Asbestos - Mesothelioma

    Asbestos is the biggest work place killer today.  Those who have worked with asbestos or who are regularly in contact with someone who has are at risk from asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.  All these are fatal respiratory diseases which are extremely difficult to cure.  Research is being carried out in various research labs all over the USA and many pharmaceutical companies are also endeavouring to find new drugs and treatment methods.

One rare disease caused by asbestos which is becoming increasingly common is mesothelioma.  Although unknown by many today, it is almost certain that awareness of this disease will be broadcasted worldwide because of its increasing occurrence in men aged between 55 and 70.  Many of these men are now lodging multi million dollar lawsuits against the companies who subjected them to asbestos.  Those most at risk from mesothelioma are those who have been in regular contact with asbestos dust and fibres without sufficient protection.  Just a couple of months of exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma 30 years later.  The latency period (amount of time the disease takes to start taking effect) of mesothelioma is 30 - 50 years which is one of the reasons it is so difficult to cure because it is very difficult to tackle in its early stages.  Another reason it is so difficult to cure is that its early symptoms are characteristic of many other more common diseases such as pneumonia.

Mesothelioma symptoms include:

- Chest pains
- Coughing that worsens over time
- Weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Wheezing
- Lung infection
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite

A patient will feel symptoms depending on which type of mesothelioma he or she has got.  For information on the different types of mesothelioma

In the next 35 years it is estimated that over 1 million people will die from asbestos related diseases in developed countries.  Most of these people will die from lung cancer and mesothelioma as these two are the most prolific asbestos related diseases.

Mesothelioma Information FAQ

      Pericardial mesothelioma is a serious heart condition which consists of cancerous cells building up on the lining of the heart.  Similarly to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, this is a terminal illness due to the importance of the area on which it grows.

What causes pericardial mesothelioma and who are most at risk?

The primary cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos dust and fibres.  Therefore those at risk are those who are most likely to have inhaled these deadly fibres such as construction workers and asbestos manufacturers.  Those in contact with these people also have a chance of getting pericardial mesothelioma because these people may have asbestos fibres stuck to their clothes or hair.

What are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma?

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma change from patient to patient.  Usual symptoms include persistent coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations.  Other symptoms patients may experience are nausea, weight loss, vomiting and loss of appetite.

What are the treatments available for pericardial mesothelioma?

There are various different treatments for pericardial mesothelioma although none of these have a high success rate.  Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery are the treatment methods available.  Chemotherapy includes using drugs to kill off cancerous cells and radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells although this is difficult in the case of pericardial mesothelioma due to the surrounding vital organs such as the heart and lungs.  Dual therapy is a treatment combining radiation therapy with chemotherapy. Surgery comes in two forms; aggressive surgery and palliative procedures.  Aggressive surgery is a very difficult procedure and consists of removing large chunks of cancerous cells in an attempt to gain long term control over the cancer.  Palliative procedures just attempts to lessen the symptoms for the patient.

How much exposure to asbestos is needed for there to be a possibility of getting pericardial mesothelioma?

This depends on how strong and resistant the person is to disease and on the concentration of asbestos in the environment around him.  It is possible to get pericardial mesothelioma from as little as a couple of months of exposure to asbestos although on average it would take a couple of years for enough asbestos fibres to build up to cause cancer.

What is the prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma?

This is highly dependent on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated.  If pericardial mesothelioma is treated when it has fully developed and matured then the chances of a patient’s survival is very small.  The prognosis could be only a couple of months.

Is there any promising research into cures for pericardial mesothelioma?

Research into cures of pericardial mesothelioma and all other forms of mesothelioma is being done in numerous research labs all over the USA.  Many pharmaceutical companies are also working hard to research new drugs for chemotherapy.  So far, research has been mostly unsuccessful.

Mesothelioma help

Mesothelioma is the term used to depict a malignant tumor that includes the mesothelial cells of an organ. Mesothelial cells will be cells that frame a defensive coating over the lungs, heart and stomach organs. The most well-known kind of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a slight layer found between the lungs and the midsection cavity. It gives a greased up surface so that the lungs don't rub and abrade against the midsection dividers.  

What causes it?

  Practically all instances of mesothelioma are identified with breathing in of asbestos strands. There are around 3,000 cases every year (basically men beyond 40 years old) and there will be around 300,000 cases before 2030. Mesothelioma as a rule spreads quickly through the mesothelial cells to the heart and stomach organs. The life compass is ordinarily 24 months after determination, yet it relies on upon what stage the tumor is distinguished, the wellbeing of the patient and different variables. In spite of the fact that asbestos introduction causes mesothelioma, it has an idleness period after presentation that could last 15 to 50 years. This implies that somebody who worked in an industrial facility with asbestos 40 years prior could be creating mesothelioma now. Any individual who knows they were presented to free asbestos strands ought to be tried routinely for mesothelioma.

