Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit Analysis And Opinion

Posted on May 7, 2010

Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit Analysis and Opinion

After completing my medical degree in India I came back home to Los Angeles to complete my medical education through residency.Visit here http://mesotheliomatreatment-option.blogspot.com

During my time back I began online research into areas of interest mainly related to oncology. Mesothelioma was a disease that I had first hand information on due to a close family member suffering from this disease. So this influenced me into creating a website DailyMesothelioma.com that would explain and inform others about mesothelioma and in particular asbestos related mesothelioma. Through ongoing research I came across an abundance of information and case studies regarding asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits.

I have come across many asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit articles from Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Rhode Island, and much of America. Veterans and Armed Service mesothelioma lawsuits were also found. This opened my eyes to see the extent of asbestos exposure that surrounds all these cases. From what I have read asbestos has been banned in the U.S since 1989 according to the EPA. But the products and factories that continue to have asbestos is staggering to say the least. Most of the asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits that I have read involve plaintiffs pursuing litigation against multiple corporations for millions of of dollars in damages. There have been quite a few successful cases and I believe there will will continue to be more to come.

While continuing to build my website I decided to make my research broader and to also include all types of lung cancer and breast cancer. Through more research in these areas I believe it will provide more information for cancer patients and families. Asbestos related mesothelioma is rampant in many developing countries like China, and India due to poor regulations of asbestos and its use. This will lead to many cases of asbestos lung mesothelioma, and through more education an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit.Visit here http://mesotheliomatreatment-option.blogspot.com

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How Common is Mesothelioma?

Posted on May 14, 2010

A problem in determining mesothelioma incidence is that it has not always been accurately diagnosed. Many cases have been thought to be another form of lung cancer called adenocarcinoma of the lung, which looks very similar.

However, there is much agreement that diagnoses of mesothelioma increased between the mid-1970s and mid to late-1980s, and is now thought to be somewhere between seven and forty per million people in Western countries. In 1980 U.S. death rates from mesothelioma were approximately 2,000 per year, and by the late 1990s, they were at about 3,000 per year.

Between 1973 and 1984, pleural (lung) mesothelioma cases increased threefold in white males but remained steady among females. It most often occurs in males but can occur in anyone, even in children.

Asbestos Exposure

Between 1940 and 1979, about 27.5 million Americans were exposed to asbestos in their work place. Most often this is a background factor in those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma, but not always, as some people with mesothelioma have had no exposure to asbestos. However, incidence of mesothelioma among the family members of those who worked around it is higher than in the general population. The asbestos fibers were unwittingly brought home in the worker’s clothing and hair so that they contaminated the home and endangered the family.

Incidence Peaking

Many studies have been done and continue to be done on mesothelioma. It is thought now that mesothelioma incidence may have peaked and will decline to an ongoing level of about 500 cases each year.

The U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) has been assembling annual statistics on mesothelioma incidence since 1973. According to the NCI, the rise in numbers of cases corresponds to the rise and subsequent decline in use of asbestos in industry and its associated effects on workers. The decline in mesothelioma cases has been noticed since the early 1990s.

In Britain the figures form a pattern which will peak around the year 2020, as the maximum exposure to workers occurred in the 1970s. In the U.S. it occurred in the 1950s.

Male Age Breakdown

Statistics show that beginning in 1973, mesothelioma increased sharply in incidence for males aged 55 and up.

· After 1983, incidence flattened out for males aged 55 to 74

· After 1989, incidence flattened out for males aged 75 and up

· Males aged between 45 and 54 had no increase in incidence and remained relatively low

The greatest number of mesothelioma cases has always been in males aged 75 or more. The second greatest number of cases has been among males aged 65 to 74. The age brackets of 55 to 64 and 45 to 54 have never spiked as high as the higher age brackets.

In the U.S. increased awareness of the dangers of asbestos combined with the U.S. government regulations and guidance programs has greatly reduced worker exposure. Exposure is projected to remain low and to keep mesothelioma risk low in the future.

