Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells, which cover most internal organs. The two places in which mesothelioma can develop are the lungs and the abdomen, but it is most commonly found in the lungs.

Mesothelioma which affects the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma, and in 70-80% of cases is caused by asbestos fibres being breathed in and becoming stuck in the tissue which covers the lungs (pleura). It is not known for certain what causes mesothelioma in the other 20-30%, although research is continuing.

Who suffers from mesothelioma?

2,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the UK and the number of people who die from it is expected to rise to a peak between 2011 and 2015. This is because the disease can take 15-40 years to develop, and blue and brown asbestos (thought to be the most likely types to cause mesothelioma) were banned only in the late 1908s.

85% of the people who suffer from mesothelioma are male, and this is thought to be because it is mostly men who worked in trades involving asbestos. Most of the women who develop mesothelioma are thought to have breathed in asbestos fibres whilst cleaning the clothing of husbands who worked with the material.

Tradesfolk who are particularly likely to have handled asbestos and are at high risk of developing the industrial illness mesothelioma include:

- Metal plate workers

- Plumbers

- Gas fitters

- Carpenters

- Electricians

- Builders

- Decorators

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

- pain in the lower back or side of chest

- shortness of breath

- persistent cough

- weight loss

- difficulty swallowing

These symptoms do not necessarily mean a person has mesothelioma as they could apply to a range of other illnesses, but it is much more likely if they have had contact with asbestos.

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?

The majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma only see their doctor when it has reached an advanced stage, and at this point the likelihood is that survival will be less than a year.

This very much depends on a range of factors, however, which include blood count, general health, and the type of mesothelioma from which a person is suffering.

One study found that 3 years after diagnosis, 1 in 10 people had survived, and after 5 years, survival rate was 1 in 20. However, other studies found a much better survival rate, with one study finding that 1 in 3 mesothelioma patients survived for 5 or more years, although this study only looked at people with epithelioid type tumours.

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but a range of drugs and treatments such as chemotherapy can help to delay the symptoms of the disease.

What should someone do if they are diagnosed with mesothelioma?

If there is a history of contact with asbestos in the workplace, an industrial illness claim may well be an option to consider. If successful, it will provide financial support to help the mesothelioma patient and their family pay for treatment and care, as well as substantial compensation for the exposure to asbestos that caused the illness.

Although most compensation claims have to be started within 3 years of the injury occurring, the nature of asbestos-related disease means that the disease does not become obvious for many years, so industrial illness claims are still valid as long as they are begun within 3 years of diagnosis.

Editorial notes: YouClaim provides an absolutely cost-free, risk-free compensation service to people who have been injured through no fault of their own. Get free legal advice on making a personal injury claim at http://www.youclaim.co.uk or call 0800 10 757 95.

Author: Alexandra Gubbins of http://www.youclaim.co.uk.

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin membranes (called the mesothelium) lining the chest, lungs, abdomen and sometimes the heart. Although quite rare, mesothelioma symptoms strike more than 200 people each year in the United States. The majority of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure.

Because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the average age of patients is between 50 and 70 years. Mesothelioma affects men most due to the high exposure of asbestos in industrial typed jobs. Mesothelioma symptoms include respiratory problems, shortness of breath, continual cough and pneumonia. Other mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal problems and swelling. In some mesothelioma patients, the mesothelioma symptoms are quite muted, making it hard for mesothelioma doctors to diagnose.

Mesothelioma doctors specialize in the study, research, and treatments of Mesothelioma cancers.

Mesothelioma (or the cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells become abnormal and replicate without control. During Mesothelioma, these cells will invade and damage tissues and organs. Mesothelioma cancer cells can spread throughout the body causing death.

Mesothelioma treatments and Mesothelioma clinical trials and tests
There are many mesothelioma treatment options available. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient’s age, general health and stage of the cancer. There has been much mesothelioma research conducted throughout the past two years to find new treatment methods. Click here to read more about mesothelioma treatment techniques.

