MESOTHELIOMA: May 2009

Reasons why asbestos shingles are no longer used

One word-mesothelioma, seems to get everyone's attention in this day and age. And with good reason. There are lawyers on television pounding hammers informing you of your rights if you have been exposed to asbestos in your working environment. Just in case you forget about them for a moment, there's some threatening billboards on your nearest highway demanding that you give them a call too.

But just why is asbestos being outlawed and its use discontinued even in house shingle manufacturing? Let's take a look at this bad boy's infamous rise to fame.

What does asbestos look like?

Asbestos is a natural ore found in the form of hard fibrous pieces of rock. In order to produce a finished product, it is milled, processed, and mixed with other materials. The main reason it was extracted from its natural surroundings to begin with is the discovery of its strength and fire-resistant properties. Once it was determined to be so remarkable, it was introduced to the construction industry and until the 1970s was employed for every use it could think of. Used in thermal insulation, acoustic insulations, fire retardants, roofing, flooring, and house shingles, it seemed the sky was the limit for this great innovative earthly find. But a silent killer was lurking beneath all those perfectly aligned shingles and multi-colored tiles that all the women were doting over. It would take years and painful deaths to unravel the mystery of the wondrous fiber, asbestos.

Why is asbestos so deadly?

After years of exposure to air (especially salty air) and sun, deterioration will release deadly particles of asbestos products into the air. Some are so small that we need a microscope to see them. What this means is that they can actually be floating in the air and as we breathe, they can lodge in our lungs. By inhaling these fibers, our chances of developing lung cancer or mesothelioma are greatly enhanced. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk becomes. What began as a godsend became a disaster. The horror of it all is the time elapsed between exposure and development of disease can be as long as thirty years. As you can see, it's pretty hard to pin down.

Who knew?

No one knew the dangerous properties of asbestos, the material was almost too good to be true. Now we know the material crumbles easily if handled. Now we know better (hopefully) than to saw, scrape, or sand it into a powder. Doing these things are likely to create a health hazard. It is usually not a problem if asbestos is in your home. I stress usually because it is in the releasing of the fibers themselves that lies the danger. If anything inside or outside of your home is questionable, a professional can make an informed decision about its care and maintenance. The important thing to remember is" Don't Touch It! "

Is there a safe amount?

There is no known safe exposure amount to asbestos. This is one of the many reasons why asbestos shingles are no longer used. Meanwhile the mesothelioma lawsuits are lined up at the cancer attorneys in droves. Individuals who receive the deadly diagnosis because of asbestos exposure commission this type of attorney to procure a settlement for them. The lawyer will only take his fee upon eventual settlement. It is a very sad situation even if there is a settlement. My favorite actor of all time, Steve McQueen of Bullitt fame died from mesothelioma at a very young age. He worked in an asbestos factory as a teenager on his way up. Who knew?

The hazards of carcinogens

carcinogen is a cancer-causing substance.

carcinogen is produced by

1.fungus aspergillus ,which produces aflatoxin B1, grows on stored grains,peanut butter,nuts etc.
2.cooking protein-rich foods at high temperatures
3.cigarette smoke
4.some plants produce carcinogens to prevent animals from eating them.

carcinogens cause cancer by altering the cellular matabolism or by damaging the DNA.

when the cells are unable to detect this,they undergo programmed cell death(to protect the organism),but when the damage interferes with genes,which are responsible for cell death,cancer occur.

cells in skin,stomach,breast,intestinla lining are capable of rapid lining and hence sensitive to carcinogens.

classification

1.Group 1 - Known human carcinogen
when there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans.

2.Group 2A - Probable human carcinogen
when there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals

3.Group 2B - Possible human carcinogen
there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals.
4.Class 3 - Not classifiable for human carcinogenicity
the evidence of carcinogenicity is inadequate in humans and inadequate or limited in experimental animals
5.Class 4 - Probably not carcinogenic to humans
there is evidence suggesting lack of carcinogenicity in humans and in experimental animals.

Asbestos: Its origin and hazards

Asbestos is a useful but dangerous mineral. It is useful because it can be pulled apart into fibers, making it easy to work into different shapes, and because it has a very high melting point. These qualities make it great for use as insulation or for items, such as brake pads, that need to handle a lot of heat.

Unfortunately, it also poses a health hazard. The fibrous nature which makes it so useful, also makes it an inhalation hazard. So, if the answer is "One of several diseases that may result from breathing in tiny asbestos fibers," the question could be:

What is asbestosis?: a very nasty disease that ruins your lungs because they can't rid themselves of the strands of asbestos.

What is lung cancer?: there are several types of this which may also be caused by things other than asbestos.

What is mesothelioma?: a special type of cancer which is only caused by exposure to asbestos.

And, if the question is "Who makes the most money from asbestos?" the answer is mesothelioma lawyers.
Good luck and good health.

Reflections: Predicting major changes in culture and lifestyle

People living and working in New York on that fateful day when the Twin Towers came down are becoming ill in growing numbers. World Trade first responders and others are developing chronic coughs, lung diseases and now other cancers caused by breathing the toxic mix of asbestos, dioxine, benezine, and other carcinogens at and around the site.

Eventually some may develop mesotheliomaa disease specifically related to exposure to asbestos.

And some will also begin to develop potentially lethal blood clots. Patients with cancer of all types tend to have a significantly higher risk of blood clotting then the general population. Because of its severity as a disease, scientists wanted to find out whether patients with mesothelioma followed that trend.

In a small study in the state of New Mexico the rate of dangerous blood clotting (thromboembolism) among mesothelioma patients was significantly higherclose to double the rateamong other cancer patients. If you know someone who may be at risk for mesothelioma, be sure to let them know they should talk to their doctor about the advisability of taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

There are similarities between the victims of the Towers tragedy and those who've developed mesothelioma as a result of manufacturers who failed to provide adequate warnings and protective clothing and equipment for people working around asbestos. The difference is there will be a far larger public outcry when the consequences to rescue workers at the 9/11 disaster become common knowledge. When you've been the victim of such failures in the private sector, you have to look harder to find a voice on your behalf.

Visit our site to find doctors who appreciate the dangers that 9/11 workers have been exposed to, who are willing to keep an eye on your medical condition, and who will keep an open mind about diagnosing and treating mesothelioma.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or feel you've been exposed to asbestos or other toxic substances on the job, first find the right medical help. Then, understand your legal rights. If you have questions or need help regarding a potential mesothelioma or asbestos-exposure lawsuit, you can visit our site (link below), call us 800.443.6353, or email us at help@mesotheliomaadvice.org We have years of experience helping people just like you and your family face this difficult time in your life.

