Mesothelioma: October 2009

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma

10:44 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

In most cases, people usually ignore the symptoms of Mesothelioma due to their generic nature. This is because the early symptoms of mesothelioma can also be the indication of other common diseases. Furthermore, researches have concluded that a patient with prior exposure to asbestos may develop mesothelioma much later in his/her life, i.e. after 20 to 40 years of asbestos encounter. Thus, many patients disregard the possibility of developing mesothelioma due to something that happened much earlier in their lives.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in which the protective linings of the body’s internal organs get affected by malignant cells. These linings include:

•Pleura: the outer lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity;

•Peritoneum: the lining of the abdominal cavity; and

•Pericardium: a sac holding the heart.

The symptoms of mesothelioma affecting these organs can vary due to the special nature and functions of the organs. Some of these symptoms are severe, and also some of the symptoms are rare. It is, therefore, recommended to contact a physician if the symptoms prevail.

Additionally, if mesothelioma is detected at early stages, the chances for a possible cure are high.

Following are the symptoms of mesothelioma, categorized by types:

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:

•Shortness of breath

•Coughing up blood

•Pain in chest

•Pleural effusions (fluid accumulation in the lung lining)

•Back pain

•Hoarseness

•Weakness

•Problem in swallowing

•Loss of appetite

•Weight loss

•Excessive coughing

•Swelling

•Paralysis

•Fever

In severe cases, a pleural mesothelioma patient can develop pneumothorax or lung cancer (lung failure). Nonetheless, some patients may show almost no symptoms.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:

•Swelling or mass accumulation in the abdomen

•Weight Loss

•Abdominal pain

•Bowel obstruction

•Blood clots

•Fever

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Hernia

Pericardium Mesothelioma Symptoms:

•Chest pain

•Shortness of breath

•Cough

•Unusual heart beating

•Irregular breathing patterns

These symptoms of mesothelioma can also be the indications of other minor diseases. However, if diagnosed soon, these symptoms can help the doctors to cure the cancer at a primitive stage. Remember that only a doctor can confirm the presence of mesothelioma by examining medical reports, asbestos exposure history, MRI and/or CT scan. In some cases, a needle biopsy can also be conducted.

Is Mesothelioma a Type of Cancer?

10:44 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the cells of mesothelial lining in the chest and abdomen. Mesothelioma is rare, though it appears to be on the rise. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States alone. Symptoms for both types of mesothelioma are not specific only to this disease, and often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for a significant amount of time. Difficulty breathing, abdominal and chest pain, and fever can all be attributed to other causes, so this cancer has time to advance fairly fair before diagnosis usually occurs. Due to the difficulty in diagnosis of mesothelioma, survival time after diagnosis is estimated at about a year.

There are two main types of mesothelioma. The first type, pleural mesothelioma, spreads within the chest cavity, and sometimes involves the lungs. This type or cancer can metastasize into any of the body’s organs, including the brain.

Metastasis occurs more often than previously thought, and signals the disease’s progression. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include persistent pain in the chest and severe difficulty breathing caused
by pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid in the pleural lining Cough, weight loss, and fever are also common symptoms. Survival time for this type of mesothelioma is better than that of peritoneal mesothelioma. The median survival time is 17 months, with ten percent of patients living for three years after diagnosis.

The second type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma. This cancer invades the abdominal cavity, the liver, spleen, and sometimes the bowel. Predominant symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include persistent pain the region as well as a swollen abdomen, both due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and affected organs. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and swelling of feet, fever, and difficulty moving the bowels. The prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma is worse than that of pleural mesothelioma, with a median survival time of only ten months past diagnosis.

Mesothelioma takes two rarer forms. Benign mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelioma of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the lining of the major organs in the chest and abdomen. It is difficult to diagnose, and appears more frequently in young women. Mesothelioma of the pericardium is a very rare cardiac cancer. Mesothelioma can also occur in the ovaries and scrotum. The prognosis for these unusual kinds of mesothelioma, with the exception of benign mesothelioma, is very poor.

The progression of mesothelioma is broken down to four stages. These stages provide a baseline to predict how far along the cancer has spread. Staging is based on x-rays, CT scans, and MRI imaging. Treatment decisions and prognosis depend upon the stage of the mesothelioma, as well as the kind if mesothelioma. In the first stage, mesothelioma is present in the pleura, lung, pericardium, or diaphragm, and is localized to one side of the body. Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or the esophagus during the second stage. The second stage may also see cancer in the heart, both sides of the pleura, or the lymph nodes in the chest. The third stage involves penetration through the diaphragm and into the peritoneum, and sees cancer spread to more distant lymph nodes. The fourth and final stage occurs when tests provide evidence of metastases in distant organs. Within the fourth stage, the mesothelioma spreads through the bloodstream to these new sights.

Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to Asbestos. Asbestos was frequently used for insulation in homes or businesses. Schools, factories, and military buildings have also been found to contain asbestos. Radiation from thorium dioxide may also cause mesothelioma. This material was once used for x-rays, though was not widely used for long. Zeolite, a silicate material related to asbestos, may also cause mesothelioma. Cases of Zeolite-induced mesothelioma centralize in the Anatoli region of Turkey.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

10:44 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Pleural Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lungs which is caused due to exposure to asbestos, though the symptoms often only manifest many years after this exposure. It is a deadly disease and in many cases the prognosis is not good.

The Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma attacks the lungs and leads to difficulties breathing, chest pains, a persistent cough and pleural effusion. These symptoms usually only occur long after exposure to asbestos and some patients may not show any symptoms.

Its Causes

The causes of it are generally related to the inhalation of asbestos particles which then make their way to the lungs and lead to an attack on the lungs and cancer.

Risk Factors

Unfortunately in the past asbestos was widely used in many different industries and since it was widely used in construction can be found in many homes, schools, universities and other places. People who are particularly at risk however are those who worked in industries that required actually working with these asbestos-containing materials such as in the asbestos-textile industry, shipping, construction, etc.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Today many people are taking action against employers who they believe were negligent in allowing them to be at risk of contracting this disease and who are now suffering as a result. A number of people have won considerable amounts, though nothing can compare with the suffering involved.

Pleural Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the lungs of people who have been exposed to asbestos. It leads to symptoms such as chest pains, breathing difficulties and pleural effusion though in some cases no symptoms may be present. Today many lawsuits are being decided against employers who may have put their employees at risk of contracting this disease by not taking the necessary precautions.

Research of Mesothelioma Doctor

10:43 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It afflicts persons who have worked in asbestos- related industries like asbestos mines, shipyards, insulation factories and construction sites. Initially, the workers in these establishments were unaware that the exposure to the asbestos dust could result in such grave consequences. They became conscious of the potential hazards of this disease after three or four decades, since the disease lies dormant for such long periods. The result of dormancy was that the medical field also recognized the existence of this disease a bit late; when the patients came for treatment, doctors were finally able to relate the symptoms to the causes. Initially the symptoms like chest pain, cough, fever and breathlessness were associated with common occurring diseases like pneumonia, but when the patients failed to respond to the treatment. the medical world started research.

Again, when the awareness of the hazardous effects of asbestos dust dawned on the medical community and the public, lawsuits began to be initiated in the courts for compensation, and the government began to act stringently against the asbestos-based industries. The total number of Mesothelioma-afflicted patients in the whole of the United States is not more than 2,000 annually, and, fortunately, even this number is likely to decrease over the coming years. Quite a majority of doctors are still unaware of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. Since the incidence of the disease is not very common, the number of doctors specializing in this area is also small.

