your ultimate resource for mesotheleoma

Articles

2008-04-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer

All About An Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Mesothelioma Law Services

Asbestosis or Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer

Overcoming The Odds - Curing Pleomorphic Type Mesothelioma

INDEX

2008-04-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

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Overcoming The Odds - Curing Pleomorphic Type Mesothelioma

2008-04-13T06:20:00.001-07:00

Given the increasing number of types of cancer, one can never escape the hazards of the world. Cancer normally occurs when a person is exposed to harmful substances for an extended period of time. This is true when you have cancer known as pleomorphic type mesonthelioma. Having this disease means that you have a malignant tumor originating from mesenchyman. A large portion of the tumor grows into adipose tissue. Parts of the body commonly attacked by pleomorphic type mesothelioma include the leg, shoulders, gluteal region and the retroperitoneum.

Tumors are normally seen as lump masses inside the body.

CHECK YOURSELF

It is not easy to diagnose plemorphic type mesonthelioma. There is no specific screening for plemorphic type mesonthelioma. People who have a high risk of developing mesothelioma should be checked for regular period of time in order to spot mesothelioma at the earliest stage possible so get checked as frequently as possible. There are some signs and symptoms the doctors watch out to get further tests to confirm plemorphic type mesonthelioma. Pain, swelling tenderness to any area and a possible lump are the common complaints that are considered.

A simple blood test can be performed to evaluate a person's general health. If doctor suspects that the person may have plemorphic type mesonthelioma, the person may have abdominal x-ray, abdominal CT scan or abdominal MRI scans to check and confirm for swelling and fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Abdoparacentsis or fluid drainage from the abdomen can be performed to alleviate the swelling and pain around the abdomen and to see if there are malignant or cancerous cells in the fluid. Laparoscopy or biopsy of the abdominal lining or peritoneum may be done, wherein they get a tissue sample of the abdominal lining and check if the mesothelial cells are damaged by cancer.

If these tests confirm that one has plemorphic type mesonthelioma, it will now be determine if it has spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging or determining the gravity of the cancer itself. This process is very important to determine what action or treatment will be done. A PET scan may be done to see how the cells are working. PET stands for positron emission tomography. This is done if the mesothelioma is treatable through surgery. This shows the extent of spread of the cancer cells to the other parts of the body like the lymph nodes and other organs.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

No matter what sickness you have there is a specialist out there who can help you find the proper cure even if it is for plemorphic type mesonthelioma. After the diagnosis and determining the gravity of the mesothelioma, treatment is done and there are different doctors that facilitate the treatment of the mesothelioma.

If the mesothelioma is treatable via surgery, the services of a thoracic surgeon may be needed. The thoracic surgeon is trained and is specialized to do surgeries of the lung, heart, chest and esophagus. If a patient has been diagnosed with plemorphic type mesonthelioma and it has been decided that the best treatment is surgery, then this physician is the one qualified to do the job.

Here are some doctors you should approach for your problems

The Medical Oncologist is a physician specialized to render chemotherapy if it has been determined that the best treatment for the mesothelioma is through chemotherapy. This physician has the extensive knowledge and skills of the treatment modalities of cancer specifically chemotherapy.

The Radiation Oncologist is a physician specialized to render radiation therapy if it has been determined that the best treatment for the mesothelioma is through radiation therapy. This physician has the extensive knowledge and skills and is highly trained to administer radiation therapy to treat the plemorphic type mesonthelioma.

The pathologist is a physician who specializes in analyzing cells. This doctor has the extensive skill and knowledge and is highly trained to monitor and evaluate the significant cell changes that may point to mesothelioma. They analyze the cells through the specimens that are brought to them such as the blood, fluid obtained from the abdomen or lung, or tissues from the mesothelium. They interpret the changes and they are the ones responsible to spot damaged mesothelial cells by cancer or the mesothelioma.

No matter what happens always have faith that these doctors are doing their best to help you recover from pleomorphic type mesothelioma or any type of mesothelioma for that matter.

Asbestosis or Asbestos Mesothelioma Cancer

2008-04-13T06:19:00.001-07:00

Asbestosis is a type of lung condition caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a flame retardant material developed for a variety of purposes and used primarily in the construction industry, as well as any other business which involves potential exposure to fire hazards. Asbestos is a fibrous material, and physical degradation over time causes it to fragment into microscopic fibers. The inhalation of these asbestos fibers causes the particles to lodge in the lungs, causing the sickness known as Asbestosis.

