Mesothelioma Talks



             


Thursday, April 23, 2009

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis

The diagnosis for Peritoneal Mesothelioma begins with the thorough review of the patient?s medical history to determine symptoms and any past asbestos exposure, as well as a complete physical. In addition, sometimes physicians might request an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan or an X-ray of the abdomen or chest region to help determine the location and size of the tumor. 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, clearly depicting the areas affected with the tumor.

In cases of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, fluid (effusion) may collect in the chest or abdominal region. In such cases, physicians may use a procedure known as fine needle aspiration to obtain a sample of this fluid for further testing. In addition, this procedure can be used to drain the effusion to temporarily relieve chest pain or other painful symptoms.

Usually, a biopsy of the tumor is required to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma, however, sometimes only an effusion sample is needed. Some of the procedures commonly used for the diagnosis of the peritoneal mesothelioma include peritoneoscopy, thoracoscopy, and biopsy. With peritoneoscopy, the doctor will use a tool called a peritoneoscope, which is placed inside an opening made in the patient's abdomen. Fluid, if found, is then drained; the process of draining the fluid is called paracentesis, and it requires a needle to be placed inside the abdomen in order to extract the fluid.

In thoracoscopy a doctor uses a special instrument called a thoracoscope in order to examine the patient's chest cavity. An incision is made in the chest wall, and the thoracoscope is placed between the patient's ribs. If the fluid is found in the chest, the doctor drains it from the chest cavity through a needle. A thoracoscopy commonly requires an anesthetic or some other form of pain suppression.

In a biopsy, if cancerous tissue is found in the patient's lungs or abdomen it will be extracted and examined by the doctor. This process helps the doctor determine potential ways of treatment and is usually done during one of the other two processes or may require additional surgery.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment provides detailed information on peritoneal mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma treatment, peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers, peritoneal mesothelioma survival rates and more. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment is affiliated with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.

Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma was a recent addition to the family of malignant cancers. The origins of the disease lay in certain asbestos-related industries especially asbestos-mining industry. Additionally, there were shipyards, insulation factories and construction companies where the workers were, unintentionally, exposed to asbestos dust and fibers that made their way into various organs of their bodies through the process of breathing. Having once entered into the human body, the asbestos dust managed to stay there for decades before revealing its presence in form of symptoms. These symptoms confused the doctors as they were related to the commonly prevalent diseases like pneumonia. Obviously, the prescribed treatment proved to be of no avail and the symptoms worsened as more treatment was prescribed. It was after the origins of the malady were traced to real culprit, i.e., the asbestos dust in the asbestos-based factories that the legal community woke up to its responsibility with regard to its victims.

Since the actual number of victims is not very large, the litigation demand is not substantial. As such. the supply in the form of lawyers specializing in Mesothelioma cases is limited.

If you are one of the unfortunate victims of mesothelioma, you will have to put in some effort to search out the right lawyer for your lawsuit for compensation. Lawyers truly specializing in Mesothelioma-related compensation cases are not easily available in every nook and corner of your counties and cities. The best course would be to find out from your colleagues or those who have suffered by working in asbestos-based industries and who may have also filed a lawsuit for compensation. Their experience with respect to the capability of the lawyer and the quality of his services can be invaluable.

If you search the Internet, you can find the websites of forums, social organizations, lawyers and law firms dealing exclusively with the causes of the sufferers of mesothelioma. A contact with them can be of great help and can save you many a false step in a trial-and-error approach and expensive mistakes.

Mesothelioma Research Doctors provides detailed information on mesothelioma doctors, mesothelioma doctor research, mesothelioma diagnosis, mesothelioma symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Research Doctors is affiliated with Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment.

Labels: , , , ,

Friday, February 20, 2009

Mesothelioma Doctor Research

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It afflicts persons who have worked in asbestos- related industries like asbestos mines, shipyards, insulation factories and construction sites. Initially, the workers in these establishments were unaware that the exposure to the asbestos dust could result in such grave consequences. They became conscious of the potential hazards of this disease after three or four decades, since the disease lies dormant for such long periods. The result of dormancy was that the medical field also recognized the existence of this disease a bit late; when the patients came for treatment, doctors were finally able to relate the symptoms to the causes. Initially the symptoms like chest pain, cough, fever and breathlessness were associated with common occurring diseases like pneumonia, but when the patients failed to respond to the treatment. the medical world started research.