The National Institute of Cancer, Washington Cancer Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeon, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, etc. are some of the major institutions and research organizations that are the best sources to find out the right doctors for Mesothelioma treatment.

An Overview of Mesothelioma Diagnosis

10:43 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

The diagnosis of any disease follows only after the appearance of the symptoms. The problem with Mesothelioma is that its symptoms sometimes appear decades after the patient had been exposed to the asbestos dust. By this time, it is usually too late for treatment because the malady has taken strong roots in various organs of the patient.

Awareness of the disease, its causes and symptoms is the best course of prevention. This means that if ever you have been exposed to asbestos dust, you should inform your physician immediately. This would enable your doctor to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.

The initial symptoms of Mesothelioma may appear in form of cough, fever and shortness of breath. Doctors who do not know the history of a patient may associate these symptoms with the common prevalent diseases like pneumonia and treat them accordingly. But with the passage of time, symptoms may worsen and others may appear, back and chest pain accompanied with profuse perspiration. A person may experience difficulty in swallowing food, which in turn leads to the loss of weight and tiredness. Since the asbestos dust initially enters the lungs, the respiratory system is seriously affected.

All these symptoms point to graver danger and call for a different and a more serious diagnostic approach, which is not usually associated with ordinary or seasonal maladies. Detailed pathological tests need to be conducted along with X-rays of the chest, abdomen and lungs and Computed Topography scans (CT scans) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). If these tests tend to confirm the initial suspicions about the possible presence of mesothelioma, an examination of the fluid surrounding the lungs becomes essential; if this too appears inadequate, then an operation is performed to cut out a tissue sample to run biopsy on it. Other tests and examinations are also needed to identify the affected areas. The tests may include taking out samples of fluid from the affected organ to detect the existence of cells and their types to determine the exact kind of disease and the right course of treatment.

Litigation of Mesothelioma

10:43 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

The latency period of mesothelioma may run into decades. As a result, people, afflicted with this life-threatening cancerous disease or even their doctors may not be aware that the symptoms of their disease may be traceable to the asbestos dust and fibers that they had been inhaling while working in the asbestos-based industries. These industries include asbestos mines, shipyards, insulation factories or construction sites. The symptoms of the disease can be confused with the commonly prevalent diseases like pneumonia. When the usual treatment fails to elicit response, Mesothelioma-specific tests are conducted and a conclusive diagnosis is determined. It is when the awareness of the root cause of the problems is identified that a person can feel the need to file a lawsuit for compensation.

It is, therefore, advisable to try to contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately upon being diagnosed with the disease, as the there may be time limits for filing the lawsuit. If you miss out the last date, you may not be eligible to get the compensation. Moreover, there may be many complications in your case. For example, you may have worked with many employers for approximately similar periods of time. Then the amount of asbestos dust emission may vary from one industry to another. So your lawyer may have to take time to sort out these and similar glitches to present a foolproof case.

The fees of the lawyer need not be a cause of worry, because lawyers in mesothelioma compensation cases do not charge any upfront free. They will charge you only if they win the compensation for you. You may not to have to visit the lawyer initially. You can submit your details online to the lawyer, and he will assess the legal potential in your case and contact you.

The basic and the primary consideration is to find an experienced and suitable lawyer. This can be done by searching the Internet and also by contacting some fellow victims who may already be pursuing a case.

How Serious are Three Forms of Mesothelioma?

10:42 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is not a disease of this decade but has its roots as back as the beginning of 19th century. But it came into limelight in the recent past. Mesothelioma results in tumours in and around vital organs of the body. The word mesothelioma literally means cancer of the mesothelium (oma is a medical term for cancer). The mesothelium is the sac that protects vital organs of our body and this disease affects the cells of the lining and makes them malevolent.

Mesothelioma exists in three forms:

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma that affects the pleura of the lungs and ribs. Due to this disease pleura gets thickened. Some of the common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are regular coughing, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, facial swelling, and weight loss, fever, rasping and coughing up blood.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen. It starts in the abdominal area and spread to other parts of the body. The sufferers may show some or all of the following symptoms: pain and swelling in abdomen, loss of appetite, problem in breathing, chest pain, bowel obstruction, anemia and blood clotting abnormalities.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, the rarest of all affects the heart and the cavity that surrounds the heart. The following symptoms are generally seen: pain in chest, shortness of breath, trouble in breathing, persistent coughing, and palpitations.

The symptoms for all three types of mesothelioma are non-specific, which means that there exist various other diseases with the same symptoms. Hence it becomes very difficult to diagnose any form of mesothelioma. There is a great possibility that a doctor might not found that a patient has mesothelioma and the disease is often mistaken for something else. Moreover long latency period also makes it very much difficult for the doctors to diagnose the same and it becomes too late for them to do any constructive treatment. Hence it advisable to people to let their doctors know if you are exposed to asbestos or any other similar substances regularly. Otherwise they are likely to look at other options before even contemplating mesothelioma.

What You Should Know about Mesothelioma Treatment Costs?

10:42 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

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 Treatment Surgery

10:42 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Surgery is an important step in confirming and knowing the nature of the cancer. It can be conducted on patients with the combination of adjuvant chemotherapies and radiations, before and after the surgery.

Pleurectomy:

The most common surgery for Mesothelioma treatment is pleurectomy, in which doctors open the patient's chest and remove the excessive fluid or tumor from the lining of the lungs (pleura). Although this procedure controls the accumulation of fluid and decreases pain, it still is not a cure. On the other hand, if the tumor is in its initial form and has not extensively grown, a pleurectomy can increase the survival rate of a patient when combined with chemotherapy and radiation. Additionally, a pleurectomy can be performed on patients with less-approving health conditions and has lower mortality rate than the extrapleural pneumonectomy.

Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP):

Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is an invasive and severe form of surgery conducted on patients with Mesothelioma. In this treatment, parts of the lungs, the pleura (the lining of the lung), the pericardium (lining of the heart) and the hemi-diaphragm, along with the tumor cells, are removed. It decreases the progression of Mesothelioma, while allowing a patient to breathe smoothly. It is usually conducted on patients with early stages of the cancer and when the tumor is in chest cavity. EPP is recommended for patients with good heart and lungs conditions, in order to endure the severities of the post-operative term. Though the surgery combined with chemotherapy and radiation gives promising results, it does not guarantee a cure. Researches have shown that patients treated with extrapleural pneumonectomy and therapies have a medium life span of 35 months after the surgery, compared to only 9 months of pleurectomy. Still, some doctors question the surgery for its high risks, which include internal bleeding, blood clotting, pneumonia, amassing of pus, respiratory failure and even death. Thus, many surgeons recommend the idea of pleurectomy instead of the technically complicated EPP.

Thoracentesis:

A minor surgery is often conducted on patients who cannot undergo EPP or pleurectomy, called thoracentesis. In thoracentesis, a thoracic surgeon inserts a needle into a patient's chest to remove the excessive fluid built up in the lining of the lungs (pleura). This method neither cures nor decreases the cancer, but rather alleviate the painful symptoms of Mesothelioma. In some cases, talc or other agents are infused into a patient's chests to scar the chest wall and help them breathe properly without letting the tumor to increase, to some extent.