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Causes and Treatment of Mesothelioma

Posted on May 19, 2010

Causes and Treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. In fact, mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, the sheath that covers major organs such as the lungs (pleurum), the heart (pericardium) and the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common kind.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become embedded in the lining of the lungs. Due to their small needle-like size, the normal defenses of the body are unable to detect them. Usually, any foreign bodies such as this would either be coughed up, or be removed through a build-up of mucus around them. But nor asbestos. They cause inflammation of the lungs and tissue damage, leading to scarring and coughing. These are the initial symptoms of asbestosis, though asbestosis is not mesothelioma.

No one knows for sure why cancers develop, but once cancerous cells are formed in the pleura, it gradually becomes thicker, and over time restricts breathing and causes shortness of breath and coughing. What is known as ‘pleural effusion’ occurs, as the fluid of the pleura, designed to lubricate the movement of the lungs against the other organs nearby, builds up and exerts pressure on the lungs. The thickening of the pleura continues as an increasing number of cells become cancerous, until death eventually occurs.

The Effect of Smoking

Although smoking is known to lead to a number of forms of cancer, it does not in itself promote mesothelioma. However, a patient that has been exposed to asbestos, and who also smokes, will be more liable to contract the disease than a non-smoker will. This is why smokers are generally awarded lower sums in compensation than non-smokers with the same condition. However, it would be wrong to state that smoking is a cause of mesothelioma.

It is, however, the cause of many more lung cancer cases than mesothelioma caused by asbestos, and smoking and asbestos together also increase the risk of the patient developing general lung cancer, just as prolonged exposure to asbestos causes more than just mesothelioma. Asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are not the same thing.

Symptoms

The major symptoms are shortness of breath, weight loss, nausea and pain. This is true of all forms of mesothelioma, not only pleural mesothelioma. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdomen becomes very painful and distended, just as the pleural version causes tightening and swelling in the chest due to pleural effusion. The pressure created can also result in pain, apart from that of the cancer itself.

Diagnosis

If the disease is not diagnosed early, then survival is unlikely. Therefore, any person who has previously worked in the asbestos industry, or has used asbestos in their employment, should make their doctor aware of that fact. They can then be placed on a schedule of regular examinations designed to detect the first signs of the disease. If the condition is detected early enough, most treatments available can be used effectively, and surgery is much more likely to be effective if the area affected is able to be isolated.

If you have contracted the disease, stopping smoking is essential, and you must try to avoid all infections of the lungs and airways. It is possible to have the condition treated, but if diagnosed too late then treatment tends to be palliative, and designed to make the patient as comfortable as possible.

It is essential, therefore, that people that have a history of contact with asbestos inform their physician immediately to make sure that if the symptoms do occur, they are spotted before any lasting harm can be done. Only then will there be a hope of a cure and successful recovery from this insidious disease.

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Mesothelioma – History, Hazards And Dietary Advice

Posted on May 25, 2010

Mesothelioma – History, Hazards And Dietary Advice

History of asbestos.

There are four main types of asbestos; Amosite (brown fibers), Anthophyllite (gray fibers), white Christie, and blue Crocidolite. Chrysotile has curly fibers while the other three have rod like fibers. These fibers fragment into dust quite readily and waft into the air. They can adhere to skin or clothing and are easily swallowed or inhaled.

Half a century ago, asbestos was hailed by many as a miracle product. They said nearly anything could be made from this mineral. It as used as an additive to reinforce mortar and plastics. Asbestos fibers can also be separated into fine threads that do not conduct electricity and are unaffected by heat or chemicals.

Use of asbestos drastically increased during World War II. Shipbuilding incorporated 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 readily obtained, processed, and transported. After WWII cars used asbestos in brake 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, following the discoveries of the health dangers of asbestos dust inhalation, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission prohibited the use of asbestos in several products that could liberate asbestos fibers into the environment during use. Regulations governing the use of asbestos and public concern since 1970 have created a significant drop in the use of asbestos in the United States. The same pattern has been seen in most of the developed world.

In 1989 all new uses of asbestos were banned by the Environmental Protection Agency while any old uses before that year were still allowed. 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 . They recommended outdoor use, limiting the amount of dust used, and keeping vermiculite damp.

Health hazards

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 contact but usually need continued exposure. This often means on jobs such as mining, milling, manufacturing asbestos products, and the building construction industry. Firemen, demolition and destruction workers, drywall removers, and anyone else involved in trades that involve destruction of buildings, ships, and automobiles are also exposed to the hazards of asbestos.

