Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Information

Mesothelioma Cancer May Have Potential Early Warning Signs

2008-10-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

The study focused on biomarkers of mesothelioma cancer and found that biomarkers often form before mesothelioma cancer symptoms appear, which may offer early warnings and potentially a successful treatment for mesothelioma cancer patients, according to the study which was published in a June issue of Mutation Research.

Studying Biomarkers to Help Mesothelioma Treatment

Biomarkers are a type of "biochemically expressed substance" similar to a protein, according to a news report on the study. An effort is being collaborated on by the International Cancer Biomarker Consortium (ICBC) to better address biomarkers as indicators of cancer types such as mesothelioma.

This effort is on the level of the Human Genome Project, according to officials from the ICBC, and biomarkers are being studied worldwide. The Polytechnic study followed 119 individuals who had been previously exposed to asbestos; of these individuals, all exhibited increased numbers of biomarkers compared to individuals who were not exposed to asbestos.

What is Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that can develop after an individual is exposed to asbestos fibers or asbestos dust. After an individual is exposed to asbestos fibers, they may begin to develop cancerous cells on the interior lining of the lung. The cancer is often described as one of the only preventable forms of cancer especially since individuals are still being exposed to asbestos in America through improper cleanup and disposal methods. Currently, asbestos is found in insulation in homes, apartment buildings, hospitals, offices and schools.

Unfortunately, individuals continue to be exposed to asbestos fibers because of its existence in many products implemented throughout the country, and because it is too costly to remove all asbestos by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many remain at risk. Additionally, because mesothelioma cancer usually remains dormant for years, it becomes increasingly difficult to diagnose and to successfully treat.

Finding Help for Asbestos Related Conditions Like Mesothelioma

It is important that individuals who may have been exposed to asbestos to contact a medical professional immediately to assess and potentially diagnose their condition. The sooner mesothelioma cancer can be diagnosed the more successful an outcome will be.

In addition to contacting a medical professional it may also be important to contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney to learn about developing a mesothelioma lawsuit, which may result in receiving monetary compensation to pay for expensive mesothelioma medical bills.

For the most up-to-date information and news on mesothelioma, visit http://mesothelioma-law-now.com/ . Individuals can also visit http://www.LegalView.com to learn about other legal conditions ranging from the latest on Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis treatments to developing a Ketek lawsuit.

What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer?

2008-06-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

There are several varieties of mesothelioma cancer, however, malignant mesothelioma is considered one of the most lethal. It has been determined that malignant mesothelioma victims often have a median survival of only a few months in both untreated and treated cases, according to the study." Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer with malignant cancer cells forming on the sac lining of the chest or abdomen, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is often associated with exposure to airborne asbestos particles and fibers, which increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma developing in an individual.

Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is often marked by several symptoms including lumps in abdomen, weight loss, pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and difficulties breathing. The cancer can also often cause fluid retention in the abdomen or around the lungs. The cancer often has symptoms similar to other conditions making misdiagnosis of the condition common.

Medical professionals have even admitted that malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are very similar and differentiating between the two is difficult, however, there is an array of tests that physicians can use to increase the potential for a more accurate diagnosis. Tests for diagnosis may include the patient enduring physical exams, chest x-rays, biopsy of body tissues, getting a complete blood count (CBC), cytologic exam, which is an exam of cells under a microscope, or a bronchoscopy procedure where a bronchoscope is inserted into the nose or mouth for a better view of airways.

Diagnosing and Treating Malignant Mesothelioma

While treatments for mesothelioma are rare in and of themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat malignant mesothelioma because of the severity of the condition. Factoring in the best method of treatment often depends on several factors. The following is a detailed list of these factors, according to the NCI:

* The stage of cancer, which includes stage I or localized malignant mesothelioma or advanced malignant mesothelioma that includes stage II, stage III and stage IV.

* The size of a tumor.

* Potential for tumor removal through a surgical procedure.

* The amount of fluid gathered in the chest or abdomen.

* A victim's age, physical health and previous health issues.

* Type of mesothelioma cancer.

* Whether a cancer is diagnosed as reoccurring or not.

Often, cancer may spread through the lymph system, blood stream or other bodily tissues.

Treatments for malignant mesothelioma can range from surgery to therapy, including chemotherapy and biological therapy to clinical trials, although the outcome is based on the progression of the cancer and most often, individuals are not aware of their condition until it reaches an advanced and, usually, an untreatable stage.

Epithelial Mesothelioma

2008-02-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

Epithelial mesothelioma is a rare disease caused by asbestos exposure that may have occurred decades before the patient is diagnosed. It is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between epithelial mesothelioma and smoking. However, the Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of epithelial mesothelioma have resulted from that. Epithelial mesothelioma occurs much more often in men than women, and three-fourths of mesothelioma sufferers are over 65 years of age. Most people who develop the disease have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways. One study of asbestos insulation workers reported a mesothelioma death rate up to 344 times higher than the general population. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing epithelial mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos related diseases, such as lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, epithelial mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Incidence of malignant epithelial mesothelioma currently ranges from about 7 to 40 per 1,000,000 in industrialized Western nations, depending on the amount of asbestos exposure of the populations during the past several decades. More than 500,000 asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed against asbestos manufacturers and employers, for neglecting to implement safety measures after the links between asbestos, asbestosis, and mesothelioma became known.

Although epithelial mesothelioma is generally resistant to curative treatment with radiotherapy alone, it is often used to make the person with cancer comfortable or to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel. Radiation therapy alone has never been shown to improve survival from epithelial mesothelioma. In fact, the necessary radiation dose to treat mesothelioma that has not been surgically removed would be very toxic.

About the Author
James Howell is a freelance writer and researcher. Find out more about
Epithelial Mesothelioma.

Second Hand Asbestos Exposure

2008-01-03T00:10:00.000-08:00

We've all, by now, heard the risks of inhaling asbestos fibers in factories, in houses, in schools, etc. What many people don't realize is that there is an equally large risk of second-hand exposure. Just like second-hand smoke hurts people, second-hand exposure to asbestos also hurts people.

When people say "second-hand exposure" they mean that the person that has been exposed to asbestos is not coming in direct contact with it at its source. The family of a miner that works in a taconite or asbestos mine would experience second-hand exposure if they came in contact with asbestos in their home rather than in the place where the material that contains asbestos is. It is similar to second-hand smoke in that there does not need to be direct contact with the cigarette (or insulation in this case) to experience some harmful affects of the item.

It is important to keep in mind, when dealing with asbestos, that the deadly fibers are inhaled into the lungs via other dust floating in the air. Just like when dusting, clothes can take in asbestos dust just like normal dust. This tendency of fibers to be trapped in the clothes of people means that whoever does the laundry is taking a serious risk. It gives a new adage to "Would it kill you to do the laundry?"

If the clothes to be laundered contain dust that has been exposed to asbestos, yes, it can actually kill you to do the laundry. The act of doing laundry involves picking up clothes from a laundry basket or hamper or something. When the clothes are picked up, there is air movement. This air movement stirs the dust particles to life and sends them floating through the air. When they are airborne, it is quite easy for someone to inhale that dust, just like any other dust. When one does the laundry for a husband or father's entire career in an asbestos mine, the asbestos fibers add up and accumulate in the lungs.

There does not need to be a lot of accumulation of fibers for Mesothelioma, the deadly lung cancer most commonly associated with asbestos, to develop. Lately, there have been numerous stories in the papers and across the internet about a dutiful wife doing her husband's laundry weekly and contracting Mesothelioma because of that. There have also been stories of children in large families contracting the disease after having been stuck with the chore of laundry while growing up. One of these instances resulted in the foundation of Kati's Hope Foundation for Mesothelioma.

Now, companies are requiring that their workers change out of their street clothes before starting work for the day. This requirement is designed to cut down on the amount of asbestos being taken home from the work place. Despite this new requirement, millions of people have still done a lot of laundry and given a lot of hugs over the years.

About the Author
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma following asbestos exposure, contact the Mesothelioma Lawyers of Williams Kherkher.

Rights of mesothelioma patients

2007-10-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Most of the mesothelioma patients are ignorant and innocent. They do not know about the rights of action available to them. Ignorance about their legal rights makes it easy for the evil industrialists to prosper, harm and escape.

Mesothelioma patients should first realize that mesothelioma is a preventable disease; it is caused exclusively due to exposure to asbestos fibers. The industrialists involved in the mining, manufacture and use of asbestos products was well aware of the harmful effects of asbestos. The short-term economic gains from asbestos made them blind to the long-term harmful effects from asbestos. Because of this, millions of people around the World suffered while these few amassed fortunes. They did nothing to protect the workers, their families and the society. In fact, they caused much harm by trying to conceal important research reports on the harmful effects of mesothelioma. They tried to bribe authorities and threatened researchers to safeguard their profitable positions. Therefore, mesothelioma patients worldwide have a right to file suit against these evil people to compensate them for their medical expenses, pain and suffering.

Legal Rights: The law gives the following rights to mesothelioma patients against these people who have caused them harm. Every mesothelioma patient has a right to be compensated for all his or her medical expenditure. They do not have to bear even any small part of it.

They have a right to be compensated for all the pain and suffering they have undergone. Most of the times, it is the negligence of the employer or industry that has resulted in the person contracting mesothelioma. Even if you have very little time left on earth, you can opt for a huge compensation to enjoy that little life left or to safeguard the financial situation of your dependents. Immediate action is necessary in case of a mesothelioma diagnosis. File your case immediately using expert legal help. Mostly, mesothelioma lawyers do not charge any fees if they have not won any settlement for you. If they win a settlement, they usually charge a percentage of the settlement as their fees. Make all your paperwork ready before the case appears in court. Provide it to your lawyer and brief him in as detailed manner as possible. The data has to be very comprehensive and in depth. So, start early in compiling it.

