Current radical mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy treatments, radiation treatments, surgical treatments and experimental therapies and drugs. Research news reports the limited success of present treatments for Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma research news indicates that traditional treatments viz. single or multi-drug chemotherapy has a response rate of about 20%. Radiation treatments, usually used in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy treatments can relieve pain and shrink tumors, making breathing easier. However, radiation treatments can also cause severe side effects.
Efforts To Combat Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can take between ten and sixty years to develop after inhalation of respirable asbestos fibers, but Mesothelioma progresses fast. Radical surgeries as mesothelioma treatments have had limited success. Surgical treatments attempted include extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy.
Treatment news indicates that in EPP over 15% patients die soon after surgery. EPP involves removal of pleura, diaphragm, pericardium, part of the phrenic nerve and the entire tumor-affected lung and has to be supported by chemotherapy or radiation.
The pleurectomy treatments involve removal of the pleura without removing the whole lung. These treatments are best in patients with good lung expansion who tend to accumulate fluid. In combination with radiation pleurectomy is reported in treatment news to have given 22-month survival in 50% and 24-month survival in 41% cases in a 27-patient group with mesothelioma of the epithelial subtype.
Surgical treatments of mesothelioma have not been shown to offer significant advantages over the limited non-surgical treatments. Experimental drugs under evaluation include treatments by Onconase, Lovastatin and an Endostatin and angiostatin combination.
The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America is funding research on mesothelioma cure. The USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles has completed Phase I Clinical Trials on a new mesothelioma treatment drug called Veglin.
Phase II Clinical trials of Veglin have begun in July 2004, opening exciting treatment possibilities for mesothelioma victims.
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Tuesday, August 18, 2009
How the Insurance Companies Look at Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer that is found in the mesothelium (or protective covering) of the lung, heart, and abdomen. It is caused by the exposure of asbestos and is the focus of thousands of lawsuits across America.
Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who worked in factories, automotive factories, construction, and with jobs that manufactured or produced products that was made of the asbestos fibers.
Thousands of people are winning billions of dollars in mesothelioma lawsuits; however, the insurance companies frown on these lawsuits because of the lack of evidence that the asbestos exposure is the cause of the mesothelioma. The insurance companies are feeling the pain of these lawsuits because they are losing billions of dollars.
Although it is proven that mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, it is not known for sure where and when the asbestos exposure really occurred since it probably occurred over the course of thirty to forty years.
Mesothelioma is not a disease that occurs overnight. It occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos. Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma worked for company's decades earlier where asbestos exposure was very high. It is evident that that the mesothelioma was probably caused by this exposure, but the insurance companies say that there is not real evidence to prove this exposure. Therefore, the insurance companies really frown on the mesothelioma cases.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are having a hard time getting your insurance company to pay for your medical expenses, then you should contact a mesothelioma lawyer. You have a right to have your medical expenses paid regardless of what evidence your insurance company says it has or is missing.
There are mesothelioma lawyers who are trained and who have a lot of experience in dealing with insurance companies and mesothelioma and they can answer any questions or concerns that you have about your mesothelioma and how your insurance company is or is not handling your medical expenses that are related to your condition.
So, if you feel you are not receiving fair benefits or treatment from your insurance company in regards to your mesothelioma, you may be able to file a lawsuit and you may be entitled to many benefits as a result of your mesothelioma lawsuit. There is no need to suffer more than you already have. A mesothelioma lawyer will be able to help you.
Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who worked in factories, automotive factories, construction, and with jobs that manufactured or produced products that was made of the asbestos fibers.
Thousands of people are winning billions of dollars in mesothelioma lawsuits; however, the insurance companies frown on these lawsuits because of the lack of evidence that the asbestos exposure is the cause of the mesothelioma. The insurance companies are feeling the pain of these lawsuits because they are losing billions of dollars.
Although it is proven that mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, it is not known for sure where and when the asbestos exposure really occurred since it probably occurred over the course of thirty to forty years.