Over a number 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.

Mesothelioma may not develop for 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, 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.

Dietary advice for Mesothelioma patients

Doctors and nutritionists may recommend a special cancer diet because many mesothelioma patients tend to lose their appetites due to worry over their condition. Also, those who are undergoing treatment may choose not to eat because of the unpleasant side effects they may experience. Chemotherapy and some medications may cause an imbalance of nutrients that must be corrected in order to keep the body as strong as possible and to keep the patient from losing an excessive amount of weight. Other side effects of mesothelioma treatment can include nausea, vomiting, constipation,dry mouth and a change in the sense of smell or taste.

In our childhood we were all told to eat our vegetables. Forcing down cabbage and sprouts was supposed to make us bigger and stronger. Well, so it is for mesothelioma patients. Diet is often an overlooked subject for cancer patients, but eating the right nutritional foods for strength and energy is just as important as taking the proper medication.

Mesothelioma patients undergoing treatment must follow a special cancer diet devised by their nutritionists. The details of every patient’s mesothelioma diet will vary. Some patients will need to incorporate more fat into their diets, while others may need more protein. Cancer diets involve eating the correct amounts of protein and calories as well as drinking the right amount of water to keep the ailing body replenished and energized. The body needs plenty of nourishment when it is going through chemotherapy or even when the patient is taking certain medications.

It is important that patients devise a cancer diet under the guidance of their doctor and nutritionist to ensure that they obtain the proper amount of nutrients to improve their quality of life.

Protein is important for any cancer patient because it helps repair tissue damaged by surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Protein also helps maintain a strong and healthy immune system, lowering a mesothelioma patient’s risk of infection after aggressive cancer treatments. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing protein in a cancer diet with cheese, milk, ice cream, yoghurt, eggs, nuts, peanut butter, meats and fish.

Fats are an essential part of the cancer diet because they supply the body with the necessary energy it needs while undergoing treatment. The amount of fats a cancer diet should consist of is dependent on a mesothelioma patient’s age and body size. The National Cancer Institute recommends increasing caloric intake with such foods as butter, milk, cheese, honey, sugar, granola and dried fruits.

Water is another essential component of the cancer diet. Without a significant amount of water, the body will dehydrate. It is important that anyone undergoing cancer treatment drink sufficient water to keep their bodies hydrated and replenished.

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesotheliomas

Posted on September 2, 2010

Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesotheliomas

Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, but both of these typically malignant mesotheliomas can be just as tragic. Peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the abdominal cavity, as opposed to the lungs and pleural areas of pleural mesothelioma. “Peritoneal” means it has to do with the peritoneum, which is a membrane that surrounds the abdominal area. “Pleural” refers to the pleura which is a membrane that surrounds the lungs. There is also a “pericardial” mesothelioma which targets the heart membrane first.

The lungs, abdominal area and heart all have a membrane made up of mesothelial cells, named the mesothelium. A cancerous attack of these membrane areas are mesotheliomas. Asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma in well over 90% of the cases. There are a few rare recorded cases of malignant mesothelioma when asbestos exposure was not identified. If you have been exposed to asbestos, there is a high chance you will suffer from an asbestos-caused disease such as asbestosis or pleural plaques. However, not all asbestos-caused diseases are fatal.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma can be fatal malignant mesotheliomas which spread uncontrollably, or they can be benign, when the tumor stays where it is and can likely be removed. Unexplainable weight loss is a mesothelioma symptom which may occur in as many as 90% of benign and malignant mesothelioma. Generally, benign mesothelioma tends to show less symptoms than malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma almost always includes abdominal pain. This is because there is excess fluid between the peritoneal membrane and the abdomen walls. Pleural mesothelioma has excess fluid in the pleural area and this causes shortness of breath and chest pain.

The mesothelioma symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma are not as outwardly visible as the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. In peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdomen can appear larger. Tumor masses may be visible, but external tumor visibility only occurs in a minority of peritoneal mesothelioma cases. Nausea is a common mesothelioma symptom with peritoneal mesothelioma, and the abdominal area will also be very tender.