 Mesothelioma help  

Conclusion  
The onset of mesothelioma is normally moderate. The primary manifestation is a consistent agony in the midsection. This torment is later joins by trouble breathing because of a gathering of liquid in the midsection. Different indications incorporate hacking, fever and weight reduction. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed by your specialist with a midsection CT-examine. Forecast (the result) Mesothelioma progresses in 4 stages: - the tumor is restricted to the range of the covering of the lung and typically constrained to one and only side of the midsection. - the tumor stretches out to different organs inside the midsection depression, for example, the heart or lymph hubs in the midsection. - the tumor extends to the opposite side of the midsection or it spreads into the stomach organs. The lymph hubs outside the midsection are influenced. -the disease spreads to distinctive parts of the body far outside the midsection zone (liver, cerebrum, bone, etc...). Mesothelioma is a greatly lethal sickness. The normal survival time is around one year from date of determination. Around 20% of patients who locate their malignancy early and treat it forcefully will achieve the five-year point.

Catch It Early To Avoid Big Trouble

Many people have not detected of carcinoma and ar unaware of its symptoms. though thought of a rare variety of cancer, every year the quantity of cases grows. With the prevalence of this sickness on the increase, it's vital to grasp why and the way carcinoma develops and what courses of action are often taken within the event of designation. the subsequent ar some queries and answers that may offer you with info on carcinoma.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma may be a rare variety of cancer during which malignant (cancerous) cells ar found within the epithelial tissue, a protecting sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. The organs most typically affected ar the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. the foremost common variety of carcinoma is serosa carcinoma -- cancer of the respiratory organ lining. however cancerous cells are found within the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) and therefore the lining round the heart (the pericardium).

What causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is sort of continuously caused by exposure to amphibole. amphibole is usually found in building materials used before the middle 1970’s. additionally, materials like pipes, boiler insulation, floor, ceiling and roof tiles might contain amphibole. it's believed that even insignificant exposure to amphibole in environments like amphibole mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or maybe in patient's homes may end up in carcinoma. In several cases carcinoma doesn't occur for many years when initial exposure to the current cancer-causing amphibole. 2000-3000 cases of carcinoma annually ar presently being diagnosed. members of the family of staff exposed to amphibole may contract this sickness through exposure to the worker's covering. Like several alternative cancers, smoking greatly will increase the danger of catching carcinoma.

How abundant amphibole exposure can cause Mesothelioma?

Generally, the chance of developing this way of cancer is directly associated with the length of your time you're exposed to amphibole. The health risk additionally will increase with the intensity of the exposure to amphibole.
However, associate exposure of as very little in concert or 2 months may end up in carcinoma thirty or forty years later. At the age of forty eight, Canadian Member of Parliament Chuck Strahl, was recently diagnosed with carcinoma and traces the cause back to ever-changing restraint on work instrumentation when he graduated from highschool. Strahl's case may be a example of the actual fact that carcinoma encompasses a latency stage of anyplace from twenty to fifty years. Like thousands of others he developed the sickness long when his exposure to amphibole.

What ar the symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma may be a terribly delicate variety of cancer providing solely a number of noticeable symptoms till it becomes very advanced. seventy fifth of all mesolthelioma cases ar serosa carcinoma - cancer of the respiratory organ lining. this sort of cancer causes shortness of breath and/or chronic coughing which will simply be mistaken for allergies or a typical cold. carcinoma is usually discovered inadvertently once patients ar being examined for these common symptoms. alternative symptoms of serosa carcinoma might include: pain, shortness of breath, chronic coughing that worsens over time, fatigue, wheezing, respiratory organ infection, hoarseness, weight loss, issue swallowing, chest or abdominal pain or blood within the phlegm from the lungs once coughing
Peritoneal carcinoma affects the liner round the abdomen and intestines and may be even as dangerous and deadly. Symptoms of serosa carcinoma include: pain or swelling within the abdomen, weight loss, internal organ obstruction (blockage within the massive or tiny intestines), anemia (reduced variety of red blood cells) , and fever.
The onset of carcinoma is typically quite slow. Patients can begin to expertise symptoms like lower back pain and pain. sadly, once carcinoma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment should be sought-after instantly.

Can carcinoma be treated?

Unfortunately, by the time most infected individuals become aware they need carcinoma it's ceased being dormant and becomes very aggressive. Once it's now not dormant, this sort of willcer can travel quickly, and this makes it nearly not possible to prevent.
While there ar treatments that ar accessible so as to stay the patient comfy, there's presently no cure for carcinoma, and as several as seventy fifth of these United Nations agency develop the sickness can lose their life at intervals one year. the rest might last for up to an extra six months. Among the treatments that ar utilized in order to scale back the consequences of the sickness ar gas, bodily property voidance and pain killers. a large vary of treatment approaches ar being tested, starting from makes an attempt to fortify the body's natural system to sequence medical aid that tries to attack the matter at the deoxyribonucleic acid level to medical care, herbs and stylostixis. however none have however been shown to be terribly effective once the sickness reaches the aggressive stage.
Given the commonly poor prognosis for people that don't catch the sickness in time, early detection is that the best defence against carcinoma. If you have got worked in associate business like construction or suspect that you just might are exposed to amphibole, be alert for symptoms and phone your doctor instantly. Like all kinds of cancer, detection carcinoma at the earliest stage doable greatly will increase your probabilities for survival.