Mesothelioma is not a disease that occurs overnight. It occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos. Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma worked for company's decades earlier where asbestos exposure was very high. It is evident that that the mesothelioma was probably caused by this exposure, but the insurance companies say that there is not real evidence to prove this exposure. Therefore, the insurance companies really frown on the mesothelioma cases.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and you are having a hard time getting your insurance company to pay for your medical expenses, then you should contact a mesothelioma lawyer. You have a right to have your medical expenses paid regardless of what evidence your insurance company says it has or is missing.
There are mesothelioma lawyers who are trained and who have a lot of experience in dealing with insurance companies and mesothelioma and they can answer any questions or concerns that you have about your mesothelioma and how your insurance company is or is not handling your medical expenses that are related to your condition.
So, if you feel you are not receiving fair benefits or treatment from your insurance company in regards to your mesothelioma, you may be able to file a lawsuit and you may be entitled to many benefits as a result of your mesothelioma lawsuit. There is no need to suffer more than you already have. A mesothelioma lawyer will be able to help you.
Choosing the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer Means Everything
Recently, have you or a loved one been diagnosed with Mesothelioma? Did you know that if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this disease, that you are able to file a lawsuit because if the disease is work related, you may have a viable lawsuit.
Mesothelioma is a very serious medical condition that could have been prevented; so choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer means everything. It is very important to have the right lawyer represent you in the mesothelioma lawsuit.
Mesothelioma is a disease of the heart and lungs. Its only known cause is asbestos. After years of breathing asbestos particles, mesothelioma develops in the hearts and lungs. Many of America's workers who labored in factories, mines, automobile factories, construction sites, and other laborious situations breathed in the asbestos particles as they worked. At the time they were working, they did not feel sick or pain. They simply did their jobs and went home to their families.
However, many of the companies that they worked for knew about the dangers of asbestos; but never did anything to protect its employees or even inform their employees of the potential dangers of breathing in the asbestos fibers.
There are a few things to remember when choosing a mesothelioma attorney. When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, you want to be sure that you choose one who is knowledgeable and has experience in working with mesothelioma cases. Choose one who is willing to listen to your case and asks you questions if something is not clear.
Your mesothelioma lawyer should be one who is very compassionate about accepting your case and dedicated to closing your case in victory. It is also a good idea to check the attorney's credentials and background experience. Has the attorney dealt with similar cases before? What is his/her success rate? You will also want to find out if the lawyer you are considering will handle your case individually or will it be part of a larger class action suit.
If your case is added to other similar cases, that is ok. However, if that is the case, you should make sure the lawyer treats you as an individual and not as another client in the group. Make sure the attorney has trial experience and negotiating skills. It is very important that your case be handle professionally and to the best of the attorney's ability. Lastly, make sure the lawyer or law firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyers don't get paid until you collect. You should not have to pay any out of pocket experiences.
Choosing the right mesothelioma attorney is very important. Mesothelioma is a very serious disease that could have been prevented, so you want to choose the best possible attorney to represent you in your mesothelioma lawsuit.
Mesothelioma is a very serious medical condition that could have been prevented; so choosing the right mesothelioma lawyer means everything. It is very important to have the right lawyer represent you in the mesothelioma lawsuit.
Mesothelioma is a disease of the heart and lungs. Its only known cause is asbestos. After years of breathing asbestos particles, mesothelioma develops in the hearts and lungs. Many of America's workers who labored in factories, mines, automobile factories, construction sites, and other laborious situations breathed in the asbestos particles as they worked. At the time they were working, they did not feel sick or pain. They simply did their jobs and went home to their families.
However, many of the companies that they worked for knew about the dangers of asbestos; but never did anything to protect its employees or even inform their employees of the potential dangers of breathing in the asbestos fibers.
There are a few things to remember when choosing a mesothelioma attorney. When choosing a mesothelioma lawyer, you want to be sure that you choose one who is knowledgeable and has experience in working with mesothelioma cases. Choose one who is willing to listen to your case and asks you questions if something is not clear.