In a healthy peritoneal area between the membrane and the wall, the peritoneal fluid helps the intestines move food. In peritoneal mesothelioma however, excess fluid causes bowel obstruction. The mesothelioma symptoms of extra fluid and bowel obstruction both contribute to abdominal pain. The bowel obstruction can also produce mesothelioma symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Many peritoneal malignant mesothelioma patients have reported mesothelioma symptoms of a burning sensation in the abdomen. Mesothelioma symptoms for peritoneal malignant mesothelioma may not surface for 20-30 years after asbestos exposure, but it generally surfaces sooner than pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is fortunately rare, however its rarity sometimes makes it harder to diagnose. The symptoms are similar to hernias and gall bladder problems, and identifying peritoneal mesothelioma in a CT scan is difficult. The medical industry is aware that asbestos-related diseases will be escalating over the upcoming years, and treatment for peritoneal malignant mesothelioma is undergoing many clinical trials. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have unexplainable abdominal pain and are experiencing unexplained weight loss, begin preliminary testing for peritoneal mesothelioma. The sooner the testing begins, the higher the chances for symptomatic relief, and hopefully today’s mesothelioma clinical trials will lead to a mesothelioma cure in the future.

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Quick Introduction to the Truth Behind Mesothelioma

Posted on August 31, 2010

Quick Introduction to the Truth Behind Mesothelioma

I decided to create this article for all the people out there, spending all day searching the keywords “what is mesothelioma and what problems does mesothelioma cause” on Google.

Many of us still do not know what is mesothelioma cancer or disease? Well this article will tell you more or less some of the information about Mesothelioma cancer or disease.

Mesothelium covers the external surfaces of the heart and lung. It also covers the inner surface of the chest wall and the inner surface of the sac that surrounds the heart called pericardium. In the lungs the mesothelium is called pleura, in the heart it is called pericardium, and in the abdominal cavity it takes the name of peritoneum.

Its primary role is to protect these organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows for movement. While mesothelioma can affect any of the mesothelial tissue in the body, it is most commonly seen in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium. Sadly, many patients are not diagnosed with mesothelioma until symptoms are present, and symptoms are not usually present until the cancer is in its advanced stages.

To understand this a little better, let’s clarify that the mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. It (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in the cells of the mesothelium, which become abnormal and divide without any control and order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) occurs when the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. Nearby tissues and organ can be affected and the cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body.

So what is Asbestos? Well, asbestos fibers cause lesions and scarring on the mesothelium, ultimately leading to the formation of tumors. The damaged cells secrete large amounts of a clear fluid that presses on the lungs and other organs, causing severe discomfort. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium.There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid and mixed. The epithelial type is the most common. Mesothelioma is a horrific disease where a particular type of cell (the mesothelium) divides without control. This division of cells can lead to mesothelioma.

Now, not everything is bad news. Benign mesothelioma may occur wherever there is mesothelium. It is localized and does not spread to nearby tissues. Cancer that occurs in the mesothelium tissue is called mesothelioma . Malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. The most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but mesothelioma may also occur in the peritoneum or the pericardium .

One of the ongoing problems, however, with this remedy is the fact that mesothelium cancer can take years before it starts to show. In some cases, this period has been over 40 years. The mesothelium makes fluid between the two layers that lubricates the movement of the organs it protects. It actually develops in the mesothelium; a thin, double-layered protective sheath that surrounds vital organs and body cavities.

The mesothelium that protects the chest and lungs is called the pleura and the mesothelium that surrounds the abdomen is called the peritoneum.

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Pericardial Mesothelioma – Cancer of the Heart Lining

Posted on August 29, 2010

Pericardial Mesothelioma – Cancer of the Heart Lining

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the pericardium – the lining of tissue around the heart. It is the rarest form of mesothelioma, making up less than ten percent of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure.

Many people believe that mesothelioma is a cancer that only affects the lungs. In fact, mesothelioma is cancer of the serous membranes, which line the three organ cavities in the center of the body. Their function is to secrete fluids to cushion and lubricate the organs within those cavities.