There may be a situation in which you have no idea about how you contracted the disease. In this case, it is best to consult your lawyer who may be able to guide you in this matter. With his guidance, you can spot the factor that contributed to your contracting this disease. Then, you can proceed in the above stated manner. You have a duty towards your family and dependents and mesothelioma makes you feel guilty that you are unable to perform your duty. The settlement that you win out of your case will help in your children' education and in your spouses old age. So, file your case as soon as you are diagnosed with mesothelioma. The settlement will help your soul rest in peace.

About the Author
Archana Sarat ia a freelance writer and research expert at a medical research firm. to know more about mesothelioma log on to http://www.rarehope.com

Veterans Suffering From Asbestos-Related Disease

2007-09-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

According to statistics, more than 30% of Americans suffering from mesothelioma--a deadly asbestos-induced lung cancer--were exposed to asbestos while serving their country. Veterans and shipyard workers face the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma or similar diseases because of the extensive use of asbestos in military equipment and products, buildings, ships, and submarines. This is especially true for veterans who served during or after World War II and before the1970s when the government began regulating use of asbestos.

Sadly, hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of American veterans have suffered exposure to asbestos, putting them at higher risk of developing asbestosis, mesothelioma, or other illness.

Veterans who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-induced lung cancer such as mesothelioma have legal rights and may be able to recover compensation for their losses and suffering. Only an experienced mesothelioma lawyer will know if you have a valid legal claim.

Navy Veterans at Risk

Asbestos-induced lung cancer is a significant problem among Navy veterans, particularly because the use of asbestos was so very extensive on ships. Virtually no area on a Navy ship built before the 1970s is safe including: · Fire and engine rooms
· Boiler rooms
· Navigation rooms
· Mess halls
· Sleeping quarters Additionally, commonly used products such as gaskets, cables, insulation, adhesives, valves, and numerous others contained asbestos. Navy veterans, like other veterans, were prone to carry asbestos dust home on their clothes, thereby exposing their loved ones to the dangerous fibers.

Rights of Veterans

Veterans groups across the country have started taking action to ensure their rights are protected. For instance, some veterans organizations have called on Congress to fund early lung cancer detection programs, which is especially important given the long latency period for mesothelioma--usually 30 to 50 years. Individual veterans, and, in some cases, their families, are filing legal claims to hold responsible parties accountable for the suffering caused by asbestos-induced lung disease.

About the Author
If you or a loved one is a veteran who has been diagnosed with asbestos-related disease or illness, please contact an experienced Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyer at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C., serving residents of Chicago, Rockford, Aurora, and surrounding areas of Illinois.

lawsuit asbestos lawyer

2007-09-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

The number of asbestos lawsuits filed and the number of asbestos lawsuit lawyers who will take up an asbestos lawsuit case are a sad reflection of a long-time construction mistake that may lead to the ill health of over 250,000 Americans by the year 2020. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos without proper protective filter masks, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit with the help of an asbestos lawyer.

A natural, fibrous form of a number of minerals, asbestos was used since ancient times in fabrics because of its durability and fireproofing ability. For over seventy years, asbestos was used in the insulation of and as fireproofing material in numerous buildings. Over 30 millions tons of asbestos in America alone made its way into the walls of commercial buildings, home, schools, shipyards, and industrial sites. Construction workers labored with asbestos without protection.

In the 1970s, however, the medical community, faced with an overwhelming number of construction workers coming down with illnesses, found that inhaling asbestos can lead to mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer, and the material was immediately banned for use in construction. Over the years, scientists have also linked asbestos to pleural disease, gastrointestinal cancer, and a disease specifically diagnosed for asbestos exposure, asbestosis.

A lawyer who specializes in asbestos lawsuits can tell you that each year asbestos surfaces in over 3000 new people and 10,000 people die of asbestos-related disease. As asbestos can line the lungs and accumulate over long periods of years before the body exhibits any symptoms, even workers who haven't worked in the construction field for twenty to fifty years have come down with asbestos-related diseases.

Asbestos lawsuit lawyers have filed lawsuits for more than just construction workers, though. Even some family members of construction workers have exhibited some form of asbestos disease because asbestos fibers can travel on clothing. Buildings over thirty years old that were made with asbestos likewise can seep asbestos to its occupants over time, although some efforts have been made to correct those buildings.

Do you think that you have been exposed to asbestos at a work site or by living in an asbestos-filled building or with a worker who was exposed to asbestos? You may be able to file a lawsuit, so contact an asbestos lawsuit lawyer. Some asbestos lawsuit lawyers have gotten their clients as much as $7.5 million dollars to offset the medical bills, pain, and suffering that have resulted as a consequence of this massive construction oversight.

If you feel that you may have been contaminated by asbestos, don't hesitate to see a doctor. If you find that you have suffered from asbestos complications, consult an asbestos lawsuit lawyer to decide where you should go from there. For one asbestos lawsuit firm that gives good information about asbestos contamination sites in the US and offers a free asbestos lawyer case evaluation, visit abestoslawsuitinfo.com.

About the Author
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.lawsuit-abestos-lawyer-abcmesotheolioma.info 2 Lawsuitabestoslawyerabcmesotheoliomainfo

Docetaxel for Malignant Mesothelioma

2007-08-22T22:26:00.000-07:00

Docetaxel has activity in a wide variety of solid tumors. To evaluate its efficacy in malignant mesothelioma, previously untreated patients (pts.) were treated with docetaxel 100 mg/m[Superscript 2], 1-hour infusion administered every 21 days.
Dexamethasone 8 mg twice daily was also administered for five days starting 24 hours prior to docetaxel infusion. A total of 20 pts. Were accrued to the first stage of the study between December 1996 and April 1997. Nineteen of the 20 pts. Had histological confirmation of mesothelioma and the tumors were carcinoembryonic antigen and mucin negative. In one patient (pt.) the histology could not be confirmed and he was considered ineligible. Characteristics of the remaining 19 pts. Include: 5% ECOG Performance Status (PS) 0; 68% PS 1; 26% PS 2; median age 69 years (range 57--81); 89% male. Only one pt. Had a partial response, with an overall response rate of 5% (95% CI 0.16--26.4). Three pts. (16%) had stable disease, 11 (58%) progressed on treatment and 4 (21%) were not evaluable for response. One pt. With stable disease has not relapsed so far after 16 months of follow-up.
There were three deaths during the treatment phase: One died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, one from rapidly progressive disease with brain metastasis and one definite treatment related septic death with multi-organ failure.

The major toxicity seen was myelosuppression with grade 4 leucopenia in 17 pts. (90%) and grade 4 granulocytopenia in 8 (42%) pts. Other rare grade 4 non-hematologic toxicities included: Vomiting (1 pt.), diarrhea (1 pt.), hypersensitivity reaction (1 pt.) and cardiac toxicity (1 pt.). The study was terminated after the first accrual stage due to insufficient responses. In conclusion: Docetaxel is not an effective agent in malignant mesothelioma and does not warrant further investigation. (Conducted by ECOG and supported in part by PHS grants CA18653, CA23318, CA52743, CA13650, CA49957, CA66636, CA21115 from the NCI, NIH and the DHHS.)

Chemotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma

2007-08-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

We reviewed the published literature of clinical studies in malignant pleural mesothelioma, including phase II trials of the newer antifolates and plant derivatives, as well as older single- agent and combination chemotherapy trials. We excluded trials with less than 15 patients, although we have mentioned smaller trials in the text to make a specific point, as well as ones that show promise. We have also included confidence intervals when cited in the original reports, or calculated them when absent.

No drugs have consistently induced a response greater than 20%. Higher response rates have been reported with detorubicin, high-dose methotrexate, and edatrexate at 26%, 37%, and 25%, respectively, but these have yet to be confirmed. Agents that produce response rates in 10% to 20% of patients include doxorubicin, epirubicin, mitomycin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, cisplatin, and carboplatin. Combination chemotherapy trials do not demonstrate a consistently greater response rate than single-agent trials. However, the combination of doxorubicin, cisplatin, bleomycin, and mitomycin demonstrated a response rate of 44% (95% confidence interval, 27% to 63%), but this remains unconfirmed. Intrapleural therapy using interferon gamma, particularly for small-volume disease, shows promise.

The successful treatment of unresectable pleural mesothelioma awaits the discovery of active drugs. Recent trials of high-dose methotrexate and other antifolates are encouraging. Newer agents, including suramin, should be evaluated in phase II trials. Off-protocol combination therapy cannot be recommended over single-agent therapy, but studies that use combinations of the newer agents should be conducted.

Pathogenesis of Malignant Mesothelioma

2007-07-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

About 80% of malignant mesotheliomas in the Western World develop in individuals with higher than background exposure to asbestos. Only a fraction of those exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma, indicating that additional factors play a role. Simian virus 40 (SV40), a DNA tumor virus that preferentially causes mesothelioma in hamsters, has been detected in several human mesotheliomas.
The expression of the SV40 large tumor antigen in mesothelioma cells, and not in nearby stromal cells, and the capacity of antisense T-antigen treatment to arrest mesothelioma cell growth in vitro suggest that SV40 contributes to tumor development. The capacity of T-antigen to bind and inhibit cellular p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb)-family proteins in mesothelioma, together with the very high susceptibility of human mesothelial cells to SV40-mediated transformation in vitro, supports a causative role of SV40 in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma.
Asbestos appears to increase SV40-mediated transformation of human mesothelial cells in vitro, suggesting that asbestos and SV40 may be cocarcinogens. p53 mutations are rarely found in mesothelioma; p16, p14ARF, and NF2 mutations/losses are frequent.
Recent studies revealed the existence of a genetic factor that predisposes affected individuals to mesothelioma in the villages of Karain and Tuzkoy, in Anatolia, Turkey. Erionite, a type of zeolite, may be a cofactor in these same villages, where 50% of deaths are caused by mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma appears to have a complex etiology in which environmental carcinogens (asbestos and erionite), ionizing radiation, viruses, and genetic factors act alone or in concert to cause malignancy. Copyright 2002 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Care for Mesothelioma Patients

2007-06-23T22:46:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma cancer is one such disease that can happen to anyone both you and me. But records state the major victims come from the worker class of the asbestos companies, shipping companies and construction yards including mines where asbestos is one of the major minerals dealt with. This is primarily a lung disorder that ultimately takes the shape of fatal cancer.