Your mesothelioma lawyer should be one who is very compassionate about accepting your case and dedicated to closing your case in victory. It is also a good idea to check the attorney's credentials and background experience. Has the attorney dealt with similar cases before? What is his/her success rate? You will also want to find out if the lawyer you are considering will handle your case individually or will it be part of a larger class action suit.
If your case is added to other similar cases, that is ok. However, if that is the case, you should make sure the lawyer treats you as an individual and not as another client in the group. Make sure the attorney has trial experience and negotiating skills. It is very important that your case be handle professionally and to the best of the attorney's ability. Lastly, make sure the lawyer or law firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyers don't get paid until you collect. You should not have to pay any out of pocket experiences.
Choosing the right mesothelioma attorney is very important. Mesothelioma is a very serious disease that could have been prevented, so you want to choose the best possible attorney to represent you in your mesothelioma lawsuit.
Building a Strong Mesothelioma Case
Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Have you been told that your mesothelioma is the result of prolonged asbestos exposure? Does your insurance company give you problems over medical payments because of the lack of true evidence that your mesothelioma was work related and began decades ago? If you answered yes to these questions, you have grounds to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.
In order to build a good, strong mesothelioma case, the first thing you should do is gather all of your medical diagnosis papers and any past documentation of your work. Past documentation could include pay stubs, tax papers, or any other documents that shows where you worked. You will also want to gather all of your insurance information and documentation as well. Your mesothelioma lawyer will request all of this information in order to begin your case.
Once you have given your lawyer all of the necessary paperwork, you want to keep in contact with your lawyer and let them know of your progression. Most lawyers will work with you and even come to your home if you are unable to come to their offices. Be honest with the information that you provide to the lawyer. Do not hold or hid any information. Everything you say to your lawyer will help him or her work successfully on your case.
It is good to plan for the unknown. Mesothelioma can be deadly. You should speak with your lawyer and your family about any directives that give them guidance on your condition and your case just in case you are no longer able to speak for yourself. Put this in writing. This is a very important part of building a strong case. If you do become unable to speak for yourself and there are not instructions for anyone else, your case will weaken and possibly end. So, you want to be sure everyone knows what to do in the unknown.
Inform your mesothelioma attorney of the names of anyone else who could have been exposed to asbestos as a result of you bringing the fibers home on your clothes. These people would be the ones who lived with you when you worked for the company where you were exposed to asbestos. They also may be in danger of mesothelioma.
Building a good, strong mesotheloma case is something that you can discuss with your attorney. They will be able to tell you what all you need to build your case. Each case is unique and individual, so your mesothelioma attorney will be able to tell you which ways would work best for your case so that you can build a very strong case
In order to build a good, strong mesothelioma case, the first thing you should do is gather all of your medical diagnosis papers and any past documentation of your work. Past documentation could include pay stubs, tax papers, or any other documents that shows where you worked. You will also want to gather all of your insurance information and documentation as well. Your mesothelioma lawyer will request all of this information in order to begin your case.
Once you have given your lawyer all of the necessary paperwork, you want to keep in contact with your lawyer and let them know of your progression. Most lawyers will work with you and even come to your home if you are unable to come to their offices. Be honest with the information that you provide to the lawyer. Do not hold or hid any information. Everything you say to your lawyer will help him or her work successfully on your case.
It is good to plan for the unknown. Mesothelioma can be deadly. You should speak with your lawyer and your family about any directives that give them guidance on your condition and your case just in case you are no longer able to speak for yourself. Put this in writing. This is a very important part of building a strong case. If you do become unable to speak for yourself and there are not instructions for anyone else, your case will weaken and possibly end. So, you want to be sure everyone knows what to do in the unknown.
Inform your mesothelioma attorney of the names of anyone else who could have been exposed to asbestos as a result of you bringing the fibers home on your clothes. These people would be the ones who lived with you when you worked for the company where you were exposed to asbestos. They also may be in danger of mesothelioma.