Asbestosis explored

Asbestosis is a chronic inflammation of the lungs caused by inhaling particles of asbestos over a long period of time. For many years asbestos was used as an insulation material in homes and offices. Although there have been tremendous or remove as much asbestos from the environment as possible, there is still much remaining, especially in older buildings. Even today, asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related lung disease.

Asbestos is a major cause of the otherwise rare form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is virtually never seen in people who have not been exposed to asbestos.

Asbestosis is most commonly seen in men, typically who are over age 40. This is because none of the stage were more likely to have worked in buildings containing asbestos. All people who were exposed to asbestos over a long period of time are potentially at risk.

As a person inhales small particles of asbestos, the particles travel to the deepest and smallest airways in the lungs. The asbestos fibers will then collect in the outer edges of the lungs, gradually causing a chronic inflammation and irritation to the delicate lung tissues.

Symptoms

In many cases, it can take up to twenty years for symptoms of asbestosis to become apparent. The most common symptom will be a chronic cough and shortness of breath. The cough will be dry and constant, producing very little sputum.

As the disease progresses, a person can experience chest pain, a coarse voice, a loss of appetite and weight, and changes in sleep patterns. On occasion, a person will cough up some blood. This is a sign that the disease is becoming relatively advanced.

Risk and prevention

Obviously the greatest risk of getting asbestosis is asbestos exposure. If you suspect that you may be working in an area with asbestos, always be sure to wear proper protective masks.

If you are a smoker, try to quit. Smoking can increase the damage done by asbestos exposure. The combination of damage done by the inhaled asbestos fibers and the cigarette smoke can be devastating to your lungs.

Regular exercise can help limit the damage done by asbestos exposure. This helps for a number of reasons, including maintaining good circulation and airflow through the lungs.

If you suspect or know that you have exposure to asbestos, be sure to tell your doctor and plan regular chest x-rays to look for signs of damage to your lungs. Asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer.

Treatments

Treatment for asbestos exposure is largely aimed at controlling the symptoms. There is no known way to reverse damage which is already done, but symptoms can be treated and further damage can be prevented.

People with asbestosis must take good care of their lungs. Be sure to get proper treatment for any other condition which can affect your lungs, such as pneumonia, colds, bronchitis, and influenza. These conditions can be made much worse in people who suffer from asbestos exposure.

Respiratory therapists and work with people who have been exposed to teach them proper care of their lungs. Bronchial drainage and the use of misting humidifiers can help tremendously with the symptoms.

If you activity you may have been exposed to asbestos, or maybe experiencing symptoms of asbestosis, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Asbestosis is not a medical emergency, however the sooner you are able to identify your risk and begin proper care and treatment, the more you can minimize the damage done to your lungs.

Future health implications of asbestos exposure

For many years asbestos was used as an insulation material in homes and offices. Although there have been tremendous efforts to remove as much asbestos from the environment as possible, there is still much remaining, especially in older buildings. Even today, asbestos exposure is the leading cause of work-related lung disease. Asbestos exposure is a significant cause of an otherwise rare form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma virtually never develops in people who have not been exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos exposure and mesothelioma have become a major issue in the medical-legal arena. Not a day goes by when a lawyer isn't advertising on television for people to call if they have been exposed to asbestos. Presumably, these lawyers intend to sue everyone who was involved in creating the exposure, regardless of whether the risk was known at the time the asbestos was installed. As if money will make your lung cancer go away.

Chronic asbestos exposure can lead to a condition known as asbestosis. This is a lung condition typically seen in men. Most men and women with signs of asbestosis are over the age of 40, as it takes quite a long time for asbestos exposure to develop problems. In addition, men are more likely to have worked in buildings containing asbestos. Anyone who has been chronically exposed to asbestos is potentially at risk for developing asbestosis.

So how does asbestos exposure cause damage to your lungs? As a person inhales small particles of asbestos, the particles travel to the deepest and smallest airways in the lungs. The asbestos fibers will then collect in the outer edges of the lungs, gradually causing a chronic inflammation and irritation to the delicate lung tissues.

In many cases, it can take up to twenty years for symptoms of asbestosis to become apparent. The most common symptom experience by an exposed person will be a chronic cough and shortness of breath. The cough is typically be dry, producing very little sputum.

As asbestosis worsens, a person can experience chest pain, a coarse voice, a loss of appetite and weight, and changes in sleep patterns. Coughing up some blood is somewhat common as well. This is a sign that the disease is becoming relatively advanced.

What can you do to protect yourself from asbestosis? If you suspect that you may be working in an area with asbestos, always be sure to wear proper protective masks. If you are a smoker, try to quit. Smoking can increase the damage done by asbestos

exposure. The combination of damage done by the inhaled asbestos fibers and the cigarette smoke can be devastating to your lungs. Regular exercise can help limit the damage done by asbestos exposure.

If you suspect or know that you have exposure to asbestos, be sure to tell your doctor and plan regular chest x-rays to look for signs of damage to your lungs.

Asbestos exposure can also lead to mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer. Mesothelioma has no association with cigarette smoking. The only cause of this type of cancer that has been found is exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma can taken decades to develop. It does not just appear overnight because you tore out some insulation in your attic last week. It takes chronic exposure over a period of twenty to fifty years for significant damage to appear in your lungs.

Mesothelioma will cause symptoms very similar to asbestosis. A person will begin coughing all of the time. They will appear weak, and be chronically short of breath. In the later stages, a person will experience chest and abdominal pain, as well as significant weight loss. There is currently no cure of mesothelioma. All a doctor can do for an effected person is to try and control the symptoms and extend their quality of life as much as possible.

Asbestos exposure has significant health implications to those who are exposed. Even if a person never develops cancer, it is possible for the asbestos to cause chronic damage to the lungs. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos over a long period of time, you should talk with a doctor about the possible health consequences.

Mesothelioma: The disease that strikes 40 years later

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the cells that form the linings of the body's chest and abdominal cavities. Although mesothelioma is very rarely seen in the population as a whole in the United Sates, it is found almost exclusively in those who came into repeated contact with asbestos, or materials such as insulation materials that contained asbestos, during their employment or while serving in the Armed Forces.

In fact, mesothelioma is so closely associated with occupational exposure to asbestos that it was banned from commercial use in the United States in 1989, although most manufacturers had voluntarily stopped using asbestos-containing materials over a decade earlier. Because it may not appear until many years after the victim's last exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is often referred to as "the cancer that kills 40 years later."

In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos has been linked with a greater incidence in cancers arising from the lung tissue itself and there is evidence that asbestos may be associated with increased risks of cancers involving the esophagus and the stomach. There appears to be no direct evidence linking cigarette smoking with mesothelioma, aside from the overall increased risks in the occurrence of all forms of cancer that has long been noted among smokers.