Caring a Mesothelioma patient is very tough. Caring here doesn't simply mean physical care. A Mesothelioma patient has to be given equal mental and emotional support to fight with the situation. Most of the time it has been observed that the patient completely loses faith in life.

Proper knowledge and guidance

Especially the near and dear ones of the patients must have adequate knowledge about the disease and also know what type of support should be given to the patient. There are doctors to look into the case but they are not available always. It is you who will be by the side of patient in his/her needs.

Treat the patient humbly and give him medicines and food at the right hour. The pain along the chest side is sometimes acute and unbearable. You must have an S.O.S. for instant relief. For Mesothelioma patients, morphine is a very good remedy. But a misconception prevails with the use of morphine and most of us refer it to be a sedative drug with other adverse side effects. Such preconceived notions have to be taken out of mind. Both the patient and the patient's relatives should have a positive mind setup and follow the doctor's prescription in an accurate manner. Otherwise you will welcome further troubles.

Well it is known to all of us that the Mesothelioma patient won't be able to sustain life with this cancer inside the body. But they too have every right to enjoy life till they close their eyes forever. Give them hope and happiness so that they live their life to the fullest even in this short time period. Let depression and despair not make shelter in their minds to blemish the rest of the days they are alive.

About the Author
Find more Mesothelioma and asbestos info online. For Credit repair related articles: http://www.credit-repair-fyi.info

Beta Carotene and Vitamin A on Lung Cancer

2007-06-01T07:24:00.000-07:00

Lung cancer and cardiovascular disease are major causes of death in the United States. It has been proposed that carotenoids and retinoids are agents that may prevent these disorders.

We conducted a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled primary prevention trial — the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial — involving a total of 18,314 smokers, former smokers, and workers exposed to asbestos. The effects of a combination of 30 mg of beta carotene per day and 25,000 IU of retinol (vitamin A) in the form of retinyl palmitate per day on the primary end point, the incidence of lung cancer, were compared with those of placebo.

A total of 388 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed during the 73,135 person-years of follow-up (mean length of follow-up, 4.0 years). The active-treatment group had a relative risk of lung cancer of 1.28 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.04 to 1.57; P = 0.02), as compared with the placebo group. There were no statistically significant differences in the risks of other types of cancer. In the active-treatment group, the relative risk of death from any cause was 1.17 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.33); of death from lung cancer, 1.46 (95 percent confidence interval, 1.07 to 2.00); and of death from cardiovascular disease, 1.26 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.99 to 1.61). On the basis of these findings, the randomized trial was stopped 21 months earlier than planned; follow-up will continue for another 5 years.

After an average of four years of supplementation, the combination of beta carotene and vitamin A had no benefit and may have had an adverse effect on the incidence of lung cancer and on the risk of death from lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and any cause in smokers and workers exposed to asbestos.

Controversial Asbestos Settlement Heads to Court

2007-05-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

After more than a year of bitter legal jockeying, an attempt to begin breaking the nation's biggest courthouse logjam - lawsuits surrounding asbestos - faces a critical test on courtroom. The case is complicated by any standard: millions of potential plaintiffs, dozens of lawyers, 20 defendants and more than two decades of wrangling over damages for people suffering from asbestos exposure.

The proposal to pay an estimated 100,000 asbestos-related disease sufferers or their families about $ 1 billion over the next 10 years is even more complex with stiff opposition and allegations of misconduct.

Backers and detractors will state their positions in a fairness hearing here Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Lowell Reed.

Lawyers who negotiated the deal call it a model for a faster and better way to compensate asbestos disease victims whose needs have gone unmet in court. Opponents call it inadequate and the result of collusion between the Center for Claims Resolution, a group of 20 former asbestos makers, and two law firms: Greitzer & Locks of Philadelphia and Ness, Motley, Loadholt, Richardson & Poole of Charleston, S.C.

Under the deal, consideration for damages would be given to anyone who requests it, a vastly simpler arrangement than hiring an attorney and waiting years for a case to wind its way through the justice system, said John Aldock, a lawyer for the Center for Claims Resolution.

A nationwide asbestos resolution has proven elusive. More than 100,000 cases are lined up in state and federal courts. The litigation has cost U.S. companies an estimated $ 7 billion, some $ 4 billion of it going to lawyers.

Under the settlement, average payments range from $ 5,800 for non-malignant disorders, such as labored breathing, to $ 60,000 for mesothelioma, a terminal lung cancer. The amounts are based on historical averages, proponents said, with the neediest paid first.

Only those showing symptoms get money. Victims could request additional compensation if they develop more serious illnesses. The CCR doesn't include the biggest asbestos manufacturers, and settlement plaintiffs still could sue them.

Critics argue that in most cases plaintiffs will receive a fifth of what they could win in court. Because of docket gridlock, however, most states are hearing cases filed in the late 1980s. All federal lawsuits have been on hold since 1992.

Wages, the union leader, figures that 350,000 to 400,000 of his current and former union members were exposed to potentially deadly amounts of asbestos. Many, including himself, will not be covered by the settlement because they weren't exposed for long enough periods - at least 10 years for mesothelioma and 12 years for other ailments.

Overall, more than 27 million Americans are estimated to have job-related exposure to asbestos, a natural insulator used for decades in construction, and roughly 1 million targeted by cancer. Not all of those people were exposed to products made by the companies included in the CCR, however.

There also have been questions about whether people who don't want to join the settlement "class" were adequately informed. People who wanted to be excluded, remaining free to sue CCR companies, had to inform the court by Jan. 24.

The settlement, filed in January 1993, received preliminary approval in October by Judge Reed, who ruled that accusations of collusion between the two firms and the CCR were unfounded.

Philadelphia lawyer Ben Shein said the law firms didn't do enough to determine whether defendants could afford to pay without a settlement. The National Asbestos Victims Legal Action Organizing Committee estimates the CCR members have $ 53.6 billion in assets.

But backers said draining company assets has driven 17 former asbestos manufacturers into bankruptcy. Locks said the settlement requires insurers to pay when necessary, helping guarantee defendants solvency as cases mount.

About the Author
For the latest asbestosis information, including case studies, treatment, diagnosis and symptoms, see: Mesothelioma Info.

Controversial Asbestos Settlement Heads to Court

2007-05-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

Asbestos: Still a Carcinogen

2007-05-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Asbestos is an important cause of human illness. Clinical and epidemiologic studies have established incontrovertibly that asbestos causes cancer of the lung, malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum, cancer of the larynx, and certain gastrointestinal cancers. Asbestos also causes asbestosis, a progressive fibrotic disease of the lungs. The risk of these diseases increases with cumulative exposure and also with the length of time since the first exposure

Asbestos is a generic term applied to a group of minerals, all of them fibrous. There are four commercially important forms: chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, and anthophyllite. Chrysotile is the most important. It accounts for more than 95 percent of current world production. Nearly all asbestos used in North America has been chrysotile from the province of Quebec, Canada

All forms of asbestos are carcinogenic. All have been shown in clinical, epidemiologic, and laboratory studies to be fully capable of causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and the full range of asbestos-related diseases. Although crocidolite appears to be two to four times more potent than chrysotile or amosite in its capacity to induce mesothelioma, all forms appear to be equally potent in their capacity to cause cancer of the lung.

New use of asbestos has almost completely ended in the United States and in most other developed nations as the result of government bans and market pressures. Those forces were stimulated by the landmark epidemiologic studies of Selikoff and colleagues6 and by the release of information on the carcinogenicity of asbestos that had previously been suppressed by the industry.7 By contrast, extensive and aggressive marketing of asbestos by Canada and other exporting nations continues in the developing world, where sales remain strong.

The Viciousness of Lung Cancer

2006-12-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

Understanding The Viciousness of Lung Cancer by David Silva

Lung cancer is the result of malignant cells forming in the tissues of the lung, usually in the cells lining the air passages. The cells in our bodies are constantly dividing and reproducing. Usually, there's an orderly pattern to this reproduction as cells develop and specialize to meet particular needs. Occasionally, however, a cell becomes damaged. There's a mutation in its DNA, and rather than maturing and dying as is normal, it continues to reproduce unchecked. In essence, this is cancer - uncontrolled reproduction and growth of abnormal cells in the body.

Most lung cancers are believed to start in the epithelial lining of the lungs - the linings of the large and small airways that perform the task of extracting oxygen from the air. Because of this, lung cancer is sometimes called bronchogenic carcinoma - cancer arising from the bronchia. A smaller percentage of lung cancers begin in the pleura - the thin tissue sac that surrounds the lungs. These cancers are called mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.

Cancer of the lungs is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. While it may take a period of years to develop, the cancer often goes undetected until late in the process. In addition, it tends to metastasize (migrate to other parts of the body) early, which leaves fewer opportunities to fight the mutated cells with surgery or radiation. Once the lung cancer does metastasize, it quickly spreads to the most vulnerable and important organs of the body, particularly the adrenal glands, the liver, the brain and the bones.

There are two primary forms of lung cancer - Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Small Cell Lung Cancer is less common, though far more deadly. It's directly linked to cigarette smoking - less than 1% of SCLC is diagnosed in non-smokers. It's also extremely aggressive and fast-moving, metastasizing rapidly to other organs, and often undiscovered until it's already widespread.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, on the other hand, is far more common, accounting for nearly 80% of all diagnosed lung cancers. There are three main types of non-small cell lung cancer, generally characterized by the size, shape, and chemical composition of the cells that form the cancer:

Squamous Cell Carcinoma (also referred to as Epidermoid Carcinoma): accounts for around 25% - 30% of all lung cancers, and is associated with a history of smoking. This cancer is nearly always found in the central chest area, near the bronchus.