Building a good, strong mesotheloma case is something that you can discuss with your attorney. They will be able to tell you what all you need to build your case. Each case is unique and individual, so your mesothelioma attorney will be able to tell you which ways would work best for your case so that you can build a very strong case
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Why is Mesothelioma So Deadly?
On the way to modernization, humans have to admit that many sacrifices had to be made. Sky scrappers and tall buildings bring wealth to the world. What we might not realize is, the buildings where we spent hours working at our jobs can potentially be killers. It can be dangerous to you or the people associated with these buildings and establishments.
Corporate buildings are mostly based from asbestos. Roads, railways, hinges and sliding windows contain high amounts of asbestos. Thus, many construction workers are highly exposed to the diseases related to asbestos. One of them is mesothelioma, a rare yet deadly disease to us.
Mesothelioma does not happen naturally. It happens due to inhalation of asbestos for a long period. When inhaled, asbestos will settle a cancerous layer on the membrane protecting the inner organs. The most common mesothelioma is the cancerous attack on the outer layer of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the reason why mesothelioma is widely known as lung cancer. The cancerous layer can also develop outside the abdominal cavity and outside our heart.
The bad news is, you can run around, play with your kids, sipping coffee on your balcony for years before you realize you have mesothelioma. It is only when mesothelioma reaches the critical stage that you will realize its symptoms. Dry cough, breathlessness, pain in the chest and throwing up are common symptoms of deadly mesothelioma. It is most unfortunate that you will only notice the symptoms when it is really too late for anything to be done about it.
Why is mesothelioma one of the deadliest diseases known to men then? The fact that it can lay dormant for decades without you noticing is one. When the doctor finally diagnoses you as the victim of mesothelioma, it is too late. You are unable to fight for it. This disease drains your energy and you will be bedridden, incapable of anything. You will be coughing blood before you know it and this is extremely painful.
As mesothelioma is highly associated with the respiratory system, you might notice that swallowing is a terrible business. To add to the suffering, breathing causes pain in your ribs. It really put you in a dreadful position, once you become a patient of mesothelioma.
The duration between inhalation of asbestos to mesothelioma is between 15 to 20 years. If your work requires you to deal with asbestos or anyone around you, take the safety step to have a full medical report. It is a good way to have a complete medical history to monitor any potential mesothelioma patients.
You might just wave off coughing and breathlessness. However, you need to remember that these can be the symptoms of mesothelioma. If you happen to suffer from these, do not wait until it becomes critical before you see the doctor. Early mesothelioma detection is important in order to settle for the type of treatment you need to receive.
Corporate buildings are mostly based from asbestos. Roads, railways, hinges and sliding windows contain high amounts of asbestos. Thus, many construction workers are highly exposed to the diseases related to asbestos. One of them is mesothelioma, a rare yet deadly disease to us.
Mesothelioma does not happen naturally. It happens due to inhalation of asbestos for a long period. When inhaled, asbestos will settle a cancerous layer on the membrane protecting the inner organs. The most common mesothelioma is the cancerous attack on the outer layer of the chest cavity and the lungs. This is the reason why mesothelioma is widely known as lung cancer. The cancerous layer can also develop outside the abdominal cavity and outside our heart.
The bad news is, you can run around, play with your kids, sipping coffee on your balcony for years before you realize you have mesothelioma. It is only when mesothelioma reaches the critical stage that you will realize its symptoms. Dry cough, breathlessness, pain in the chest and throwing up are common symptoms of deadly mesothelioma. It is most unfortunate that you will only notice the symptoms when it is really too late for anything to be done about it.
Why is mesothelioma one of the deadliest diseases known to men then? The fact that it can lay dormant for decades without you noticing is one. When the doctor finally diagnoses you as the victim of mesothelioma, it is too late. You are unable to fight for it. This disease drains your energy and you will be bedridden, incapable of anything. You will be coughing blood before you know it and this is extremely painful.