Through mesothelioma research, The National Cancer Institute has sponsored mesothelioma tests and clinical trials that are designed to find new treatment methods. Because of the increase in number of mesothelioma cases in the United States, both governments have increased funding for mesothelioma research. Mesothelioma research and clinical trials have been successful in developing new techniques to fight this cancer and the outlook for more advanced mesothelioma treatments is promising.

Surgery is the most common treatment method for malignant mesothelioma. Tissues and linings affected by mesothelioma are removed by the doctor and may include the lung or even diaphragm.

A second mesothelioma treatment method is radiation therapy through the use of high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be outside or inside the body.

A third mesothelioma treatment method is chemotherapy. Through pills or drugs through needles, chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells.

A new mesothelioma treatment method is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. In this treatment, light and drugs are used to kill cancer cells during surgery for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Although there are numerous treatments and drugs for mesothelioma, doctors are loosing the battle against this deadly disease. Most mesothelioma treatments involve old techniques combined with different drug cocktails. However, in most cases, these mesothelioma treatments have many side effects including organ damage, nausea, increase in heart failure etc. The rush to find a more effective mesothelioma treatment or even cure is ongoing at numerous clinical labs across the nation. Let's hope that the mesothelioma treatments will one day erradicate mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.

With an abundance of information on the Internet, Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos (http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com) has consolidated the most important issues surrounding Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma doctors and symptoms, Mesothelioma treatment, Mesothelioma research and tests.

At http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com, the website contains useful resources on Mesothelioma lawyers and attorneys, as well as causes by asbestos exposure, asbestos removal, asbestos attorneys and lawsuits, and asbestos cancer. Patients stricken by Mesothelioma and their families require support and current information. Mesothelioma Online Resources hopes to educate and give hope to survivors and victims.

Mesothelioma is such a harsh disease. Not only does it take years for symptoms to appear, but there are limited treatements and drugs that will prolong the lives of workers stricken with mesothelioma. In many cases, the death rate of mesothelioma is unfortunately very high. However, with increased funding in mesothelioma research through the government and private grants, the outlook for a mesothelioma cure is quite possible. In the meantime, mesothelioma support groups and local discussions provide the ongoing support for mesothelioma patients.

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos (http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com)is your source for mesothelioma and asbestos information, treatments, clinical trials, attorneys, support groups and lawyers.

About the website: Michael Kenneth is a successful Internet Publisher and has researched and written on many topics for http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com - your complete source for mesothelioma information, mesothelioma attorneys and lawyers, mesothelioma treatments and research, asbestos exposure and removal, asbestos attorneys and legislation as well as asbestos cancer.

Asbestos Mesothelioma- A Deadly Disease

Any individual, who had asbestos exposure even 20 to 50 years back, may have asbestos mesothelioma lying dormant in his body without any appearance of aforementioned symptoms.

In most of the cases, a fluid accumulates in pleural space. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery are some treatment options available for the patients suffering from asbestos mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals. These inherent qualities of asbestos prompted the manufacturers of industrial, automotive, maritime, scientific, building and consumer products to use it widely during 1890-1970. In most of the cases, fluid accumulates in the peritoneal space.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite, chest pain, lower back pain and difficulty in swallowing. In biopsy, we send a tissue sample for pathological examination. After finding any abnormality doctor may suggest biopsy. Asbestos- the Main Culprit behind Asbestos Mesothelioma Asbestos mesothelioma is a rare but dangerous cancer caused by exposure to asbestos particles suspended in the air. By the time, symptoms become noticeable, it is already too late.

Different Types of Mesothelioma and Their Symptoms Asbestos mesothelioma affects the lining of lungs, abdominal organs or heart. Thin long and flexible structure of asbestos fibers allows you to weave them even into cloth. It is made up of strong and durable fibers that are resistant to heat and fire. When this disease shows its effect in the lining of heart or pericardium, it is known as pericardial mesothelioma. Asbestos mesothelioma affecting lining of lungs or pleural membrane is called pleural mesothelioma.