Adenocarcinoma (also referred to as Bronchioloalveolar Carcinoma): accounts for around 40% of all lung cancers, and is found in the external region of the lung. Treatment for this form of lung cancer often leads to a more successful outcome than that of other lung cancers.

Large-Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma: accounting for only 10% - 15% of lung cancers, this form may show up in any area of the lung. It tends to spread quickly, and often results in a poor prognosis.

It's also possible for lung cancer to be a combination of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer types.

There are other, less common types of lung cancer. For instance, bronchial carcinoids are small tumors often found in people under 40 years of age. They tend to grow slowly, and be amenable to treatment. Carcinoid tumors account for approximately 5% of lung tumors. Some are non-cancerous. The others are generally slow-growing and can be successfully treated with surgery.

Finally, some cancers discovered in the lungs aren't lung cancers at all. Since the lungs are prone to metastatic cancers from other sites, it's not uncommon for tumors from other primary cancers to find their way to the lungs. When this occurs, the tumors are often discovered in the peripheral tissues of the lungs rather than in the central tissues.

Please note that the information provided in this article is for information purposes only. It should not be used during a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of lung cancer. Such situations should always involve the expertise of a physician or health care provider.

About the Author
David Silva is the webmaster for Lung Cancer Insights, a site dedicated to the dissemination of information about lung cancer, mesothelioma, non-small cell lung cancer, and their treatments.

Medical Procedures for a Mesothelioma Patient

2006-12-05T23:44:00.000-08:00

Treatments and Medical Procedures for a Mesothelioma Patient by Gust A. Lenglet

Once a patient has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, both the doctor and the patient must then determine the best possible treatment. Mesothelioma prognosis, or the recovering factor for a patient, will vary based on several different characteristics:

1. Size of the mesothelioma

2. Whether or not the cancer is spreading

3. Where the mesothelioma is located

4. The patient's physical health condition and age

5. How the cells are portrayed under a microscope

Three Different Types of Mesothelioma Cells

1. Mixed Cell Type - This cell type is a mixture of the cancer cells and is normally labeled as an intermediate form of the cancer.

2. Epithelial Cell Type - These cells are the most treatable, and have the best prognosis.

3. Fibrosarcomatous Cell Type - This cell type is the worst type of mesothelioma, and has a negative prognosis.

How a Treatment is Selected

Treatments and procedures for mesothelioma are selected after considering the characteristics and cell types above. There are standard treatments, which have been tested on previous patient studies, and are most commonly used. There are also trials and/or experimental treatments that may be explored at the patient's or doctor's wishes.

Malignant Mesothelioma and Standard Treatments

The most common treatment of malignant mesothelioma is a surgery in which the doctor will remove part of the abdomen or chest lining and some tissue surrounding it. A lung may be removed or part of the diaphragm, based on how far the mesothelioma has spread. Removal of the lung is a procedure called "pneumonectomy." Radiation and/or chemotherapy are also a part of the standard treatments along with the surgery. Radiation kills off cancer cells using high-energy rays or x-rays. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells using drugs taken either by pill or needle injection. Each of these treatments will result in side effects, varying from one patient to the next.

Intraoperative Photodynamic Therapy

This is a type of treatment which utilizes light and drugs to kill the cancer cells during a surgical procedure. The goal of the surgery is to remove the cancer (as much as possible), and to shine alight on the pleura, killing additional cancer cells. Studies of this type of surgery are being performed on patients in the early stages of mesothelioma of the chest.

Clinical Tests

Occasionally a mesothelioma patient may be urged to participate in experimental treatment options, where the patient will be exposed to new ideas and procedures that are being developed. Oftentimes, traditional treatments will be combined with new tests to find more effective ways of fighting mesothelioma. These options are available for patients who may not be able to endure the standard treatments for health or physical reasons.

The earlier mesothelioma is detected in a patient, the better the prognosis. Each patient should be aware of all treatment options before making a decision, and also consult with a specialist to learn the best option for them.

About the Author
Gust A. Lenglet has been an accountant and financial advisor for many years. He is President and CEO of HBS Financial Group, Ltd. and offers online tax filing through his many web sites. He is also an accomplished author in the tax, legal, and education fields.

patterns of malignant pleural mesothelioma

2006-08-31T00:42:00.000-07:00

Malignant pleural mesotheliomais known to mimic morphologically a number of diverse reactive and neoplastic conditions. We describe three unusual intraparenchymal growth patterns of malignant mesothelioma seen in a series of 200 malignant pleural mesotheliomas. The diagnostic pitfalls associated with these findings are described and their potential medico-legal implications are highlighted.

The study group comprised 200 malignant pleural mesotheliomas. In each case diagnosis was morphologically confirmed with ancillary immunohistochemistry using a broad panel of both mesothelial and epithelial markers. The patterns of intraparenchymal growth were documented and grouped as: direct subpleural; lymphangitic; and other. The 200 malignant pleural mesotheliomas comprised 118 epithelioid, 57 biphasic and 25 sarcomatoid, subtyped according to the WHO classification. Direct subpleural invasion was seen in 42 cases, lymphangitic spread in 27 cases. Other less well-defined intraparenchymal patterns included three sarcomatoid subtype malignant mesotheliomas exhibiting an intra-alveolar growth pattern mimicking epithelioid haemangioendothelioma. One epithelioid subtype malignant mesothelioma contained an intraparenchymal tumour nodule microscopically comprising lepidic spread of neoplastic cells over maintained alveolar structures mimicking bronchioloalveolar carcinoma. One epithelioid subtype malignant mesothelioma morphologically had areas in which alveoli were distended by discohesive epithelioid neoplastic cells with no interstitial invasion. The appearances mimicked desquamative interstitial pneumonia. Immunohistochemistry played an important role in the definitive diagnosis of each unusual parenchymal tumour deposit. In 126 malignant mesotheliomas no invasion of the subjacent lung parenchyma was identified.
An awareness of the unusual parenchymal growth pattern in malignant mesothelioma is important to prevent misdiagnosis of other entities. In the medico-legal setting, the presence of epithelioid haemangioendothelioma or bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (in the absence of asbestosis) may be deemed to impact upon the patient's anticipated life expectancy and thereby would decrease the compensation settlement.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Treatment

2006-08-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is mainly caused due to contact with asbestos, which has zeolite. When inhaled, the asbestos fibers reach the pleural layer of our lungs and damages the mesothelial cells. When consumed, the asbestos fibers get to our abdominal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma that can spread to the other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. It is a rare disease caused as a result of malignant cancerous cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. This disease is very difficult to assess consistently due to the great variability in time before diagnosis and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma.

Even insignificant exposure to asbestos (commonly reported in such work environments as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or patients homes) is known to result in mesothelioma, which in many cases does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing substance. It is also known that family members of workers exposed to asbestos can contract this disease through exposure to the workers clothing. Smoking greatly increases the risk of contracting mesothelioma. Some of the earliest symptoms of mesothelioma can often be mistaken for less serious illness and are commonly overlooked. Some patients do not show any signs of sickness in the early stages of development of the disease. Most commonly the symptoms include dyspnea, pleuritic pain, lasting cough, fatigue, and weight loss. This disease is more common in men. Most cases of mesothelioma occur 30-45 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Once it develops, this cancer will continue to grow until it is treated. It is very important that the disease is diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Mesothelioma is a malignant disease that can affect the lining of any internal organ. Most often the pleural lining of the lungs and/or the peritoneal lining of the organs in the abdominal cavity are affected. The plural lining of the lungs is affected when harmful amounts of asbestos are inhaled. When symptoms do develop they may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and a chronic cough

The faster you consult the doctor and get specialized care the better your chances will be of dealing with this hazardous cancer. Please contact our doctor as soon as possible to get more information and cure the disease.

Many cancer treatment options are not very effective in treating mesothelioma. But at our center we provide you the treatment to reduce the disease and free you from the suffering from our specialist with the medication which are natural and no side effects.

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.

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

People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

From Miracle Mineral To Mesothelioma Menace

2006-08-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For further information on asbestos, such as risks, research, lawsuits and disease support groups visit:
http://www.asbestos-headquarters.com

About the Author
Grant Davis, is a freelance writer and has worked in a variety of fields, including teaching. Feel free to use the above article as long as it is reprinted in its entirety.

What Are The Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?

2006-08-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

One rare form of cancer is called Mesothelioma, a malignant tumor in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen, arising from the inhalation of asbestos. Its rarity is one of the reasons why a lot of people are not aware of this kind of fatal disease. In fact, many people die of Mesothelioma undiagnosed. Although there is now a growing awareness of the hazards of asbestos to health, still many have not heard of Mesothelioma and thus, have not understood its nature, cause, signs and treatment. Even some physicians find it hard to detect Mesothelioma because its symptoms are akin to other diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. Furthermore, it takes decades for a patient who was exposed to asbestos to develop Mesothelioma -- fifty years, at most.

Being unaware of Mesothelioma poses higher risks since it deters diagnosis and treatment. A person undergoing treatment must know the different stages of the cancer or the extent of the disease. Chances of recovering from Mesothelioma and the kind of treatment depend on the stage of the illness. There are basically two staging systems used for Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs): TNM system and Brighan system. These staging systems are also used in other kinds of cancers; however, the first is commonly used. There is no established method in determining the stage of the Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer (abdominal) so the TNM system is used.

There are three variables in the TNM system: tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis. In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in stage I Mesothelioma.

In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there's a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray.

Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn't respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV.

Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.