As mesothelioma is highly associated with the respiratory system, you might notice that swallowing is a terrible business. To add to the suffering, breathing causes pain in your ribs. It really put you in a dreadful position, once you become a patient of mesothelioma.
The duration between inhalation of asbestos to mesothelioma is between 15 to 20 years. If your work requires you to deal with asbestos or anyone around you, take the safety step to have a full medical report. It is a good way to have a complete medical history to monitor any potential mesothelioma patients.
You might just wave off coughing and breathlessness. However, you need to remember that these can be the symptoms of mesothelioma. If you happen to suffer from these, do not wait until it becomes critical before you see the doctor. Early mesothelioma detection is important in order to settle for the type of treatment you need to receive.
Mesothelioma Hope and Help
The detrimental nature of being diagnosed with mesothelioma has become widely recognized, and the unfortunate fact that asbestos-related illnesses are far reaching is only lately becoming understood. While most mesothelioma patients have had jobs where they have had a higher than average contact with asbestos, it is now apparent that they brought home more than just hugs to their family members at the end of a long day.
Asbestos-related illnesses including mesothelioma take many years to show their full effects, and often family members are now reporting cases of mesothelioma simply from their exposure on the clothing their hard working loved one.
After over 50 years of unregulated asbestos usage throughout the United States, the number of mesothelioma lawsuit cases skyrocketed. Attorneys were forced to become asbestos specialists, and mesothelioma lawyers soon realized they were dealing with a long term epidemic.
In April 2003, it was suggested that the number of mesothelioma cases had peaked, but mesothelioma lawyers disagree as their rate for filing mesothelioma lawsuits has once again begun a steady incline. mesothelioma lawyers fear that their clients will not be able to bring enough companies into accountability as there is an overload of mesothelioma lawsuits floating through district specific courtrooms.
New York mesothelioma lawyers predict there will be a huge influx over the next ten years when the devastation of 911 is taken into account. The free floating asbestos that circulated through the city can have staggering effects on mesothelioma lawsuits nationwide and perhaps even worldwide.
If you are in need of reaching a mesothelioma settlement in order to take care of your medical needs as well as your family's financial future, mesothelioma lawyers can assist you in understanding your rights to file a mesothelioma lawsuit. mesothelioma settlements are designed to protect your family in the event of your financial loss, as well as protect your family from the financial devastation that asbestos related cancers can cause on a family's income and ability to provide.
Mesothelioma lawyers predict that many people who were affected from the 911 destruction do not realize they have the right to sue the city. While numerous people, whether it was their job or not, risked their lives for the sake of others, the city has yet to come to a reasonable mesothelioma settlement with those who were there to protect and serve, including those in governmental positions at the time. Do not hesitate to contact a mesothelioma lawyer even if you simply suspect you are carrying an asbestos-related illness. Time is precious, and a mesothelioma lawyer can help you make the most of your time.
Mesothelioma Settlements Allow Victims to Cope
The diagnosis of mesothelioma is one that is difficult to grasp and accept. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium surrounding certain organs, particularly the lungs. Mesothelioma is most often seen in people with prolonged asbestos exposure.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is possible to receive standard cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. A good way for mesothelioma victims to cope with this devastating cancer is to file for a mesothelioma settlement.
A mesothelioma settlement may help more than a single victim. If one person has been diagnosed with mesothelioma then chances are others are experiencing illness due to asbestos exposure in the workplace. Each victim deserves the money awarded in a mesothelioma settlement. It can also help victims to cope by realizing that they aren't alone; others are suffering the same fate and are also seeking a mesothelioma settlement themselves.
It is possible to file a class action lawsuit with several plaintiffs to offset the expenses of legal representation and receive a sizeable mesothelioma settlement.
The process of diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma is long and draining. It is impossible to carry on a "normal" life. It is impossible to continue to work and receive that all-important paycheck. A mesothelioma settlement will provide much-needed funds during this time so a victim can seek out all possible treatment without adding money worries to the equation. Again, it is wise to have an attorney representing you in any type of mesothelioma settlement.