The average survival time of all types of mesothelioma patients is not more than 24 months. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of abdominal organs or peritoneum. Diagnosis of Asbestos Mesothelioma Diagnosis of asbestos mesothelioma involves x-ray, CT-scan, peritoneoscopy and bronchoscopy. People suffering form asbestos mesothelioma can filer lawsuits to recover damages for the persons or industries responsible for their asbestos exposure. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are pain and swelling in abdomen, weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite and nausea.

After examining tissue sample an expert pathologist can confirm about the development of disease. Asbestos Mesothelioma Kills Silently Most unfortunate thing about the asbestos mesothelioma is its long latency period.

An Understanding Of Mesothelioma Cause

Asbestos workers, their family members those residing near asbestos manufacturing industries could easily inhale asbestos fibers that could cause mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases.

Smoking Increases Mesothelioma Risk Experts are of the opinion that smoking in itself is not a mesothelioma cause. Some Facts about Mesothelioma Cause Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma cause. The mesothelioma cause in this case is the asbestos dust particles settled on the clothes, shoes and hair of the asbestos workers that their family members inhaled. Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease of the lining of abdominal organs, lungs and heart. Studies reveal that about 70 to 80 % of total mesothelioma cases have a history of asbestos exposure thereby identifying asbestos as the single largest mesothelioma cause.

Almost all the cases of mesothelioma disease somehow or the other are linked with exposure to asbestos particles. Preventive Measures against Mesothelioma Cause Studies have reveled that family members of asbestos workers have suffered with mesothelioma. It contains strong and flexible fibers. Workers should also put on protective equipments to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.

Had they been sincere in their responsibilities, many people suffering from mesothelioma and dangerous asbestos related diseases would have been healthy and happy. Occurrence of mesothelioma without any history of exposure to asbestos particles is very rare. Commercial use of asbestos started in late nineteenth century. Exposure to asbestos particles could cause mesothelioma even if the level of exposure is very low. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals.

Studies have revealed that smokers with asbestos exposure have an increased mesothelioma risk when compared to non-smokers with similar exposure to asbestos particles. Workers should shower and change their clothing to avoid the possibility of exposing family members to asbestos particles. One can separate these fibers in to thin threads. They did not issue any warnings or take necessary precautions to prevent asbestos exposure to the workers. It was widely used because of its durability and ability to withstand high temperatures.

Nevertheless, it increases the risk of pleural mesothelioma � the mesothelioma of the linings of the lungs. The biggest mesothelioma cause is the negligence of asbestos manufacturers. Small asbestos particles remain suspended in the course of manufacturing of these products. Manufacturers continued using asbestos even after being aware of its harmful effects. Asbestos was widely used in brake linings, cement, roofing shingles, textile, flooring, insulation and many other industrial products.

Mesothelioma cause refers to the thing or event responsible for mesothelioma cancers.

An Overview Of Asbestos Disease- Mesothelioma

Workers may inhale fine asbestos particles in the air; they also become exposed through skin contact with asbestos or by swallowing asbestos fibers while at work.

Asbestos constitutes different naturally occurring fibrous minerals in some rocks and soil. Recent studies have, however, revealed that exposure to asbestos can have damaging health implication resulting in asbestos disease and mesothelioma for both workers in industries making use of asbestos as well as those who live in the environment surrounding such places. It has found widespread use in industries and building materials such as fireproofing, roofing shingles, electric insulation, furnace, hot pipe covering, and friction products. In view of health concerns all new uses of asbestos in the manufacturing industries have been banned in the United States from July 1989 onward.