The pleura encases the lungs in the chest cavity, and the lubrication provided by the pleural mesothelium also helps in breathing. The peritoneal cavity contains the stomach and other abdominal organs, and is lined by the peritoneum. The pericardial cavity contains the heart, and the serous membrane that protects and surrounds it is known as the pericardium.

What Is Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Cancer is generally defined by the organ or area of the body in which it originates. Thus cancer that originates in the pericardial mesothelium is called pericardial mesothelioma.

No one is quite certain why pericardial mesothelioma is the most rare of the three known types, but some doctors have suggested that it has to do with the way that asbestos fibers work their way into the body.

Since most asbestos fibers are inhaled, it is expected that the highest percentage of mesothelioma cases would involve the pleural cavities. Asbestos fibers may make their way into the stomach and abdominal lining when phlegm and mucous containing asbestos fibers is swallowed.

Since there is no direct pathway from outside the body to the pericardium, some doctors suggest that the tiny asbestos particles literally work their way from the lungs through the pleura to invade the pericardial mesothelium.

Others theorize that the smaller asbestos fibers are carried out of the lungs by the blood, and become lodged in the heart lining as the blood is pumped through the heart. In any case, once the asbestos fibers become lodged in the serous tissue surrounding the heart, they irritate the body’s immune system and the chronic inflammation may cause the growth of cancerous tumors similar to those seen in pleural mesothelioma. The tumors may grow around the heart, constricting its movement and interfering with its functioning.

The Causes of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Because of the extreme rarity of this cancer, making a definitive link to any cause is difficult. There are less than two hundred cases of pericardial mesothelioma diagnosed per year, about ten percent of all mesothelioma cases.

Pericardial mesothelioma does seem to be strongly linked to asbestos exposure, as are the other forms of mesothelioma, though the connection is more difficult to establish because of the very small number of cases diagnosed and confirmed.

The Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

As the cancerous tumors grow and spread, the pericardial tissue expands and fluid accumulates around the heart. This can constrict the heart in its functioning and lead to chest pain and irregular heartbeat.

In most cases, pericardial mesothelioma is only discovered when it has advanced far enough to cause these physical symptoms. Occasionally, someone with pericardial mesothelioma may complain of other heart-related symptoms like shortness of breath and coughing.

Treatment for Pericardial Mesothelioma

Because the symptoms often do not become obvious until the cancer has reached the later stages of the disease, the treatment options are limited. The most common treatments recommended for this condition are surgery and radiation therapy, but the purpose is palliative (to relieve symptoms) rather than to remove or cure the cancer.

The prognosis for patients diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma is extremely poor, since the cancer is often so far advanced when it is discovered. Often, the life expectancy after diagnosis is only a couple of months.

Your Legal Rights

Because mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure, if you or a loved one have been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, you may have a legal right to compensation for your suffering and loss, as well as assistance with your medical expenses.

Companies who knowingly exposed their employees and the public to the dangers of asbestos have been held accountable for their actions by the courts, and have been forced to pay millions of dollars in compensation to those that were harmed by their recklessness and greed.

Unfortunately, the length of time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms can make it difficult to prove an association with a particular product or company. A lawyer skilled in asbestos and mesothelioma negotiation often has access to resources that will help identify those who are responsible for your condition, and understands the laws surrounding mesothelioma claims and litigation.

If you are suffering because of the negligence of the asbestos industry, contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn about your legal rights to seek compensation for your injuries.

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Mesothelioma Types and Their Symptoms

Posted on August 27, 2010

Mesothelioma Types and Their Symptoms

Mesothelioma, or the cancer of mesothelium, is a fatal tumor that affects pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium – linings around lungs, abdomen, and heart respectively. It is a fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral.

Mesothelioma cancer be benign, i.e. it can be non-cancerous and non-spreading or it can be malignant i.e. cancerous and spread to other parts of the body leading to death. Its primary cause is prolonged exposure to asbestos and it has a latency period of about 30 to 50 years.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can be classified into three types depending on the area of body affected by it. There are 3 common types of mesothelioma:

1. Pleural Mesothelioma

2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma

3. Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

The most common form of mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma (cancer of pleura) is a tumor of the protective lining around the lungs. It can be either benign or malignant.