Paracentesis:

Paracentesis is a similar method of using a needle to extract fluid, but from the abdominal section of the body. It follows the same procedure of extracting fluid from the lining of the stomach or other abdominal organs. Patients with peritoneal Mesothelioma can benefit from paracentesis surgery.

Legal Ramifications of Mesothelioma

10:41 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the linings of the lungs and the intestinal tract, and also the sac covering the heart. It is also called epithelial mesothelioma, as it affects the membrane in the pleura, the pericardium and the peritoneum. It is not lung-cancer per se. The mesothelioma-lung cancer confusion has been there earlier. Mesothelioma is merely a form of cancer that affects the lining covering the lungs. It comes in three forms:

• Pleural mesothelioma

• Peritoneal mesothelioma

• Pericardial mesothelioma

Causes of Mesothelioma

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. This can be direct exposure at the work place, or secondary exposure (when the victim is exposed to asbestos through coming in contact with someone who has already been exposed to asbestos). Despite all the pain and the loss that the workers faced, there was some hope in the form of legal recourse. Workers started suing the plants they worked in, and soon the legal battle against mesothelioma reached epic proportions. Even today, there are around 3,000 cases of mesothelioma being diagnosed in the United States every year. While the treatment is painful and not always successful, these mesothelioma victims at least have the hope of monetary compensation to help them fight mesothelioma.

The first manifestations of mesothelioma were seen as early as the 1950s and the 1960s. At that time, the workers in plants and other work areas that used asbestos in some form or the other were unaware of the lethal side of asbestos. The management at these work areas – docks, industrial plants, equipment manufacturers, and many more, the list is endless – soon came to know of the adverse effects of asbestos. However, for some reason they kept quiet about it. Their focus was on reduced costs and profits, it seems, and they remained mum about the harmful effects that asbestos could have on their workers. Asbestos, after all, had huge advantages over other material, which was why it was used so much irrespective of the genre of industry. This over the years proved to be a very, very costly error on their part.

Mesothelioma Litigation – Did it Help?

The implications of asbestos use are staggering, primarily because of the range of products it is used in. From office buildings to toasters to car brakes to shipyards, asbestos was used almost across the breadth of the industrial sector. A publication in 1935 by the American Journal of Cancer - Pulmonary Asbestosis: Carcinoma of the Lung in Asbesto-Silicosis – first raised the suspicions of people from the research and medical fields of the connection between the presence of asbestos and the unusually high death rates and lung-related diseases in the industrial sector. This connection was confirmed in 1955, and soon the continued use of asbestos despite knowing about its deadlier side became a legal nightmare for the industrial sector. Mesothelioma litigation in the United States has enabled mesothelioma victims win hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawsuits from their callous employers. It has been one of the successes in the battle against mesothelioma indirectly, and against the irresponsible attitudes of the management of workplaes that used asbestos, directly.

The Legal Aspect of Mesothelioma

Over the years, the legal benefits that mesothelioma victims have received have been enormous. The symptoms of mesothelioma manifest much after the initial inhalation of the asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma treatment is also painful and expensive. The compensations awarded to them have helped them at least cover their medical expenses. Nowadays there are mesothelioma law firms – law firms that specialize in mesothelioma. They have trained mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys. These lawyers specialize in mesothelioma compensation cases.

It can happen that a victim may shy away from legal recourse because they fel that they do not have adequate financial support to pay the lawyer. However, this is a scenario they need not worry about. All they have to do is contact a mesothelioma support group, or a mesothelioma help group. These are present all over the United States. The patient can also go online and put a search for mesothelioma legal assistance cells by typing mesothelioma and then typing the name of the state or area they are from in the search field of the search engine they are using. This is not a fixed rule – they can type it in any order. For example – mesothelioma California, mesothelioma Texas, mesothelioma lawyer texas, New York mesothelioma, California mesothelioma lawyer, etc.

How are Mesothelioma Lawyers so Successful?

One of the basic things in awarding compensation is for the judge or the jury to decide whether the harm done was intentional, or whether it was the result of a choice the victim made, in simple terms. In many cases, the circumstance of a victim is a result of a choice he or she made. For example, in a smoking-related cancer case, the choice to smoke was made by the victim. However, in the case of mesothelioma, the situation is different. The circumstance of mesothelioma in the victim could have been averted if only his employers had been more careful, had made him aware about the risks the job entailed, and then let him choose, besides providing him whatever protection required to prevent him from being exposed to asbestos. This is one area that mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys have been able to successfully work on.

After the initial slew of mesothelioma cases and lawsuits, now laws are firmly in place to safeguard the health interests of the worker. Besides, in the event of someone actually suffering from mesothelioma, there are some guidelines towards seeking legal redress for them as well. Mesothelioma law is strict and helps provide fair verdicts in mesothelioma-related compensation cases.

Guidelines for Mesothelioma Victims Seeking Legal Action

The primary rule of thumb while filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is that it has to be filed immediately on diagnosis of the disease. In fact, in many of the states across the United States, mesothelioma laws stipulating the timeframe within which a lawsuit can be filed are in place. On diagnosis, you can contact a mesothelioma lawyer through your local mesothelioma activists or mesothelioma group for more mesothelioma information relating to lawsuits. The work of a mesothelioma lawyer or mesothelioma attorney is not limited to just fighting your case. A mesothelioma attorney usually has an extensive network of contacts – other victims, mesothelioma case histories, good treatment facilities, nature of treatment options available, in fact, for most mesothelioma-related information. His specialization is a distinct advantage over a lawyer who doesn’t have too much of an idea about mesothelioma.

The government is also taking steps to ensure that workers are safe from exposure to asbestos. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has passed laws and regulations stipulating safety measures and also has set in motion plans to ban and phase out the use of asbestos as much as possible.

Mesothelioma Treatments and it's Pain Management

10:40 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma patients fear pain just as the disease itself. It is therefore essential to know that most mesothelioma cancers pain can be controlled.

Causes of cancer pain

Pain from tumor: mesothelioma cancers pain comes when a tumor presses on bone, nerves, or body organs, and may vary according to location.Pain from mesothelioma treatments: mesothelioma cancers treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can cause pain. Painful cases are occur mostly in mesothelioma patients whose immune system has been suppressed by these therapies.

Other causes: cancer patients sometimes have pain that is not related to their illness.

Every patient has a unique pain, therefore, it is essential that patients undergo appropriate mesothelioma treatments plan.

Types of pain

The most common types of pain are:

1. Acute pain. this is defined as pain which is occurs rapidly and is usually severe, but is short-lives.

2. Chronic pain. This is known as pain which may range from mild to severe and stays or increase over a longer period.

3. Breakthrough pain. This kind of pain is one that occurs in mesothelioma patients with chronic pain that is regulated by medications.

Pain Control

One of the medicines types used for pain relief is:

- From mild to moderate pain.

Nonopioids: most of these medications are accessible without a doctor’s prescription, but some requires a prescription. Other medicine in this category includes acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Mesothelioma Patients Fatigue

The word fatigue means the shortage or absence of energy that override the capability of mesothelioma patients to function and can result to mental disorder. Fatigue symptoms are weakness, exhaustion, extreme tiredness, weariness, etc. There could be psychological and emotional symptoms also in addition to the above mentioned. Mesothelioma patients may suffer from acute or chronic fatigue.