The symptoms related to mesothelioma are directly related to the region of the body where the cancer arises. Among the mesotheliomas that develop in the chest cavity, shortness of breath and/or a cough that does not respond to routine treatment are often the only signs that the disease may be present. Often, mesothelioma is discovered only after x-rays have been taken in order to evaluate the victim for other symptoms. Mesotheliomas that develop in the abdomen are usually discovered only after they cause abdominal pain, or anemia, or have grown large enough to cause an intestinal obstruction.

Mesothelioma is notorious among oncologists, physicians who specialize in the treatment of cancer, for being very difficult to treat with any degree of long-term success, although the exact reasons for this remain unclear. Based on the latest data available from the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute, only about 15 to 20 per cent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma this year can be expected to survive for 5 years despite aggressive surgical and medical treatment.

Mesothelioma: The cancer caused by asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. The asbestos fibers are inhaled through the lungs and become lodged in the pleura, the thin membrane that encases the lung. The irritation from the invasion of the asbestos fibers modifes the cell structure, which causes the Mesothelioma. This is known as pleural Mesothelioma

Another type of Mesothelioma is peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the membrane that lines the abdomen. A person with Mesothelioma can experience chest pain, often caused by a collection of fluid in the lungs and shortness of breath. Since many doctors don't have expertise in the area of asbestos-related diseases, these symptoms are often believed, at first, to be attributable to other medical problems, such as pneumonia. A biopsy may reveal the Mesothelioma 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 exposure may be enough to cause Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and there is presently no known cure for Mesothelioma. As the disease progresses, the diseased cells harden the pleura and spread. As time passes, such normal activities as breathing, sleeping and eating become more difficult. As time passes, it becomes extremely hard for the victim to engage in every-day activities and enjoy life. 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.

Mesothelioma is a preventable disease. Many of the companies 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. Mesothelioma 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. Symptom onset can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested, the life expectancy of the person can be as short as several months. So, if you or a loved one are 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.

Legal information: Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which develops in the cells lining the body's lung and abdominal cavities. Although it is rarely encountered in the population as a whole, mesothelioma is commonly found in those that came into repeated contact with some form of asbestos during their employment. Because asbestos was at one time extensively used in the coal mining industry, residents of West Virginia are at a much higher risk for developing mesothelioma.

Family members of workers from any industry that were routinely exposed to as asbestos, asbestos fibers or fine-grained asbestos dust during their employment who subsequently died of mesothelioma may also be able to file a wrongful death claim regardless of which state they currently live in.

When a person dies as the direct result of another's carelessness, malpractice, failure to correct a situation that should have been foreseen as being dangerous to others, or withheld the true nature of a potentially serious danger, the family members of the deceased may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

As a general rule, in the State of West Virginia, any member of a mesothelioma victim's immediate family (parents, spouses, and children) may begin legal action related to a wrongful death claim. Under that state's wrongful death law, such claims must be filed within two years of the date of death. In some cases a West Virginia wrongful death claim can also be made even though the deceased had received compensation resulting from a previous legal action such as a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of a larger group unless the previous settlement specifically barred further claims involving the same victim.

Previous court cases in West Virginia and in other states have established that since mesothelioma is very a rare cancer that has been found to be much more common in those that were repeatedly exposed to asbestos as part of their employment, then such repeated exposures are considered to have been the cause of a mesothelioma that is discovered later. These other cases have also established that a mesothelioma victim need not have been directly exposed to asbestos and that indirect exposure, such as washing work clothes or playing with children while wearing work clothes that had been contaminated with asbestos fibers, is sufficient to establish an asbestos or mesothelioma-related wrongful death claim.

The law in these cases can be both complex and confusing to the layman and can be only briefly summarized here. Anyone believing that they have the right to file a wrongful death claim in West Virginia, or in any other state, should consult an attorney with experience in handling asbestos / mesothelioma wrongful death cases as soon as possible. Most attorneys will be happy to review the facts in a case without charging a fee and without further obligations

Malignant Mesothelioma: Who is at risk?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, a type of spray insulation. The malignant cells are found in the linings of the chest, the heart and the abdomen. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for developing this cancer. Construction workers, electricians, asbestos abatement company employees and those who lived in homes with asbestos are at greatest risks for developing mesothelioma.

Those who had close contact with anyone exposed to asbestos or worked in a building containing asbestos (especially factory workers) are also at risk.

Since it can take as long as forty years after the original exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop, it is important to know if you are at risk for this cancer and to be tested. Anyone who has been or thinks they have been exposed to asbestos should speak with their medical practitioner about their exposure and be tested for mesothelioma. If the medical practitioner believes there is a problem, an oncologist should be seen as soon as possible for a definitive diagnosis. As with other cancers, mesothelioma is not necessarily a death sentence. There are many treatments available. An oncologist will best be able to explain those treatments to those who have mesothelioma.

Once a diagnosis has been made, a mesothelioma attorney should be contacted. Mesothelioma attorneys often take their cases on a contingency basis. This simply means the attorney will not have to be paid upfront; the legal fees are taken out of the settlement. If the mesothelioma attorney does not win the case, the client does not pay anything. Those who have mesothelioma may be able to file a lawsuit against the company responsible for the asbestos exposure. Millions of dollars have already been paid to many mesothelioma patients for doctor's bills, lost wages as well a punitive damages. These court cases may take several years to conclude and for those with mesothelioma to get any type of settlement. Should the mesothelioma patient pass away before (and after) a settlement is reached, in some cases, their survivors may be entitled to the compensation for the court case.

Seeing that mesothelioma can take years to develop, if there is a chance of exposure, action must be taken to protect yourself and your family, both medically and financially. Get a definitive diagnosis as quickly as possible and then contact a mesothelioma attorney. Unlike many other cancers, mesothelioma is caused by negligent companies who exposed their employees and clients to asbestos.

What is mesothelioma and why is it so serious

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by long term exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was widely popular in the seventies due to the fact it was both fire resistant and insulating capabilities. It's a fiber mineral that was mainly used in construction of building, homes, brakes, etc. Even today, in older homes and buildings, beneath the walls lies asbestos residue.

But it is found to be harmless to its occupancies unless disturbed: remodeling.

Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the mesothelium. Mesothelium is made up of mesothelia cells which is a protective lining covering all the internal organs and body cavities: the thoracic cavity, the abdominal cavity, and the heart sac. The thoracic cavity houses the following: the heart, the great vessels-the aorta and the pulmonary artery-the trachea, the bronchi, the lungs, the esophagus, the lymphatic system, and the thymus gland. The abdominal cavity consists of the digestive tract, the liver and the pancreas, the spleen, the kidneys, and the adrenal gland. The heart sac is a membrane which encases and protects the heart.