Who is in danger from carcinoma cancer?

    Mesothelioma may be a deadly cancer that is fairly rare though within the previous couple of decades the quantity of individuals WHO have died from it have dramatically multiplied. carcinoma is caused by exposure to amphibole while not adequate protection. once someone is exposed to amphibole, he or she inhales little amphibole fibres that ar suspended within the air.  These fibres pass into the systema respiratorium and find yourself turning into lodged within the lungs. associate degree accumulation of amphibole fibres within the lining of the lungs like this will cause near  cells to deform and eventually results in what\'s referred to as serosa carcinoma.  Accumulation of amphibole fibres within the serous membrane (lining of the abdomen) will cause serous membrane carcinoma and build from fibres round the tissue of the guts will cause serous membrane carcinoma. amphibole fibres reach these places over time or as a result of they need been transported there by the systema lymphaticum.
Mesothelioma contains a terribly massive latency phase (time between obtaining the cancer and feeling the symptoms of it). this era is typically between thirty – fifty years so someone WHO bears carcinoma is unlikely to grasp that they need got it. this can be why carcinoma is thus laborious to diagnose in its early stages as a result of it shows no symptoms and therefore the few symptoms that it will show like unhealthy and shortness of breath ar typical of much more common diseases like respiratory disease.  The probability of being cured depends mostly on however early and the way sharply the cancer is treated.  If it\'s treated once it\'s totally developed and matured then it\'s very tough to cure.
In this manner, those in danger ar people who have worked amongst amphibole.  Construction staff, amphibole makers or people who have lived at intervals a mile of associate degree amphibole manufactory ar the people that have the most important contact with amphibole. people who ar in reality with these folks are in danger as a result of amphibole fibres will persist with garments and hair. the bulk of individuals WHO ar discovering that they need carcinoma ar aged men of regarding sixty – seventy.  This was the generation that worked with amphibole plenty while not adequate protection. several of those men ar currently lodging multi million greenback lawsuits against the businesses WHO exposed them to the hazards of amphibole.

The largest Man Made Epidemic : Mesothelioma

It is documented that Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world from the 1950’s until the 1970’s.  As a tragic consequence, Australia now has the highest per capita incidence of mesothelioma in the world.  With more than 500 Australians contracting mesothelioma per year, it is estimated that up to 18,000 Australians will die from this asbestos related cancer by the year 2020.
Despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos, there are many people who have not heard of Mesothelioma.  This asbestos related cancer is defined as: a malignant spreading tumor of the mesothelium of the pleura, pericardium, or peritoneum, arising form the inhalation of asbestos fibers. 
One of the most baffling and frightening known facts concerning Mesothelioma is that many years may pass, between inhalation of asbestos dust and its deadly legacy of disease;  it is not uncommon for four decades or more to pass before symptoms due to asbestos dust inhalation become apparent.
In November 2004,  I was an invited speaker at the Global Asbestos Congress 2004, held in Tokyo Japan.  Over 800 participants from 40 countries around the world were in attendance. To be a part of such a large gathering of fellow humans, united in a quest to rid the poison of asbestos from our environments was an intensely moving experience.  Having lost my husband to mesothelioma I know first hand the suffering this cruel disease places on its innocent victims. 
There were many speakers and each told a tale, of pain, death and heartache.  We listened, we understood and we ached for the past, present and future victims of the killer asbestos and its legacy of mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases.  We listened and we were shocked and angered to learn that despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos and the increasing incidence of asbestos related disease, there remains some countries who are mining asbestos with little or no regard for their workers or people who will come into contact with asbestos products.
 Asbestos disease Association member’s world wide are working tirelessly and fighting almost insurmountable odds to ban asbestos from all countries of the world.  It is a sobering and frightening fact, that even if we were successful in this quest, the legacy of asbestos related diseases will continue for five decades.
Add your voice to the many who want this killer product erased from the worlds environments – Add your voice to the call that pleads for adequate compensation for victims and their families
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) continues to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the incurable and often deadly asbestos related diseases. ADAO is quickly expanding and uniting veterans, fire-fighters, shipbuilders, teachers and thousands of other innocent people around the world. Asbestos Awareness leads to education, prevention, new treatments and ultimately a cure.

 

The 3 Main Types

In general, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer.  Different types of mesothelioma are distinguished between by where the cancer is growing.  Pleural mesothelioma, the most common, accounting for 75% of all mesothelioma cases, is where cancerous cells develop on the lining of the lungs.  The next most common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma and this is where cancerous cells grow on the peritoneum which is the lining of the abdomen.  Pericardial mesothelioma, the least common major form of mesothelioma, makes up roughly 5% of all mesothelioma cases.  This is where malignant cancer cells grow on the lining of the heart.