About the Author
David Arnold Livingston is a believer in gaining knowledge around Health issues and recommends, as a resource: http://www.newmesothelioma.com/Mesothelioma Cancer/

The cancer of the mesothelial cells

2006-08-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

The diseased defined
Mesothelium is the protective tissue that covers the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart and also produces a special lubricating fluid that allows the internal organs of the body to move around. Malignant Mesothelioma can be defined as the cancer of the mesothelial cells which become abnormal and start dividing without any order. Majority of the mesothelioma patients have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.

Types of malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma or simply Mesothelioma can be divided into 3 main types namely - Epithelioid - Sarcomatoid - Mixed/biphasic Of these,
Epithelioid is the most common (50% to 70% cases) and stands the best chance of recovery. Sarcomatoid type is seen in 7% to 20% cases whereas mixed/biphasic type is seen in 20% to 35% cases.

Approximately, ¾ of the total cases of Mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) and is known as pleural mesothelioma. The cancer affecting the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) is called the peritoneal mesothelioma and that affecting the "sac like" space around the heart (pericardial cavity) is called the pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma at times also affects the covering layer of the testicles. However, the last two types of cases are quite rare.

Diagnosis of malignant Mesothelioma

The tumors of the mesothelium can either be benign (non cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So whenever there are symptoms like shortness of breath, pain in chest/abdomen or swelling in the abdomen, you should consult your doctor immediately. After the initial X-rays and scans, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity (in case of pleural tumor) with an instrument called thoracoscope and the test is called thoracoscopy. In case of tumor in peritoneum the doctor may go for peritoneoscopy with the help of a tool called peritoneoscope. Finally, if the abnormal tissue is found then a biopsy is done, whereby a piece of the unnatural tissue is cut out and placed under microscope for examination.

After the confirmed diagnosis of Mesothelioma it is also essential to ascertain its stages i.e. whether it is in localized stage or in advanced stage. In the localized stage, the cancer is found in the lining of the chest cavity or in the diaphragm or the lung. Advanced malignant Mesothelioma can again be divided into 3 stages namely stage II, III and IV. In stage II, the cancer spreads beyond the chest lining to lymph nodes and in stage III it spreads into chest wall, center of the chest, heart, through the diaphragm or abdominal lining, etc. The final or the fourth stage is the one in which the cancer has already spread to distant organs.

Treatment

Depending on the stage of the cancer, its location and the health, age and medical history of the patient, 3 types of treatments are mated out to malignant Mesothelioma patients - surgery (to remove the tumor), radiation therapy (application of high energy rays) and chemotherapy (usage of combination of drugs). This apart, if there is any accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, then the doctor needs to drain it out and the process is regarded as thoracentesis and paracentesis respectively. So be aware of the disease, such that you can prevent it at the very onset.

About the Author
Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of health related issues, for more informative articles go to http://www.mesotheliomaplaza.com

Three Main Symptoms To Lung Cancer

2006-07-29T00:06:00.000-07:00

What are the three main symptoms to lung cancer? by Jon Butt

The main three symptoms to lung cancer that should not be ignored are shortness of breath, pain when breathing or coughing, and existence of a persistent cough, especially if it is accompanied by expectoration of sputum streaked with blood. Additionally, loss of appetite, fatigue, unusual losses of weight are three symptoms, which are indicative of lung cancer.

Because of the non-specific nature of symptoms of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma tests are imperative to rule out incidence of the disease when lung cancer symptoms show up. Early detection of Mesothelioma cancer substantiated by clear information of patient's exposure to asbestos can help define the course of treatment.

Early Detection Of Mesothelioma Cancer In Long Term Health Prognosis

The length of time between asbestos exposure and onset of lung cancer symptoms can be between 15-50 years. Therefore a complete medical history and information of possible asbestos exposure are critical in identifying patients who are prone for developing Mesothelioma lung cancer.

During physical tests for Mesothelioma lung cancer, the doctor may check breath sounds to see whether there is any indication of fluid in the chest cavity. A variety of diagnostic procedures also help to determine whether a patient has Mesothelioma lung cancer.

Results from imaging scans, tissue biopsies, pulmonary function tests, and other diagnostic techniques, combined with the findings from a careful medical history help to define the course of treatment in Mesothelioma lung cancer.

There are less common but more uncomfortable symptoms of lung cancer, which are usually associated with advanced stages of the disease. Such lung cancer or Mesothelioma patients may exhibit symptoms like a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face or in the neck, pain or discomfort under the ribs, and shortness of breath caused by fluid around the lungs.

If you suspect that you or any of your family members have lung cancer symptoms- DO NOT DELAY - consult your physician right away.

About the Author
Jon Butt publishes www.the-mesothelioma-guide.com

The cancer of abdominal lining

2006-07-25T00:48:00.000-07:00

Peritoneal Mesothelioma - The cancer of abdominal lining by Fred Lindell

One of the fatal types of mesothelioma is Peritoneal Mesothelioma in which the cancerous cells attack the lining of the abdomen called Peritoneum. Peritoneum is the thin membrane, which shields various organs of the abdomen and also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly. Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which affects this lining, is yet now a relatively rare disease that accounts for about 1/5 of all mesotheliomas. Its only known cause in the U.S. till date is previous exposure to asbestos.

Major symptoms

Though Mesothelioma is neither age nor sex specific, peritoneal Mesothelioma is mostly seen in men who are in the age group of 50-70 years. There are a number of symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma most of which start appearing after 20, 30 or 50 years after the exposure to asbestos. These symptoms may include weight loss (however, waist line may increase), pain or swelling in the abdomen, weakness, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction, anemia, nausea and fever. Also, fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space leading to a condition called Ascites.

Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma

The initial step towards detection of peritoneal mesothelioma includes X-rays and CT scans. For confirmed diagnosis, however the doctor needs to do biopsy whereby a piece of tissue is cut from the affected part of the victim's body and is placed under microscope for examination. If the disease is detected at an early stage it stands better chance of getting cured than the state of diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma, where the cancer has already spread to various parts.

The cure

It's true that peritoneal mesothelioma is fatal and leads to several deaths every year. However, with continued researches, several modes of treatments have been embarked upon and in the future there is a fair chance of the disease becoming absolutely curable. The types of treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

In surgery a part of the abdominal tissue is cut out to remove the tumor. At times the doctor may also need to remove a lung or a portion of the diaphragm as per the requirement of the surgery. Radiation therapy, the second method, requires the application of high energy X-rays to shrink the tumor and kill the malignant cells. The rays may be applied from an external machine or by placing the radiation source directly to the affected part of the body, by means of plastic tubes. Last treatment type is the chemotherapy whereby a combination of drugs is applied to kill the cancer cells. The drugs may be administered by mouth in the capsule form or may be applied intravenously via needle.

However, it is essential to mention that cost of treating any form of cancer is extravagant and you may consult a mesothelioma lawyer to earn you a handsome compensation from the authority who was responsible for your prior exposure to asbestos.

So learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma so that you can initiate the treatment at the very early stage and get cured.

About the Author
Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of health related issues, for more informative articles go tohttp://www.mesotheliomaplaza.com

Prevent brain cancer alternative treatment

2006-07-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Prevent brain cancer alternative treatment by Good Health

We are here to help you when you need support the most. We prevent the brain cancer with the alternative medicines which does not cause any affect and set you free from the suffer.

As we know this earth is getting more polluted the human being is more getting captivated to different kinds of diseases. He is becoming more and more moderanised in the same way the diseases are also following him and attacking him in one or the other way. Now a days this cancer has become one of the major deadly disease which is trembling the human kind. This has number of kinds which can attack any part of the body. One among them is this brain cancer which attacks the brain. The brain is one of the core part of the body.

The brain, like any other tissue in the body, is made up of individual cells which are much smaller than a pinpoint, and require a microscope to see them. These cells are the smallest units which compose the brain, and there are several different types. A brain cancer can arise from any of the cells which make up the brain.

Brain cancer starts in just one cell. As the cell makes more and more copies of itself, it grows to form a tumor (which means a swelling). A benign tumor stays where it starts, although it can grow very large and press on crucial areas. In contrast, a malignant tumor has a capacity to spread, and is then called "brain cancer". "Primary" brain cancer starts within the brain, and is the main subject of this transcript. In contrast, "secondary" brain cancer starts in some other organ (like lung or breast) and then spreads to the brain. This is called "brain metastasis".

Like any cancer, the exact reason why one person gets brain cancer and another doesn't is unknown. However, several things have been found to increase the risk of developing brain cancer: 1) Having rare family diseases, which present with cysts or bumps on or inside the body and high risk for brain tumors. 2) Exposure to certain chemicals, including chlorinated hydrocarbons (like PVC) and benzene, is associated with a higher risk of brain cancers. 3) Exposure to radiation has also been connected to developing brain cancers as well as other malignancies. The risk is greater if the person is exposed to at a young age to a higher dose. Pre-existing benign type tumors may become cancerous (called "malignant degeneration) if radiated.

This depends upon where in the brain the cancer arises, and how big it becomes before coming to medical attention. The brain has particular areas controlling thought, sight, hearing, sensation, movement, coordination and mood. The upper brain area tends to control the more advanced thought functions, while the middle controls mood and movement and the rear (or "brain stem") stimulates breathing and heart rate. A tumor simply means a swelling, and isn't necessarily cancer.

After hearing that you have cancer, your life is forever changed. This impact can be very emotional and very difficult to cope with. Everyone reacts differently but it is important not to feel alone or loose hope. No matter what stage of cancer or what type of cancer you have been diagnosed with, we believe that HOPE itself can be a great healing tool. People are realizing that they have choices in the type of health care they receive.

It is critical for the patient to get the correct treatment for brain cancer, the first time. He may go in the direction of the suggestions which he get from his dear ones or the physician. Here the patient should be careful to choose the right one for him. So that he may not go for the second attempt in his treatment. What we insist is to take the right decision in his treatment. Here at our center we treat you with the natural dietary supplements which are herbal and cures the disease with no side effects. Truly to speak the patient gets panic when he listens to this that he has been attacked with this deadly disease but he has to make up his mind and have a firm mind that he will get out of it and get treated with it with no crisis.