There are four types of Mesothelioma cancer: Pleural Mesothelioma, which is the lining of the lungs. This is the most common of the four and it makes up seventy-five percent of the reported cases. Pertineal Mesothelioma, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity and it makes up between ten to twenty percent of the reported cases. Pericardial Mesothelioma which is the membrane that surrounds the heart and it makes up bewtween one to five percent of reported cases. Finally, testicular mesothelioma, which is very rare and less than one hundred cases are reported.

Doctors and researchers alike find it difficult to diagnose Mesothelioma because it can reside dormant within the human body anywhere from ten to fifty years without any complications or signs. Symptoms of Mesothelioma are also hard to accurately determine because they can be ordinary symptoms of the flu or mislead the doctor in the direction of another disease. Other then long term exposure to asbestos, there is no real scientific evidence to point to the reasons as to why the asbestos affect the Mesothelium in such an aggressive manner, but they have come to the conclusion that the end result is always cellular damage. Unlike other cancers, Mesothelioma has a high percentage of fatality and there are only two types of treatment: chemotherapy-if the cancer is diagnosed in the early stages-and treatment to help those who are in the late stages of Mesothelioma cope with the pain.

In the United States alone, there will be at least three thousand cases of Mesothelioma reported in 2008. There are many support groups for those diagnosed with the cancer and informative websites to find out more about Mesothelioma and its effects on the human body and how to treat it. The most important step to fighting Mesothelioma is to be informed, which means getting a regular health check up and personally knowing your body so you can know when something is wrong and should immediately be seen by a doctor.

What are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below.
Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos is the leading risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material comprised of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. It was favored by builders and contractors for many years for its low heat conductivity and resistance to melting and burning. Since researchers have identified more and more links between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos, the material is now less widely used. Prior to this discovery, however, millions of Americans have experienced serious exposure to this harmful substance.

Over 700,000 schools and buildings in the United States today contain asbestos insulation as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Asbestos exposure doesn’t stop there, however. Asbestos is often found in ship yards, manufacturing facilities, railway facilities and construction sites. Blue collar workers are at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma due to occupational exposure and include those who work in mines, factories, shipyards, construction sites, railroads and for insulation manufacturers and gas mask manufacturers. The occupations most widely affected are miners, factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders and construction workers - especially those who install asbestos containing insulation. Sometimes family members related to the workers receive second hand exposure to asbestos from the dust and fibers that were brought home on the workers clothes and also become at risk for contracting mesothelioma.

Serpentine fibers and amphiboles are the 2 primary types of asbestos used. Chrysotile is a form of serpentine fiber and the most frequently used. These fibers tend to be curly and flexible. Amphibole fibers, however, are generally straight and thin and usually comprise one of five types: crocidolite, amosite, anthrophylite, tremolite, and actinolyte. The crocidolite type of Amphiboles is thought to be the leading contributor to cancer caused by asbestos. Serpentine fibers are dangerous as well, however, and have also been linked to mesothelioma.

Some research points to the fact that inhaled asbestos fibers cause a physical irritation resulting in cancer rather than the cancer being caused by a reaction that is more chemical in nature. As fibers are inhaled through the mouth and nose they are cleared from the body by adhering to mucus in the nose, throat and airways and then get expelled by coughing or swallowing. The Amphibole fibers (long and thin) do not clear as easily and it is therefore thought that they can embed into the lining of the lungs and chest and result in mesothelioma.

Asbestosis (scar tissue in the lungs) or lung cancer can also be caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. In fact, people exposed to asbestos are seven times more likely to develop lung cancer over the general public. Workers who sustain high levels of asbestos exposure are more likely to die from asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma than any other disease. It is also believed that the action of coughing up and swallowing asbestos could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma has been found to exist in other organs of the body as well such as the larynx, pancreas and colon, but those instances are extremely limited compared to lung cancer incidents.

The chance of developing mesothelioma is in direct proportion to the duration and amount of asbestos exposure that an individual sustains. Those who are exposed to high levels of asbestos at a young age, for long periods of time have a greater risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma than those who have short, low level exposure. Another important consideration is that Mesothelioma can take a long time to manifest. Often, twenty to forty years can elapse from the time of exposure to diagnosis. Genetic factors can also play a role which explains why not everyone exposed to asbestos develops and asbestos related disease.
Radiation

Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has reported links to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The use of Thorotrast has been discontinued for many years due to this discovery.
Zeolite

Some mesothelioma cases in the Anatoli region within Turkey have been linked to Zeolite, a silica based mineral with chemical properties similar to asbestos found in the soil there.
Simian Virus 40 (SV40)

Some scientists have found the simian virus 40 (SV30) in mesothelioma cells from humans and have been able to create mesothelioma in animals with the virus. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear, however, and further research is being conducted to gain clarity on this potential link.
Tobacco

Smoking alone is not linked to mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing lung cancer (as much as fifty to ninety percent higher). Research indicates that lung cancer is the leading cause of death among asbestos workers.

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body's internal organs and structures. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma has three known varieties. They are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, the lung's lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity wall. And pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the hearth, known as the pericardium.
What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a nature, yet toxic mineral that was used commonly in heavy industry. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body through the lung or ingestion. Once inside, the durable fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled by the body, causing a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?

Malignant mesothelioma prognoses are poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are several treatment options for the management of the cancer. Among these are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy methods are more likely but surgery is often an option for those whose disease is diagnosed early enough.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant Mesothelioma will typically be suspected if the patient complains of chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing. While any of these could indicate mesothelioma, they are also associated with many other respiratory conditions so further diagnostic procedures are typically warranted. These may include imaging scans, such as computer topography or magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnostic biopsy is also required for cancer specialist to examine the behavior of these cells before a diagnosis is determined.
What options of patients of Malignant Mesothelioma have?

Patients of malignant mesothelioma or any other asbestos related health complications may be eligible for compensation if they were wrongfully exposed. All those seeking further information should fill out the brief contact form on this page to receive a mesothelioma and asbestos information packet detailing treatment and legal options.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. Other types of mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the cell wall surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the hearth. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.
What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in peritoneum. These other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.
How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognosis of mesothelioma patients is poor, and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are no exception. Most peritoneal treatment regimens for patients include palliative methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, patients may be eligible for surgical resection of the disease, which could potentially add years to initial prognoses.
How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians may suspect peritoneal mesothelioma if the patient complains of stomach, chest, or abdominal pain. Suspicious hernias may actually be a pleural effusion caused by peritoneal tumor growth. Misdiagnosis is common and patients will likely undergo multiple imaging scans and a diagnostic biopsy before an official diagnosis is made.
What are a patient's options?

Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they exposed to asbestos. Industrial exposures were common and those exposed have collected compensation to finance high treatment costs. For additional information on your legal rights of mesothelioma please fill out the brief contact form on this page.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, a thin wall of cells that surround the body's organs and internal body structures. Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. Other locales of the disease are malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen wall. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest of these malignancies and accounts for only an estimated 10 percent of all mesothelioma incidences annually.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring but toxic mineral that was used in industrial capacities. While the precise route by which microscopic asbestos fibers reaches the pericardial lining is not known, physicians surmise that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the bloodstream and become entangled in the heart's lining as the blood processes through the heart. Mesothelioma occurring in other parts of the body, such as in the pleura or peritoneum, can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognoses are poor in cases of pericardial mesothelioma, just as nearly all mesothelioma cases are. However, several treatment options exist to help patients manage the disease and maintain comfort. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most likely treatment options for patients of this disease. Surgery is typically not an option because of the local of the disease and the risk of grave damage to the tumor area.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians will often suspect pericardial mesothelioma if the patient has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A comprehensive diagnostic and biopsy process will be undergone through use of multiple body imaging scans.
What a Patient's Options?

Patients of pericardial mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed to asbestos. Anyone who worked with asbestos products is potentially at-risk and should fill out the brief form on this page to receive additional treatment and legal information.

Mesothelioma Misconceptions

Misconception: Mesothelioma is a lung cancer.
Reality: Mesothelioma is not a lung cancer but a cancer of the mesothelial cells which make up the lining of the lungs and other organs. Mesothelioma symptoms can closely mimic those of lung cancer because they affect the respiratory system much in the same way.

Misconception: Mesothelioma is untreatable.
Reality: Mesothelioma has no known cure. It is however, treatable with a number of different therapies including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapeutic drugs. These therapies and treatments can extend patient survival rates far longer than untreated disease.

Misconception: There is no help available for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Reality: Patients of mesothelioma were typically exposed to asbestos. Many are eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed. This financial assistance can help patients gain access to the best treatments and give security to their families.

Mesothelioma Treatment

Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including those about new treatment therapies like Alimta and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treat asbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.

Who is at risk for Mesothelioma?

The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and jobsite exposure information.

Malignant Mesothelioma

What Is It?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is diagnosed in approximately 3,000 people each year. The disease usually affects the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and the lungs. This membrane is called the pleura. It also can affect the lining of the abdominal cavity, called the peritoneum, and, very rarely, it affects the lining around the heart, called the pericardium.

Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of industries. A small percentage of cases have been linked to exposure to a mineral silicate called zeolite or to a type of radiation contrast dye (Thorotrast) that was used before 1960 to help blood vessels show up on X-rays. In a few cases, the cause is unknown.

People exposed to asbestos for a long time or exposed to high levels have an increased risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, but even people exposed for a very short time can develop this disease. The disease develops at least 15 years (typically 20 to 40 years) after exposure to asbestos. People usually are diagnosed with this disease between ages 50 to 70. More men than women get this cancer, probably because men are more likely to have worked in the industries that use asbestos.

There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid and mixed. The epithelial type is the most common.
Symptoms

About 90% of people who are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have chest pain or shortness of breath as the first symptoms of the disease. These symptoms can be caused either by the cancer itself, which irritates nerve cells in nearby tissues, or by a collection of fluid between the two layers of the pleura in the chest. This collection of fluid is called a pleural effusion. People with mesothelioma that develops in the abdominal lining can have abdominal pain and swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Other possible symptoms include cough, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical history before examining you. Tests usually are needed because the more common symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath may come from many causes. These tests include an electrocardiogram (EKG), a chest or abdominal X-ray, depending on your symptoms and your physical exam. If these tests show any abnormalities of the lungs or pleura, you will need a computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These imaging studies allow the physician to determine the size and location of any tumor in the chest or abdomen.

If you have fluid in your chest or abdomen, a thin needle may be used to remove a small sample of the fluid for examination. This procedure, called fine-needle aspiration, also may be used to drain the fluid to relieve symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Occasionally, mesothelioma can be diagnosed from this fluid sample alone, but usually a tissue sample (biopsy) will have to be taken, too. The tissue sample can be obtained with procedures called a thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) for a pleural tumor or with a procedure called laparoscopy for an abdominal tumor. In both procedures, a tubelike instrument inserted through a small incision allows the physician to see the tumor and collect a tissue sample. You also may need a procedure called a bronchoscopy or a mediastinoscopy so the doctor can look for masses in the lung airways caused by other tumors or can remove tissue samples from lymph nodes.

Once your doctor is certain you have malignant mesothelioma, the next step is to determine how far the tumor has spread, which will classify the cancer into one of four stages. This is done with imaging studies, such as CT and MRI. In stage I, the tumor is limited to the pleural lining on one side of the chest without any signs of having spread. If the disease returns after being treated successfully, it is called recurrent mesothelioma.

Stage I also is called localized disease, whereas stages II to IV are called advanced disease.
Expected Duration

Once it develops, this type of cancer will continue to grow and spread until it is treated.
Prevention

To reduce your risk of malignant mesothelioma, you should avoid exposure to asbestos. Because there is no safe level of asbestos exposure, any asbestos exposure is too much. In your home, especially if it is an older home, have an expert check for areas of exposed asbestos-containing insulation or other areas of deteriorating asbestos. These areas must be removed or safely sealed off professionally. Workers who routinely deal with asbestos-containing materials should use approved measures to limit their exposure and to keep from bringing asbestos dust home on their clothing.
Treatment

Malignant mesothelioma is difficult to treat. The cancer can spread easily to nearby organs. If the tumor has spread, it is nearly impossible to remove the entire tumor surgically. In addition, it has been difficult to test the effectiveness of different treatments because there are relatively few cases of malignant mesothelioma.

The primary treatment options for malignant mesothelioma are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Surgery

Before any surgery is considered for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, your overall health has to be evaluated. Tests are done to make sure the cancer has not spread to distant sites and to evaluate how well your lungs and heart are functioning. Lung tests look for any signs of lung damage from tobacco or from other diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These tests determine how risky surgery would be, especially if a lung needs to be removed.

Surgery for malignant mesothelioma can be aimed at long-term control of the cancer (aggressive surgery) or relief of symptoms (palliative procedures).

* Aggressive surgery A procedure called extrapleural pneumonectomy involves removal of the pleura, the lung, the diaphragm and the pericardium. The intent of this very aggressive, complicated surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Not all centers will do this procedure because it is so complex and because it carries a high risk of death within 30 days after surgery. This procedure typically is done only in younger patients who are in good overall health with stage I disease. Patients are evaluated carefully to determine their ability to tolerate the surgery.
* Palliative procedures When malignant mesothelioma is advanced, palliative procedures can be done to relieve or control symptoms such as breathlessness, which are caused by fluid or by the tumor pressing on the lung or other organs. These procedures do not cure the disease.
o A procedure called thoracentesis can be used to treat fluid collection (effusion) in pleural mesothelioma. A needle is inserted into the chest to drain the fluid, relieving breathlessness and pain. Talc may be injected into the pleural space to try to stop fluid from accumulating there. This procedure is called talc pleurodesis. Similar procedures are used to relieve fluid collection (ascites) in peritoneal mesothelioma (paracentesis).
o A procedure called pleurectomy and decortication is the surgical removal of the pleura. This procedure can be done to reduce pain caused by the tumor or to prevent the fluid from accumulating. For peritoneal mesothelioma, surgery generally is aimed at relieving symptoms.

Radiation Therapy

Because of the location of malignant mesothelioma, it is extremely difficult to deliver high enough doses of radiation to kill the tumor without damaging the surrounding organs. Lower doses of radiation can help to shrink the tumor, but it is unclear whether this helps people to survive longer than if they were not treated.

Using radiation therapy after surgery has not been shown to improve survival. However, because surgery is very unlikely to remove the entire tumor, radiation commonly is done after surgery in the hopes of killing remaining tumor cells. In addition, radiation therapy can be used to relieve the symptoms of mesothelioma, including chest pain.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of medications to treat cancer. Chemotherapy cannot cure mesothelioma. Some chemotherapy drugs have a partial effect in some patients. Combination chemotherapy (using more than one drug at the same time) may be given in an attempt to improve the patient's response to the medications. Some combinations have shown promise, and some new medications are being tried.

Like radiation therapy, chemotherapy may be administered after surgery in an attempt to kill cancer cells that could not be removed.

Treatment by Stage

Stage I (localized) mesothelioma If you want aggressive treatment and are fit enough to have surgery, some centers may do an extrapleural pneumonectomy. Another surgical option is pleurectomy and decortication, which is sometimes done to relieve some of the symptoms of mesothelioma. Both of these procedures may be followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Less than 5% of people with malignant mesothelioma are candidates for aggressive surgery.

Stages II, III and IV (advanced) mesothelioma Pleurectomy and decortication may be done to relieve symptoms in pleural mesothelioma. Other procedures such as thoracentesis may be done to drain fluid (pleural effusions) and prevent them from recurring. Radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy also may be administered for symptom relief.

Recurrent malignant mesothelioma There is no standard treatment for recurrent mesothelioma. Generally, treatments are considered that were not used the first time the disease was treated.

Clinical Trials and Future Treatments

New treatments for malignant mesothelioma and possible preventive measures, such as a vaccine, are being evaluated in clinical trials, and the future holds some promise. Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate new treatments for safety and effectiveness. There are no guarantees that a new treatment will work, and there are some risks. However, a clinical trial is not started unless the researchers believe the treatment may have some value.

Here are some of the treatments for malignant mesothelioma that are being evaluated:

* Combination chemotherapy Different combinations of chemotherapy drugs have been tried with mixed results.
* Intracavitary chemotherapy Researchers are looking at putting chemotherapy drugs directly into the pleural or peritoneal space because of a possible advantage over traditional chemotherapy. Because the drug is placed directly into the cavity, much greater doses can be given to patients without causing severe side effects. Some studies have shown this therapy to control effusions and reduce tumor size.
* Brachytherapy (intracavitary radiation therapy) In this treatment, a radioactive substance is placed directly into the pleural or peritoneal space.
* Multimodality therapy Multimodality therapy is any combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
* Gene therapy In this approach, a virus that has been genetically altered is introduced into the tumor. The virus infects the cancerous cells and makes them vulnerable to anticancer drugs.
* Immunotherapy Treatments that stimulate the body's immune system to fight cancer cells are called immunotherapy.

When To Call A Professional

Call your doctor promptly for an evaluation if you have any of the symptoms of lung cancer, especially if you have worked in an industry with high exposure to asbestos. If you have shortness of breath or chest pain, you should call your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Prognosis

Malignant mesothelioma usually is advanced by the time it is diagnosed, so the outlook usually is poor. On average, the survival time after diagnosis is about one year.

Types of Cancer

There are over a hundred different types of cancer diagnosed each year, affecting different parts of the body.
Types of Cancer Affecting the Bones

* Ewing's Sarcoma
* Osteosarcoma

Types of Cancer Affecting the Brain

* Adult Brain Tumor
* Brain Stem Glioma, Childhood
* Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Childhood
* Cerebral Astrocytoma/Malignant Glioma, Childhood
* Ependymoma, Childhood
* Medulloblastoma, Childhood
* Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors and Pineoblastoma, Childhood
* Visual Pathway and Hypothalamic Glioma, Childhood

Types of Cancer Affecting the Breast

* Breast Cancer
* Male Breast Cancer

Types of Cancer Affeccting the Digestive/Gastrointestinal System

* Anal Cancer
* Bile Duct Cancer, Extrahepatic
* Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal
* Colon Cancer
* Esophageal Cancer

Blood Test May Detect Mesothelioma Early

Researchers at the NYU School of Medicine and Wayne State University have discovered a molecule that can show pleural mesothelioma at its early stages. Pleural mesolthlioma is a cancer that affects the chest, and is caused by exposure to asbestos. The findings lead to the possibility of a blood test that can detect the disease early. This is great news considering an established screening method is currently unavailable. Those exposed to mesothelioma may soon have means for screening.

The study published in the Oct. 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, found a protein called osteopontin, to be elevated in pleural mesothelioma patients.

5 Unusual Sources of Asbestos in the Home

When we think of asbestos, we tend to think of insulation. But asbestos was used in many different applications around the home, and in forms that may not be readily apparent.

1. Asbestos Blanket or Paper Tape

Often used around steam pipes, boilers, and furnace ducts.

2. Resilient Floor Tiles

This is one application that surprises a lot of homeowners. The backing or adhesive for many vinyl, asphalt, and rubber floor tiles may contain asbestos fibers. Sanding these floors, or even chipping the tiles off, may release these fibers.

3. Artificial Ashes or Embers

The embers in gas-fired fireplaces and stoves (the embers that heat up and glow) may contain asbestos.

4. Soundproofing Material

Sprayed soundproofing material on walls and ceilings may release asbestos fibers when sanded, drilled, or scraped.

5. Asbestos-Cement Roof or Siding Tiles

Those hard, brittle tiles frequently used as siding on homes in the 1940s and 1950s contain asbestos. You won't need to worry about releasing fibers unless you saw or drill these tiles. Otherwise, it is safe to put new siding over these tiles.