Acute fatigue usually have symptoms which begins and ends very quickly, and such symptoms are usually short-lived. Chronic fatigue symptoms usually stays for a long period.

Fatigue are seen in large portion in mesothelioma patients and those who had mesothelioma cancers in the past, or which may be as a result of other cancer-related factors. Some of the common factors are pain, medications, diet, weight loss, difficulties in breathing, insomnia, anemia, fluctuating hormones, and tumors.

Emotional depression may also result in fatigue. Other factors are anxiety, and distress which comes either from direct result of mesothelioma treatments, the mesothelioma cancers, or as a result of psychological effects directed to the diagnosis of the mesothelioma cancers and the mesothelioma treatments used.

Fatigue may also come from mesothelioma treatments, like radiation therapy or chemotherapy. A high degree of energy from the body is required in radiation therapy to repair tissue, that can expend or use up the energy supply of the body. Fatigue may also come from the effect of chemotherapy, where the patient can suffer from nausea, vomiting and loss of weight, and reoccuring fatigue as a result. Poor appetite or dietery factors may also cause fatigue as the cancer may require the body to need more nutrients. The patient may not be feeding well so as to get the essential nutrients, which could be as a result of the cancer, or other cancer-related reasons...

General Information of Mesothelioma

10:40 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare type of cancer, which affects approximately one in a million people. The usual direct cause is exposure to asbestos (around 75% of cases), but there is also a genetic factor in the likelihood of anyone contracting the disease. Mesothelioma causes malignant cells to grow in the protective sac which covers most of the body's internal organs, which is called the mesothelium.

There are various areas of the body in which Mesothelioma can occur . . . most commonly in the lining around the lungs (pleura), sometimes in the linings of the abdominal cavity (8% as likely as in the lungs) or heart areas. Mesothelioma acts by causing the cells of the mesothelium to divide and grow without control.

Although smoking does not directly cause Mesothelioma, a combination of smoking and asbestos exposure has been proven to increase the risk of Mesothelioma occurring in the lungs. Mesothelioma is usually caused by breathing in asbestos dust, such as at work, or even when washing the clothes of someone who has worked with asbestos. Due to its proven link with asbestos, there are legal proceedings involving compensation for Mesothelioma, and those working with asbestos are advised to shower and change clothes before leaving work, to reduce the chance of carrying asbestos dust outside the work place.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma which can include breathing difficulties and coughing (due to fluid in the lungs), chest pain and less specific symptoms such as weight loss, fever and abdominal pain, can occur several decades after the asbestos exposure. Diagnosis of Mesothelioma might be supported by chest X-ray and/or CT scan or MRI, and the verified by detailed examination a sample of affected tissue (biopsy). If the cancerous Mesothelioma has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized), symptoms might include pain and problems in the neck or face.

Symptoms which seem to indicate Mesothelioma might also be caused by other less severe problems, and accurate diagnosis is often difficult. The presence of malignant cells in fluids increases the likelihood of a diagnosis of Mesothelioma.

Treatment for Mesothelioma can include radiation and chemo treatment and less commonly surgery. Recovery from Mesothelioma is not common, and median survival times is about 9 months from presentation (with the 5-year survival rate being about 10%), although a few people do survive for more than 20 years after having the disease. Methods of screening, used to detect Mesothelioma early, can improve chances of survival, but there is no generally agreed screening procedure currently. Some Mesothelioma patients have survived more than 5 years after having radical surgery plus chemo and radiation therapy, but radiation therapy alone has proved ineffective. There are ongoing clinical trials of new treatments for Mesothelioma (see http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials), and taking part in such trials can be a valuable treatment option for some patients. Most patients die within 18 months of knowing they have Mesothelioma, not because the disease is rapidly progressing, but because diagnosis is often only clear at a late stage of the disease. Treatment can be expensive, sometimes totaling up to 800,000 US dollars.

Classifications of the stage (extent) of the Mesothelioma can be divided into "localized" when the cancer is only in the membrane surface, or "advanced" if it has spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, chest wall, lymph nodes or organs in the abdomen.

Blue asbestos is more likely to cause Mesothelioma than white asbestos, due to the long thin fibers in blue asbestos; however, smaller particles of asbestos might be more dangerous than larger ones due to the fact that smaller particles can remain suspended in the air for longer periods. Asbestos can also cause other diseases as well as Mesothelioma, including cancers of the lungs and kidneys, as well as other lung diseases. Asbestos has been recognized as a health risk since about 1900, but asbestos and Mesothelioma has only been officially linked since 1960. Those living near natural occurrences of asbestos and other similar naturally occurring minerals, have an increased risk of Mesothelioma. Some people only briefly exposed to small amounts of asbestos develop Mesothelioma, while others exposed to large amounts of asbestos over long periods, do not. One study found incidence of Mesothelioma to be over 300 times as great in workers with asbestos insulation, compared to the general population.

Asbestos can cause the DNA of cells to change, or even increase the likelihood that foreign DNA will get inside a cell. Asbestos might also decrease the effectiveness of the immune system.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. The highest incidences of Mesothelioma are in Britain, Australia and Belgium, but even in these countries (which have around twice the incidence compared to the USA, where about 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year), incidents is still a thirtieth of that of lung cancer. The incidents of Mesothelioma increased until 1990 and may now be decreasing (although other sources say that experts predict an increase). These figures might not be accurate, because diseases such as Mesothelioma are sometimes misdiagnosed.

The first legal proceedings involving Mesothelioma and asbestos were in 1929. Over half a million legal claims for compensation for Mesothelioma and asbestos have been filed. Workers in the ship building and repairing industries have the highest mortality rate from Mesothelioma.

Sources :- wikipedia, National Cancer Institute, Mesothelioma-data.com

Mesothelioma Caused by Exposure to Asbestos

10:40 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is a cancer which appears to be increasing. Perhaps more accurately it is now being diagnosed more frequently and often resulting from exposure to asbestos maybe 15, 25, 35 or more years ago. Because the effects usually remain undetected for many years the most at risk categories of becoming a mesothelioma victim are men in their 60s, 70s or 80s who worked with asbestos many years ago. In years past there was obviously less physical protection in terms of protective clothing and masks and fewer health and safety regulations to conform to. The workers were continually exposed to the asbestos fibres (the UK spelling) and dust which caused the cells of the mesothelium to become abnormal. Because the disease frequently takes decades to develop fully many of them were oblivious to the problem until thirty to fifty years later. It is these men who are now issuing multi-million dollar mesothelioma lawsuits seeking compensation against the companies that exposed them to the dangers of asbestos, even though they were aware, in many cases, that it could cause harm to the employees. Mesothelioma legal advice is big business because of the potential for high settlement awards.

There are also other people at risk from the disease; namely those who have had regular contact with a person who has worked with asbestos. People who worked with asbestos would carry asbestos dust and asbestos fibres on their clothes, skin and in their hair back to their home. Once in the home the fibres and dust were a source of asbestos poisoning to all family members. For example a wife who washed her husbandâ€™s clothes would herself be at risk of developing mesothelioma, respiratory problems or another asbestos related disease.