The pleura is a sac-like membrane made of two layers between which the pleural fluid is released. This fluid in turn acts like a lubricating agent and helps the lungs to function smoothly during breathing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are:

* Shortness of breath

* Chest pain

* Back pain

* Pain in the rib cage

Other symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma, for both benign and cancerous forms, include:

* Fluid build-up in the lung lining

* Hoarseness

* Coughing up blood

* Swelling of the face and arms

* Muscle weakness

* Paralysis

* Sensory loss

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Another common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma or cancer of the peritoneum that causes tumor in the abdominal lining. Like pleural it can be benign or malignant.

The peritoneum is the membrane that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity and also includes:

* Tunica Vaginalis Testis (mesothelial tissue lining the male internal reproductive organs)

* Tunica Serosa Uteri (mesothelial tissue lining the female reproductive organs)

Symptoms

The fluid released in the peritoneum helps in the smooth functioning of these organs. When the peritoneum is affected, some common symptoms experienced are:

* Stomach pain

* Weight loss

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Hernia

* Bowel obstruction

* Fluid in the abdominal cavity

If the cancer spreads beyond the abdominal cavity, additional symptoms can be found, such as:

* Anemia

* Blood clotting abnormalities

* Trouble swallowing

* Swelling of neck, face or arms

Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma or the cancer of pericardium is a tumor of the protective sac-like lining around the heart.

Pericardium protects the heart by:

* Smoothening its motion against surrounding organs

* Limiting its motion so that it stays in the chest cavity

* Preventing it from over-expansion during excess influx of blood

Symptoms

When pericardium’s function is affected by mesothelioma, the following symptoms may occur:

* Chest pain

* Shortness of breath

* Fluid accumulation in the lining

If the mesothelioma cancer spreads to other organs of the body, it can affect their normal functioning and cause painful symptoms. Thus, it is important that mesothelioma cancer is diagnosed on time and proper treatment is given to save the patient’s life.

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Mesothelioma is A Rare Form Of Cancer

Posted on August 25, 2010

Mesothelioma is A Rare Form Of Cancer

Mesothelioma is one of the more rare forms of cancer which primarily attacks the lining of the lung, or the linings of the abdomen or heart. The mesothelium is a lining that covers the majority of your internal organs, hence the name.

While the origins of many types of cancers cannot be traced to any specific cause, mesothelioma can be directly traced back to exposure to asbestos or asbestos dust. The use of asbestos in thousands of products and applications increased after World War II and it was only some thirty years later, in the mid 1970s, that the relevant Health and Safety authorities throughout the world restricted the use of asbestos products in industry and in the home.

While a number of asbestos products may have been banned, particularly since the mid 1980’s, we are still faced with the fact that many buildings built before then contain asbestos products. Some asbestos products are still available today, even though the risk of exposure to the material has been widely reported. There is still no complete ban of this material.

We are faced, therefore, with a generation that was not protected from the physical damage caused by asbestos. Millions of workers were exposed to asbestos dust, by working in industries such as shipyards, asbestos mines and mills, the construction industry (particularly carpenters, drywall installers, etc) and many others. In addition, family members of trades people have been indirectly exposed simply by perhaps doing the laundry of their family member, and are consequently suffering with this disease.

Symptoms sometimes appear as long as 20 to 50 years after exposure. The mesothelioma symptoms which present themselves are, therefore, sometimes not immediately correctly diagnosed. They can easily be mistaken for more common conditions such as chest or heart problems. The symptoms are generally difficulty of breathing, coughing, chest pains, excessive tiredness or anemia. If the mesothelioma is present in the abdomen, symptoms would include weight loss, stomach pains, and abdominal swelling.

If a medical history reflects that the patient had been exposed to asbestos, however long ago, this should be fully investigated. The mesothelioma diagnosis, although sometimes difficult, can be confirmed after a physical examination, chest X-rays, or MRI scans have been completed. A biopsy would be the final confirmation of the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Depending on the location of the abnormality, tissue samples can be taken from the chest, throat, lungs or abdomen. Normally this will be done using advanced medical procedures such as scopes, but if these do not yield the required results, more extensive surgery may be required.