Asbestos Exposure

Often called the “asbestos cancer”, mesothelioma is a disease affecting the abdomen, chest and areas around the heart. It is believed that those exposed to even small amounts of asbestos can develop the life threatening disease. This is especially a concern for industrial/construction workers thus often affecting more men than women generally. Even more startling, one may not show symptoms until 40 years later!

Ages Affected

The average age of mesothelioma patients are 50-60 years of age. It is assumed then that one develops mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos, however the disease and its symptoms do not present itself until senior age.

Mesothelioma is a fast moving disease.

Once symptoms begin, the disease progresses rapidly. It is often misdiagnosed as lesser ailments, as the early stages show very little or no symptoms at all. Once diagnosed, it is then defined into what stage the disease has progressed depending on where the cancer is located and how much it has spread to other parts of the body and organs.

Forms of Mesothelioma

The two most common forms of mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneum. As the disease progresses, those stricken with mesothelioma experience the following symptoms:

Pleural Mesothelioma (affecting the membrane lining of the heart and lungs)

Difficulty breathing
Weight loss when not dieting
Fever
General ill feeling

Peritoneum (affecting the membrane that lines the stomach)

Swelling of the abdomen
Abdominal pain
Anemia
Fever
Constipation
Weight loss when not dieting
Bowel obstruction

The symptoms described could be symptoms of other ailments, however asbestos exposure is the key element is making a proper diagnosis. Approximately 70-80% of patients afflicted with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. If you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing any symptoms, please consult your physician for further diagnosis.

Learning About Mesothelioma - The Basics

What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the lining of the chest or abdomen. The cancerous cells develop in the pleura of the lungs, or the peritoneum of the abdomen.

There are three types of mesothelioma:

Peritoneal
Pleural
Pericardial

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease, followed by peritoneal, then pericardial.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is the number one cause for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a mineral that was once found in many types industrial supplies and equipment. Asbestos was used until the mid 1970's when the risks of exposure were becoming evident.

Asbestos exposure doesn't result immediately in cancer. It takes years for the cancer to form and cause symptoms. Workers exposed in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's are just now being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Diagnosing mesothelioma is difficult as the symptoms are very similar to many other ailments. It is often mistaken for pneumonia. Symptoms of mesothelioma include:

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Persistent cough
Swelling of the face and neck
Coughing up blood
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Nausea

Keep in mind that some people do not display any symptoms. If you have been exposed to asbestos, please talk about your risk factor with your doctor. Together, you can make informed choice in your personal healthcare.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms do not appear immeadiately after being exposed to asbestos. It is common for symptoms to appear 25-50 years after the intial exposure. There are instances where no symptoms are present.

Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma.

Meolthelioma Symptoms

persistant cough

shortness of breath

chest pain

wheezing

abdominal pain and swelling

weight loss

fever

anemia

After the disease advances and spread to other organs, symptoms such as jaundice, bowel obstruction, bowel changes, and low blood sugar may be experienced.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and the past and feel you are suffering from mesolthelioma symptoms, please see your doctor. Be sure to informa your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past. Mesolthelioma is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late because the symptoms mimic those of many other illnesses.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

There are several risk factors for mesothelioma. A risk factor is something that increases the chance that a person may develop a disease. Having a risk factor does not guarantee a person will develop mesothelioma, it only increases the risk of developing it.

Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of minerals once used in industrial and construction materials, but is now produced in small quantities. Asbestos was once found in products like:

tile and flooring

insulation

door gaskets

roofing materials

cement

plaster of paris

joint compound

textured paint

It is estimated that about 8 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos. It generally takes 20-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to present themselves after a person is exposed to asbestos.

Smoking and Asbestos Exposure
The combination of tobacco smoking and exposure to asbestos can greatly increase the risk factor for developing mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, no studies currently link smoking alone to mesothelioma.

Radiation

In the past, certain x-rays used a material called thorium doxide. It was later to have been found to cause mesothelioma. Fortunately, it is no longer in use.

Zeolite
Zeolite is a natural occurring mineral in the Turkish region, Anatoli. Zeolite is found in the soil and is very similar to asbestos.

If You Think You're at Risk for Mesothelioma...

Talk to you doctor, if you feel you are at risk for developing mesothelioma. Together you can monitor your health and decide a course of action for possible screening methods.

Keep in mind that mesothelioma is a very slow moving disease. People usually do not develop symptoms for decades after being exposed to asbestos.

Treatment Does Nothing for Mesothelioma Cancer Victims

A UK medical journal, The Lancet, released disturbing results of a study finding no benefit of chemotherapy on patients suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).

The research, considered a setback for scientists seeking treatment for the condition, was conducted by Nicholas J. Vogelzang, MD, director of the Nevada Cancer Institute in Las Vegas, and was released in May 2008.

Chemotherapy Ineffective Mesothelioma Treatment

The study found that chemotherapy not only did not offer any improvement among mesothelioma patients but was found to have no significant impact whatsoever on survival rate of victims.

According to the study, the median average of survival rate between victims who received an active symptom control (ASC) versus those who received the same treatment plus chemotherapy was less than a month apart, suggesting no beneficial impact, although, the study did suggest further investigation into treatments of ASC and chemotherapy were likely required.

What is Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?

MPM has a poor prognosis, as stated in the 2007 issue of The Oncologist, with only a few months of life expectancy. Breathlessness and difficulty breathing are side effects of the cancer, which is considered an aggressive form of lung cancer.

The condition is also difficult to treat because of the high rate of misdiagnosis among patients. Unfortunately, the incidence of this condition has also been on the rise, and experts speculate that through the next 10 to 20 years, the number will only increase.

Mesothelioma Causes

For years, mesothelioma has been linked to the inhalation of vermiculite asbestos fibers and dust. Vermiculite is a mineral that was heavily mined. Vermiculite mines around the world and flourished in areas such as Australia, Africa and the United States.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently in charge of regulating and issuing guidelines for the safe removal and cleanup of asbestos in homes and building throughout the country. However, there is a large number, although estimates are not clear, of structures with asbestos-ridden insulation currently in the United States and improper exposure to such could increase risk of developing a form of mesothelioma.

Additional Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment Options

While the unfortunate truth is that malignant pleural mesothelioma is usually fatal among victims, there are a few treatment options for managing the disease, however these often depend upon the symptoms and stage of the illness.

Surgery is the most common mesothelioma treatment, although a study released in July 2007 in The Oncologist emphasized that the role of surgery in managing MPM is debatable. However, the three main surgical techniques used to manage MPM are pleurodesis, pleurectomy/decorication (P/D) and extrapleural pnemonectomy (EPP).

The study noted that as of yet, there have been no controlled studies determining whether one surgical procedure is better than another. Of the surgical procedures, the P/D and EPP methods aim for local control of the disease and while P/D has a limited morbidity, EPP has between 1.5 to 5 percent mortality rates.