All three of these forms of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos.  Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was discovered around the 1860s.  Due to its highly useful property of being fireproof, asbestos was used greatly in construction in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s.  It was not until the early 1960s when the severe health hazards that asbestos causes were discovered, that asbestos stopped being used.  When exposed to asbestos with insufficient protection a person will breathe in tiny asbestos fibres which are suspended in the air.  These fibres pass into the respiratory system until they become lodged in the lining of the lungs.  Over time, an accumulation of these asbestos fibres in the lungs can cause pleural mesothelioma.  Asbestos fibres may also pass into the lymphatic system and be transported to either the lining of the abdomen or the tissue surrounding the heart.  This may cause either peritoneal mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma.
In terms of symptoms, the three main types of mesothelioma have some symptoms in common with each other.  These symptoms are usual of all three types: chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, coughing up blood, vomiting, nausea, weight loss and loss of appetite.  An additional symptom of pericardial mesothelioma is palpitations. 
There are a few treatments for all types of mesothelioma but none of these have a high success rate.  The effectiveness of the treatment depends on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated.  If the cancerous cells are treated when they have fully matured and developed then it is unlikely that treatment methods will be successful.  Treatment methods include chemotherapy which is the use of drugs to kill the cancer, radiation therapy which uses a radiation dosage to kill off cancerous cells and surgery which attempts to gain long term control over the cancer by removing a large portion of malignant cells.  These treatment methods can be combined in the form of dual therapy.
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Mesothelioma

Tragically the word mesothelioma is becoming more and more well known, the mere mention of it striking fear into all of us for we know that it is associated with death.  Asbestos is the reaper, mesothelioma its hand maiden. 
Asbestos, the wonder product of the fifties is now recognized as an enemy of the twentieth century. A ruthless enemy which will kill more people than the war.  Men, women and children will fall victim to its prey, innocents who have at some time in their lives inhaled asbestos dust. 
Most of us have been in contact with products containing asbestos in our life times.  We sat in asbestos class rooms, stood beside our fathers as they cut asbestos fencing, pulled up old linoleum with asbestos clogged to the back of it.  Visited the local tip where broken sheets of it lay open to the wind.

Records show that there are a higher number of people afflicted with asbestosis and mesothelioma who have directly worked in asbestos mines, ship yards and companies making products from asbestos; however there are a large number of people afflicted, who have never worked in these industries.  Their contact with asbestos, due to the dust brought home on their husband’s clothes or from the asbestos tailings placed around mine houses and town perimeters.  But the tragedy does not end there, children innocently playing in their own back yards played amongst the asbestos tailings as children elsewhere play in the sand.  They had no way of knowing that their sand was asbestos blue.  A good bath at the end of the day may have removed the dust from the skin but the dust in the lungs remained and would lay dormant for many years before claiming its deadly legacy.
Without warning, a healthy individual suddenly becomes short of breath, x-rays reveal fluid on the lungs and the night mare begins.  Questions are asked and you answer, Yes, I was exposed to asbestos dust but I was only in the town for a few short months and that was over 40 years ago.  How can this be? This is the most perplexing thing about mesothelioma.  Why is there such a long period of time between inhalation of asbestos dust and onset of the disease?  What triggers a strong healthy body to suddenly succumb to it?  What can we do to prevent this from happening?
Blood tests are now available to determine whether mesothelioma is present in the body, before a person is aware of any symptoms.  This is an amazing breakthrough and perhaps the first step towards curing the disease before it becomes terminal.  Recently mesothelioma was cured in a mouse and attempts to give it back to the mouse were unsuccessful.  This too is exciting stuff and holds a glimmer of hope for us all. 
I have witnessed first hand the devastation of mesothelioma. My husband was a strong and virile man who rarely had a sick day in his life.  Suddenly at the age of 52 he became short of breath and was subsequently diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.  He had lived in the asbestos mining town of Wittenoom in Western Australia for a few short months at the age of seven.  The asbestos dust he inhaled then, took forty five years to become lethal.  I still find this hard to believe.
Despite his prognosis of three to nine months, Brian survived for two years.  He was 54 years old when he died.

 

Living In Fear Of Mesothelioma

First of all, you may be wondering what mesothelioma is, and why I should be scared of it ?.....
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is the medical name for cancer of the lung, and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Symptoms my not appear for up to 50 years or so after exposure to asbestos, and people who haven't had any contact with asbestos for many years, are now showing signs of having this deadly disease. The symptoms are usually shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pains and feeling very tired.

Why should I be scared of it ?