Because mesothelioma does not respond well to standard treatments for cancers, such as chemotherapy and radiation, the prognosis is generally very poor, and the disease is terminal. If it is diagnosed earlier, the patient may expect to live for up to five years after diagnosis. Most patients, however, do not live longer than 6 to 18 months after diagnosis.

Because of the research done into the damage caused by asbestos and asbestos dust, many families now consult a good mesothelioma attorney, of whom there are a number in Louisiana, who would be able to advise them of their legal position. The initial news that you or a family member have contracted this terminal disease is devastating, and thinking beyond the disease and what it means to you, is almost impossible. However, it is important to understand that you may be able to claim compensation, particularly if you were exposed to asbestos without any knowledge of the physical and terminal damage it was doing to your body.

A mesothelioma lawyer, experienced in such matters, will be able to give you sound and objective advice, based on facts and past cases. At a time when you are battling to come to terms with the reality of something you knew nothing about, a good lawyer will become an essential ally and advisor. It is crucial to establish the link between your disease and your exposure to asbestos. Legal firms today are working on an increasing number of cases, where the exposure was sometimes up to 50 years prior to diagnosis.

Unwittingly, you may have been carrying the disease for many years. The mesothelioma lawsuit will protect your rights, and will recompense you and your family for your loss. While it may seem inadequate, many families have benefited from the mesothelioma settlement and have been able to recover costs such as medical bills (which can be exorbitant), funeral costs, and loss of income.

Mesothelioma is one of the more rare forms of cancer which primarily attacks the lining of the lung, or the linings of the abdomen or heart. The mesothelium is a lining that covers the majority of your internal organs, hence the name.

While the origins of many types of cancers cannot be traced to any specific cause, mesothelioma can be directly traced back to exposure to asbestos or asbestos dust. The use of asbestos in thousands of products and applications increased after World War II and it was only some thirty years later, in the mid 1970s, that the relevant Health and Safety authorities throughout the world restricted the use of asbestos products in industry and in the home.

While a number of asbestos products may have been banned, particularly since the mid 1980’s, we are still faced with the fact that many buildings built before then contain asbestos products. Some asbestos products are still available today, even though the risk of exposure to the material has been widely reported. There is still no complete ban of this material.

We are faced, therefore, with a generation that was not protected from the physical damage caused by asbestos. Millions of workers were exposed to asbestos dust, by working in industries such as shipyards, asbestos mines and mills, the construction industry (particularly carpenters, drywall installers, etc) and many others. In addition, family members of trades people have been indirectly exposed simply by perhaps doing the laundry of their family member, and are consequently suffering with this disease.

Symptoms sometimes appear as long as 20 to 50 years after exposure. The mesothelioma symptoms which present themselves are, therefore, sometimes not immediately correctly diagnosed. They can easily be mistaken for more common conditions such as chest or heart problems. The symptoms are generally difficulty of breathing, coughing, chest pains, excessive tiredness or anemia. If the mesothelioma is present in the abdomen, symptoms would include weight loss, stomach pains, and abdominal swelling.

If a medical history reflects that the patient had been exposed to asbestos, however long ago, this should be fully investigated. The mesothelioma diagnosis, although sometimes difficult, can be confirmed after a physical examination, chest X-rays, or MRI scans have been completed. A biopsy would be the final confirmation of the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Depending on the location of the abnormality, tissue samples can be taken from the chest, throat, lungs or abdomen. Normally this will be done using advanced medical procedures such as scopes, but if these do not yield the required results, more extensive surgery may be required.

Because mesothelioma does not respond well to standard treatments for cancers, such as chemotherapy and radiation, the prognosis is generally very poor, and the disease is terminal. If it is diagnosed earlier, the patient may expect to live for up to five years after diagnosis. Most patients, however, do not live longer than 6 to 18 months after diagnosis.

Because of the research done into the damage caused by asbestos and asbestos dust, many families now consult a good mesothelioma attorney, of whom there are a number in Louisiana, who would be able to advise them of their legal position. The initial news that you or a family member have contracted this terminal disease is devastating, and thinking beyond the disease and what it means to you, is almost impossible. However, it is important to understand that you may be able to claim compensation, particularly if you were exposed to asbestos without any knowledge of the physical and terminal damage it was doing to your body.