This is because of the carcinogenic effect of asbestos particles. Schools are required to test for use of asbestos roofing and it is removed or covered up. Asbestos can cause cancer of the lungs, esophagus, colon, rectum, stomach, vocal chords, and kidneys. The compensation is available only for those employees who run the risk of asbestos exposure since the 1940s. These workers are vulnerable to asbestos diseases as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Serious Effects Of Asbestos Disease- Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is the most serious of several asbestos-related diseases detected so far. The asbestos particles can lie dormant in the body for several years and manifest later, when the prognosis is very grim. What Is Asbestos? Asbestos disease, mesothelioma cancers, lung cancers and asbestosis are the diseases caused because of asbestos exposure. Currently, help is available to victims of asbestos disease mesothelioma through many specialized legal firms in the United States. About 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases of asbestos disease mesothelioma - a rare type of cancer of the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most of the body internal organs � are the result of asbestos exposure at work.

In particular, the use of asbestos in hand-held hair dryers was voluntarily stopped in 1979. It is possible that by the time the disease is diagnosed, the cancer may have already spread significantly. Employees in industries with considerable risk of asbestos poisoning are, in principle, eligible for mesothelioma compensation. Recently, many mesothelioma patients have filed lawsuits for compensation. Asbestos disease mesothelioma may not immediately manifest.

Compensation To Victims Of Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma The first case of asbestos disease mesothelioma was filed nearly 70 years ago. They have been awarded compensation on the ground that the owners of industries continued to use asbestos despite the information of the health hazards it entails.

10 Options in Treating Mesothelioma

It is the oncologist who specializes in the disease who will decide on the line of treatment. Biological therapy using interleukin 2. These enhance the functions of the immune system; regulate metabolic reactions that promote growth of cancers; alter cancer cell division; block or reverse processes that lead to formation of cancers; and prevent spread of cancer. This is done during the surgical removal of cancerous tissues. Combination therapy or Trimodal therapy which means surgery accompanied by radiation and chemotherapy.

Experts recommend prescribing premetrexed along with cisplastin. Biological response modifiers, BRMs, are used in treatment. The best advice on the line of treatment would be that recommended by the oncologist or physician. Draining of fluid in the chest or abdominal cavity followed by introduction of medications into the cavity to prevent fluid accumulation is done for patients who have uncontrolled fluid accumulation and intense discomfort stemming from it. Research on using radiation therapy using implants or UV light therapy is in progress as traditional radiation therapy damages surrounding healthy tissue.

Gene therapy, where attempts are made to correct the gene sequence that causes the cancer. As with any cancer, treatment for Mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the progression of the disease, the age as well as state of health of the patient. Anti-cancer drugs destroy cancer cells and prevent their spread. 2.

In mesothelioma, chemotherapy is not considered to be curative. These drugs have shown positive results and this is now standard care for Mesothelioma not treatable by surgery.

Chemotherapy is an option and around 12-20% of patients respond to the drugs. 9. 10. Immunotherapy where the body's own immune system is stimulated to fight the disease.

Often, complementary medicines are also used. The disease is difficult to treat and in most cases the prognosis is poor. If the diagnosis is done in the early stages surgery may be recommended to remove all cancerous tissues. In the case of Mesothelioma which is untreatable one can opt for clinical trials of new treatments that are in progress in several research laboratories and centers. This is of two kinds, replacement gene therapy and knockout gene therapy.

Termed to be holistic this kind of treatment focuses on a patient's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well being. This means thoracoscopy, VATS or video assisted thoracic surgery, mediastinoscopy (used for staging), or laproscopy. Often, doctors will advise palliative procedures like chest tube drainage and pleurodesis, thoracoscopy and pleurodesis, pleuroperitonial shunt, or pleurectomy, which treat the symptoms of mesothelioma rather than the disease. 3. Radiation is prescribed aggressively for mesothelioma patients and is often given in combination with surgery or in order to control symptoms, palliatively.

The aim is to prevent spread of the disease; shrink the tumor prior to surgery, known as neoadjuvant therapy; to annihilate any remains of the tumor in the body post surgery; and to relieve pain and other discomfort, palliative chemotherapy. Administration of lovastatin, a cholesterol lowering drug. 5. Photodynamic treatment where a photosensitive medication is activated using a laser.