Again, when the awareness of the hazardous effects of asbestos dust dawned on the medical community and the public, lawsuits began to be initiated in the courts for compensation, and the government began to act stringently against the asbestos-based industries. The total number of Mesothelioma-afflicted patients in the whole of the United States is not more than 2,000 annually, and, fortunately, even this number is likely to decrease over the coming years. Quite a majority of doctors are still unaware of the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. Since the incidence of the disease is not very common, the number of doctors specializing in this area is also small.

The National Institute of Cancer, Washington Cancer Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeon, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, etc. are some of the major institutions and research organizations that are the best sources to find out the right doctors for Mesothelioma treatment.

Mesothelioma Doctors provides detailed information on mesothelioma doctors, mesothelioma doctor research, mesothelioma diagnosis, mesothelioma symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Doctors is affliated with Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment.

Labels: , , , , ,

Monday, February 16, 2009

Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms

Stomach or abdominal symptoms are often experienced by patients with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is a cancer of the peritoneal cells that line the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are insidious and often tend to be confused for symptoms of more common, and often more benign, abdominal conditions. Peritoneal mesothelioma therefore may go undiagnosed until it is fairly advanced and resistant to treatment.

Common abdominal symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. An abdominal lump or swelling may be present. Such a lump or swelling may obstruct the bowel, causing constipation. Fluid may collect in the abdominal cavity, causing distension and bloating. This collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity is called ascites, and is also seen in people with liver disease. The fluid is often drained to relieve symptoms of bloating and distension; excessive fluid collection may hamper normal breathing. The collection of fluid in the abdomen, and the pressure of a cancerous growth, may impede the return of blood flow from the legs, leading to swollen feet. Such swelling of the extremities is also seen in kidney disease and pregnancy.

Some recent studies have shown a transient reduction in tumor mass and fluid collection following the introduction of certain substances into the abdominal cavity; however, these effects have been shown on a small number of patients and are being researched further.

Abdominal pain in peritoneal mesothelioma may be caused by the pressure on organs and nerves exerted by a growing tumor, by distension of the bowel, or by infiltration of adjacent tissues and organs by cancerous cells. Narcotic pain-relieving drugs or radiotherapy may be used to relieve severe pain. Abdominal symptoms and the systemic effects of cancer can cause severe weight loss in people with peritoneal mesothelioma. Fever and fatigue are also common.

Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Symptoms is affliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information.

Labels: , , , ,

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Louisiana Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a serious disease caused by breathing asbestos, which is the name given to a number of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals that are essential for their useful properties. Asbestos can only be identified under a microscope. It is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distributed. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs, where they may cause significant health problems. Asbestos affects the chest, the abdomen and the heart of the person who is exposed to it.. Exposure to asbestos may cause lung cancer. It must be noted that a Mesothelioma lawsuit must be filed within a certain period of time as required by the Statute of Limitations. The time period varies from state to state.

While hiring a lawyer to file a lawsuit for Mesothelioma, care should be taken to see that the prospective lawyer is not only a specialist in this area, but is a thorough professional who can empathize with the client and works for him in a caring, understanding and respectful manner.

A person who has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related malady can file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. Legal action must be taken when a person feels the symptoms of the disease, such as chest pain and pain in the lower back, difficulty breathing, coughing, weight loss, fever, muscle weakness, swelling of the face and arms, hoarseness, and night sweats.

In most cases, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is one or two years from the date a person is diagnosed with the disease or, in the case of a wrongful death, the date that a person died of Mesothelioma. It is important to contact a Mesothelioma lawyer before the statute of limitations passes. Your lawyer can protect your rights and represent your interests. A specialist lawyer can tell you that several areas of personal injury law may apply to your case, such as product liability, professional malpractice and wrongful death.