In simple terms our internal organs are protected, covered or lined with the mesothelium (the cells are referred to as the mesothelial cells). Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is usually presented in a fibre form. Exposure to these fibres, without suitable protective clothing and breathing equipment, means the body then absorbs the asbestos fibers and dust. Old asbestos installations maybe surrounded by accumulated asbestos dust which is also a severe hazard.

Types of Mesothelioma.

o - Pleural mesothelioma â€" the most frequently diagnosed type of this disease and effects the lungs and breathing.
o - Peritoneal mesothelioma â€" less frequent and is typically found in the abdomen, stomach and bowels.
o - Pericardial mesothelioma - much less frequently found and affects the heart.

Many of the symptoms are similar in each of the mesothelioma types â€" in the early stages at least â€" to other less dangerous and more frequently diagnosed illnesses. If you have any reason or cause to believe you had exposure to asbestos then â€" consult your doctor and discuss your concerns. The symptoms and the latency period of this disease mean that it is difficult to diagnose.

Mesothelioma Treatment.

Although there are treatments for mesothelioma, they do not have a high success rate particularly on patients in whom the cancer is in its later stages. The faster the mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated, the more chance of success, which is why it is important to get as fast a diagnosis as possible.

Current treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I understand there is an anti cancer drug called Onconase that has been used in some clinical tests and has had some success in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. In the UK the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has now approved the use of the mesothelioma drug Alimta in the NHS hospitals and mesothelioma treatment centres. Alimta and Cisplatin are used for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in some circumstances.

About Treating Mesothelioma

10:40 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects the serous linings of various internal organs in the human body. Among them, the lungs, heart and the stomach are widely affected.

It is estimated that each year 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed. The patients suffering from this cancerous disease have prior exposure to asbestos, which is considered to be the only known cause of mesothelioma. Mesotheliomic patients are often told of their short survival duration of 6 – 12 months, but doctors specialized in treating malignant mesothelioma at leading cancer centers expect more. Though mesothelioma causes immense pain and suffering to the victim, along with short life expectancy, certain treatments have resulted in the successful reduction and removal of the cancerous tumors of mesothelioma.

In this article, we will elaborate on the significant treatments available to patients suffering from the asbestos- related cancer (mesothelioma). Please be advised that only a professional doctor specializing in cancer can diagnose mesothelioma. It is recommended for patients suffering from the symptoms of mesothelioma, to consult a cancer specialist for a possible treatment. After examining medical reports and asbestos-exposure history, the doctor can announce the preliminary diagnosis. The doctor can also conduct a needle biopsy to finalize the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. For more relevant and latest Mesothelioma Information and diagnosing mesothelioma, check out www.mesoblog.org. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the treatment of mesothelioma depends on many factors, including the stage of the cancer, the circulation of the malignant cells, pathology reports determining the nature of the cancer cells and patient’s age and health.

Following are the mesothelioma treatment options available to the patients for treating the cancer:

•Surgery
•Chemotherapy
•Radiation or Radiotherapy
•Immunotherapy
•Clinical Trails
•Complementary Therapy

*Nutrition

*Fitness and Exercise

*Meditation and Stress Reduction

Treating mesothelioma is not an easy task. It requires immense pain endurance and patience. Nonetheless, with proper treatment and medications, along with the love and support from the family members and friends, mesothelioma can be controlled.

Mesothelioma Legislation to Fight Against Asbestos

10:39 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

In the eve of last century, asbestos was considered the ideal construction material. It was resistant to fire, isolated electricity conduction was easy to use and above was, was very inexpensive. But problems rose when asbestos was proved to produce fatal diseases when inhaled. One of them is mesothelioma.

This dreadful mesothelioma has taken hundreds of thousands of lives throughout the years. Lives of hard working men that have families. Men that work to bring food on the table for their children and wives. Men that return home covered in asbestos dust and not knowing how lethal it is, hug their children and kiss them good night. Men that were infected with asbestos lung mesothelioma not even knowing what mesothelioma is.

General Statistics

You would think that a mesothelioma legislation would be created in order to ban the horrific use of asbestos. However, The Environmental Protection Agency has still not banned the use of asbestos. In September 2004, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine said that 1.3 million US workers in construction sites are in danger of obtaining pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma from asbestos inhaling.

Although is hasn't been banned, many lawsuits have been filed against the asbestos producing companies since 1929. As a result more than 25 of the richest companies in the US that produced asbestos filed bankruptcy because of all the compensations they had to pay to their mesothelioma diseased workers; one man winning a record of $2.3 million.

Litigation Reaction

Much is being made by the US congress in order to find a common ground between the thousands of plaintiffs and the defending companies. Such as considering legislation act "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005". This would create a $140 billion trust fund in order to meet civil litigations that would compensate the victims with the malignant mesothelioma.

Compensation of Mesothelioma

10:39 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Over recent years, we have seen many multi-million dollar compensation payouts to victims of mesothelioma, the asbestos exposure related cancer. This is a relatively new disease, both in terms of medical and legal awareness, and sufferers of mesothelioma are finding that they are entitled to a hefty compensation in many cases. In order to help these victims get their dues, many lawyers and law firms have been trained and set up to deal with mesothelioma claims to allow mesothelioma sufferers get the compensation to which they are entitled.

Why are mesothelioma victims entitled to compensation? Well, most cancers not the fault of an outsider. Heavy smokers may get cancer through smoking, which is their own choice. Other types of cancer, such as breast, cervical and prostate are not anybody's fault, although vigilance and regular check ups can help to identify these caners early on and therefore treat them effectively. However, mesothelioma is a totally different type of cancer. This is a cancer that could have been prevented, and it is the fault of outsiders - namely the irresponsible firms that made no efforts to protect their workers against the hazards of working with asbestos. You see, mesothelioma is the result of regular exposure the asbestos dust and fibres, which are ingested into the system and corrupt the cells of the protective lining that surround major organs - the mesothelium. The cancer lies dormant for many decades, and victims do not realize until thirty or forty years later that they have the disease. By the time tests have been done and a diagnosis has been made, it is often too late to do anything constructive about it, and the patient is left with just a short time to live - typically 4-24 months.

These mesothelioma lawyers are here to help victims of mesothelioma to get cold, hard cash from the companies responsible for their doomed fate. This compensation will help to cover medical expenses and pain and suffering. But, perhaps most importantly, it helps to provide financial stability and security for the victim's loved ones after he or she has passed away.

The payouts for mesothelioma have run from hundreds of thousands of dollars, to multi-million dollars. But the mesothelioma sufferer must ensure that the chances of success are optimised by seeking legal advice and assistance as soon as the diagnosis has been confirmed. Most states only provide a certain time within which you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit, so it is vital that you do this immediately. Your lawyer will also need the extra time to put your case together and carry out any necessary research. Time is of the essence where mesothelioma lawsuits are concerned, and just a few days could make the difference between financial security for your family and no compensation at all.

Mesothelioma Is Caused Due To Exposure To Asbestos

10:39 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is generally caused due to the exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a critical form of cancer which generally affects the lungs of the human organism. Mostly those people who are very much prone to the exposure of asbestos in their day to day life will lead to get affected by Mesothelioma. In this consideration, mostly, the labors in the industrial and in the construction firm get affected by Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is virtually caused due to the exposure to asbestos, which generally gets into one’s body through tiny dust like particles which float in the air in the process of inhaling.

