Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Asbestos Mesothelioma - Law - Patents

Around the toxic disease titled mesothelioma disease. Mesothlomia diagnosed in the nearby 3,000 fill purulent every year Americans. The only foreign effort of this human is the use of asbestos. Real tragedy is this fatal disease can be avoided. Most mesothelioma patients unknowingly unprotected to deathly asbestos dust exposure in the work.

At Bullock & Fox, Attorneys asbestos and mesothelioma, say we faculty concentration on cases of mesothelioma, the parent accompany would be careless of his sphere for the symptom and wretchedness of those who unheeded her. We someone collective an abundant collection of documents and we record a unit of experts to successfully representing mesothelioma victims and their families with their claims. We hit rebuilt solon than $ 200 million in lawsuits for clients with claims of suffering from the disease mesothelioma and asbestos lung constellation, and we can refrain you obtain business rectification you merit when you swordplay this unpardonable disease.

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should explore your valid options. You acquire the justice to necessitate rectification from the companies that advisedly puts you and your line.

The most inferior constitute of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which attacks the cancerous tissue around the lung pleura. As umpteen as cardinal proportionality of all mesothelioma identification for pleural mesothelioma. Closeness to the lung pleura is the faculty galore people mistakenly conceive of mesothelioma as lung individual, which can not be open suchlike pleural mesothelioma ("metastasis"), but the genuine place of origin of pleural tissues surrounding the lungs was not alone. There are more differences between mesothelioma and lung mansion.

After pleural mesothelioma, the incoming most vulgar type is peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in most new cases. There is whatever informs to inform that the designation of mesothelioma is improving. Patch pericardial mesothelioma and mesotheliomas of the tunica virginals are also realizable forms of the disease, they are real rare tumors and are belike solon popular.

Histological subtype

In improver to the activity where the conformation of the angioplasty, the finding of added factors in the designation of mesothelioma is a histologic subtype of constellation. This refers to the write of cells that assail tumors. There are digit histological subtypes of mesothelioma: epithelioid mesothelioma, which attacks the cells of epithelial, sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which attacks the sarcomata's cells, and bi-physic mesothelioma, which attacks both tumor epithelial cells and sarcomata's. Name the earmark subtype is a big diagnostic constant because it affects the prospect of the disease. Mesothelioma Epitheloid jazz the soul activity rates to management, piece sarcomatoid mesothelioma has the trounce.

Spell an extraordinary upset in the unspecific population, mesothelioma is not thin among individuals elocutionary by exposure to asbestos. There are two to terzetto yard new diagnoses of mesothelioma every twelvemonth.

Danger to asbestos is the cause of the disease mesothelioma. Most mesothelioma victims unclothed to asbestos at make and were never told the dangers or specified fitting cautionary covering. Others are unprotected finished stemma members who alter bag asbestos on their covering or through national renovation projects. Unlike most additional direct lung crab, ventilation is not yet hump the drive and feeling on the incidence of mesothelioma disease, though asbestos workers who vapor are much apt to change lung individual modify writer than.


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Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The First Three Steps to Take Following a Mesothelioma Diagnosis - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, a material that was routinely used in various industries prior to the 1970s. There are three main types of the disease. Pleural mesothelioma, by far the most prominent form of the disease, affects the tissue lining that surrounds the lungs. It is caused by the breathing of asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the lungs and travel to the pleura, the lung lining. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for about 75 percent of mesothelioma cases.

Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for about 20 percent of mesothelioma cases. This illness affects the tissue that lines the abdomen and is believed to be caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers. Peritoneal mesothelioma can also affect the testicles. The third major type of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, affects the tissue that surrounds the heart.

Sadly, mesothelioma is one of the more aggressive forms of cancer. Depending on the stage at which the cancer is discovered, a mesothelioma prognosis often does not exceed one year, and many victims die within several months of their diagnosis. However, mesothelioma victims can take several steps to help themselves and their families better cope with this condition.

1. Get a Second Opinion. Diagnosing mesothelioma is difficult because of a lack of specific symptoms. The only mesothelioma symptoms a patient experiences might be coughing, difficulty breathing, dull chest pain and fatigue. These symptoms can be signs of numerous medical conditions, including pneumonia, heart disease and lung cancer. In addition, mesothelioma symptoms often appear only after the disease has achieved an advanced stage. Due to these difficulties, physicians often advise people diagnosed with mesothelioma to seek a second opinion. Another doctor can not only confirm or disconfirm the diagnosis, but may also diagnose the stage of the cancer more precisely and suggest additional treatment modalities.