The main problems that stem from asbestosis are the development of scar tissue in the lungs and, worse still, the development of a form of lung cancer known as mesothelomia. In the first case, the presence of asbestos fibers cause scratches in the lung sacs which eventually lead to internal bleeding and scarring, making breathing difficult and the lungs susceptible to other disorders. In the second case, the fibers cause tumors in the lungs and these in turn become cancerous growths which cause an excessive buildup of fluids in the lungs and the chest cavity lining. Both cases can, if left untreated, be fatal.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of asbestos mesothelioma or asbestosis are difficulty breathing, where the air flow feels raspy and harsh. The efficiency of the lungs is also compromised by the asbestos particles, leading to a severe drop in stamina. These symptoms can easily be misaken for any number of less hazardous ailments, including simply being out of shape or growing old. An x ray, however, will be sufficient to reveal if asbestos fibers have indeed lodged in the lungs.

The symptoms of mesothelioma, however, are similar to the above but also include sharp chest pains or numbness in the chest area, and the difficulty breathing also includes a "liquid" or "phlegmy" feeling caused by the buildup of excess liquid in the lungs and lining. Again, and x ray will be able to reveal the presence of any cancerous tumors in the lungs brought on by asbestos fibers.

Effects

The effects of both asbestosis and mesothelioma are ultimately fatal if left untreated. Asbestosis will lead eventually to a clogging of the lung sacs from the build up of scar tissue, and worst case scenario will cause pulmonary emboli, the development of blood clots in the lungs. These have been known to spread through the blood into the heart, causing cardiac arrest.

Mesothelioma, on the other hand, is a cancer, and in and of itself is fatal because of the cell degradation it causes in the lung and heart areas. Internal hemmorhaging is one known result of untreated mesothelioma, and another is the clogging og the cardiovascular system from the general buildup of fluids in the chest cavity and lining caused by the body's failed attempts to fight the tumors.

Treatment

Treating asbestosis or asbestos mesothelioma is still a fairly simple procedure compared to mesothelioma. Since the problem with asbestosis is primarily due to the scar tissue and asbestos fibers, surgery can still treat this problem. However, if the lung condition has worsened to mesothelioma, chemotherapy is required to alleviate the problem. Simple surgery for mesothelioma has proven unsuccessful, and often the afflicted patients only have a 5 year lifespan post operation.

The most effective treatment to date for mesothelioma involves a combination of laser surgery and chemotherapy. The heat of a laser as opposed to a regular scalpel helps to burn out the tumors without causing any damage to the surrounding tissue, and the heat also makes the targeted areas more receptive to the medicines employed in the actual chemotherapy. This particular combination has shown the highest treatment success rate for mesothelioma.

Avoidance/Safety Tips

The best way to avoid asbestosis and mesothelioma is to avoid areas with high asbestos concentration. This not only involves people who work in industrial settings, but even other people are prone to it if they live in or near a building which uses asbestos heavily in it's construction materials. Some old houses and facilities used to employ asbestos as part of their foundations in an effort to add an element of fire proofing.

If exposure to asbestos cannot be avoided, then it is advised that people wear filtered face masks to keep the fibers out when they are in the vicinity of asbestos. Also, asbestos fibers can cling to the skin and clothes, so bathing and washing clothes completely after exposure is also advised as a way to avoid contracting asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Law Services

2008-04-13T06:18:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is the rarest cancer type which develops because of exposure to asbestos. Inhaling the asbestos materials is a major cause of mesothelioma. The person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma has a survival rate ranging from 6 to 8 months, but sometimes the symptoms take years to appear. Every year there is an increased rate of mesothelioma occurrences.

The person who has developed mesothelioma can seek legal assistance for getting compensation. The disease could have been easily prevented by the firms which expose asbestos by offering the necessary protection for its workers. The infected person can claim the compensation amount from those irresponsible firms that expose asbestos. The Code of Federal Regulations states that asbestos is to be considered a most hazardous toxic substance and you can immediately claim the legal compensation.

Mesothelioma lawsuit offers a person who has developed mesothelioma huge payouts around millions of dollars. The compensation that is paid to the person depends on various factors related to the disease and the firms which expose asbestos. Once the person is confirmed to have mesothelioma, it is recommended to seek immediate legal assistance. There are several law firms that can help you in claiming the compensation amount from the firm. A good lawyer who is well specialized in dealing with mesothelioma cases can help you in claiming the maximum compensation.