Medical research has shown that "activated" patients who ask questions and seek alternative medical care that feels right to them heal better than patients who passively comply with whatever the doctor recommends. People are realizing that serious diseases can be successfully treated with therapies that enhance the immune system and restore the body systems. They recognize that this approach stands in sharp contrast to the debilitating and often unsuccessful results from chemotherapy and radiation.

Activated patients from all over the world are now seeking alternative/complementary treatments for diseases that are often considered incurable by conventional doctors. More and more patients are regaining their health with these type therapies.

Effective alternative therapies are now available that offer patients a newfound hope for healing and the restoration of health. Nutritional medicine, detoxification therapies, lifestyle changes and psychological healing are but a few of the choices available today. These powerful therapies aim to restore the natural wisdom of the body. This is the future of medicine -- choices for better health.

Medical treatment at our center focuses on the whole person, not just on the cancer. For example, when oncologists treat cancer using chemotherapy and/or radiation, they are focusing these powerful treatments on the cancerous tumor, which they consider to be the disease. We believe that the tumor is a symptom of many other chronically disturbed body systems. If a treatment like chemotherapy reduces the size of a tumor but does not address the various factors that allowed it to grow in the first place, then we feel treatment has been incomplete and recurrence is likely.

About the Author
I am interested in doing some thing to the society so I have chosen this way to help the people who have lost all the hope in finding the cure for their disease. You are here having a hope to visit this site and get the solutions for it.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

2006-05-01T02:11:00.000-07:00

Submitted by: Elizabeth Morgan
Futons

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the peritoneum, or tissue lining the abdomen and some of its organs. This lining tissue provides a small amount of lubricating fluid that allows organs in the gut to move and work properly. This cancer accounts for approximately ten percent of all malignant mesotheliomas and is therefore rarer than malignant pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue lining the chest and lungs. Irrespective of location, the majority of malignant mesotheliomas are associated with exposure to asbestos.

A person with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma may be diagnosed because of complaints such as an abdominal lump or swelling, unexplained weight loss, fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, nausea, and constipation caused by bowel obstruction. There are many other conditions that could cause similar symptoms, and in the absence of an accurate history of asbestos exposure, a diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma may be missed.
When malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is suspected, the patient's doctor orders a CT scan or an MRI to detect the presence of any abnormality in the abdomen. If features suggesting this cancer are present, a biopsy of the potentially cancerous tissue is taken to determine the types of cells in this tissue.

Once diagnosed, the exact treatment and the eventual outcome depend on the types of cells found in the cancer. People with epithelioid cell cancers typically have the best survival, followed by those with mixed cell cancers. Sarcomatoid cell cancers carry the worst prognosis. The average survival time is approximately one year, and five-year survival is lower than ten percent. Because of this poor prognosis, the cancer is treated as as aggressively as the patient's overall physical condition allows, with some combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery helps remove the bulk of the cancer. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are then used to kill the remaining cancer cells.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma cancer

2006-04-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma cancer is very difficult in many cases, because its symptoms can be associated with other diseases too. Hence patient's medical history is quite important to know, since if there was an exposure to asbestos from the sick person, the risk factors for developing Mesothelioma are greater. The doctor will order you a physical examination, including chest and abdomen x-rays, and lung function tests. A computerized tomography (CT) or a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan may be useful, along with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The CT scan allows a computer x-rays machine to create a series of detailed pictures of inner body areas.
The MRI allows to obtain detailed images of areas inside the body through a powerful magnet linked to a computer.
The way to confirm a Mesothelioma diagnosis is a biopsy, in which an oncologist or a doctor specialized in diagnosing and treating cancer pathologies takes a sample of tissue from the patient to examine it under a microscope. The biopsy may be performed in various ways. In a thoracoscopy the name of the biopsy if the cancer is in the chest the doctor makes a small cut through the patient's chest and introduce a tube called thoracoscope to look inside and take tissue samples. In a peritoneoscopy if the cancer is in the abdomen the doctor makes the same procedure but in the patient's abdominal cavity to obtain tissue for examination.
The stage of the disease is important to know if cancer is metastasized to other parts of the body, and to apply the best treatment for the patient. The disease will be 'localized' if the cancer is found only on the surface of the membrane, but it will be 'advanced' if it has spread to other parts of the body, such as lungs, abdominal organs, chest wall, lymph nodes.

Next Article: Mesothelioma Treatment Article written by the staff of mesothelioma -10.com a website edited by Hector Milla,
if you want to read more articles about mesothelioma cancer information , feel free to visit www.mesothelioma-10.com , or www.asbestos-10.com

Lung Cancer in Non Smokers

2006-04-11T10:45:00.000-07:00

I come across cases of nonsmokers who develop lung cancer. My attention is always drawn to news of this nature because my husband passed away at the age of 51 from brain and lung cancer. He never smoked a day in his life.

The complacency non-smokers have shared over the years is no longer a viable option. Smokers and non-smokers alike are vulnerable to a disease which is largely incurable. Among patients with lung cancer, only about 14% live five years after their diagnosis.

In the face of a disease that seems to have neither rhyme nor reason, what can we do to protect ourselves? First, assess your risk for lung cancer; then take measures to prevent the disease.

What are the risk factors for lung cancer?

Gender: Unfortunately, women seem to be more vulnerable to lung cancer. Research has shown that female smokers are more susceptible to the cancer-causing chemicals found in cigarettes. In another study, a gene linked to abnormal lung cancer cell growth was found to be more active in women than in men. It did not matter whether the women smoked or not.

A family history of lung cancer: Evidence suggests that there is a lung cancer gene which predisposes offspring to develop lung cancer. However, the evidence is far from conclusive as the situation is made difficult by the fact that offspring of smokers have been exposed to a smoking environment since childhood and would therefore have a greater risk for developing the disease.

Scarring from previous lung disease : Scarring in lungs caused by tuberculosis or other lung disease can be a risk factor for lung cancer.

Second-hand smoke: Exposure to second-hand smoke has been shown to be a definite risk factor. Your risk increases by 30 percent from daily exposure to second-hand smoke. This is probably the most significant risk factor for lung cancer in non-smokers.

Exposure to radon: Radon is an odorless gas than can seep out of the soil into buildings. Worse yet, the gas can seep from the soil into water near residential communities. Radon has been implicated as a potential cause of lung cancer.

Air pollution: Long-term occupational exposure to diesel exhaust fumes may increase lung cancer risk by 47%. Air pollution in general is a risk factor in the general population. Swedish researchers estimate that as many as 1 in 10 cases of lung cancer may be caused by air pollution in the Swedish capital city, Stockholm.

Past Cancer Treatment: Researchers in Sweden who looked at the medical records of 140,000 breast cancer patients found that there was an increase of lung cancer 5 to 20 years after breast cancer treatment. Suspicion is that radiotherapy in the chest area may have made the lungs more susceptible to the disease.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy: According to researchers at the University of Pittsburg, estrogen may fuel the growth of non small-cell lung cancer.

What preventative measures can we take?

Diet: An apple a day may keep lung cancer away. A Finnish study suggests that apples not only keep doctors away, but provide protection for the lungs as well. This study found that people who ate the most apples were 58 % less likely to develop lung cancer. Other studies suggest that lung cancer risk is lower among smokers and non smokers who ate at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily.

Beta Carotene: A high intake of beta carotene compounds can lower your lung cancer risk; however, studies also show that the beta carotene is only effective when the compounds are ingested from whole foods such as peaches, melon, carrots, mangoes, dark leafy vegetables, squash etc. The opposite effect seems to take place with beta carotene supplements. A Finnish study reported 18% more lung cancer cases among heavy smokers who took beta carotene supplements. And a National Cancer Study on the effects of vitamin A and beta carotene was halted because smokers taking the supplements had 28% more lung cancer than those taking a placebo.

Cancer of the Lung Lining

2006-01-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural Mesothelioma or malignant pleural mesothelioma is cancer in the layer of the lungs that can spread to the lungs. The spread of the tumor over the pleura results in pleural thickening. This hinders the reflexivity of the pleura and encases the lungs in an increasing restrictive belt. With the lungs thus restricted, they get constricted in no time and a person is always out of breath.

Pleural mesothelioma can be:

- Diffuse and malignant (carcinogenic)

- Localized and benign (non-cancerous)

Benign pleural mesothelioma can be removed surgically, but the malignant tumors are the real terror heads.

Most common among other mesothelioma cases, Pleural Mesothelioma is caused due to exposure to blue asbestos for a longer period of time, say 20 years, in which time the disease incubates only to show its fearful countenance via certain symptoms.

The symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

The symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma include difficulty in breathing, difficulty in sleeping, pain in the chest and abdominal regions, blood vomits, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, lower back pains, persistent coughing, hoarseness of voice, sensory loss and difficulty in swallowing.

Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma

The first step is to go through a chest X-ray or a CT scan (computed chest tomograph), which will reveal a pleural thickening and an effusion. This is followed by a bronchoscopy. However, it should always be left to a medical practitioner for a better understanding of the respective cases. Another method is a biopsy, which can be a needle biopsy, an open biopsy, or a thoracoscopy, where a mini camera is inserted inside the body and with that a tissue sample is attained for further diagnosis.

Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma

Treatment is directly proportional to the time of the revelation of the disease, i.e., at an early stage the tumor can be removed through surgery.

A pioneering mesothelioma treatment option is immunotherapy, e.g., intrapleural inoculation of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a useful mesothelioma treatment in which an effort is made to intensify the immune response.

Radiation treatment and chemotherapy is probably then the answer to the malignant pleural mesothelioma, but this can aid the pain management only; there's no escaping death with Pleural Mesothelioma.