2. Explore Your Treatment Options. Mesothelioma treatments are geared toward relieving pain, improving the patient's quality of life, and slowing or halting the spread of cancerous cells throughout the body. After receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma, patients should explore all available treatment options. Doctors often recommend a combination of several procedures, such as chemotherapy with radiation and surgery. Each patient requires a unique treatment for mesothelioma that takes into account the stage of cancer as well as the patient's overall health, age, and lifestyle preferences. While some patients choose to forego treatment altogether, studies show that mesothelioma therapies do relieve mesothelioma symptoms, prolong patients' life expectancies and sometimes lead to remission.

3. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should seek the advice of an experienced personal injury lawyer. This is because mesothelioma causes are typically linked to somebody's negligence or willful wrongdoing. A major cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Such exposure was frequent several decades ago, as shipyard workers, navy personnel and construction workers routinely handled materials containing asbestos fibers. Many of them have noticed mesothelioma symptoms 50 or even 60 years after the initial exposure. Skillful mesothelioma attorneys can help them and their families hold those responsible for their asbestos exposure financially liable for the resulting emotional, physical and the costs of treatment for mesothelioma.


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Monday, March 26, 2012

All about Mesothelioma - Health - Diseases and Conditions

Types of MesotheliomaAn estimated 2,000 to 3,000 peopleare diagnosed with mesotheliomain the United States each year. Themost common form ofmesothelioma is pleuralmesothelioma, which affects thelungs, although there are othertypes of mesothelioma that affectthe heart (pericardialmesothelioma) or abdominal cavity(peritoneal mesothelioma).Asbestos.net also has informationon mesothelioma symptoms, howmesothelioma is diagnosed, thestages of mesothelioma, supportgroups, research, clinical trials, andmuch more risk factorsMesothelioma DiagnosisMesothelioma is almost alwayscaused by exposure to asbestos. Aswith most cancers, early diagnosisgreatly increases the efficacy oftreatment. Unfortunately, due tothe way it forms, mesotheliomamay not manifest until anywherebetween 30 and 40 years after theinitial exposure.Mesothelioma symptoms aregenerally non-specific andresemble the signs of morecommon illness, such as flu,bronchitis, viral pneumonia andheart disease. Some commonsymptoms include shortness ofbreath or difficulty breathing,excessive coughing, chest orabdomen pain, weight loss and lossof appetite, among many others.Usually it is the most commonsymptoms- breathing difficultiesand shortness of breath - whichprompt patients to consult withtheir doctor. It's crucial to discloseany history of exposure toasbestos, even if it occurreddecades before, as this informationcan aid doctors in their diagnosis.Such disclosure can also preventuncomfortable and expensive testsas well as making treatment moreeffective.Mesothelioma TreatmentTypically, there are three maincategories for treatment ofmesothelioma: establishedtherapies, experimentaltreatments, and holistic therapies.Often these treatments are notisolated-or used alone-but rather asa combination of treatments.Conventional MesotheliomaTreatments include therapies suchas surgery, radiation, andchemotherapy drugs such ascisplatin or alimta.Experimental MesotheliomaTreatments, such as clinical trials,hav e shown encouraging results todate. Such treatments includephotodynamic therapy, genetherapy, and immunotherapy,among others.Holistic Therapies for Mesotheliomaalso known as alternativetherapies, include methods such asmassages, acupuncture, TENStherapy, aromatherapy,meditation, and yoga. Holisticmesothelioma therapies are a wayin which to relieve the side effectsassociated with establishedtherapies.These and many other treatmentsmay be available to you at themesothelioma treatment centerwhere you are being treated,however, it is also important todiscuss all of the various optionsyou might have with your doctor.Mesothelioma and VeteransHundreds of thousands of U.S.military veterans were exposed toasbestos or products containingasbestos material during theirservice.Due to the chemical, electric, andheat resistant characteristics,asbestos was widely used by everymilitary branch prior to the 1970s.Navy Veterans were perhaps themost susceptible to mesothelioma,asbestos cancer, o r asbestos lungcancer, especially if they servedbetween the 1930s and 1970s, asnearly every ship and shipyardbuilt by the Navy was fitted withnumerous asbestos containingmaterials.Mesothelioma Legal ResourcesThe health hazards of asbestosexposure have been known as farback as the 1930s. For decades,companies have wrongfully usedasbestos and exposed workers tothe dangers of this carcinogen, withreckless disregard for theconsequences. Many of those whohave been diagnosed withmesothelioma or asbestos cancerwere needlessly exposed byanother party, often withoutknowledge of the deadly risksfaced.With that in mind, one of the mostimportant things that a person whohas been diagnosed with one ofthese diseases can and should doimmediately is contact amesothelioma attorney withconsiderable experience inmesothelioma litigation to ensurethat everything that can be doneIS being done to help them on allfronts.An important aspect of amesothelioma lawsuit is recoveryfor medical costs and lo ss ofincome: Equally important,however, is the fact that withoutsome form of punishment, many ofthese corporations who made adecision to knowingly harm theiremployees and those that usedtheir products in exchange for ahigher profit margin will not changethe way that they do business.Mesothelioma litigation may helpvictims receive compensation bythe manufacturers and distributorsof asbestos and asbestos containingproducts, as well as by companiesor other employers who knowinglyexposed their workers to asbestos.