Before hiring a lawyer, you must visit your local law center or library to see if he has actually won cases pertaining to Mesothelioma. It would be better to ask for references from those who had already filed lawsuits through him, to find out his success rate, fees and general conduct. A written contract must be signed before entrusting your case to him, so as to avoid any future misunderstandings.

Two good resources for finding qualified mesothelioma lawyers in Louisiana include: AllLaw.com and the Louisiana State Bar Association (www.lsba.org).

Louisiana Probate Lawyers provides detailed information on Louisiana lawyers, Louisiana probate lawyers, Louisiana real estate lawyers, Louisiana divorce lawyers and more. Louisiana Probate Lawyers is affiliated with Massachusetts Divorce Lawyers.

Labels: , , ,

Friday, January 30, 2009

Mesothelioma Doctors

Mesothelioma is not easy for doctors to diagnose. Although humankind has witnessed tremendous advances in medical diagnosis technologies and techniques, mesothelioma continues to remain a challenge for doctors. Thus, not every doctor can treat this disease. It calls for the service of a special set of doctors who are trained to handle mesothelioma cases.

Being a complex disease, mesothelioma requires several different types of treatment. Seeking the help of specialized doctors, each trained in specific fields or treatment, is the best possible means of treating mesothelioma. Since there are various types of mesothelioma that affect different body parts, it is best if the disease is treated with a team. To begin with, even before a patient is referred to the specialist team, the onus of suspecting the symptoms as related to cancer, such as mesothelioma, lies with the general practitioner.

Once the general practitioner refers the patient, the specialized team decides the future course of action. The first specialist in the team is a pulmonologist who is specially trained to diagnose and treat conditions as well as diseases that are related to lung disorders. This specialist can competently handle cases of pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and COPD. The next specialist in line is the thoracic surgeon, who specializes in undertaking surgery of the lungs, amongst others, and can deal with coronary disease, lung and abdominal cancers, and heart and lung surgery.

The medical oncologist is another trained physician who specializes in treating cancer through chemotherapy. Even within oncologists, there are several types of physicians who specialize in treating cancer. In contrast to the medical oncologist is the radiation oncologist, who treats cancer through radiation therapy, and the radiologist, who uses equipment such as x-rays, ultrasound, and scans to diagnose cancer.

An additional group of specialists consists of pathologists who monitor and evaluate changes in the human cells in order to understand the nature of the disease. Using body fluids and excretions, they identify the disease and its intensity. However, unlike other mesothelioma-trained physicians, pathologists do not directly treat patients. Similarly, there are some other specialists who also do not participate directly in the treatment process. These include the social worker and the respiratory therapist.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis provides detailed information on Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Diagnosis Support, Mesothelioma Doctors and more. Mesothelioma Diagnosis is affliated with Mesothelioma Asbestos Diseases.

Labels: , , , ,

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A Guide To Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Approximately 10-20 percent of the cases of mesothelioma begin in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesotheliomas). This type of mesothelioma does not respond well to treatment, but is less common than pleural mesothelioma, which affects the membrane covering the lungs.

Since it is difficult to treat, peritoneal mesothelioma often results in an early death. The disease attacks and destroys soft tissue and nearby nerves, causing intense pain to the patient.

The first symptom is abdominal pain. At the initial stage, pain can be eased with analgesics, such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Treatment can include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, which are aimed at stopping the spread of the disease and at alleviating the pain.

Another reason why this form of mesothelioma is so hard to treat is that the symptoms are often dormant and surface only after 35-40 years of exposure to asbestos. Peritoneal mesothelioma, like all forms of mesothelioma, is mainly caused by exposure to asbestos over a period of time. Construction workers, their families, and people who live in asbestos-insulated buildings where the asbestos fibers are exposed, are most at risk of contacting mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms 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.

Mesothelioma provides detailed information on malignant mesothelioma, asbestos and mesothelioma, mesothelioma, mesothelioma research and more. Mesothelioma is affliated with Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis.

Labels: , , ,

Sunday, November 2, 2008

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer


Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, but the deadliest one of all. The victims of mesothelioma are innocent men and women who did not know that they were being poisoned with asbestos as they worked. The manufacturers and even distributors knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, but they did not warn people of those hazards. As a result, you have the right of recovery against those manufacturers, which on the other hand can help pay the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

Although nothing can truly compensate for loss of health or life, mesothelioma lawyers are devoted to getting you the compensation you deserve. If your life has been affected by mesothelioma directly or indirectly, then you may deserve compensation.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is a long and tedious process. So, it is vital to your case that you find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, and as soon as you have been diagnosed with the cancer. Most states have a time limit in which you can file your mesothelioma lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, you may find that you are not entitled to make a claim. Earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better your chances of success. Here are a few important guidelines in finding a good mesothelioma lawyer.

"Mesothelioma Law Firm" - There's no such thing as a mesothelioma law firm because one law firm can deal with a variation of cases, but it is best to select a law firm or an attorney that has past experience of dealing with mesothelioma cases. They have already done the leg work and gained the knowledge and experience with mesothelioma. But, do not disregard any other law firm. A mesothelioma case is just like any other case that requires responsibility and discipline from the attorney to win your case. A law firm with a very good reputation can as well handle your mesothelioma case if not better.

Searching for mesothelioma lawyer - You can begin your search on the Internet or in the yellow pages. However, your local or state bar association, and Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (found in most public libraries) will give you narrower search and help you find your mesothelioma lawyer a whole lot faster. The Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network has a database of over a million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries. This service evaluates lawyers based on peer reviews. Their website, Martindale.com has a helpful lawyer locator service and will explain the rating system.

How do you select your mesothelioma lawyer - The Oklahoma Bar Association has put out excellent guidelines regarding choosing an attorney. They state that "Selecting a lawyer is a personal matter. You must judge which particular attorney will be best for you. Before making a decision, however, you may want to contact several lawyers or law firms to gather some comparative information.

When choosing a lawyer, keep practical considerations in mind: the lawyer's area of expertise, prior experience and reputation, convenience of office location, amount of fees charged and the length of time a case may take. A lawyer's communication skills are another factor. Willingness and ability to talk to you in language you understand and responsiveness to your questions will influence how well informed you are about the progress of your case.

It is advisable that you select an attorney with whom you feel comfortable. These preferences may guide you in selecting someone with whom you feel most comfortable.

It is important that you trust the lawyer you hire -- and that you believe he or she will do the best job possible in protecting your legal rights. But keep in mind that most lawsuits and other legal work are not "sure things." You should be cautious of an attorney who guarantees results. No lawyer can be expected to win every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be exactly what you want to hear."

The timely process of selecting a mesothelioma lawyer and the proper filing of your mesothelioma lawsuit can make all the difference between a multi-million dollar compensation claim to secure the future of your family (once and if you are gone), and getting nothing at all for your pain, suffering, and loss of life.

Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace the legal advice you need to get from a lawyer, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. Laws vary from state-to-state and change from time-to-time. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about the issues described in this article. Thank you.

This article was produced by Attorney Resources and Information website. Please visit http://lawyer.bestinfo4you.com/mesothelioma-attorney.html if you need to find a mesothelioma attorney.

Labels: , , ,

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Herbal Mesothelioma cancer treatment


Mesothelioma cancer is one of the cancer which occurs to the chest and lung cavity. It is the rare cancer which is found. Is you or someone suffering from it? Want to get rid from it then here is the accurate cure for it with no side effects. More information meets: dr jack Mesothelioma cancer is one the rare form of cancer in which the cells are found in the chest or the lung cavity. In this disease the cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. This cancer cells spread to the nearby tissues and organs of the nearby parts of the body. This is the disease caused as a result of malignant cancerous cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is very difficult to assess consistently due to the great variability in time before diagnosis and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma.

The people who are exposed to asbestos that is their working area or the environment in which they are living are at higher risk of getting this cancer. This disease in many cases does not occur for decades after the exposure to the cancer causing substances. It is also said that all of us are exposed to this disease that is in the air we breath, water we drink, from the natural deposits in the earth and the asbestos products around us.

The manufacturers of this asbestos product owners were prosper as they got much income to them. But the workers who worked for it had to ultimately suffer for it. Though the government took actions against this asbestos production and banned the usage of these products but yet it is still used, imported and making the people to get higher risk at their lives. So, to stop the people to getting addicted from this disease it is an urge need that the awareness should be given to the people about this asbestos and the effects of it as it turns them to the attack of mesothelioma cancer.