Side effects of Treatment

The side effects and penalty of mesothelioma lung cancer treatment are more than its treatment, which is damaged healthy tissues, a state of absolute fatigue ness; excessive radiation causes the skin to become red, dry and itchy.

Other side effects of radiotherapy are nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, urinary discomfort and a sudden reduction in the number of white blood corpuscles.

The average life span of a person with Pleural Mesothelioma is up to 6 months to a year and the maximum can reach up to 5 years - the magnesium-silicate mineral fibers take its toll that's more than painful.

Other factors that may accelerate the possibility of pleural mesothelioma are chronic lung infections, tuberculous pleuritis, radiation (Thorotrast), exposure to the simian virus 40 (SV40) or mineral fibers (Zeolite) and tobacco smoking to a certain extent.

Pleural Mesothelioma does not give a person the avenue for fair play. Though the existence depends much on the various stages of the disease, it is an ultimate killing menace that sucks out the life of the common man.

Fred Lindell is a successful writer and publisher of health related issues, for more informative articles go to http://www.mesotheliomaplaza.com/

Mesothelioma - Early Detection is a Matter of Life or Death

2006-01-14T10:19:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma - Early Detection is a Matter of Life or Death by Rick Hendershot

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer where cancerous cells develop in the mesothelium -- a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Like most cancers, early detection of mesothelioma greatly increases the chances of beating the disease.

But early detection is more difficult with mesothelioma because it has a long dormancy period of 30 or 40 years in which the cancer remains fairly inactive and causes very few symptoms. When the disease passes into its active phase it rapidly spreads to the internal organs such as the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. In its active phase it is very difficult to treat successfully because it develops and spreads so quickly.

Causes of mesothelioma

Mesothelioma was barely in the public eye until a few years ago. It has a very specific cause -- exposure to asbestos. And the dangers of asbestos exposure were not widely acknowledged until the 1970s and 80s when its serious health implications could no longer be ignored.

As often happens in cases involving commercial products with harmful side effects, there was tremendous resistance to acknowledging its dangers. In the case of asbestos, it was a product that had some very important properties that made it ideal for insulation applications.

During the first half of the previous century, right up until the mid 1970s asbestos was the default material used to retard heat transfer in buildings, machines, heavy equipment, and a broad range of commercial applications. Because it was plentiful and inexpensive to mine, asbestos was widely used in building products such as home insulation, floor, ceiling and roof tiles. It was also used in commonly found commercial products such as brake linings and pipe insulation.

This meant that millions of people were coming in contact with asbestos on a daily basis. And since the effects of exposure to asbestos fibre often do not become apparent for 30 or 40 years after prolonged exposure, there often appeared to be no immediate health risk. This was especially important in the case of workers who mined and processed asbestos. Although workers were regularly getting sick and often had premature, painful deaths, the long period of dormancy of mesothelioma made it difficult to make the connection to asbestos.

Even short term asbestos exposure will cause mesothelioma

Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is directly related to the length of time you are exposed to asbestos. The health risk also increases with the intensity of the exposure to asbestos.

However, an exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. At the age of 48, Canadian Member of Parliament Chuck Strahl, was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma and traces the cause back to changing brake pads on logging equipment after he graduated from high school. Strahl's case is a good example of the fact that Mesothelioma has a latency period of anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Like thousands of others he developed the disease long after his exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

Because of its long dormancy period, mesothelioma is often not detected until it enters its active, aggressive stage. Pleural mesothelioma - cancer of the lung lining - causes shortness of breath or chronic coughing. Unfortunately these symptoms can easily be mistaken for allergies or a common cold. And in fact this form of mesothelioma is often discovered by accident when patients think they have one of these more common illnesses. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include chest pain, chronic coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, wheezing, hoarseness, weight loss, or blood in the phlegm from the lungs when coughing.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and intestines and is usually just as dangerous. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include pain or swelling in the abdomen, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia, and fever.

Treatment of mesothelioma

Unfortunately, by the time most infected people become aware they have mesothelioma it has ceased being dormant and becomes extremely aggressive. Once it is no longer dormant, this type of cancer can travel quickly, and this makes it almost impossible to stop.

While there are treatments that are available in order to keep the patient comfortable, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and as many as 75% of those who develop the disease will lose their life within one year. The remainder may last for up to an additional six months.

Among the treatments that are used in order to reduce the effects of the disease are oxygen, postural drainage and pain killers. A wide range of treatment approaches are being tested, ranging from attempts to fortify the body's natural immune system to gene therapy which tries to attack the problem at the DNA level. Other alternative treaments such as homeopathy, herbs and acupuncture have also been tired. But none have yet been shown to be very effective once the disease reaches the aggressive stage.

Given the generally poor prognosis for people who do not catch the disease in time, early detection is the best defence against mesothelioma. If you have worked in an industry such as construction or suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos, be alert for symptoms and contact your doctor immediately. Like all forms of cancer, detecting mesothelioma at the earliest stage possible greatly increases your chances for survival.

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

About the Author
Rick Hendershot is a writer and publisher of The Linknet Publishing Network featuring article writing and distribution and Power Listings to promote your products or services.

Finding Valuable Mesothelioma Cancer Information

2006-01-02T19:25:00.000-08:00

Cancer, as everything else, has been largely discussed on the Internet. There are many sites dedicated to cancer diseases, to people suffering from cancers, to their friends and families. The Internet is a good source of valuable cancer information, but there is more to it than that. It is a means to integrate the suffering into a network of virtual friends and supporters, which doesn't let them feel isolated and alone.

The Internet helps friends and families of deceased people to realize that they are not alone with their pain, and that many people are going through the same terrible plot. One of the best traits of cancer information sites is that they unite people and help them overcome their grief.

There are a variety of forums and online discussions meant to bring people together. Cancer is a topic of great interest for many people. Anyone can read and respond to, there are options for instant messages with fellow cancer patients, cancer survivors, and cancer supporters.

One useful site for friends and family members of ill patients is Cancer and Careers.com's "What You Can Do as a Friend". It props you up with information about what your behavior in front of the ill friend should be. You shouldn't talk about certain things, neither be too optimistic, nor be too negative in your expectations.

Your main duty as a friend should be supportive and encouraging. This cancer information is very helpful at the beginning. Another essential book for friends may be Facing Cancer Together: How to Help Your Friend or Loved One by Pamela N. Brown. It can help a lot in guiding your attitude towards your ill friend.

Valuable cancer information can be found at cancernews.com. There is a large list of directories meant to give orientation to people for any local cancer support groups. Most of them can also be found at the Cancer Information Network. There are many organizations supporting cancer hotlines-- one of them is The National Cancer Institute, their site being reached at cancer.gov, others are Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization (Their site is: y-me.org/hotline), the RA Bloch Cancer Foundation Cancer Hotline (1-800-433-0464), and the Lung Cancer Alliance Toll-free Hotline (1-800-298-2436).

There are also a lot of specific information sites about different types of cancers: see Mesothelioma-net ( a site, designed to offer cancer information on the specific types of mesothelioma, its treatment, and coping strategies and so on). Another site which presents you a list of all cancers is The Cancer Information Network (at cancerlinksusa.com); and, of course, The American Cancer Society (cancer.org). The latter one gives you information on everything from prevention and early detection strategies, as well as treatment and cancer information by type. There are great statistics and investigations included, which offer you information from the past 100 years. .

About the Author
Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning health and research. Learn more at Cancer Information

Asbestos Lawyers Can Help You

2005-11-11T23:17:00.000-08:00

Each year, hundreds of people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma. This condition is a deadly condition that could have been prevented. If you or someone you know has it, contacting an asbestos lawyer is in your favor. There are many laws that prohibit the use of and handling of asbestos materials. Unfortunately, this disease is one of the most deadly. It only makes sense to punish those who put you in this situation in the first place. Asbestos lawyers can do just that for you.

Mesothelioma is a disease that is contracted when individuals are exposed to asbestos materials. These materials were used in many of the homes and buildings constructed only a few decades ago. The materials have been banned from use years ago. What makes Mesothelioma so deadly is the fact that it hides within the body for years, decades even. As it slowly worsens, symptoms become apparent. But, when these symptoms begin to show and medical treatment is sought, it is often too late to treat and death is really around the corner.

For those individuals who have been exposed to asbestos materials within their lifetimes, it is important to insure that your doctor knows about it and can monitor you for any symptoms.

Asbestos lawyers can help you get your medical bills paid, help you get your affairs in order, and help you punish the individuals who have allowed this to happen to you in the first place. Asbestos lawyers will listen to your individual case and help you determine the right course of action to take. They are willing to help you fix what has been taken from your life. You can find asbestos lawyers throughout the internet and in your local neighborhoods.

It is important for all individuals who think that they have been exposed to asbestos to contact their doctors immediately. There is simply no time to wait. And, once your doctor confirms your condition, whether you have full blown Mesothelioma or not, contact an asbestos lawyer right away.

What is a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

2005-11-10T21:36:00.000-08:00

Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Asbestos was used as a building material years ago because it was not flammable and did not conduct electricity. However, later studies have shown it can cause some forms of cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the inner lining of the chest, is one of those forms of cancer. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.

The Mesothelioma Lawyer and Asbestos Cases

Before asbestos was found to be a potential cause for cancer, it was seen as a great building material. Therefore it was used a lot, and both workers who installed it and employees who worked in these buildings were unknowingly exposed to a cancerous element. These people are only now seeing the effects of their exposure to asbestos, and are bringing cases against the companies that either installed it or owned the buildings. The cases are increasing, causing a need for a specialized brand of lawyer - the mesothelioma lawyer.

Some types of asbestos that can cause cancer:

Amosite
Anthophyllite
Chrysotile
Crocidolite

Mesothelioma Lawyers and the Courtroom

Though has not yet been definitively proven that asbestos cause Mesothelioma, many studies have been done to prove a link between the two... enough studies to make mesothelioma lawyers very busy. The asbestos is made of loosely bonded fibers, which can easily be separated. These fibers can float in the air and easily get into your respiratory system. Before these studies, when asbestos was used as a common material, no one suggested the need for proper safety procedures - a fact that mesothelioma lawyers point to as a reason their clients now have this form of cancer.