It is often recommended that individuals who suffer from this type of mesothelioma or any form of mesothelioma locate an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Because of the high costs and technical difficulties associated with mesothelioma treatment, a mesothelioma lawsuit may potentially offer relief in the form of monetary compensation, especially since mesothelioma is considered by some to have been highly preventable.

How To Identify A Good Mesothelioma Attorney

When you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you have previously been exposed to asbestos, you are eligible to file a lawsuit claim that will seek compensation. If you have no idea what mesothelioma is, then you will be sad to hear that it is a deadly disease which is caused by a natural mineral used in industries called asbestos. It affects the protective covering of the heart, lungs and abdomen. Manufacturing companies that deal with the substance are in the cement industry, shipyards and so many others. Mesothelioma attorneys come in handy when you need to be represented and represented well. There are several things that you need to consider when looking for a good mesothelioma attorney and they include the following.

They should be legal and registered by the government with a valid license to practice. They should also come with a wealth of experience. You need to put your case in the hands of an attorney who has dealt with other cases and won. Some evidence to back it up will be necessary because some lawyers survive on exaggeration and falsehood. The internet is full of mesothelioma attorneys advertising themselves to potential clients. They certainly benefit from the afflictions of patients and to them it is business as usual. You need to know that you stand a chance in winning the case. A mesothelioma attorney will be paid when the case is over and the common pay is 40% of the compensation. You therefore need to agree with your lawyer on the terms and mode of payment before you start the case.

There are lawyers who advertise themselves all over the country and they wish to get clients from all over. This may prove expensive and hectic for you and when you are finding a good mesothelioma attorney, they need to be from near or within your state. The case will be easier when planning for meetings and court appearances. The lawyer should give you the information on the case, in the most simple and convincing way, they should be seen to have knowledge and understanding of what they are saying. You should therefore undertake a search to find out more of their background and come up with information that will help determine their competence.

A good mesothelioma attorney should be positive and should not impose things on you. They need to offer advise and you must have the freedom to refuse it or take it. This is because they might also be wrong and for the purpose of keeping a balance of opinions, you must decide on certain things pertaining to the case. When you are satisfied with your layer, you can then concentrate on the case. It may take a very long time including years to be concluded and you must be prepared to fight through to the end. There is no doubt that after you have won the case, you will look back and appreciate taking the time to find a good lawyer.

Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that affects the serous membranes surrounding the major organs of the body i.e. the lungs, heart and the abdominal organs, causing these vital organs to inflate with excessive fluid. This fluid further causes the improper functioning of the organs. The only known cause of this cancerous tumor is asbestos exposure. In this disease, malignant cells are built up in the protective linings (serous membranes) of several internal organs known as mesothelium. Different organs in the abdomen cavity can get affected by mesothelioma because of the presence of the protective linings surrounding them. The most common types of mesothelioma include:

* Pleural Mesothelioma,
* Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and
* Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma is a tumor in which the lining of the lungs, or lung pleura, gets affected by malignant cells. The pleura is a soft protective tissue that surrounds the lungs in the chest cavity. It helps the lungs in breathing (respiration) by producing a serous fluid that lubricates the pleural surfaces to avoid the teasing of the lungs against the chest wall. The malignant cells, once entered the pleura, begin to spread and affect the surrounding organs and tissues. This leads to further complications resulting pain and severe symptoms.

Mesothelioma affecting pleura is of two categories:

Diffused or Malignant (Cancerous):
It is the serious form of pleural mesothelioma that affects the pleural lining of the lungs and its surrounding organs.

Localized and Benign (Non-cancerous):
It is the non-cancerous form of mesothelioma, which does not affect all parts of the body except the pleura. However, it constricts the lung causing shortness of breath, and in some severe cases, pneumothorax (lung failure).

Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a tumor of the peritoneum membrane or the abdomen lining, affecting many organs in the abdominal cavity including stomach. This form of mesothelioma cancer is less common than the pleural form but is more aggressive, resulting severe symptoms and short life expectancy. Like many other cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma can also be either malignant or benign.

Pericardial Mesothelioma:

Pericardial or Pericardium Mesothelioma is the rarest form of cancer, counting less than 10% of mesothelioma cases. In this form of cancer, fluid gets accumulated in the sac that encloses the heart. The main cause of this disease is the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Due to the rarity of this disease, doctors and researchers have not clearly understood how the asbestos fibers enter the heart lining or pericardium. The only logical explanation so far about this form of cancer is the possibility of the asbestos fibers, converted into tiny pieces, transported from the lung into the heart by means of blood circulation. Once the asbestos fibers enter the heart, they expand the tissues in the chest cavity and the pericardium with excessive liquid, disrupting the working of the heart and causing chest pains with breathing disorders.

Each year, approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed. At some point of their lives, the patients of mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos that later cause the hideous cancer of mesothelioma. If you, at some point of your life, have worked in an asbestos-rich environment or used any asbestos materials, you should contact a mesothelioma doctor for correct diagnosis and best treatment options available.

Mesothelioma Cancer main factors

Mesothelioma cancer can strike anyone, but appears more often in men than in women. It is a disease mainly linked to asbestos and smoke, since most people who have worked on jobs where they breathed in asbestos particles, have developed this pathology.
Experts believe that smoking does not seem to be a directly related risk for developing the disease only by its own, but its combination with asbestos exposure increases the risk of Mesothelioma, so stop smoking if you are exposed to asbestos in your workplace.

According to statistics eight out of ten of all reported cases were exposed to asbestos, however there are cases of people that have not had any exposure to the fibers of this mineral.

Therefore, the main risk factor for developing Mesothelioma can be found in asbestos, a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals which have a special resistance to fire. Asbestos have been exploited for a variety of purposes, such as industrial products, roof shingles and flooring products.

However, some uses of asbestos are banned in many countries, since it is known that the inhalation of some kinds of asbestos fibers can cause various illnesses, including Mesothelioma, lung, larynx and kidney cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment, but a non cancerous pathology.

Most asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye and the problem increases because just one asbestos fiber can become the source of hundreds of thinner and smaller fibers over time. As they get smaller and lighter, they become more mobile and more easily to be driven and carried by the air.

That is why people who work in asbestos mines and mills or producing asbestos products must wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure, according to acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States.

In order to reduce your chance of getting ill with some of the asbestos-related diseases if you are a asbestos worker, is not only to wear the proper clothes and equipment, but also take a shower and change your clothing before leaving the workplace to diminish the possibility of dust brought home on your clothing or hair.

1. Asbestos Blanket or Paper Tape

2. Resilient Floor Tiles

3. Artificial Ashes or Embers

4. Soundproofing Material

5. Asbestos-Cement Roof or Siding Tiles

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