavity to collect tissue.

If mesothelioma is indeed diagnosed, the next step will be to determine the stage of the disease. The “staging” process helps to determine which part of the body the cancer has spread to, which in turn dictates a treatment plan. If the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated it is called “localized.” If the has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body it is called “advanced.”

Western Medical Treatment Options (chosen in accordance with the age and/or health of the patient) include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy. Surgery ~ during which part of the lining of the chest or abdomen may be removed ~ is a common treatment option for mesothelioma. For pleural mesothelioma, either a full lung or the muscle below the lungs that help with breathing (the diaphragm) may be removed. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This type of therapy only affects the cancer cells in the treated area. Chemotherapy uses anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The drugs used to treat mesothelioma are sometimes given by injection in a vein.
Along with surgery and radiation, using a needle or thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen is one way to relieve some of the symptoms and control the pain associated with this condition. In addition, medications may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent fluid from accumulating and, once again, reducing some of the more painful symptoms.

The physical and psychological strain of malignant mesothelioma can be severe, and western medical treatments meant to heal often cause unexpected and irritating side effects. For these reasons, it is important for the mesothelioma patient to gather as much information as possible about how malignant mesothelioma progresses as a disease, as well as to explore alternative or complementary treatment options (see below). And if a western treatment is chosen as part of the healing protocol, it’s important to know what side effects to expect and how to minimize them.

Along with managing the disease itself, Mesothelioma patients oftentimes find themselves embroiled in legal battles (reminiscent of the Karen Silkwood case) ~ in class-action or individual lawsuits against the companies or corporations by whom they were employed at the time of their exposure to aspestos. Aspestos Law has emerged as a specialty, with mesothelioma attorneys and lawyers positioned to support their clients in establishing a link between a specific aspestos exposure and their subsequent contracting of mesothelioma … and ~ to the extent that they are successful ~ taking, in the process, a handsome cut of the settlements.

Because of the physical, emotional, psychological & spiritual (as well as legal!) challenges involved with a disease such as mesothelioma, creating a strong support system is a vital part of the healing process. As has been documented from the experiences of many with so-called “terminal” illnesses, the introspection that arises in the face of such a challenge oftentimes has the “hidden benefit” of allowing what is “really important” to emerge. For this to happen, however, requires the creation of an (internal & external) environment conducive to such explorations. And what are the “building blocks” to creating such supportive (non-toxic!) environments?

Everyone can improve their energy level and promote healthy cell growth by getting adequate rest and relaxation, good nutrition, some exercise and having some fun! Here are some practices commonly recommended for cancer patients:

~ Learn relaxation techniques (yoga or qigong are an excellent choice)

~ Share your feelings honestly with family, friends, a spiritual advisor or a counselor

~ Keep a journal to help organize your thoughts

~ Find a source of spiritual strength

~ Pray or meditate

~ Find time to be alone

~ Go for walks

~ Remain involved with work and leisure activities to the extent possible

~ find a support group or “chat room” to share your experiences with others in a similar situation

~ as much as possible, maintain a positive attitude, and optimistic outlook

Of the many alternatives or compliments to western medical treatment, qigong is one that stands out as particularly hopeful. In China, there are entire hospitals devoted to the use of qigong techniques exclusively, for the treatment of cancer as well as countless other conditions. Binhui He is one Medical Qigong Master (http://www.wishus.org/research.asp?cat=research&index=2)
who has had large success working with cancer patients. His qigong anti-cancer therapy protocol includes, in his own words, the following five steps:

~ Attitude change: Turn traditional searching help outside into searching help inside. It is the immune function and self-healing power that cure cancer eventually! While fear-of-cancer effect is the real incurable disease, since it keeps patient stressed and lowers their immune functions. Instead, consider cancer part of the body, communicate with it by consciousness power, and eliminate the source leading to cancer in the first place.

~ Collective Qi Adjustment: Group practice of Five-Element Qigong to form a strong Qi field and to strengthen the inhibitory effect of the Qi cultivation.

In the United State, Dr. Kam Yuen (http://www.yuenmethod.com) is a 35th-generation Shaolin Master who has created a healing system which combines the power of qigong practice with the diagnostic techniques of applied kinesiology. He, also, has had great success working with a whole variety of conditions, including cancer.

Similar in many ways to Taoist qigong practices are the Tibetan practices described in Tulku Thondup’s two books: Boundless Healing: Meditation Exercises To Enlighten The Mind & Heal The Body; and The Healing Power Of Mind. The specifics of the practices vary widely, though what many have in common is the use of an internally-cultivated energy of “blissful heat” to resolve whatever imbalances are at the root of the condition. He presents, in these two books, a number of practices designed specifically for those working with cancer. Tulku Thondup also travels quite widely, offering workshops & retreats in which he presents these Tibetan healing techniques.

Chinese Medicine offers yet another paradigm through which to examine mesothelioma. The diagnostic system of Chinese Medicine is quite dramatically different from that of western medicine. If in fact we were to present to the Chinese physician, say, ten people who had all received the western medical diagnosis “mesothelioma,” it is entirely possible that this Chinese physician would ~ after his or her examinations ~ present us with a different diagnosis for each of those ten people! (The reasons for this are complex, and beyond the scope of this essay, but the basic reason is because Chinese medical perception looks at patterns present within the entire person, and in relation to every aspect of their lives; while western medicine tends to focus primarily on individual symptomotology.)

In Chinese Medicine it is understood that emotional imbalance is often a root cause of physical imbalance. The emotional state that damages the lungs (and its corresponding physical structures, which include the skin & mesothelial cells), and which also tends to appear when the lungs are out of balance, is grief. The emotional state which signals a balanced, healthy lung organ system is courage. There is also a belief, in Taoist philosophy (the root of Chinese Medicine), that the lungs are the equivalent in the human body to the atmosphere/ionosphere of the Earth. So an aspect of Chinese Medical treatment for a lung imbalance of any sort might well be to do practices to release (individual & planetary) grief ~ e.g. a “healing sounds” qigong practice ~ and to augment our feelings of courage and righteousness: our willingness and capacity to stand up strongly for Truth, for Beauty, for Love, for Kindness … or whatever other values we hold most deeply, for ourselves, our communities and our planet.

Elizabeth Reninger is an independent scholar, a freelance writer, and a practitioner of the Taoist arts of acupuncture, qigong & poetry. She currently resides in Boulder, Colorado.

For more mesothelioma and health-related essays & other resources, please visit her website: http://www.writingup.com/blog/ganesh

For yoga, qigong & meditation resources, please visit: http://www.writingup.com/blog/elizabeth_reninger

Tags: Disease, Illness

Many people are living with the seeds of the deadly killer Mesothelioma lurking inside there bodies.

It can take 10 to 15 years after exposure to asbestos and other cancer causing agents for the Mesothelioma to become active. Litigation regarding mesothiolma should surge in the years to come. Mesothelioma is a very serious disease.

If you or your loved ones becomes a victim of this devastating disease what are you options? Where will you go for support? Where in the country are the best treatment centers for Mesothelioma. Who will aggressively protect your rights in court?
What about the suffering that it causes? What about the years it takes off someone’s life?

The first step is to determine if you or anyone in your family are potential victims of the deadly curse.

Up to 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral, mined from rock found in many countries. It is made up of tiny fibres that are as strong as steel but can be woven like cotton and are highly resistant to heat and chemicals. Absestos was used in construction, ship-building and the manufacture of household appliances.

Talk to your family members, discuss you history of exposure to any of the above examples.

Be prepared to battle this devious and cunning disease.

Find a quality mesothelioma lawyer. This is where Mesothelioma laws come into play. Every state has very stringent laws regarding asbestos material.

Tags: Illness, Aging

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Results were very positive from the Oncology Nursing Society’s 6th Annual Institutes of Learning (ONS) meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

There were several clinical studies and several ongoing studies presented formally at the Oncology Nursing Society’s 6th Annual Institutes of Learning (ONS) meeting in the valley of the sun Phoenix, Arizona.

Mesothelioma treatment options provide a longer life expectancy with less debilitating symptoms related to treatment. Some of these recent developments and their impact on helping patients and families cope the challenges of this type of cancer were presented to practitioners by oncology nursing specialists.

The rate of occurrence in the US remains about 2,000-3,000 new cases each year, it continues to increase worldwide. Third world countries where asbestos industry regulations are less stringent are experiencing an increase in this aggressive form of cancer.

The quick acting nature of Mesothelioma requires family members and support groups of the victims scrambling for resources. Patients with various symptoms that require close medical management and an extreme care and support from family members. Dehabilitating cough, shortness of breath and depression are common and painful symptoms. Almost all patients develop pleural effusions that severely limit the ability to breathe; most will need chest tubes, shunts or pleural catheters for relief.

The most important tasks for the nursing team is instructing patients and their caregivers on how to alleviate discomfort at home. To manage pain and breathing difficulty, caregivers need to be taught how to use oxygen delivery systems, steroids and narcotic medications.

Mesothelioma cases are projected to increase yearly until 2020. This combined with medical advances gives us a ray of hope to battle the scourge.

Mesothelioma victims and their families may be entitled to compensation. Protecting your rights through this unfortunate event is priority number one. Get a quality mesothelioma attorney from online resources.

Tags: Aging, Cancer

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

There is a groundswell of opposition forming to fight Bill S.852 – the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005.

Battle lines have been drawn, large corporations have enlisted several top lobbyists in Washington DC to champion this Bill.

Lobbyists tout the bill as the answer to help ease the burden on our judicial system regarding asbestos litigation.

The net result of the bill if passed, will be to add several layers of government involvement to an already overburdened legal system.

Increased federal involvement will increase expenses associated with asbestos litigation.

Adding another layer of bureaucracy to victims stricken with Mesothelioma is not the answer. Individuals exposed to these harmful agents have the right to be heard on an individual basis.

The Bill has set guidelines regarding the individuals past exposure to asbestos.

To place individuals exposed to asbestos in a 3 level template is unjust.

The Three levels of asbestos exposure are defined in a qualitative and subjective manner based on the length of employment in an asbestos exposure-related job. They are:

• Moderate Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in areas immediate to where asbestos-containing products were installed, repaired or removed and involved regular airborne emissions of asbestos. This counts as one year of substantial occupational exposure.

• Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person was involved in the direct installation, repair or removal of asbestos-containing products and thus was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. This counts as two years of substantial occupational exposure.

• Very Heavy Exposure
In a standard work year, the person worked in primary asbestos manufacturing, a World War II shipyard or the asbestos insulation trades and thus was exposed to asbestos fibers on a regular basis. This counts as four years of substantial occupational exposure.

The proposed bill will destroy individual’s rights to just compensation in a timely manner. Mesothelioma is a catastrophic disease caused by asbestos exposure.

Become involved in the fight to keeps victims rights regarding asbestos litigation in the hands of the people.

Tags: Disease, Illness

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to the asbestos dust. The most unfortunate aspect of this disease is that its symptoms do not appear soon enough or within a short enough time after exposure to the asbestos dust. This complicates matters because when the symptoms finally appear, in most cases, they are not associated with the disease. It takes very long time, sometimes even decades, for the symptoms to appear in form of obdurate cough, shortness of breath and chest pain. Initially, the unsuspecting patient and even his family physician associate these symptoms with common diseases like pneumonia. It is when the disease starts spreading to other organs of the body that the doctors apprehend and tend to trace the origin of the symptoms of this life-threatening condition.

The other symptoms that appear are weight loss, breathing difficulty, fever and difficulty in swallowing food. The voice pattern may also change and the cough may be accompanied by blood; there also may be swelling on the neck and face.

Other symptoms can be in the form of pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, palpitation of the heart and vomiting. There may also be anemia and clotting of the blood. The best course of action is that a person should inform the doctor about any regular or inadvertent and short exposure to asbestos dust. Even acute symptoms of mesothelioma may be mistakenly associated with other diseases.

There are, however, some patients who do not show any important symptoms at all. Tumors may develop around the heart and can spread to other parts of the body. As the time passes and the disease grows older, the symptoms of all the three types of Mesothelioma—pleural, peritoneal and pericardial—start appearing in more vigorous form. Even at this stage, the symptoms are likely to be confused with other diseases. It is important not to ignore symptoms that continue to persist over a long time. It is also necessary to know the symptoms of all the three forms of mesothelioma so that the disease can be identified in the nascent stage. The delay in identifying these symptoms may allow the disease to take firm roots in the system, and then it may become too late to treat it.

Mesothelioma Doctors provides detailed information about mesothelioma doctors, mesothelioma doctor research, mesothelioma diagnosis, mesothelioma symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Doctors is the sister site of Mesotherapy Before And After.

Tags: Aging, Illness

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare yet very complicated form of a cancerous disease. It is contracted usually by persons working in asbestos mines and other asbestos-related industries, where the air is permeated with very minute asbestos dust particles that are inhaled during the breathing process. These particles are so minute that they can be viewed only under a microscope. These dust particles enter into the lungs, intestine, heart and other vital organs of the human body. The symptoms of the disease do not appear immediately; they have a very long incubation period. But once they appear, they become life threatening and result in a low survival rate.

The irony of the situation is that in most cases, the person is unable to interpret the symptoms when they arise. This is because symptoms, like cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest pains, etc., can be simply taken for common ailments. The incubation period of the symptoms is generally very long, sometimes lasting many years. This further compounds the problem, as both the patient and the doctor normally do not trace the origin of the problem to its actual cause, i.e. the breathing of asbestos dust.

It is when the normal treatment does no good to the patient that a need to prepare a history sheet of the patient’s past years of life and work is determined. The research starts with the family doctor referring the case to the mesothelioma specialists for their consultation and thorough examination.

Obviously the first step, like in every other medical problem, starts with preparing the work history of the patient and conducting diagnostic examination to confirm the suspicions aroused by it. The physical examination includes taking X-rays of heart, lungs and abdomen, MRIs, and CT scans, biopsies, etc., that may further corroborate or contradict the initial hypotheses. Once the diagnosis regarding the extent, the variety and the age of the malady is confirmed, a multispeciality board of doctors meets to plan the treatment. The treatment of mesothelioma is coordinated with the regularly occurring new clinical tests trials. Still, the general treatment of the disease involves surgery to remove the affected tissue or the organ. Besides this, radiation treatment and chemotherapy are also prescribed to kill the cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma Doctors provides detailed information about mesothelioma doctors, mesothelioma doctor research, mesothelioma diagnosis, mesothelioma symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Doctors is the sister site of Mesotherapy Before And After.

Tags: Disease, Cancer

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma was a recent addition to the family of malignant cancers. The origins of the disease lay in certain asbestos-related industries especially asbestos-mining industry. Additionally, there were shipyards, insulation factories and construction companies where the workers were, unintentionally, exposed to asbestos dust and fibers that made their way into various organs of their bodies through the process of breathing. Having once entered into the human body, the asbestos dust managed to stay there for decades before revealing its presence in form of symptoms. These symptoms confused the doctors as they were related to the commonly prevalent diseases like pneumonia. Obviously, the prescribed treatment proved to be of no avail and the symptoms worsened as more treatment was prescribed. It was after the origins of the malady were traced to real culprit, i.e., the asbestos dust in the asbestos-based factories that the legal community woke up to its responsibility with regard to its victims.

Since the actual number of victims is not very large, the litigation demand is not substantial. As such. the supply in the form of lawyers specializing in Mesothelioma cases is limited.

If you are one of the unfortunate victims of mesothelioma, you will have to put in some effort to search out the right lawyer for your lawsuit for compensation. Lawyers truly specializing in Mesothelioma-related compensation cases are not easily available in every nook and corner of your counties and cities. The best course would be to find out from your colleagues or those who have suffered by working in asbestos-based industries and who may have also filed a lawsuit for compensation. Their experience with respect to the capability of the lawyer and the quality of his services can be invaluable.

If you search the Internet, you can find the websites of forums, social organizations, lawyers and law firms dealing exclusively with the causes of the sufferers of mesothelioma. A contact with them can be of great help and can save you many a false step in a trial-and-error approach and expensive mistakes.

Mesothelioma Doctors provides detailed information about mesothelioma doctors, mesothelioma doctor research, mesothelioma diagnosis, mesothelioma symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Doctors is the sister site of Mesotherapy Before And After.

Tags: Cancer, Illness

Tags: Mesothelioma+Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestos, Lung+Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancerous affliction. It is primarily of three types, pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. Like every form of malignant cancer, the overall cost of its treatment may be huge. A person may be required to spend thousands of dollars each month. The cost of treatment of the disease depends upon many factors, i.e., age, side effects of the treatment, the effects of the treatment on the overall health and the chances of survival, as well as the stage and gravity of affliction and the organs over which it has spread. Then a variety of treatments are required to attack the malady.

Radiation therapy is used to attack the tumors with high-powered radiation, which is produced by certain radiation emitting materials or machines. Surgery is used to remove the afflicted organ or its part and chemotherapy is used to kill the cancer cells by injecting medicines intravenously into the afflicted areas. Sometimes, a combination of two or more therapies becomes necessary to cope with the disease. There are other treatment procedures, including thoracentesis and paracentesis, which take out the fluid from the chest and the abdomen.

The important point to note, however, is that individuals often contract the disease due to the willful negligence of an employer, who often knows full well the impact of continuous exposure of asbestos dust and flakes on the worker’s health, yet does not issue the necessary warning before offering employment or take adequate preventive measures; as such, employers are often liable for stringent punishment. So the responsibility of bearing the cost of treatment in addition to the punitive damages and the loss of wages lies squarely with the employer. The best course for a patient should be to consult a lawyer immediately after being diagnosed as suffering from mesothelioma. As a specialist and an experienced lawyer, the attorney has a fairly good idea of the cost of treatment, as he may have already dealt with many similar cases. These costs therefore can be recovered easily from the employer.

Mesothelioma Doctors provides detailed information about mesothelioma doctors, mesothelioma doctor research, mesothelioma diagnosis, mesothelioma symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Doctors is the sister site of Mesotherapy Before And After.

Tags: Aging, Disease