As a small child, I used to live near a factory which used asbestos to make fire-proof products and other insulating materials for the building industry. I believe that asbestos was also used in the manufacture of break linings. I can remember seeing the asbestos dust that spewed out of the factory covering the surrounding area (including part of our school playground) with this deadly snow like powder. Of course, as we were just kids at that time, we had absolutely no idea just how deadly this dust was. We even played in it completely unaware of its dangers.
The Horror Came Later.
It wasn't until years later after the factory had been closed down, that we began to see the full horrors of this white snow looking powder, we had played with as children. By this time I was much older, and the dangers of asbestos had been given massive coverage by the media, so I was now aware of what could happen to myself and hundreds of other people who lived in the same area as this factory in years to come.
TV Documentary.
This factory received national television coverage, and on one program they interviewed families who had suffered due to the problem of asbestos. I was shocked to see that I knew some of the people who had lost family members due to developing mesothelioma, in fact I actually went to school with some of the people who took part in the program. The program showed old photographs of the area around the factory (including my old school) covered in powder, and it really did look like it had been snowing. When you see all of this on television it really does make you just a little bit worried, especially when you have been in contact with asbestos like I have.

Treatments.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed early enough, a cure is possible with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, in the case of a more advanced illness a cure is not possible, but with the right treatments the illness can be slowed down dramatically and medication can be used to ease any pain.
X-Rays.
As a precaution I did have x-rays a few years ago just to put my mind at rest, and thankfully they were all clear. The doctor recommended that I should have x-rays on a very regular basis just to be on the safe side. So, at the moment everything is ok, but I will always be just a little bit worried of what might happen in the future.

 

Is Mesothelioma a sleeping dragon?

Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a substance found naturally. It is made of strong flexible fibres. It was used extensively in industry because the fibres are not affected by heat or chemicals and a poor conductor of electricity. It is estimated that over 5,000 products have or had asbestos in them.
Of the six types of asbestos, only four are used commercially. These are chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite and anthrophyllite. Of these, crysotile or white asbestos accounts for 99% used in USA.  In it natural state or well contained and maintained in products, asbestos do not pose a real hazard. It is when asbestos is broken down and fibres are released that there is concern.
Asbestos fibres are very thin and sharp. The fibre is 2,000 times thinner than a human hair. It measures under 0.3 microns or one millionth of a millimetre in diameter and five microns in length. It is not visible with the naked eye or through a microscope.
When released, the fibres remain in the atmosphere for a long time and can be carried great distances. When the fibres are inhaled, they stick to the lung tissue and are not expelled by breathing out or coughing. Some remain in the lungs, others gravitate into the pleural lining.
Asbestos exposure can lead to disease and develops over a long period of time. Asbestos related diseases are asbestosis, pleural plaques and lung cancers. The lung cancer can be either cancer of the lung itself or mesothelioma, a cancer of the lung lining. These cancers can take between 20 and 50 years to develop.
A recent article in a UK Newspaper highlighted the case of a Hospital Consultant who developed mesothelioma. He cannot recall any exposure to asbestos. It may well be that he was inadvertently exposed to asbestos without his knowledge i.e. such as living in the vicinity of a factory that leaked asbestos into the atmosphere.
Professor Peto has shown that new cases of mesothelioma will continue to increase in the early part of the twenty first century. He also said, “Every single person in the UK has asbestos in their lungs. It is the level of exposure that is important.”
We also know that people who has a history of asbestos exposure has a greater risk of lung cancer if they smoked. In a survey in 1992, 2602 individuals with lung cancer were interviewed. One in eight was exposed to asbestos and of these a third still smoked. A US study suggested that non-smokers exposed to asbestos have a five times greater risk of lung cancer. If they smoked, then the risk increased by a factor of 11. Smoking and asbestos exposure increases the risk of developing lung cancer to 52 times that of the general population.
At present no one knows how many lung cancers are due to asbestos exposure because of the long latency period and that cigarette smoking remains the major cause. Mesothelioma, however, is caused by asbestos exposure and this has been the basis of numerous high value legal claims.
As for the future, in the USA and Europe, asbestos related diseases will gradually increase to a peak. Of concern, however, are areas of conflict. In the Middle East, when a building was bombed, or when numerous buildings were bombed during the invasion of Iraq, do we have any idea how much asbestos was released into the atmosphere?
We are, however, certain that during the 9/11 disaster, asbestos fibres were released. When the Twin Tower collapsed, there were 400 tons of asbestos in the structure. The toxic cloud that hung over Manhattan, contained high level of asbestos. It is estimated that over 100,000 people suffered asbestos exposure. The greatest exposure was amongst first responders. Deborah Reeve was the first to die from asbestos related disease after 9/11. She was a first responder and paramedic. She died in March 2005 from mesothelioma. This concerned experts because mesothelioma takes a very long time to develop. They concluded that her exposure must have been excessive.
A study result showed that 70% of recovery and rescue workers who were active during and after the World Trade Centre collapse had some form of respiratory problem. A six year follow up study showed that sufferers with respiratory problems continue to have the same ailments.
“In the six years since the attacks,” Nadler said, “We have accumulated a mountain of evidence that thousands of those exposed are suffering from chronic respiratory disease and, increasingly, a variety of rare cancers.”
Hopefully, as experts predict, within the next few years asbestos related diseases will peak and the annual new cases will drop. If not, could it be a sleeping dragon about to wake up?