It is difficult for anyone to be confronted with a cancer diagnosis. However, most cancer patients are unable to place blame on a specific cause and receive a settlement, whereas a mesothelioma victim has the opportunity to file for a mesothelioma settlement.
It is the responsibility of the employer to payout a mesothelioma settlement when they are negligent. Most employers will recognize their fault, and in attempt to keep it as quiet as possible, will reach a mesothelioma settlement before the lawsuit reaches court. Your attorney will make certain that you receive all funds that help you through this difficult time in your life.
Thus, the first step after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is to seek a mesothelioma settlement. A mesothelioma settlement will allow the victim to receive the best possible treatment and help mesothelioma victims cope with their illness by giving them the opportunity to take the time to be with loved ones and join support groups. A mesothelioma settlement will make it easier to cope with this rare form of cancer.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is possible to receive standard cancer treatments such as radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. A good way for mesothelioma victims to cope with this devastating cancer is to file for a mesothelioma settlement.
A mesothelioma settlement may help more than a single victim. If one person has been diagnosed with mesothelioma then chances are others are experiencing illness due to asbestos exposure in the workplace. Each victim deserves the money awarded in a mesothelioma settlement. It can also help victims to cope by realizing that they aren't alone; others are suffering the same fate and are also seeking a mesothelioma settlement themselves.
It is possible to file a class action lawsuit with several plaintiffs to offset the expenses of legal representation and receive a sizeable mesothelioma settlement.
The process of diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma is long and draining. It is impossible to carry on a "normal" life. It is impossible to continue to work and receive that all-important paycheck. A mesothelioma settlement will provide much-needed funds during this time so a victim can seek out all possible treatment without adding money worries to the equation. Again, it is wise to have an attorney representing you in any type of mesothelioma settlement.
It is difficult for anyone to be confronted with a cancer diagnosis. However, most cancer patients are unable to place blame on a specific cause and receive a settlement, whereas a mesothelioma victim has the opportunity to file for a mesothelioma settlement.
It is the responsibility of the employer to payout a mesothelioma settlement when they are negligent. Most employers will recognize their fault, and in attempt to keep it as quiet as possible, will reach a mesothelioma settlement before the lawsuit reaches court. Your attorney will make certain that you receive all funds that help you through this difficult time in your life.
Thus, the first step after receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis is to seek a mesothelioma settlement. A mesothelioma settlement will allow the victim to receive the best possible treatment and help mesothelioma victims cope with their illness by giving them the opportunity to take the time to be with loved ones and join support groups. A mesothelioma settlement will make it easier to cope with this rare form of cancer.
Legal Right
Mesothelioma Lawyers Legal Guide
When you are faced with something as devastating as a Mesothelioma diagnosis, you have a right to seek answers about why you weren't forewarned of the dangers of asbestos, and you have the right to seek reparations for you and your family. If you are a grieving family member or executor of the will of a person who has died from asbestos-related disease or mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a claim as well.
Legal details are understandably the last thing that someone wants to confront after the initial shock of an asbestos-related illness. However, taking advantage of your legal rights can create the necessary funds to finance aggressive treatment, pay off huge medical bills incurred during diagnosis, and provide financial security for your family for years to come.
Our group of mesothelioma attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to battle big corporations. We strive to help mesothelioma victims and their families recover fair and just compensation for the profound pain caused by asbestos exposure, and have achieved tremendous results for our individual clients.
Your Legal Rights
Under the law, you have the right to take legal action against those responsible for exposing you to asbestos. In the 20th century, many companies failed to warn or protect their workers against the dangers of asbestos. These companies may be legally responsible for your suffering, and they may be legally obligated to compensate you and your family for the damage they have caused.
For many years, Williams Kherkher has stood on the side of men and women suffering from mesothelioma. We have helped our clients fight against the people and corporations responsible for carelessly using asbestos.
More about Mesothelioma
Who is at risk for Mesothelioma?