The claim can either be done by the person who has developed mesothelioma through the exposure of asbestos as a personal injury case or it can be filed by any of the family members when the person developed with mesothelioma has already passed away. The lawsuit states a person who has developed mesothelioma through the exposure of asbestos should seek immediate legal assistance to claim the compensation. The claim should be done in a specific time that ranges from one to three years. This varies according to the law in each state.

The top law firms provide you the best services by providing you a fair compensation by recovering the lost damages for your families caused by someone else's negligence. Law firms like Estey and Bomberger, Hanley and Harley LLP and many more top firms offer you some of the best services by knowing the worth of your case, and they provide the maximum compensation for the treatment expenses and your future family needs.

Mesothelioma Laws provides detailed information on Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Law Firms, Mesothelioma Law Resources, Mesothelioma Law Services and more. Mesothelioma Laws is affiliated with Failure To Diagnose Mesothelioma Lawsuits.

All About An Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit

2008-04-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

People who discover that they have developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure may be very angry, frustrated and confused. People feel the pain of the disease and the hurt of something deeper still. They ask themselves why they have been chosen for this fate. People who have worked hard all their lives to remain healthy find that something they did 20 years ago has negated all of their efforts to live comfortable lives. Because of this, they begin to lash out at the world in general, thinking that they are impotent to correct their situation. However, what if people used all this pent-up energy and emotion to bring those responsible to justice? We're not talking about a Batman-style vigilante justice, mind you. We are talking about a concentrated counterattack in the form of an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit.

What exactly is involved in an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit? In a sense, it would be like causing the people responsible for your ailment to own up to their responsibility to you. Although we all know that no one can truly pay for your health, an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit would at least try to get the companies responsible for the full extent of the damages they caused. An asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit would show people that those who made you expose your health to asbestos are the ones responsible for the loss of your health, peace of mind, and productivity. In a sense, it would be like making the company pay for everything that their actions have been responsible for. However, how does one go about an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit?

Well, the first requirement is that there should be the damage. Of course, in this case, the damage would be mesothelioma. Having mesothelioma doesn't automatically qualify you to litigate, however. You need to be able to show some proof that the asbestos exposure you obtained through the product or through working for one company led to your condition. With a great lawyer, you might be able to do this easily. The task is made even easier by the fact that almost all cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. Once you have this initial factor, you can go about preparing your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit.

What are the things that you should do?

You have to do your research. Try to find information regarding exactly what happened to your body. Most people find that knowing exactly what is causing their conditions can be very calming. This is because people are more afraid of the unknown than anything else. Sure, you know that your illness is caused by asbestos fibers, but do you know what's really going on inside your body? Dread can quickly take over when ignorance is permitted to continue. You should also research the different laws surrounding asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits. Try to familiarize yourself with the terminology so that you won't get confused by your lawyer. Read up on different asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits and learn what made them fail or succeed. This will help you have a hand in planning the strategy of your own asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit.

The next step is to find a lawyer. If you want your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit to succeed, you have to get great help. This means that you need to get a great lawyer. In order to look for a lawyer to help you handle your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit, you should look for experience, creativity and knowledge.

Knowledge is the primary reason why you hire an attorney to handle your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit. You hire a lawyer because he or she has more knowledge concerning the law than you do. Think of a lawyer as a pilot. Since you do not know your way around the law, a lawyer can guide you and help you find your way around the different paths, loopholes and sidetracks of laws which involve your suit. This is a most basic requirement for you to get the smallest of chances with your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit.

Your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit should also be handled by someone with experience. This is because only a lawyer with experience will be able to truly apply his or her knowledge in the right situations. Your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit should have a higher chance of success if it is handled by someone who has already encountered a lot of cases like yours.

You should also know about the hidden art practiced by lawyers and that is interpretation. The law depends upon the interpretation of the people observing it - a fact unknown to many people. Getting a lawyer who can creatively interpret the law in order to get the best results for you is surely what you need.

How to Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer

2008-04-13T06:12:00.000-07:00

It is important that you find a good, experienced Mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible after you have been diagnosed with the disease. The earlier you get to a Mesothelioma lawyer, the better your chances of success.

The firm should be trustworthy and you should have a good rapport with it. If you are considering about filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit, you should meet up with several law firms before making the final decision. There are a large number of law firms who are specialized in filing Mesothelioma lawsuits. In order to choose the correct lawyer for filing your lawsuit, following steps can be followed

Where to start

You can look for a qualified Mesothelioma attorney in bar associations, Yellow Pages, and the Internet. Most law firms have their own sites.