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Sunday, March 25, 2012

Mesothelioma and Compensation -- Who is Responsible? - Health

Compensation is the greatest factor that drives people; it is considered as the greatest motivator of all things. Yet, compensation instigates more than plain monetary satisfaction. Above all things, it can give back whatever was lost.

Such is the case with mesothelioma and compensation. People who have acquired mesothelioma deem it necessary receive the proper compensation they deserve. Why? Simply because it is not their intention to get sick with mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma refers to progressive growth of malignant cells found in the mesothelium, thin sheet that covers and protects the vital organs of the body, such as the lungs.

Cancerous cells are described as malignant neoplasms. They demonstrate uncontrolled cell growth that follows no physiologic demand. When an abnormal cell is transformed by the genetic mutation of the cellular DNA, cancerous cells are formed. The cells infiltrate the tissues that surround them and gain access to lymph and blood vessels, which carry the cells to other areas of the body.

Normally, cancerous cells that develop in the mesothelium and eventually lead to mesothelioma are caused by glass-like particles that stick in the lungs. These particles come from asbestos, the common element used in building infrastructures. Asbestos is very popular in the industrial and construction field because of its high resistance against fire.

People who are exposed to asbestos have been found out to be the common patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is because the particles from asbestos that stick within the lungs tend to create cancerous cells. The damage caused by the process develops a disease process that triggers the growth of cancerous cells, where cell membranes are altered.

Overview of Mesothelioma and Compensation

Statistics show that nearly 80% of people afflicted with mesothelioma were working in the industrial field and construction area. Although mesothelioma is not a single disease with a single cause, the greatest common factor in developing the disease is asbestos.

Hence, society deems it necessary for these industries or employers, in general, to be responsible in providing the right compensation to their employees.

Issues on mesothelioma and compensation focus more on the privileges endowed to employees who have been sick with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos at work. The underlying connection between mesothelioma and compensation is seen in the lawsuits filed against the employers. Generally, these legal actions are done to claim financial damages from the company, who is entirely accountable for the safety of their employees working environment and for the implementation of safety gear against such hazards as asbestos.

Compensation for mesothelioma cases usually covers medical bills and other expenses related to mesothelioma, such as loss for daily wages or inability to provide their family with the quality life due to their non-working status.

People who are generally entitled for mesothelioma compensation are those who worked in the building, custodial, construction, shipyard, and automotive industry.

To know more about mesothelioma and compensation:

1. It must be a cancer

Not everyone who had been exposed to asbestos can immediately file for mesothelioma compensation. The number factor to consider for such claims is the development of cancer. The gravity of asbestos exposure will determine the condition that states one's eligibility for mesothelioma compensation.

2. Find a good lawyer

Not all mesothelioma lawyers can help you in claiming your compensation. Moreover, most mesothelioma lawyers that render services for mesothelioma compensation charge high fees. Hence, not everybody can afford to hire a mesothelioma lawyer.

However, some lawyers are willing to provide a "no win, no pay" agreement. By the time they win the case, the lawyer shares a certain percentage on the compensation. Hence, it is best that you find a good lawyer for you to obtain the right claims for you.

3. State laws

Mesothelioma compensation may vary from one state to another. This means that the existing state laws regarding mesothelioma lawsuits will be applicable only within its jurisdiction. Hence, not all provisions stated in a certain mesothelioma compensation are applicable on the other mesothelioma cases in different states.

Indeed, mesothelioma compensation can be very helpful in answering financial problems caused by mesothelioma. Reports show that mesothelioma patients can claim as much as $3 million. So if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, file your mesothelioma compensation now.


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Saturday, March 24, 2012

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms and Misdiagnosis - Health - Medicine

Pericardial mesothelioma is a mesothelioma cancer that starts perilously close to the heart. Misdiagnosis is common, and treatment options are slim. The tumor can be benign, allowing for easier removal, or malignant - fast spreading and deadly. There are many cancers and diseases that affect the pericardial space around the heart, and pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest. However, it is the most common primary malignant pericardial tumor. It can also be secondary to malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Five to ten percent of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial mesothelioma, and the failure to diagnose pericardial mesothelioma early enough contributes to its low life expectancy from a few months to less than two years. The failure to detect the disease can also contribute to its statistical status. Early detection of pericardial mesothelioma provides a faint hope for prolonged survival, but only in the rarest and perhaps most medically advanced of mesothelioma cases is this possible.

Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of pericardial mesothelioma and other mesotheliomas, such as the abdominal peritoneal mesothelioma, and the more common pleural mesothelioma of the lungs. The lungs, the abdomen and the heart are surrounded by a membrane. The cancer tumors of mesothelioma attack these membranes that are made out of mesothelium cells. If you can visualize your heart hanging within a sac, you can visual the membrane that is the subject of pericardial mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma all involve the fluid that is retained with the membrane. This fluid is necessary for proper functioning of the heart, lungs and other vital bodily systems. Excess fluid interferes, and even halts normal organ functions. The excess fluid is what is responsible for many of the mesothelioma symptoms of pain.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and severe sweating at night have all been recorded as symptoms of malignant pericardial mesothelioma. These are more likely to be symptomatic of a non-cancer pericardial disease such as an inflammation of the pericardium - which is called pericardiocentesis and has identical symptoms. There have been cases where a misdiagnosis of lupus and even tuberculosis turned up as being malignant pericardial mesothelioma. Secondary cancers from lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma and leukemia can also attack the pericardium. Malignant mesothelioma in the pericardial region is often not discovered until surgery.

To further complicate matters, a CT scan can be interpreted as fluid, rather than the malignant tumor it is. This happened in 1979 with a 17 year old boy. Computed tomography has fortunately made significant advances since 1979, but CTs, MRIs and PETs must be done quickly. Poor detection and recognition still exist, and a second and third opinion should always be pursued. A patient should persist to find the source of pain and mesothelioma symptoms whenever a physician suggests an unknown etymology.

Pericardial mesothelioma treatment is in its infancy. Research continues in the areas of combination chemotherapies to reduce mass, intracavitary chemotherapy and irradiation, vaccines, molecular therapy and other mesothelioma treatment and preventative measures. As mesothelioma cases increase, so will effective mesothelioma treatments. It may be a long time before a cure for pericardial mesothelioma and other mesotheliomas are discovered. For now, advocacy work to ban asbestos use world wide is one of the best preventative medicines for the future that even a non-scientist can pursue.

Pericardial mesothelioma is often underdiagnosed in traditional tests and not found until heart surgery. The pain of pericardial mesothelioma and other malignant mesothelioma cancers can be quite severe. If a patient has pericardial mesothelioma with severe pain, the chances of survival and mesothelioma life expectancy is under two years. In 2004 a pericardiectomy was performed on a 19 year old boy and he died soon after surgery. A case study on a 54 year old man reported in the 2008 publication of the Annals of Thoracic Cardiovacular Surgery concluded that pain been shown to be reduced with resectioning the tumor and a pericardiectomy, which removes the pericardium, or a section of the pericardium.

Pericardiectomies are used more frequently to reduce constriction. However this barely touches the surface of the disease. The surgery is risky, but as knowledge of the cancer increases, so does the effectiveness of surgery. The earlier the pericardial mesothelioma tumor is found, the less risky the surgery. Pericardial mesothelioma does not respond to radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is used to reduce the cancerous mass.