Symptoms of mesothelioma are many and varied. The most common sign or symptom of Mesothelioma is lack of proper inhaling, continuous coughing, constant pain in the chest, etc. In addition to this, loss of weight, swelling of the abdomen, fever and anemia are also some other Mesothelioma symptoms. Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer and hence the proper diagnosis of it cannot be enhanced due to the different symptoms that crop up in Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be treated in various ways. The most common and the basic form of Mesothelioma treatment is through surgery. The surgery will help in the removal of the affected lining of the body organs whether it be in the chest, abdomen or in the neck. Another popular form of Mesothelioma treatment is the radiation therapy. This radiation therapy or radiotherapy is implied in order to kill the cancer affects cell areas.

Mesothelioma thus becomes a deadly disease when no remedial measures are taken to overcome it and when exposure to asbestos is not controlled. But at present, there are various Mesothelioma law firms which are established in many countries of the world especially in those places where there is high percentage of mesothelioma, a cancer which is the result of high exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma law firm is entitled to provide advice to thousands of mesothelioma patients every year. Mesothelioma law firms are large enough to have huge resources and years of experience. Each case of mesothelioma is handled individually and proper investigations are made to help out the clients. Mesothelioma law firm provides adequate counseling to the victims of asbestos. The mesothelioma law firms are based on two aspects. Firstly, to alert the victims about the possibility of this cancer due to the exposure to asbestos and secondly to improve the work place where exposure of asbestos are common.

Suggestions And What Types Of Firms To Look For Mesothelioma Lawsuits

10:39 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

When a family receives the heartbreaking news of a diagnosis of mesothelioma in their family, the lives of all those involved thrown for a loop. The severity of such a diagnosis truly inhibits the lives of those living with mesothelioma and those around them. Treatment for mesothelioma and treatment of the symptoms of mesothelioma are obviously crucial in beating or preventing such mesothelioma. However, nothing can prepare a family for the news of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Though the lives of mesothelioma patients and their families evolve around the welfare of the patient, expenses add up. Beyond the cost of expenses, the exposure to asbestos, the most likely cause of mesothelioma truly precluded the rights of the individual to live free. This is why mesothelioma suits are not uncommon. With the financial burden and the preclusion of guaranteed rights, "if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease (asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma)," you CAN bring a legal claim against the manufacturers, sellers, and installers of asbestos products. Filing a legal claim can help you address the medical and financial problems that asbestos-related diseases can cause victims and their families while also gaining compensation for the violation of your rights. We know that lack of knowledge is not an excuse, nor is negligence Victims of mesothelioma deserve the right to compensation.

It is imperative to find a quality law firm specializing in asbestos and mesothelioma litigation. You will want a firm who believes in filing suit on an individual basis as this is a better chance for larger and more appropriate compensation than that of a large class action suit.It is also true the not need to remember when, how or what products exposed you to asbestos. A quality law firm will fully investigate this for you.

As all so thoroughly do who have been diagnosed or know family members that have been diagnosed, do your research, not only on the disease and treatment, but on your attorneys and their protocol for mesothelioma and asbestos related litigation.

Beware!!! Mesothelioma and the Asbestos Time Bomb

10:38 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

The one-time friend turned killer that was once such an indispensible, yet unnoticed, part of our daily lives for so many centuries, is now a feared enemy. It is Asbestos (from the Greek for 'inextinguishable') and is the reason for thousands of global compensation claims by mesothelioma lawyers against employers, manufacturers and processors of asbestos-related products. Many asbestos workers, and those unwitingly exposed to asbestos, have been given a mesothelioma diagnosis for which there is no cure, maybe just a little temporary relief, until the inevitable distressing death a few months or years after diagnosis.

Mesothelioma is a time bomb because it can be that less than a day's exposure to asbestos dust is enough to produce mesothelioma, some 30-40 years later, when mesothelioma symptoms are first noticed. Though most mesothelioma victims are men, because mainly they worked in those industries, sometimes their wives and family too are innocent sufferers from this disease, inhaling the asbestos dust shaken from their husband's/fathers' clothing, or hair, at the end of the working day.

Whether the fault lies with manufacturers & employers (assuming they knew of the dangers) or the employees (did everyone diligently use respirator equipment and protective clothing, if it was supplied?), is something for the mesothelioma lawyers, insurance companies and courts to thrash out.

Meanwhile, asbestosis & mesothelioma victims are dying a painful and inexorable death, before their cases can even come to court or a settlement is reached. As there is no cure for mesothelioma or asbestosis, all that can be done is to make the sufferer's plight as comfortable as possible, before death finally brings mercyful relief. Although various governments have introduced, albeit belatedly, anti-asbestos legislation, sufferers find that in some cases the time limit for claiming compensation is unrealistically short, given
the long time (30-40 years) before mesothelioma symptoms are first noticed. Many victims are dying before they get a court verdict, or even before they get to court. Unlike its Greek derivation, Mesothelioma and asbestosis victims are not inextinguishable.

What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer in the fluid-filled sac between the Mesothelium lining the lungs, or abdominal cavity or heart, and the body. In a healthy person, the mesothelium secretes a fluid which lubricates these organs, allowing them to expand, contract and easily slide over neighbouring tissues. Fluid in excess of that required for lubrication is removed through the blood & lymph system. In a person with Mesothelioma, the asbestos fibres penetrate the organ, into the fluid sac, producing cancerous cells which attack other cells, thickening the fluid, causing pain, and difficulty with breathing. Peritoneal Mesothelioma and, less commonly, Pericardial Mesothelioma, are not as common as the pleural type, but just as deadly.

The Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma, the most common form of mesiothelioma, is caused, according to all known evidence, exclusively by inhalation of asbestos fibres. These fibres are very thin & sharp enough to penetrate the lining of the lung, entering the plural sac, thereby damaging the mesothelium cells. Often, cancerous growth results, as described above. Other factors also come into play, including the changes induced in macrophages by their ingestion of asbestos particles. The asbestos seems to stimulate the macrophage to produce free radicals, which then affect DNA to induce cancerous cell behaviour. The chances of a person in an asbestos-related environment developing lung cancer, are said to be about 50 times increased if that person smokes, though there is no evidence to show that smoking itself causes mesothelioma. Ironically, one brand of cigarettes in the 1950's used asbestos in the filter tips.

There are other factors too that can play a part, such as heredity, general health and diet. Although not too much has been clincially proven about these factors, as with all diseases, the better the person's health the better their chances of not catching a disease.

The History of Asbestos.

It is probably not generally known that asbestos has been around since 4000 BC, when it was used in lamp wicks and candles. Interestingly, it was also used in the cloth wrapping of Egyptian mummies. Maybe this is the real origin of 'The Curse of The Mummy' stories; grave robbers, and maybe Egyptologists, could expect to get their just desserts! Clothing made from asbestos was highly prized in ancient times to wrap the bodies of Kings, so that their ashes would not mix with the earth or other contaminants during cremation, and it is said the Romans simply threw their asbestos napkins into a fire to cleanse and purify them.