 

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Mesothelioma lawsuits 

seem to be becoming more and more prevalent as the disease and its causes become more well-known. You may have seen commercials for attorneys advertising their services in this specialized area. Due to the fact that decades can pass before the disease rears its ugly head, it has become apparent that the companies responsible for exposing their workers to asbestos so many years ago may no longer be in business. But there is something you can do.

Mesothelioma, commonly known as Asbestos Cancer, is a rare form of cancer that is most frequently known to occur when the affected person has come in contact with asbestos and inhaled its particles. It does, however, emerge in some individuals without ever having made contact with asbestos and occurs more in men than women, but can affect both genders. The name Mesothelioma is derived from mesothelium, which is the membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. When cancer cells are active in the mesothelium, that membrane begins to deteriorate and the cancer can continue spreading to other parts of the body.
During the 1940s, millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos, but at that time, the dangers were not known. The symptoms of Mesothelioma many times do not appear for up to 30 to 50 years after exposure. Depending on your age, you may have relatives who have unfortunately, contracted this disease while working with asbestos or simply from being exposed to it in other ways.
If you or someone you know or are related to have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, there are steps you can take to receive compensation. Although a monetary settlement will not cure the disease, its benefits may help to make the sick individual live more comfortably and possibly ease their suffering somewhat.
Although there are individual cases, many Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed as class action suits due to the fact that so many people were affected at the same time at the same place. Even if the responsible company is no longer in business, the attorneys can still obtain monetary settlements through other means as there have been billions of dollars set aside for disbursements regarding Mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone you love has contracted Mesothelioma, do an online search for lawyers in your area who handle these types of cases. A settlement made to you through a Mesothelioma lawsuit can offer a degree of support in more ways than one. The compensation received can assist in alleviating some of the burden of medical treatment costs, especially for those who are uninsured, and also possibly give an individual a chance to live in a more comfortable atmosphere, overall.

Getting a Mesothelima Lawyer to Fight Against Lung Cancer

It is said that mesothelioma is linked to lung cancer and it is a good idea to get the help that is deserved when someone feels like they have been diagnosed because of the work that they did for a living.  There are many mesothelimo lawyers that are waiting to help you with your situation and will get you the settlement that you deserve.
There are many people that this disease affects.  It will take its toll on the entire family.  These lung cancer patients deserve to have the respect and the care that they deserve for all their duties while in the work force.  It is important that these patients and their families have the necessary information that they deserve to be well informed about the entire process. 
Malignant mesothelima is a rare form of lung cancer that is brought on by asbestos.  The term mesothelioma is used to describe a cancer tumor, which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ; this is usually the lungs, heart, or the abdominal organs.  When a person is diagnosed with this form of disease, a mesothelima lawyer will fight to give them the rights that they so deserve. 
A person this is diagnosed with this form of cancer will have a long hard struggle in front of them.  For most people, they will not get any better and will have to live with this type of problem for the rest of their life.  When someone has to go through that much pain and suffering in their life because their company did not tell them that they were in danger, they will deserve a settlement for their time and their pain. 
A mesothelioma lawyer will fight for their patients to have all of their medical bills paid and to have a little extra money to help them with the rest of their life.  This is an important procedure that will determine how well you settle out.   You need to be confident in your attorney so that the facts can be presented and the client will have a fair and good case. 
In some cases the patients will die before the case is settled.  In these cases, the families of them will be entitled to the remaining settlement.  They will have to live without their family member for the rest of their life due to this terrible form of cancer and they will deserve to be compensated well for that reason.  A mesothelioma lawyer will help them fight for what their loved one wanted so much. 
In the end, the money and the settlement cannot make what is wrong turn right.  It is not going to bring back the loved one.  However, it will be telling these companies that they did something wrong and that they did not get away with it.  You will be fighting for rights of the workers and the responsibilities of the employers.

 

Asbestos Settlement- The Grim Reality

Reasons for Asbestos Settlement
In the recent years, there has been a drastic increase in the number of asbestos settlement cases, owing to the increasing number of people suffering from asbestos related diseases. Studies reveal that a majority of people developed several lung diseases like mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure. The owners of manufacturing industries that use asbestos now find themselves in legal battles because of the overuse of asbestos. The owners persistently used asbestos materials despite being aware of the ill effects of asbestos on the human body. Several people are suffering from mesothelioma cancers, asbestosis, cancer or some other kind of asbestos related lung and stomach disorders because of their negligent behavior. This negligence is the reason for growing cases of asbestos litigations and asbestos settlements.
Asbestos- A Silent Killer
Asbestos is a natural fibrous material that was widely used in shipyards, insulation, railroads, construction processes, building materials and many other manufacturing industries for more than a century. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is dangerous for human health and can cause some serious damage to the lungs. It results in diseases like mesothelioma cancers, asbestosis and other dangerous diseases. Most of the diseases caused by asbestos show their symptoms in very late stages making it very difficult to treat.
Mesothelioma- An offspring of Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that is caused by asbestos. It is very difficult to diagnose mesothelioma in early stages and by the time the disease has been diagnosed, it becomes nearly impossible to treat and cure. Mesothelioma cancers can also damage the abdomen, the reproductive organs and even the heart. Almost 70 to 80 people diagnosed with mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos. The asbestos workers and even their families are vulnerable to mesothelioma cancers. Asbestos litigation and asbestos settlement are necessary for mesothelioma victims because the treatment of mesothelioma involves huge expenses.
Asbestos Litigation vs. Asbestos Settlement
To select between asbestos settlement and asbestos litigation is a difficult task. Both the methods have their own pros and cons. The attorneys favoring settlement place an argument that settlement is a faster process and helps in getting compensation without a troublesome lawsuit. However, the ones favoring litigation say that the average amount of compensation in asbestos lawsuits is much higher than the average amounts paid in asbestos settlements. You can select the right mode for you in consultation with your asbestos attorney and the merits of your case.
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Asbestos Killed my Husband

    In December 1999, my husband and I were walking home from a game of lawn bowls when I became aware of his shortness of breath. I was surprised and concerned when he told me that he had experienced this on several occasions. Believing this to be due to chest a infection, I made a doctor’s appointment for him the next day.
Chest X-rays revealed fluid on the lungs, over two litres of which was drained, giving Brian immediate relief, but it was a tense wait for the pathology results. Through the Internet I had become aware of several conditions which may have been responsible for fluid on the lung; these included asbestos- related diseases. Brian had lived in Wittenoom as a child and I was afraid of his diagnosis. Not wanting to worry him unnecessarily, I did not mention my fears to him. I prayed that he had pleurisy or pneumonia but the pathology results revealed that there were cancer cells present.
When Brian finally received his diagnosis, my worst nightmare became reality. He had pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lung caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust. We found it inconceivable that the disease was the result of Brian inhaling asbestos dust as a child and that it had lain dormant for forty-five years before become lethal.
We were still reeling from the shock when, without preamble, the young doctor gave his prognosis. His exact words were, “Three to nine months, I reckon”. That he could say this so unfeelingly amazed me. His total lack of compassion did not encourage even the small comfort of tears. I felt as if Brian and I had been shot and from that moment on we were waiting to drop.
Undoubtedly, were mortally wounded. We suffered shock, disbelief, anger, helplessness and utter despair; in fact all the symptoms of grief one feels when a loved one has actually died. Suddenly, we had no control over our lives, our journey through terminal illness had begun.
Throughout the course of our married life my deep love for Brian and my determination to resolve difficulties had seen us through many trials. I found it hard to believe that nothing could be done to save his life and begun surfing the Internet for information regarding mesothelioma, all the time praying for a miracle, hoping against hope to find a doctor who had successfully operated on or cured someone of it.
It was a sad realization to discover that for Brian there were no miracles; however, I learned a lot and it helped me to accept that he was dying. With my acceptance came a fierce determination to ease his burden. I continued to seek information regarding mesothelioma and the pain and symptoms Brian would experience, due to the progression of his disease. In this way, I came to understand the importance of pain management and symptom control and realized that although I could not stop Brian from dying – I could help him to live.
My acquired knowledge regarding pain and symptom management enabled me to communicate with Brian and to understand the type of pain he was experiencing and the intensity of that pain. I was then able to work hand in hand with his doctors, to bring his pain and symptoms under control. As my efforts resulted in his improved quality of life, I lost my sense of helplessness and gained strength.
Together, we achieved for Brian, a quality of life few thought possible, considering the nature of his disease. Testament to this, despite his prognosis of three to nine months, Brian survived for 2 years, remained active and alert, drove his car for eighteen months after diagnosis and was not bed bound until three short days prior to his death.
Brian's courageous battle with mesothelioma came to an end on the 24th December 2001; he passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 54 years old.

An Insight Into Mesothelioma Cure

The doctors and researchers are looking for answers related to Mesothelioma cure but have not found any. Before we discuss about mesothelioma cure, it is necessary to know about what is mesothelioma and what are its possible causes. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs and abdomen. High Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma cancers. Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that was widely used in the construction process, building material and many manufacturing units. Asbestos breaks into minute particles that float into the air, can be easily inhaled and settle on the clothes of workmen, leaving them and their family members prone to many health hazards. Understanding Its Symptoms – A Step towards Mesothelioma Cure: An understanding of mesothelioma symptoms can help in the process of mesothelioma cure. Some common symptoms of mesothelioma are difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and chronic cough. However, many times this disease lies in asymptomatic in the body, which makes mesothelioma cure an impossible task. Once detected, the chances of survival of an average mesothelioma patient are very bleak. The options for Mesothelioma cure depend upon the different stages of the disease. In the first stage the treatments options depends on factors such as patient’s age, general health, organ affected and the size of tumor. Surgery is used for mesothelioma treatment and cure in the first stage. The doctors remove the tumor and the nearby tissues with a surgical process. However, the doctors use a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy if the tumor has witnessed enormous growth. Fluid collection in the chest and abdomen takes place in the advance stages of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cure in these stages involves draining of the fluid to reduce discomfort. This process of treatment is known as Thorancentesis or Paracentesis. After this, the doctors use Surgery followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Treatment and efforts for mesothelioma cure can suffer a severe jolt if the disease strikes back. In that case, the treatment depends on the location of recurrence, and the patient’s medical history. What If the Efforts For Mesothelioma Cure Fail? As we have discussed the survival chances of mesothelioma patients are bleak and the possibility of mesothelioma cure are rare. In that case it is necessary to make the patients aware that they are legally entitled to claim compensation for the medical expenses, loss of income, lost earning capacity, pain and the mental trauma they are undergoing. Though the award of compensation cannot bring about mesothelioma cure or compensate for the loss of life, yet it can provide some relief to the mesothelioma victims and their family members.

All Pericardial Mesothelioma Information FAQ

 What is pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a serious heart condition which consists of cancerous cells building up on the lining of the heart.  Similarly to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, this is a terminal illness due to the importance of the area on which it grows.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma and who are most at risk?
The primary cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos dust and fibres.  Therefore those at risk are those who are most likely to have inhaled these deadly fibres such as construction workers and asbestos manufacturers.  Those in contact with these people also have a chance of getting pericardial mesothelioma because these people may have asbestos fibres stuck to their clothes or hair.
What are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma?
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma change from patient to patient.  Usual symptoms include persistent coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations.  Other symptoms patients may experience are nausea, weight loss, vomiting and loss of appetite.
What are the treatments available for pericardial mesothelioma?
There are various different treatments for pericardial mesothelioma although none of these have a high success rate.  Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, dual therapy and surgery are the treatment methods available.  Chemotherapy includes using drugs to kill off cancerous cells and radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells although this is difficult in the case of pericardial mesothelioma due to the surrounding vital organs such as the heart and lungs.  Dual therapy is a treatment combining radiation therapy with chemotherapy. Surgery comes in two forms; aggressive surgery and palliative procedures.  Aggressive surgery is a very difficult procedure and consists of removing large chunks of cancerous cells in an attempt to gain long term control over the cancer.  Palliative procedures just attempts to lessen the symptoms for the patient.
How much exposure to asbestos is needed for there to be a possibility of getting pericardial mesothelioma?
This depends on how strong and resistant the person is to disease and on the concentration of asbestos in the environment around him.  It is possible to get pericardial mesothelioma from as little as a couple of months of exposure to asbestos although on average it would take a couple of years for enough asbestos fibres to build up to cause cancer.
What is the prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma?
This is highly dependent on how early and how aggressively the cancer is treated.  If pericardial mesothelioma is treated when it has fully developed and matured then the chances of a patient’s survival is very small.  The prognosis could be only a couple of months.
Is there any promising research into cures for pericardial mesothelioma?
Research into cures of pericardial mesothelioma and all other forms of mesothelioma is being done in numerous research labs all over the USA.  Many pharmaceutical companies are also working hard to research new drugs for chemotherapy.  So far, research has been mostly unsuccessful.

All About a Mesothelioma Lawyer

      When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they may find that they need an attorney to help them with their case.  This is a disease that is rare, and there is little to be said about the condition.  The rate of this disease is on the increase and there are new lawyers that are trying to settle many cases for different people.  They have stepped in for the rights of the people to help them with their case.
 
Many victims of this disease need to have a mesothelioma lawyer to help them with their fight.  These lawyers and law firms will deal with the victims and their families to help them claim the right compensation that they deserve from the companies that are responsible for their problems.  These lawsuits result in a lot of money being won by the families when the right lawyer or firm handles them.
Handling asbestos causes mesothelioma.  This comes from working in an environment that is affected by this deadly material or by someone that is contracted to remove it.  Most of the time, the workers are made clear of the dangers that can be caused by working with this type of material.  However, some employers will allow little or no protection from the material when the employees are handling it.  These workers are entitled to compensation for their work.
Today there are many mesothelioma lawyers to choose from and there are many that are right for you.  Many of these lawyers have dealt with this type of suit in the past and know the correct way to handle it.  Those people that are looking for a lawyer should choose someone with a good history and experience in this type of case.  Most lawyers are happy to provide clients with information that may be helpful in using them for your services.  They will show past cases with the names deleted to show proof of their victory.

It is a good idea to find out if the mesothelioma lawyer that you are looking into has won any of their cases or not.  These elements can make all the difference when it comes to trying to find the right lawyer to help you with your situation.  It is a good idea to do as much research as you can on the entire situation.  You may be able to determine your future when you choose their right mesothelioma lawyer for you and your case.

When it comes to being sick with a disease that could have been prevented, it is hard to deal with.  Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer to help you in your fight against these companies is a good start.  You will be fighting for something that means so much to a lot of people and it will be worth it in the end.