Smoking is also one of the risk for contracting mesothelioma cancer in the people. This also is one of the cause for the development of cancer in the body. We cannot find any of the earliest symptoms are less serious illness and they are neglected. In some cases this cancer does not show the signs of the sickness in the early stages of the development of the disease.

The most common symptoms are dyspnea, pleuritic pain, lasting cough, fatigue, shortness or difficult in breath, chest pain, chronic or persistent coughs and weight loss. This disease is more found in men than women. This occurs in the people who are above the age of 30 years that is after the initial exposure to asbestos. But it should be treated in its initial stage as early as possible so that it may not go deeper.

The major cause of this disease is the people working with asbestos. During the production of the asbestos products if the tiny particles of it are inhaled or swallowed then this causes serious health problems which in turn lead to mesothelioma cancer. But there are few cases that are reported without any known exposure to asbestos. If we are more exposed to asbestos then this can lead us to lung cancer, chronic lung ailment, other cancers like larynx and kidney.

The faster you consult the doctor or the specialist it would be better to get specialized care for getting better and coming out of it to lead a normal life. So, it is the primary or the basic need to get more information and cure the disease. Many cancer treatment options are not very effective in treating mesothelioma. But at our center we provide you the treatment to reduce the cancer and free you from the suffering from our specialist with the medication which are natural and no side effects. Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age. 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. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

Dr Jack is a Conventionally Trained Western Medical Doctor from India and fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). He is also trained in traditional supplements since the age of 5 years to practice complimentary alternate supplements. More information: dr jack

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction

A physician may suspect malignant mesothelioma in a patient who has symptoms suggesting this cancer and who reports a history of asbestos exposure. Careful medical examination may also reveal the presence of fluid in the pleural or abdominal cavity. Once malignant mesothelioma is suspected, a number of methods are available to help confirm the diagnosis.

Imaging methods, such as x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans, help determine the location, size and extent of the cancer, and specifically detect pleural or peritoneal thickening, fluid in the pleural or abdominal cavity, or nodules of cancer cells. However, a definitive diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma can only be made after the examination of cells from abnormal tissue.

A biopsy of abnormal tissue is performed to find out whether the cells in this tissue are cancerous or not. Such tissue can be removed through minimally invasive surgery. Fluid in the pleural or abdominal cavity may also contain cancer cells, and may also be removed for analysis. Cells from abnormal tissue or fluid are examined under the microscope, and can be identified as normal or cancerous. However, such examination does not necessarily confirm the type of cancer. Cells found in pleural mesotheliomas can resemble lung cancer cells, and cells found in peritoneal mesotheliomas can resemble ovarian cancer cells. To differentiate between these different forms of cancer, a method called immunohistochemistry is often used. This method detects proteins on the surface of cancer cells that are specific to certain types of cancers. A newer method called DNA microarray analysis examines the genes of cancer cells. Malignant mesothelioma cancer cells have different gene patterns from other cancer cells and from normal cells.

While no blood tests confirm a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma, there are certain blood abnormalities that suggest the presence of a cancer. Recent research suggests that elevated levels of a blood protein called osteopontin may help in the early detection of mesothelioma.



Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms is affiliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information.

Labels: , , ,

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms

Many people who have clinical symptoms of mesothelioma have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. This is because symptoms tend to present late in most cases. The majority of people have symptoms for only two or three months before a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is made. About one quarter of all patients with malignant mesothelioma have symptoms for at least six months before diagnosis.

A high index of suspicion is needed to make a timely diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. This is because many of the clinical symptoms are seen in other conditions. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, such as cough, chest pain and breathlessness, are also seen in a number of other chest conditions such as infections, emphysema and lung cancer. Similarly, symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, such as nausea, vomiting and appetite loss, may be seen in a number of abdominal and systemic conditions. Any person who has these symptoms, accompanied by a history of exposure to asbestos, should see a doctor to be evaluated for malignant mesothelioma.