A mesothelioma lawyer, experienced in such matters, will be able to give you sound and objective advice, based on facts and past cases. At a time when you are battling to come to terms with the reality of something you knew nothing about, a good lawyer will become an essential ally and advisor. It is crucial to establish the link between your disease and your exposure to asbestos. Legal firms today are working on an increasing number of cases, where the exposure was sometimes up to 50 years prior to diagnosis.

Unwittingly, you may have been carrying the disease for many years. The mesothelioma lawsuit will protect your rights, and will recompense you and your family for your loss. While it may seem inadequate, many families have benefited from the mesothelioma settlement and have been able to recover costs such as medical bills (which can be exorbitant), funeral costs, and loss of income.

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Top Mesothelioma Lawyer in New York

Posted on August 23, 2010

Top Mesothelioma Lawyer in New York

The incidence of mesothelioma has increased rapidly in New York for several reasons. One of these is the destruction of the World Trade Center, which released thousands of pounds of asbestos dust into the air. Anyone in the vicinity of the towers when they were destroyed is likely to have breathed some of this in, and is in danger of contracting mesothelioma. Unfortunately this is not he only source of asbestos poisoning, and many buildings that are still inhabited or being demolished are slowly leaking this deadly dust into the air.

So what is mesothelioma? It is a particular type of cancer that develops in the membranes of the lungs, heart and chest cavity. It can lead to inflexibility of the membranes, fluid buildup, internal bleeding and ulcers, but the one outcome of mesothelioma that is certain is death. There is no known cure or even an effective treatment, and all patients who contract this disease die within at least six months. Patients have been known to live to five years, but this is entirely unlikely.

Mesothelioma symptoms can vary, but most are respiratory in nature. They can include – but are not limited to – tightness in the chest, fluid buildup in the lungs or chest cavity, blood in the lung sputum, trouble breathing, fatigue, drowsiness, headaches and nausea. Many of these symptoms can present as a result of other illnesses that are far more common and less severe. The instance of lung cancer related to smoking is as high as 1 in every 1000 people in some states, while mesothelioma affects an average of only four people in every million.

As a result of the extremely small incidence of mesothelioma, diagnosis of this deadly disease is not easy. This is one of the contributing factors towards the high mortality rate for this disease, but a lot of doctors believe that once the asbestos contamination develops into mesothelioma there is nothing that can be done. The cancer is usually metastatic, which means that as soon as it becomes advanced enough it will move. If it starts in the bowel the tumors can reach the size of golf balls before they begin to cause discomfort. This is one of the reasons that mesothelioma diagnosis is so difficult.

Although it is little consolation to those living with mesothelioma you could be awarded a famous “mesothelioma settlement” if it can be proven that you condition is linked to previous exposure. This is a simple task of taking a biopsy from the area, and doctors can normally determine conclusively whether your mesothelioma resulted from asbestos, and possibly even where that asbestos came from! A top mesothelioma lawyer in New York can help you to win a large cash settlement if you have been the victim of asbestos neglect.

A mesothelioma lawsuit does not have to be a long and drawn out affair, and the clear-cut nature of these situations normally means that a mesothelioma attorney can arrange a settlement for you out of court. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, but certain law firms give the highest priority to mesothelioma cases because of the short life expectancy of those living with this disease. They believe that you should be able to enjoy your compensation, and they will make every effort to secure it as soon as possible.

The Johnson Law Group are passionate about mesothelioma cases, and are dedicated to securing the best cash settlements possible. If you do not want an annuity payment or structured settlement, then we will fight harder on your behalf and plead that your situation requires immediate compensation. Because the nature of a mesothelioma lawsuit you are far more likely to receive a lump sum payment than monthly or quarterly payments which will be of little use to your and your family.

If you are living with mesothelioma the Johnson Law Group expresses its deepest sympathy. We extend our hand to help you to fight against those responsible for your exposure to the deadly chemical asbestos and your subsequent ill health. There is no reason to keep quiet, and you can help to give thousands of other mesothelioma sufferers and their families hope by standing up against irresponsible landlords and industrial corporations.

Mesothelioma is only a killer in our country because of neglect, and if enough awareness is raised we can make sure that nobody has to suffer from this disease in our country. Call the Johnson Law Group today to lodge your claim and file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

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