Selecting the Mesothelioma lawyer

After compiling a list of some Mesothelioma law firms in your area, you can try to make contact with them either by email, mail or telephone for further information. Provide the law firms with details of your legal issue and find out if they can handle your situation. Also enquire about their fees for an initial consultation and an estimate of the total costs involved in handling a Mesothelioma lawsuit. If possible, make schedule appointments with two or three different law firms before making the final decision.

Meeting the Mesothelioma lawyer

During the initial consultation, it is important that you and your lawyer get to know each other. After studying your case, the lawyer must be in a position to inform you of your rights and suggest alternative courses of action. Moreover, it�s during this initial consultation period that a Mesothelioma attorney can explain what he or she can do for you and how much it will cost. You must also get informed about the attorney�s experience in handling previous Mesothelioma lawsuits. If you are totally satisfied with the details, you may request a written fee agreement before proceeding and a list of references that you may contact.

Post meeting Analysis

After each initial consultation, try and answer the following questions about your Mesothelioma lawyer - Did the lawyer listen to you, was he knowledgeable about asbestos law, did he give you a firm understanding of your alternative courses of action, did you understood the range of possible results associated with each course of action, did the lawyer seemed trustworthy.

Fees

To lower costs, you may want to ask your asbestos lawyer if a junior lawyer or paralegal can perform some of the work. You may also want to ask if there are some tasks that you can perform yourself to save time and money. An asbestos lawyer may charge a flat fee for a specific task or offer other methods of payment.
A contingent fee arrangement is that your lawyer gets a percentage of the compensation money you receive as resolution of your asbestos lawsuit. If you do not receive compensation for the lawsuit then your lawyer collects no fees. A contingency fee is a good option for those unable to pay hourly.

2008-04-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Q. Is it financially worthwhile to seek compensation?

A. Yes, amounts may be very significant, and are often enough to provide care for the patient, as well as financial security for the surviving spouse and family.

Q. What is the advantage of dealing with compensation issues now?

A. In most states, a case will settle more quickly if the plaintiff is alive, because those cases receive priority. Additionally, there is no one better suited to establish the facts of exposure than the person who has the disease. It is important to accomplish this while he/she is still strong and able to relate this information. And, all states limit the amount of time after a diagnosis that funds can be made available.

Q. Why is the asbestos industry required to pay compensation to victims of mesothelioma? As someone who has never filed a claim of any kind, should I feel right about filing?

A. Yes, you should. It has been proven from internal documents, that the companies who manufactured asbestos-containing products knew of the dangers of their products as far back as the 1920s, yet failed to warn anyone until the 1970s.

They conspired as an industry to spread false and manipulated medical results so people would be persuaded their products were safe. Many of these companies are now willingly negotiating settlements, which allow the victims and their families to achieve financial security and peace of mind as they deal with the devastating results of mesothelioma.

Q. How can you prove exposure from so long ago?

A. People have been exposed to asbestos in many different ways, sometimes unknowingly. Some are exposed on the job or in military service; some are exposed at home. A firm with experience in investigating asbestos exposure has numerous proven methods for finding and documenting a person’s exposure.

Q. How do I find the right attorney?

A. Some states do not have attorneys who handle asbestos cases. It is important to make a connection with a firm that is experienced in the claims processes, has a proven track record, a strong network of local counsel, and will also give you personal attention.

We send an attorney to meet with you at no cost or obligation before you make any decisions. Our firm handles cases nationwide; we currently have clients in all 50 states. We put together a legal team that includes local co-counsel in the state of filing at no additional cost to the client. Click here for a description of the claims process.

Q. How can we afford to have our claim investigated, filed and represented?

A. Our firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay nothing unless we make a recovery for you. You will only pay out of this recovery, and will not have out-of-pocket expenses.

Q. Where would be case be filed?

A. Every case is evaluated to determine the geographical options for filing. For instance, a person might live in Oklahoma, have been in the Navy on a ship that docked in California, and been exposed to a product in Texas. We might advise against filing in Oklahoma, where settlements are traditionally lower, and instead suggest filing in California, where, like Texas, settlements may be higher, and case resolution may be quicker. In such cases, we would add local California counsel to the legal team at no additional cost.