Physicians use the symptoms that patients report to determine what tests are required to confirm a suspected diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. If the patient has primarily chest-related symptoms, a chest x-ray, CT scan, MRI, and other imaging techniques may be used to locate any abnormalities that suggest malignant mesothelioma. Next, a pleural biopsy may be performed. There are some relatively new tests that can help differentiate pleural mesothelioma from lung cancer; this differentiation is sometimes difficult because the symptoms are so similar. If a patient presents with mostly abdominal symptoms, abdominal imaging techniques and biopsies may be used to confirm a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.



Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms is affiliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information.

Labels: , , ,

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Mesothelioma and the Asbestos Time Bomb

It is the deadly killer some of us have been in contact with but we may not realise it until it is too late.

Why we need Mesothelioma Lawyers.
The one-time friend turned killer that was once such an indispensible, yet unnoticed, part of our daily lives for so many centuries, is now a feared enemy. It is Asbestos (from the Greek for 'inextinguishable') and is the reason behind thousands of global compensation claims, through mesothelioma lawyers, against employers, manufacturers and processors of asbestos-related products.
Anyone suspecting they may be suffering as a result of exposure to asbestos, would be well advised to seek the services of specialist mesothelioma lawyers, whose experience with industrial diseases can be of great help in reducing the anxiety and uncertainty people may face taking confirmed cases through the sometimes long process of of legal compensation.

Many asbestos workers, and those unwitingly exposed to asbestos, have been given a mesothelioma diagnosis for which there is no cure, maybe just a little temporary relief, until the inevitable distressing death a few months or a year or two after the first symptoms of are noticed. This is why it is important for suspected sufferers to contact mesothelioma lawyers as soon they realise there may have been exposure to asbestos fibres or dust, over no matter how short a period.

Mesothelioma is a time bomb because less than a day's exposure to asbestos dust can be enough to produce mesothelioma, some 30-40 years later, when mesothelioma symptoms are first noticed. Though most mesothelioma victims are men, because mainly they worked in those industries, sometimes their wives and family too are innocent sufferers from this disease, inhaling the asbestos dust shaken from their husband's/fathers' clothing, or hair, at the end of the working day.

Whether the fault lies with manufacturers & employers (assuming they knew of the dangers) or the employees (did everyone diligently use respirator equipment and protective clothing, if it was supplied?), is something for the mesothelioma lawyers, insurance companies and courts to thrash out.

Meanwhile, asbestosis & mesothelioma victims are dying a painful and inexorable death, before their cases can even come to court or a settlement is reached. As there is no cure for mesothelioma or asbestosis, all that can be done is to make the sufferer's plight as comfortable as possible, before death finally brings merciful relief.

Although various governments have introduced, albeit belatedly, anti-asbestos legislation, mesothelioma lawyers sometimes find that in some cases the time limit for claiming compensation is unrealistically short, given the long time (30-40 years) before mesothelioma symptoms are first noticed. Many victims are dying before they get a court verdict, or even before they get to court. Unlike its Greek derivation, Mesothelioma and asbestosis victims are not inextinguishable.


The History of Asbestos.
It is probably not generally known that asbestos has been around since 4000 BC, when it was used in lamp wicks and candles. Interestingly, it was also used in the cloth wrapping of Egyptian mummies. Maybe this is the real origin of 'The Curse of The Mummy' stories; grave robbers, and maybe Egyptologists, could expect to get their just desserts! Clothing made from asbestos was highly prized in ancient times to wrap the bodies of Kings, so that their ashes would not mix with the earth or other contaminants during cremation, and it is said the Romans simply threw their asbestos napkins into a fire to cleanse and purify them.


The fact that asbestos workers developed respiratory illnesses, and died young, was known as far back as Roman times when Pliny the Elder commented that asbestos workers seemed to have many health problems, advising against buying asbestos-workings slaves as they "died young". Obviously, there were no mesothelioma lawyers around then! The deleterious effects of asbestos, in modern industrial times, have been recorded as far back as the start of the 18th Century but little notice was paid by factory owners & Governments to the plight of asbestos workers - labour was cheap and life even cheaper; nothing should stand in the way of the sacred cows of Industrial Progress and the profits of industrialists and politicians.