The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and jobsite exposure information.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discussmesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including those about new treatment therapies like Alimta® and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treatasbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.
Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.
Anthony Testa, M.D., Our Lady of Fatima Hospital
Dr. Anthony Testa is a hematologist and mesothelioma cancer researcher and is affiliated with several hospitals in Rhode Island including Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the single known cause of mesothelioma. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads to the development of the disease. Asbestos products were used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufa
ctured the products as well as those who used them at commercial and industrial jobsites including shipyards, refineries, power plants, steel plants and more. Several asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Those who have become sick because of exposure to these products may now be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongfully exposed.
The three types of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It affects different parts of themesothelium, a membrane that covers and protects most of the body's internal organs. Depending upon the organ it covers and protects, the mesothelium has different names and the forms of mesothelioma are named after those different membranes.
For example, the mesothelial tissue, or membrane, surrounding the lungs and lining the wall of the chest cavity is called the pleura. Cancer of this membrane is called pleural mesothelioma.
Your heart is covered by the pericardium. Cancer of that membrane is called pericardial mesothelioma.
The membrane surrounding most of the organs in the abdominal cavity is known as the peritoneum, so cancer of that membrane is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
No matter which organs of the body it covers, the mesothelium is made up of two layers of cells. The first layer closely surrounds each organ. The second layer forms a sac around it. Between these two layers, the mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid which allows the surrounded organs to move easily. This lubrication allows our lungs to expand and contract effortlessly as we breathe in and out. It also lets our heart beat smoothly.
Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by malignant (cancerous) tumors which form in the lining of the membrane surrounding the lungs and the chest cavity. Fluid often builds up between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. This is known as pleural effusion, which often causes shortness of breath and pain.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form of malignant mesothelioma. Like all forms of mesothelioma, those who've been exposed to asbestos for long periods of time - generally by working with or around asbestos or by living near mines or factories where asbestos was processed - are the most likely to develop this type of asbestos mesothelioma. However, family members who inhaled dust bought home on workers' clothes and people with brief exposures to asbestos can also develop this and other forms of malignant mesothelioma. In all types of mesothelioma, it takes anywhere from 10 to more than 50 years for symptoms to develop.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can resemble pneumonia and other less serious diseases, so it's important to tell a doctor if you've been exposed to asbestos. Symptoms include shortness of breath, constant cough, or chest pain.
Although there is a form of mesothelioma in which benign (non-cancerous) tumors form in the pleura, nearly all cases of pleural mesothelioma aremalignant (cancerous).
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the tissue surrounding the abdominal area, is much less common than pleural mesothelioma, but it is also caused by breathing in asbestos dust and fibers.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. Just like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of other less serious conditions or different diseases, which can make it hard to detect, especially if your doctor doesn't know that you've been exposed to asbestos.
Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of asbestos mesothelioma. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of pleural mesothelioma: a constant cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Palpitations are another symptom. As with the other forms of mesothelioma, these symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, so tell your doctor if you've been exposed to asbestos.
In all forms of mesothelioma, as with other forms of cancer, the cancer cells can metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body, leading to other types of cancer.
Even with treatment, the outlook for most people diagnosed with mesothelioma is about 18 months after diagnosis, although some patients have lived for four or more years after diagnosis and treatment. Untreated, the prognosis is often as little as four months.
Until recently, treatment options have been limited, but awareness of the disease and continued research, including clinical trials of new treatments, mean that the outlook for survival is starting to look better.
Mesothelioma
What is it?
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesotheliomaoriginates in the pericardium, which lines the heart.
Who is at risk for Mesothelioma?
The only recognized cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, though other factors such as smoking can make the disease more or less likely in some individuals. Industrial laborers were widely subjected to asbestos exposure on the job, as the material was widely used throughout the 20th century. Few of these workers knew they were being exposed to asbestos, however, despite the fact that many manufacturers were aware the material was hazardous. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos should fill out our form to receive a free mesothelioma information packet, detailing treatment options, emerging therapies, and
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