"...He was explicit, factual and honest about what could happen. He was also very accomodating about scheduling the meeting..."

Q. Are these class actions?

A. No. Our philosophy is against class actions. Our firm believes in representing one person at a time in their own personal case. In this way, the client’s situation is evaluated and compensated individually, based on its own circumstances and merits.

Q. How long does it take to resolve these cases?

A. In many jurisdictions, mesothelioma cases are treated with urgency, and are given high priority. This is particularly true if the client is alive. In addition, we target numerous asbestos manufacturers, and as soon as a settlement with one manufacturer is reached, the funds are dispersed to the client. In this way, the client and his/her family receive settlements along the way, rather than waiting for a single lump sum at the end, thus enabling them to use the money for medical treatment or other personal expenditures while the client is still alive.

Q. Would this claim be filed against my employer?

A. Our firm files claims against the asbestos industry, where, in most situations, people with mesothelioma will receive the largest recoveries. If a person has an interest in filing against their employer, we would refer the client to an attorney who handles Workers’ Compensation claims.

Malignant Mesophelioma Coping

2008-04-13T06:08:00.000-07:00

Cancer Caregiver's Guide

Tips for people charged with taking care of others. Caring for someone with terminal illness can be an enormous burden. Learn how to deal with this challenge.

Living With Cancer Guide

Cancer changes your life. Tips for living with this illness.

Cancer Fatigue

Ideas for fighting fatigue.

Inspirational Patient Stories

ACOR Patient Discussion Forum

Association of Cancer Online Resources Inc. (ACOR) is a non-profit organization which enables cancer patients to join listservs where they can share information with other patients who have the same type of cancer by posting messages.

Dealing With Pain

Pain, its causes and treatments. Good information as background when reviewing malignant mesophelioma treatment alternatives with your doctor.

Nutrition When You Have Cancer

Dietary considerations for the cancer patient.

Nutrition Tips

The National Cancer Center's eating hints for cancer patients, before, during, and after mesophelioma treatment.

Oncolink

Comprehensive information resource on cancer from the University of Pennsylvania. A superior resource for patients with in-depth information on most types of cancer and emphasis on psychosocial issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Exposure to asbestos

Legal considerations

Who is responsible

How a medical emergency can be prevented

2008-04-13T06:06:00.002-07:00

Preventing medical emergencies means getting yearly doctor's exams and regular exercise. Protect your health by determining whether you're at risk for any life-threatening conditions, and follow your doctor's suggestions to reduce any risk factors that can be dangerous to your health. For example, if you don't smoke, don't start. If you do smoke, quit.
We're all busy, and there's never enough time in the day, but is it easier to handle a heart attack in progress or to prevent it in the first place with regular exercise and visits to the doctor? If we don't prevent now, we'll pay later.

How can I prepare for an emergency?

After doing everything you can to prevent a medical emergency, the next step is to prepare for one. While it may seem negative to prepare for the worst, preparation takes prevention one step further. It means that if an emergency does occur, you will be more prepared to handle it calmly, quickly, and effectively to minimize its impact.
Being prepared means keeping a list of emergency numbers by the phone. The police, fire department, poison control center, local hospital, ambulance service, and your family doctor's office all should be included. Being prepared means making a list of all the medications you and your family take and their dosages. In an emergency, you might not be able to speak for yourself, so carry it with you. This list could help prevent serious drug interactions.
Also make a list of allergies, especially drug allergies or those with severe reactions. This list will help ensure the care you receive won't make matters worse. Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, at work, and in your car. A first-aid kit will help you handle medical situations...from minor shaving cuts, blisters from roller skating, and sunburns to sprains or severe cuts.
Take a first-aid class. A basic class will teach CPR and proper methods for treating burns, wrapping sprains, applying splints, and performing the Heimlich maneuver. First-aid classes also will help you learn how to remain calm and how to calm others in an emergency.

How do I recognize an emergency?

Learn to recognize the difference between a minor crisis and a life-threatening emergency. For example, upper abdominal pain can be indigestion, ulcers, or an early sign of a heart attack. A toddler who falls in the yard unconscious may have tripped, or he could have been stung by an insect and having an allergic reaction. Not every cut needs stitches, nor does every burn require advanced medical treatment.
Part of handling an emergency is being able to evaluate warning signs and make a fast decision. But it's always best to err on the side of caution. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 or the local hospital for assistance.
When should you call an ambulance instead of driving to the emergency department? Ask yourself the following questions:

- Is the victim's condition life-threatening?

- Could the victim's condition worsen and become life-threatening on the way to the hospital?

- Could moving the victim need the skills or equipment of paramedics or emergency medical technicians?

- Would distance or traffic conditions cause a delay in getting the victim to the hospital?

- If the answer to any of these questions is yes, or if you are unsure, it's best to call an ambulance.

When do I act?

Being prepared and understanding the situation will increase the effectiveness of your actions in an emergency. But deciding to act is crucial. It means being ready, willing, and able to help someone until emergency service arrives, or the crisis has passed. Action can mean anything from calling paramedics, applying direct pressure to a wound, performing CPR, or splinting an injury.
NEVER perform a medical procedure if you are unsure of how to do it. Handling an emergency can be scary. We feel powerless and unable to help loved ones at a time when they need it most. But if we all take preventative measures and prepare for the worst, we can help defuse the effects of a medical emergency before they start.

How does smoking affect risk?

2008-04-13T06:06:00.001-07:00

Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous causing diseases like mesotheloma cancer. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of mesathelioma lung cancer. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothilioma.

Asbestos is a hazardous disease but with the combination of smoking a person cant live too many years. Because smoking affects directly lungs and asbestos also creates some serious problems regarding lungs a person will fall ill immediately. Life span decreases deadly with these affects. Particularly the combination of these strengthens the effect of smoking on lungs.

There is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers. People who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life or who suspect they may have been exposed should not smoke. If they smoke, they should stop.

Mesothelioma Lawyer & Attorney Rights

2008-04-13T05:58:00.000-07:00

Victims of asbestos injuries are entitled to compensation from the manufacturers of asbestos. The amount of compensation varies in each individual case, but it is often a significant amount of money-as much as six or seven figures. This compensation is not a windfall. If you are suffering from an asbestos disease, you are most likely doing so through no fault of your own. Asbestos companies covered up the fact that asbestos is hazardous, and made billions of dollars peddling deadly products. You, the unsuspecting user, are now paying the ultimate price.

Anyone who was injured as a result of their exposure to asbestos has a potential legal claim against the manufacturers of asbestos products. This can be significant for several reasons. The medical costs associated with treating a disease such as mesothelioma can be staggering. Moreover, legal compensation is a means by which many victims of mesothelioma provide enough money to support a spouse or loved one, or to leave behind a legacy.

People are often surprised to find out that the largest amounts of compensation typically available can be recovered from the asbestos industry. There are mesothelioma law firms who handle such cases on a contingency fee basis which does not require out of pocket cost.

Patients can also file a disability claim with social security. It's advisable to consult with a mesothelioma attorney that specializes in such claims.

Many people can also file a disability claim if they have disability insurance either privately, through their employer, or as part of a life insurance policy.

If asbestos exposure occurred on the job, in addition to claims against the asbestos industry, a worker's compensation claim or other types of legal action may be filed against an employer. Again, it is advisable to consult with a mesothelioma lawyer handling worker's compensation claims. It is prudent to consult also with an attorney handling claims against the asbestos industry to make sure the various claims do not conflict with your optimal strategy.

Metastatic Cancer FAQ

2008-04-13T05:39:00.002-07:00

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body's basic unit of life. The body is made up of many types of cells. Normally, cells grow and divide to produce more cells only when the body needs them. This orderly process helps keep the body healthy. Sometimes cells keep dividing when new cells are not needed. These extra cells may form a mass of tissue, called a growth or tumor. Tumors can be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Cancer can begin in any organ or tissue of the body. The original tumor is called the primary cancer or primary tumor and is usually named for the part of the body in which it begins.

What is metastasis?

Metastasis means the spread of cancer. Cancer cells can break away from a primary tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body.

Cancer cells may spread to lymph nodes near the primary tumor (regional lymph nodes). This is called nodal involvement, positive nodes, or regional disease. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body, distant from the primary tumor. Doctors use the term metastatic disease or distant disease to describe cancer that spreads to other organs or to lymph nodes other than those near the primary tumor.

When cancer cells spread and form a new tumor, the new tumor is called a secondary, or metastatic, tumor. The cancer cells that form the secondary tumor are like those in the original tumor. That means, for example, that if breast cancer spreads (metastasizes) to the lung, the secondary tumor is made up of abnormal breast cells (not abnormal lung cells). The disease in the lung is metastatic breast cancer (not lung cancer).

Is it possible to have a metastasis without having a primary cancer?

No. A metastasis is a tumor that started from a cancer cell or cells in another part of the body. Sometimes, however, a primary cancer is discovered only after a metastasis causes symptoms. For example, a man whose prostate cancer has spread to the bones in the pelvis may have lower back pain (caused by the cancer in his bones) before experiencing any symptoms from the prostate tumor itself.

How does a doctor know whether a cancer is a primary or a secondary tumor?

The cells in a metastatic tumor resemble those in the primary tumor. Once the cancerous tissue is examined under a microscope to determine the cell type, a doctor can usually tell whether that type of cell is normally found in the part of the body from which the tissue sample was taken.

For instance, breast cancer cells look the same whether they are found in the breast or have spread to another part of the body. So, if a tissue sample taken from a tumor in the lung contains cells that look like breast cells, the doctor determines that the lung tumor is a secondary tumor.

Metastatic cancers may be found at the same time as the primary tumor, or months or years later. When a second tumor is found in a patient who has been treated for cancer in the past, it is more often a metastasis than another primary tumor.

In a small number of cancer patients, a secondary tumor is diagnosed, but no primary cancer can be found, in spite of extensive tests. Doctors refer to the primary tumor as unknown or occult, and the patient is said to have cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP).

What treatments are used for metastatic cancer?

When cancer has metastasized, it may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, hormone therapy, surgery, or a combination of these. The choice of treatment generally depends on the type of primary cancer, the size and location of the metastasis, the patient's age and general health, and the types of treatments used previously. In patients diagnosed with CUP, it is still possible to treat the disease even when the primary tumor cannot be located.

New cancer treatments are currently under study. To develop new treatments, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsors clinical trials (research studies) with cancer patients in many hospitals, universities, medical schools, and cancer centers around the country. Clinical trials are a critical step in the improvement of treatment. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct studies to find out whether the treatment is both safe for patients and effective against the disease. The results of such studies have led to progress not only in the treatment of cancer, but in the detection, diagnosis, and prevention of the disease as well. Patients interested in participating in research should ask their doctor to find out whether they are eligible for a clinical trial.

What is asbestos?

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Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals that can be separated into fibers. The fibers are strong, durable, and resistant to heat and fire. Asbestos materials are also long, thin and flexible, so that they can even be woven into cloth.
Because of these qualities, asbestos has been used in thousands of consumer, industrial, maritime, automotive, scientific and building products. During the twentieth century, some 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States.

There are several types of asbestos fibers, of which three have been used for commercial applications: (1) Chrysotile, or white asbestos, comes mainly from Canada, and has been very widely used in the US. It is white-gray in color and found in serpentine rock. (2) Amosite, or brown asbestos, comes from southern Africa. (3) Crocidolite, or blue asbestos, comes from southern Africa and Australia.

Amosite asbestos and crocidolite asbestos materials are called amphiboles. This term refers to the nature of their geologic formation.

Other asbestos fibers that have not been used commercially are tremolite asbestos, actinolite asbestos and anthophyllite asbestos, although these materials are sometimes contaminants in asbestos-containing products. It should be noted that there are non-fibrous, or non-asbestiform, variants of tremolite, anthophylite and actinolite, which do not have the adverse health consequences that result from exposure to commercial forms of asbestos.

What are asbestos-containing products?

What is common to many asbestos-containing products is that they were (are) used to contain heat (i.e. thermal insulation.) It is impossible to list all of the products that have, at one time or another, contained asbestos. Some of the more common asbestos-containing products are pipe-covering, insulating cement, insulating block, asbestos cloth, gaskets, packing materials, thermal seals, refractory and boiler insulation materials, transite board, asbestos cement pipe, fireproofing spray, joint compound, vinyl floor tile, ceiling tile, mastics, adhesives, coatings, acoustical textures, duct insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, roofing products, insulated electrical wire and panels, and brake and clutch assemblies.
Some of these products contained a very high proportion of asbestos, while others contained small amounts.

Since asbestos causes many diseases like malignant mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, peritonial mesothelioma. People are suggested to be aware of this asbestos and its usage. Of these mesothelioma asbestos diseases is effecting when a person is highly exposed to asbestos.

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

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Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

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Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

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

Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?

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Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI's Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://cancer.gov/clinical_trials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.

People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://cancer.gov/publications on the Internet.

How is mesothelioma treated?

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Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

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Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

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Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

What is the Mesothelium?

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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. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

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