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Friday, March 23, 2012

How to hire a mesothelioma cancer lawyer - Health - Diseases and Conditions

Hiring a mesothelioma cancer lawyer, or a lawyer who specializes in asbestos settlement claims), can be a daunting task. For that reason, we're put together a list of 5 things you should look for when hiring a mesothelioma cancer lawyer.

About MesotheliomaMesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos. Typically, mesothelioma cancer, also known as asbestos poisoning, afflicts people who work with asbestos products, although it takes years to develop symptoms of illness.

Due to the fact that mesothelioma cancer takes years for the symptoms to manifest, finding a qualified attorney can mean the difference between winning an asbestos settlement (mesothelioma claim) or losing an asbestos settlement.

Here are ten things you should look for when hiring a mesothelioma cancer lawyer.

1. Significant victories for injury victimsSignificant victories and settlements for asbestos lung cancer victims. After all attorney's fees and expenses are paid, mesothelioma injury victims should expect to receive out of court mesothelioma settlement awards of close to one million dollars or more. These out of court settlements for injury, even though they may seem large, save the companies who are paying them significant amounts of money that would be spent on long, drawn out court cases for mesothelioma injury victims.

2. Personal attention for victimsSuffering the affects of mesothelioma injury can be difficult enough, without having the additional stress of deciding which mesothelioma cancer lawyer to use. Finding an attorney that offers personal attention should be at the top of the list for asbestos poisoning victims.

3. The best mesothelioma cancer lawyers answer questionsThe best mesothelioma lawyer will answer your questions. Before hiring a mesothelioma attorney, ask them these questions: How many injury victims have you personally represented? Out of these injury cases, how many received an out of court settlement? How many went to trial? What was the average claims settlement received? Does the mesothelioma attorney handle the case himself, or pass it on to another lawyer or law firm specializing in mesothelioma cases for part of the fee? Are there initial costs for attorney fees and preparation of a lawsuit? If so, how much?4. No fee consultation for injury victimA mesothelioma cancer lawyer worth looking at is one who charges a no fee consultation, meaning that he will meet with the mesothelioma injury victim, conduct an interview and, perhaps, follow up interviews, along with filling out paperwork, in order to get an idea if there is enough evidence to file a mesothelioma claim on behalf of the mesothelioma injury victim.5. Ask to speak with former Mesothelioma settlement plaintiffsAlthough this may sound unconventional, before deciding on a lawyer, ask to speak with one of their former or even current mesothelioma injury clients. By agreeing to let you do this, the lawyer is confident enough that his clients will speak highly of him. Also, by allowing you to meet with one of his clients, the mesothelioma lawyer is allowing the mesothelioma injury victim to acquire knowledge before making a decision.Summary: 5 Things you Should Know before hiring a mesothelioma cancer lawyer1. Find out the number of mesothelioma injury victims victories.2. Determine the level of personal attention for the mesothelioma victim.3. Be sure the mesothelioma cancer lawyer answers questions.4. A confident mesothelioma attorney will have a no fee consultation.5. Ask to speak with former mesothelioma claims plaintiff.By following these 5 recommendations, a mesothelioma inj ury victim is likely to save money and time, as well as endure less stress in hiring a mesothelioma cancer lawyer.If you know someone who may benefit from this article, please share it with them by clicking the share button below.

3. The best mesothelioma cancer lawyers answer questionsThe best mesothelioma lawyer will answer your questions. Before hiring a mesothelioma attorney, ask them these questions: How many injury victims have you personally represented? Out of these injury cases, how many received an out of court settlement? How many went to trial? What was the average claims settlement received? Does the mesothelioma attorney handle the case himself, or pass it on to another lawyer or law firm specializing in mesothelioma cases for part of the fee? Are there initial costs for attorney fees and preparation of a lawsuit? If so, how much?

4. No fee consultation for injury victimA mesothelioma cancer lawyer worth looking at is one who charges a no fee consultation, meaning that he will meet with the mesothelioma injury victim, conduct an interview and, perhaps, follow up interviews, along with filling out paperwork, in order to get an idea if there is enough evidence to file a mesothelioma claim on behalf of the mesothelioma injury victim.

5. Ask to speak with former Mesothelioma settlement plaintiffsAlthough this may sound unconventional, before deciding on a lawyer, ask to speak with one of their former or even current mesothelioma injury clients. By agreeing to let you do this, the lawyer is confident enough that his clients will speak highly of him. Also, by allowing you to meet with one of his clients, the mesothelioma lawyer is allowing the mesothelioma injury victim to acquire knowledge before making a decision.

Summary: 5 Things you Should Know before hiring a mesothelioma cancer lawyer1. Find out the number of mesothelioma injury victims victories.2. Determine the level of personal attention for the mesothelioma victim.3. Be sure the mesothelioma cancer lawyer answers questions.4. A confident mesothelioma attorney will have a no fee consultation.5. Ask to speak with former mesothelioma claims plaintiff.

By following these 5 recommendations, a mesothelioma injury victim is likely to save money and time, as well as endure less stress in hiring a mesothelioma cancer lawyer.

If you know someone who may benefit from this article, please share it with them by clicking the share button below.


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Thursday, March 22, 2012

Mesothelioma Info - 10 Most Asked Questions - Health

Aside from patients and families, there are many of us who search for mesothelioma information and have questions we would like answered. Here are 10 of the most often asked questions with answers for those seeking mesothelioma information.

What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a membrane that completely covers and protects each of the internal organs of the body. This membrane is made up of two layers of cells, one layer surrounds the organ while the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces lubricating fluid which is released between these layers, allowing the moving organs such as the heart and lungs to glide easily against adjacent surfaces.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium membrane, and is caused by earlier exposure to asbestos particles. When mesothelioma strikes, cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control, and malignant cells develop in the mesothelium which can metastasize from their original site to invade and damage nearby tissues and organs within the body. Typically, mesothelioma will begin in the pleura or peritoneum.. the abdominal cavity or lungs.

How common is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer, even though reported incidence figures show a steady increase over the past 20 years or so. Each year approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States alone. Mesothelioma affects men more so than women and the risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can occur in either sex and at any age.

What are the causes of mesothelioma?

At least 90% of mesotheliomas can be linked to exposure to asbestos, although usually the exposure will have taken place many years before the cancer becomes apparent. It is known that even very low levels of exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, so it is possible that some patients may not have had any known contact with asbestos but may still have breathed in asbestos fibres without realizing it. Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation has also been linked to mesothelioma, and a small number of mesotheliomas have been linked to a type of radiation called thorium dioxide(thorotast). This was used in some x-rays up until the 1950's. There is no evidence linking mesotheliomas with cigarette smoking

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

The symptoms of mesothelioma are often difficult to diagnose being very similar to the symptoms displayed in other conditions including asbestosis. The diagnosis of mesothelioma will require a review of the patient's medical history, including past history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination will be performed and x-rays of the chest and abdomen obtained. A CT scan or MRI may also prove useful in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Can mesothelioma be treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma varies depending on the location of the cancer, to what extent the mesothelioma has developed, and the patient's age and general condition. The options for mesothelioma treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

The only treatment offering any hope of a cure for mesothelioma is an operation to remove the tumour surgically. Unfortunately because mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose, it is often too far advanced for surgery to be carried out safely.

Are there new treatments available for mesothelioma?

The National Cancer Institute is currently sponsoring clinical trials in an effort to discover new treatments for mesothelioma along with improvement of the way current mesothelioma treatments are implemented. Before any new mesothelioma treatment can be recommended for general use, extensive clinical trials must be carried out to demonstrate that the mesothelioma treatment is safe for patients and will prove effective against the disease. Participation in these clinical trials can be an important treatment option for many patients suffering from the effects of mesothelioma.

What is the life expectancy for those diagnosed with mesothelioma?

The life expectancy for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma will vary depending on the type of cancer, where the tumor is, how far it has spread and the age and general health of the patient. Studies show average survival periods of between 8 and 14 months but it is not uncommon for patients to live for a few years following diagnosis of the condition.

So what is asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a non-cancerous chronic and potentially lethal inflammatory disease affecting the lungs, and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis can cause permanent lung damage, increased risk of dangerous lung infections, and heart failure.

So those are the most often asked questions by those seeking mesothelioma information, and it is hoped the above answers have enlightened you.

Trevor Taylor


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