Asbestos, a type of silica, is mined from three main types of metamorphic rock:- Chrysotile (white asbestos), Amosite (brown asbestos) and Crocodilite (blue asbestos). Other asbestos bearing rocks such as Tremolite, Anthophyllite and Actinolite are not in such common use but could still be found in some construction work, talcum powders and vermiculite. During the Middle Ages there does not appear to be much evidence of asbestos use; they probably had other problems, like recurring plagues and crusades, to contend with.
The fact that asbestos workers developed respiratory illnesses, and died young, was known as far back as Roman times when Pliny the Elder commented that asbestos workers seemed to have many health problems, advising against buying asbestos-workings slaves as they "died young". Obviously, there were no mesothelioma lawyers around then! The deleterious effects of asbestos, in modern industrial times, have been recorded as far back as the start of the 18th Century but little notice was paid by factory owners & Governments to the plight of asbestos workers - labour was cheap and life even cheaper; nothing should stand in the way of the sacred cows of Industrial Progress and the profits of industrialists and politicians.

That it took until the 1970s before more stricter legislation to restrict its use and safeguarded workers was drawn up, is scandalous. A charitable reason for this inertia may be that asbestos had become so widely used in almost every aspect of our everyday lives, delivering such tremendous benefits, that there was such a reluctance to finally admit that something so useful could also be so deadly. People who have expounded the virtues, and made a lot of money out of, asbestos are hardly likely to suddenly throw up their hands and admit to being wrong. The alternative, less charitable, explanation can only be that greed and profit were more important than employees' health.

Mesothelioma and Pleura Disease

10:38 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Often, the exposure to asbestos will cause harm to the lining of the lungs, called pleura. Calcium deposits in the scars caused by asbestos fibers will go through 'calcification' which cause it to harden.

Fluid effusion may be accumulated around the lung. This condition do not present any immediate harm and will dissolve by itself and subsequently return later. This repeated fluid accumulation gradually cause 'diffuse pleural thickening', which is the thickening of the entire pleura. This thickening process may end up as scar tissue and even make it difficult for the lungs to expand.

Malignant Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the pleura or the abdomen (peritonuem) and it is caused only by asbestos exposure. There are two types of mesothelioma cells - epithelial and sarcomatoid.

Even a relatively short amount of exposure to asbestos (one month or two) can manifest itself into mesothelioma cancer or even lung cancer 20, 30, 50, or even 70 years later.

Like most disease, early detection and treatment can significantly increase recovery chance. Unfortunately, mesothelioma lung cancer is often asymptomatic and treatments are often too late when a patient is diagnosed. Many will die from the disease in the following 12 months of diagnosis, and most will not survive more than 18 months.

Therefore, some treatments for mesothelioma is aim to to relieve symptoms rather than to cure the disease. If your doctor recommends palliative (comfort) treatments, he/she is fore seeing that your illness cannot be cured. In this scenario, get a second opinion or check out what alternative treatment have to offer.

The Truth and Facts About Pleural Meseothelioma

10:38 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Pleural Mesothelioma represents for about 75% of all Mesothelioma cases and. The main cause for this type of cancer is the inhalation of asbestos fibers which get embedded in the lung linings, also known as the pleura. These embedded fibers will cause inflammation which will eventually lead to cancer tumors if not treated at the beginning stage.

Also, if the cancel tumors are not detected early, they can spread from the lung pleura to other vital organs which include the heart and abdomen. Pleural Mesothelioma can also invade the lymph nodes and affect the body's blood system.

The main cause of this type of cancer is exposure to asbestos. If a person is exposed to asbestos for only a couple of months, the deadly and fine asbestos particles may lead to Pleural Mesothelioma 30 to 50 years later. The older generation especially men in their sixties or seventies are most at risk, because this was the generation that worked with the deadly material with minimal protection. Because it takes so long for this type of cancer to surface, these men are only now discovering that they have this deadly cancer. Many now are filing lawsuits against the companies who are responsible for exposing them to asbestos.

Among the symptoms associated with Pleural Mesothelioma is chest pain. However, the pain is does not come directly from the lung pleura but often appears in the shoulder or upper abdomen. Persistent coughing, shortness of breath, facial swelling, weight loss, fever and coughing up blood are the other symptoms of this type of cancer. The tumor for this type of cancer grows rapidly and enlarges the pleural space, causing this space to be filled with fluid. This is the fluid responsible for the discomfort or pain associated with the early symptoms of this cancer. Many of these symptoms are similar to diseases which are more common than this cancer and hence it is very difficult to diagnose until it is too late.

There is not proper cure available for Pleural Mesothelioma and treatment options are limited. Active research is being conducted around the globe and many pharmaceutical companies are testing new drugs to combat this cancer. Current available treatments for this cancer include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

According to a research done on 167 patients with proven Pleural Mesothelioma, the median survival rate of patients following diagnosis was 242 days. The survival rate was also affected by the type of cancer cells, age, medical record, and lifestyle. Through this research, patients with biphasic cell types had the shortest life expectancy. The chance of survival can be drastically increased if this cancer is treated in its early stages because once it has developed and spread it is very difficult to cure.

Good Mesothelioma Lawyer: Selecting and Choosing

10:38 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Although going into trial is not what you want to worry about during the battle of mesothelioma lung cancer, it is crucial not to cut corners in this department. The first step of appointing a mesothelioma lawyer will put things in order in your quest of filing for compensation.

Most lawyers will undertake your case on a contingency basis, which mean that you do not have to worry about legal fees unless you win. Once a compensation has been awarded, your lawyer will get a cut after deducting all other expenses, usually in the range of 30 to 40%. Make sure you work out this arrangement with your lawyer so you don't have to pay upfront. This arrangement will also motivate your lawyer to work harder to help you.

Because this sector is very lucrative, with compensation claims ranging in the millions, there are an influx of lawyer that may not have what it takes to win. Establishing your eligibility for compensation is often tedious and time-consuming, so you need a lawyer with experience and the expertise to help you claim your money as soon as possible. Bear in mind that compensation often pay for the medical fees incurred in mesothelioma treatment, and getting them in time is fundamental in assuring you get the best medical attention possible.

Often time people get influenced by big offices and marketing ploy of lawyer firms. They tend to take the easy way out and leave everything to their lawyer without first surveying what they got themselves into. It is important to know that due to hectic schedule, lawyer firms sometimes channel your case to another smaller firm for commission, or they may even hire an outside helper to manage your case. Also, big firms will sometimes pass cases to their junior staff, while their best attorneys attend to bigger, more profitable cases.

In all of these scenarios above, the law firm credibility no longer apply to your case, since they are not the one that actually handle your file. Be sure to ask who is the person handling your case and whether it will be pass to another firm or outsider to manage.

What is this person's background?

Is he or she a specialist in mesothelioma only or not?

Since when has this person been involve in mesothelioma lawsuits?

How many cases were handles each year?

What are the winning rate for previous cases?

Are the any precedent cases similar to yours and what are the outcome?

Have this person undertake a case such as yours and what was the verdict?

What are his or her current cases?

How long on average did it take to settle those cases?

What are the average compensation won by this person?

Be sure to ask questions tactfully and not in an interrogating manner. By coming across as a informative person who expect nothing short of quality service and expertise, your lawyer will be careful to pay extra attention to your case. Ask if there is any hidden charges and tax that you have to pay to avoid surprises later. A good mesothelioma lawyer is one that you felt comfortable with, and is both professional and ethical in person.

How to Choose the Right Law Firm for Mesothelioma Attorney

10:37 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Choosing the right Attorney can make or break your case

If you or a loved one has been stricken with Mesothelioma Cancer it was most likely caused by exposure to asbestos and you will be in need of a highly skilled attorney to help you seek damages.

You should be looking for an attorney who specifically deals with Mesothelioma lawsuits. Any dedicated lawyer would be just as likely to commit time and effort on your case but to get the most cash you can for your lawsuit I would recommend selecting an attorney who has tried, settled and won several Mesothelioma Asbestos lawsuits.

• Your attorney should already have some knowledge about this rare cancer . An inexperienced lawyer may not even know that such a condition exists and may have to take a lot of time on research alone. An experienced Mesothelioma attorney would know right away the effects of asbestos exposure and would know how to empathize with your situation and get you the cash settlement you deserve.

• Not every patient is aware that they have been exposed to asbestos. If you do not know how you got Mesothelioma, a good attorney can help you trace the possible points of asbestos exposure. This is not an easy task for an average attorney. Did you know it can take up 30 years after asbestos exposure for symptoms to appear? A skilled Mesothelioma attorney will be able to research and pin point when you got exposed.

• A good lawyer knows that time is of the essence. Various states have limits to the period of time that you can make a claim after diagnosis. An expert attorney can act quickly to help you win your case.

• This is a rare cancer most commonly caused by unknowing exposure to asbestos. If you want to make things easier on you and your family, an attorney specifically dealing with Mesothelioma cases is the firm to look for.

Important questions to ask a Mesothelioma Attorney:

• How long has your law firm been specializing in Mesothelioma cases?

• How many cases has your firm taken to trial? How many verdicts won / lost?

• How many cases has your law firm settled?

• What is the average cash settlement your clients receive?

• What happens if you don't win my case, will your law firm appeal the decision? How many appeals has your firm won / lost?

• Will I be working with a lawyer at your law firm or will you refer my case to another firm?

• What is the average time frame it takes your law firm to win/settle a case?
While an attorney will not be able to give you a specific date, they should be able to provide with you a general idea on how long it will take to win your case.

You have one chance to bring a lawsuit against the company that exposed you to asbestos so it's important to choose an attorney that will work the hardest to win your case.

Ask for references and check them thoroughly, only select a law firm that has a proven track record of winning multiple Mesothelioma Cancer cases.

An Inside Look of Mesothelioma Cancer

10:37 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

There are experts that have speculated on other causes. There are incidences of Mesothelioma with no known asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer. Smoking does not cause it. It is a cancer of the mesothelial cells.

Causes of Mesothelioma

The only known, established cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. The asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines that encases the lung. The pleura, produces a special lubricating fluid that facilitates the ability of the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the cells, which causes the Mesothelioma. This is known as pleural Mesothelioma. Less common is peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

An individual with Mesothelioma experiences chest pain usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the pleural space called an effusion and shortness of breath. Since many doctors may not have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, at first, to be attributable to other medical problems. A biopsy of the pleural tissue or fluid may reveal the cancer of the mesothelial cells and a proper diagnosis can thus be established. A history of the individual’s occupational exposure shall be taken. Since there is no “safe” level of exposure to asbestos, even brief, low level exposures may be enough to cause Mesothelioma.

Occurrence of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and its incidence is actually increasing day by day. There is presently no known cure for Mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the cancerous cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult and eventually it becomes increasingly more challenging for the victim to engage in normal activities and enjoy life.

Treatments of Mesothelioma

A number of treatments have been established to help contain the spread of the disease and reduce the pain associated with it. Chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery to remove the lung and pleura are among the options that have been explored by the treating physician.

Prevention is better than Cure

Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the corporations that manufacture and make profit from the sale of asbestos-containing products are aware of the hazards of asbestos. Alternative fibers are available that could be used instead of asbestos. But asbestos is cheap, and available, and is a good filler and binder.

To Sum up

The varied and non-specific symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis The cancer has a very long latency period, which means that it could be thirty years or more before the person even realizes that they have contracted the cancer .The onset of symptoms can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested the lifespan of the person can be as short as several months. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

10:36 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

And even when the symptoms do become evident, which can take several decades, the symptoms are so generalized and non-specific that they could be put down to any number of more common diseases. This makes it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with Mesothelioma patients. The symptoms of this disease can often be confused with pneumonia during its early stages.

Some Common Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of Mesothelioma of all three types are shortness of breath and chest pains. This may be accompanied by a persistent cough, and these entire symptoms stem from the build up of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity, known as pleural effusion.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

In pleural effusion, an accumulation of fluid happens between the parietal pleura (the pleura covering the chest wall and diaphragm) and the visceral pleura (the pleura covering the lungs). Both of these membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is absorbed by blood and lymph vessels maintaining a balance. When too much fluid forms, the result is an effusion.

This type of the disease starts in the chest cavity and can then spread to other parts of the body. Pleural Mesothelioma sufferers may also begin to display severe breathing difficulty, weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a rasping voice and start coughing up blood. However, there are other patients that may not show any significant symptoms at all.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The symptoms for patients who suffer from peritoneal Mesothelioma (a rarer form of the disease) are slightly different. This type of the disease starts in the abdomen and can spread form there. Patients of peritoneal Mesothelioma can display abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. They can also suffer breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting may also affect peritoneal Mesothelioma patients.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

The rarest form of this disease is pericardial Mesothelioma, which starts in the cavity surrounding the heart. With pericardial Mesothelioma, the tumors grow in the tissues that surround the heart and can spread from there. Pericardial Mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations.

Don’t Lose Hope

Most people who have worked with asbestos in the past do not begin to show symptoms of Mesothelioma until thirty to forty years later. By this time, the disease is already spreading and with the delay in diagnosis, makes it impossible to treat in many cases before it is too late. However, the cause, effects and symptoms of Mesothelioma are now becoming more widely known by professionals and lay people. This awareness, coupled with the current clinical trials that are being carried out by a variety of organizations gives patients the hope that an effective treatment will one day be available for all stages of the disease.

Mesothelioma

10:33 PM | By Rehman Bhimani

Mesothelioma Definition Synonyms and accompanying keywords: mesothelioma, asbestos-related cancer, blight of the pleura, asbestos exposure, plural cancer, cancerous mesothelioma, mesothelioma malignancy, pleural cancerous mesothelioma, lung cancer, lung tumor, pulmonary cancer, pulmonary tumor, pulmonary malignancy, sarcomatous mesothelioma, epithelial mesothelioma, alloyed mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma.

The Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Is Mesothelioma a Type of Cancer?

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Research of Mesothelioma Doctor

An Overview of Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Litigation of Mesothelioma

How Serious are Three Forms of Mesothelioma?

What You Should Know about Mesothelioma Treatment Costs?

Mesothelioma Treatment Surgery

Legal Ramifications of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Treatments and it's Pain Management

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Mesothelioma Patients Fatigue

General Information of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Caused by Exposure to Asbestos

About Treating Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Legislation to Fight Against Asbestos

Compensation of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Is Caused Due To Exposure To Asbestos

Suggestions And What Types Of Firms To Look For Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Beware!!! Mesothelioma and the Asbestos Time Bomb

Mesothelioma and Pleura Disease

The Truth and Facts About Pleural Meseothelioma

Good Mesothelioma Lawyer: Selecting and Choosing

How to Choose the Right Law Firm for Mesothelioma Attorney

An Inside Look of Mesothelioma Cancer

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma

Followers

Blog Archive