That it took until the 1970s before more stricter legislation to restrict its use and safeguarded workers was drawn up, is scandalous. A charitable reason for this inertia might be that asbestos had become so widely used in almost every aspect of our everyday lives, delivering such tremendous benefits, that there was great reluctance to finally admit that something so useful, could also be so deadly. People who have expounded the virtues of, and made a lot of money out of, asbestos are hardly likely to suddenly throw up their hands and admit to being wrong. The alternative, less charitable, explanation can only be that greed and profit were more important than employees' health.
Deja vu?

Mike is highlighting the injustice of the often un-noticed plight of Mesothelioma sufferers, who are dying before their cases come to court or have not the resources or backing from their union to fight their cases.

http://deepwide.co.uk

Labels: , , , , ,

Friday, December 14, 2007

What You Should Know About the Mesothelioma illness

 What is Mesothelioma? A lot of people are not aware of
this disease and thus, die due to the delay in
diagnosis. Millions of people die every year because of
cancer; it is among the most pervasive illnesses every
one of us is exposed to. Generally speaking, a cancer
is a group of diseases characterized by alarming rapid
growth of abnormal cells in the body. The disease can
affect almost any part of the body and among the most
commonly affected are the lungs. Cancer-causing
substances are everywhere, especially in the air that
we breathe so the lungs are vulnerable to several fatal
diseases. One rare cancer that affects the lungs is
Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma has been popularized only because of its
association with asbestos, a fibrous mineral form of
magnesium silicate used in fireproofing, chemical
filters, electrical insulation and others. Most of the
patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma have been
frequently exposed to asbestos. They are those who work
in construction sites, shipyards, insulator makers and
similar places. They usually inhale the impure fibers
from the asbestos that float through the air.

It can be noted that there are about 30-50 per cent of
Mesothelioma patients who did not have any exposure to
asbestos, which leads to the assumption that asbestos
may not be the sole cause of Mesothelioma. There are
some Mesothelioma patients, too, that had only little
exposure to asbestos but had contracted the disease.
Activities such as washing clothes of a person who has
been exposed to asbestos can still put a person at high
risk of Mesothelioma cancer. This disease takes years
to develop so a person exposed to asbestos might be
diagnosed with Mesothelioma only after 20-50 years of
the exposure.

Like other forms of cancers, Mesothelioma is named
after the part which is affected by the disease. In the
case of Mesothelioma, the malignant cells are found in
the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers different
internal organs. This protective sac produces fluid
that lubricates the organs, allowing them to move. They
allow the beating of the heart and expanding and
contracting of the lungs, for example. Specifically,
Mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung and chest
cavity. There are some cases, too, that the lining of
the abdomen (peritoneum) is the one affected. These two
types of Mesothelioma cancer are known as Pleural
Mesothelioma (affecting the lungs) and Peritoneal
Mesothelioma (affecting the abdomen).

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma include panting,
persistence of cough, loss of weight, fever and chest
pain. On the other hand, Peritoneal Mesothelioma may
cause swelling and pain of the abdomen and also weight
loss. During the early stages of Mesothelioma, the
symptoms are non-specific; thus, the disease is not
immediately identified. Also, the symptoms are often
mistaken as signs of pneumonia. There are instances too
that the patient doesnt show any sign of this deadly
cancer.

If a patient manifests any of the said symptoms, he
must immediately seek a physicians help. Usually, an
xray is required to clearly see the abnormalities in
the lungs (in the case of Pleural Mesothelioma).
Indications of a Mesothelioma cancer include a build-up
of fluid between the pleura covering of the chest wall
and the diaphragm. In normal conditions, the
mesothelial cells produce only small amount of fluid
enough to lubricate the space between the chest wall
and the lung.

The chance of a patients recovery from Mesothelioma
depends on the extent or stage of the disease and
location of the disease. Furthermore, the persons age
and the way he responds to treatment and medication can
tell whether he can survive the cancer or not.
Generally the patients option for treatment include:
surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and anticancer
drugs.
David Arnold Livingston is an advocate for health
issues and suggests you check out:
http://www.newmesothelioma.com/

Labels: , , , ,