Protect yourself in the community

2005-11-10T20:51:00.000-08:00

The “Armley tragedy” is a classic story of the risk asbestos presents to a ommunity. This case involved a large number of people who lived in this suburb of Leeds, close to a factory which produced asbestos. Many of the people affected did not work, and have never worked,with asbestos. However, they played in the streets around the factory as children and were exposed to asbestos dust in the immediate vicinity.
As a result, many of those children, now adults, have developed asbestos-related diseases (specifically mesothelioma), even though the factory stopped operating as long ago as 1958.Many old buildings still contain asbestos and,as it deteriorates, asbestos dust may be released into the atmosphere. High levels of asbestos dust, for example, have been found in old schools and hospitals. Demolition or repair work can stir up asbestos dust and send it into the atmosphere. Fire damage can do the same. The building in which you work or live may contain asbestos.

How can you protect yourself?

1 Do not touch or interfere with the suspected
asbestos. Asbestos is most harmful when it
is disturbed or when it starts to disintegrate.
It is the dust created by interference which
causes harm. Leave it alone and seek
advice from experts

2 If you are suspicious that you are living in a
building that contains asbestos, speak to
those who control or occupy the building. If
you are not satisfied with their response,
contact the Health and Safety Executive, the
Environmental Health Department or your
local authority housing department for their
advice.

3 The demolition or repair of buildings
containing asbestos is strictly controlled by
law. However, these controls are not always
observed and work may be carried out on
buildings which are not known to contain
asbestos. If you are concerned that
asbestos dust is being created by any such
work or you are concerned about controls
or precautions taken in such work, contact
the Health and Safety Executive or
Environmental Health Department
immediately. They will be able to investigate
and reassure you

Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma Cancer main factors

2005-11-10T08:27:00.000-08:00

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 an 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.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

2005-10-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

What are peritonea-mesothelioma Cancers?

peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are the cancers that spread in the mesothelium tissues. Mesothelium in general is the name of tissue that forms lining of different body organs such as heart, lungs, abdomen and reproductive organs. The lining around abdominal organs is known as peritoneal membrane. Lining around lungs is called pleural membrane while the lining around heart is called pericardium.

These linings perform two functions. They protect the internal organs by producing a lubricating fluid and to allow the smooth movement of the internal organs. peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are the cancers affecting these membranes. The names of the cancers depend on the tissue or linings they affect. Peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma, pleural peritonea-mesothelioma and pericardial peritonea-mesothelioma are the names of cancers of linings of abdomen, lungs and heart, respectively. Pleural peritonea-mesothelioma is the most common of all peritonea-mesothelioma cancers and is found in 70 % of the peritonea-mesothelioma patients. Peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma constitutes 10% to 20% of the peritonea-mesothelioma patients while third type pericardial peritonea-mesothelioma, is rare.

Symptoms of peritonea-mesothelioma Cancers

Symptoms of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are same as of other common diseases. It makes diagnosis peritonea-mesothelioma cancers a difficult task. Pain and swelling in abdomen, weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite and nausea are some symptoms of peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma. Symptoms of pleural peritonea-mesothelioma are persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, chest pains, lower back pains and difficulty in swallowing.

History

History of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers goes back to as far back as 1900s. It took about 60 years to gather sufficient information about these peritonea-mesothelioma cancers. By the end of sixth decade of last century, experts could conclude that exposure to asbestos particles is the reason behind the disease. J. C. Wagner was first researcher to report 32 cases of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers and confirmed its association with asbestos exposure.

One alarming fact about the peritonea-mesothelioma cancers is its extended latency period. These cancers may remain asymptomatic in the body for even up to 50 years. Chances of survival for peritonea-mesothelioma patients are rare and the average survival period after diagnosis is not more than 12-24 months. Surgery if diagnosed early, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some common treatments for all types of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers. People suffering from peritonea-mesothelioma cancers can file lawsuits to recover damages for medical expenses and other damages. They can file the lawsuits against the persons and companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure. About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and peritonea-mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org for information on asbestos reform,peritonea-mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.Copyright Kirsten Hawkins - http://www.asbestosblog.orgperitoneal-mesothelioma

Mesothelioma - Cancer That Strikes 40 Years Later

2005-10-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

In his article called "Knee Deep in Asbestos", freelance writer Phil Jones relates how when he was a teenager he worked for a brief time in an asbestos mine in the Yukon. One of the features of daily life was the constant presence of asbestos dust in the air. As Jones writes,

"There were employees that worked in the mill whose sole job was to sweep up the dust that fell on the floor. There was so much of it that this was a constant ongoing job. The asbestos dust in the mill actually fell almost like snow and covered the floor completely. Without sweepers there would probably have been several inches of asbestos dust on the floor within an hour or so. In fact, I remember seeing sweepers go by pushing their wide brooms and the new dust settling onto the floor behind them as they walked."

This story illustrates a number of the more sinister aspects of the whole mesothelioma story.

First, over the course of many decades, countless workers were placed in work environments where they were exposed to high levels of asbestos fibre with little protection. Their exposure to asbestos fibres was constant and often took place over a very long period of time - in most cases, over many years.

Second, the owners and managers of these work places were often either unaware of the risk of mesothelioma, or they actively attempted to hide or cover up those risks.

Third, since the effects of exposure to asbestos fibre often do not become apparent for 30 or 40 years after prolonged exposure, there often appeared to be no immediate health risk in these work environments. This made it very difficult for workers or their representatives to make a convincing case that worker health was being sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed.

For more information about mesothelioma, the causes of mesothelioma, the effects of mesothelioma, and the legal courses of action open to mesothelioma victims, see the link below.

Who Is At Increased Risk For Developing Mesothelioma?

2005-09-10T08:15:00.000-07:00

Since the late 1800's Asbestos has been mined and used commercially. The use of Asbestos dramatically increased during World War II and since the early 1940's millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust working within industries where initally the risks were not known. There has been widespread exposure to Asbestos by workers within shipyards, mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople and an increase risk of deveolping mesothelioma has been the result. .

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. By contrast, the British Government's Health and Safety executive (HSE) states formally that any threshold for mesothelioma must be at a very low level and it is widely agreed that if any such threshold does exists at all, then it cannot currently be quantified. For practical purposes, therefore, HSE does not assume that any such threshold exists. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.

To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. The Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of mesothelioma have resulted. Smoking current cigarettes does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.

There is no curative treatment. Close monitoring (routine X-rays or even pleural biopsy) for mesothelioma is mandated. Oxygen therapy at home is often necessary to relieve the shortness of breath. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes respiratory treatments to remove secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Aerosol medications to thin secretions may be prescribed

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General Information for Asbestos Cancer and Mesothelioma

2005-09-10T08:07:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition of the serous membrane covering the body cavities viz. pleura, pericardium or peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is an occupational disease. It primarily occurs in the workers who come in close contact with asbestos.

PR9.NET September 20, 2005 - Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition of the serous membrane covering the body cavities viz.
pleura, pericardium or peritoneum. Mesothelioma is an occupational disease. It primarily occurs in the workers who come in closecontact with asbestos. i.e. workers in manufacturing units of asbestos or carpenters who inhale the dust coming out of asbestossheets while cutting the sheets. Primarily, Mesothelioma occurs in the pleura i.e. the membranous covering on the lungs. From herethrough blood vessels it may reach the pericardium, the serous covering on heart or to peritoneum, the serous layer on the inside ofthe abdomen.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma comes in two types, benign type which does not spread and malignant type which spreads to other parts of the body.
The spread of Mesothelioma may occur by continuity i.e. direct spread to the other parts of pleura thus involving a greater part of pleural membrane or it may spread by contiguity i.e. direct spread to the adjoining parts of lung & trachea i.e. windpipe.

Prevention Care for Mesothelioma

As is true with any disease prevention is better than cure. It holds true especially with Mesothelioma as chances of survival are not significant after Mesothelioma especially malignant type. All the workers should be provided with protective gear which covers their noses & filters air of asbestos particles before it enters the nose.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma generally presents with symptoms pertaining to respiratory system. Chest pain, persistent cough, excessive sputum which may be blood stained are the symptoms patients have. The doctor that treats Mesothelioma is a thoracic surgeon who has had specialty training in chest surgery after basic graduate degree in medicine. For the diagnosis of Mesothelioma x ray chest is the baseline investigation which rules out other respiratory diseases having similar presentation. HRCT i.e. high resolution CT scan of the chest shows the involved part of the pleura and the lung with the spread to the adjoining structures. Histopathology in which a very small part of the suspected lesion i.e. diseased part is removed surgically, stained with special dyes and subjected to microscopic
examination helps in grading i.e. knowing the severity of the disease.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

The treatment of the disease is essentially surgical. The surgeon opens the thorax i.e. the chest cavity through thoracotomy incision,
verifies the extent of the spread of disease and then he may choose to remove the involved part by local resection or pleurectomy by removing the pleura or pulmonectomy which involves removing the affected part of the lung with pleura. After the patient recuperates from the surgery and surgical wounds heal the patient may be subjected to radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending upon the
severity of the disease. In radiotherapy, the affected part of the patient is subjected to high energy x ray radiation which kills the leftover microscopic cells of the Mesothelioma. In chemotherapy, anticancer medication is given through intravenous injections to kill those microscopic cells of cancer which have reached other pars of the body through blood. Sometimes radiotherapy & chemotherapy
is used pre-operatively i.e. before surgery to reduce inadvertent spread of the tumor cells during the surgery.
Choosing a right thoracic surgeon who will chalk out a proper treatment plan insures a positive outcome with maximum benefit.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper
medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein