Thursday, November 10, 2011

Mesothelioma attorneys California

California Mesothelioma attorneys defined, Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, which is generated because of famous, cheap and widely used mineral, asbestos. One more thing explained by California Mesothelioma attorneys that smoking is more dangerous for the mesothelioma patients. Another thing is also cleared by California Mesothelioma attorneys that asbestos causes many other diseases. California Mesothelioma attorneys acknowledged that smoking can have its impact more seriously on the other diseases associated with asbestos but there is no connection between mesothelioma and smoking.

California Mesothelioma attorneys are working for the people day and night for the betterment of their lives. California Mesothelioma attorneys are working for last 25 years for people of their state as well as for the people of their surrounding states. California Mesothelioma attorneys have handled the cases of hundreds of people associated with different industrial sectors. California Mesothelioma attorneys have an idea that when and how people can get the asbestos exposing.

California Mesothelioma attorneys also represent the cases of the people at home and people related to other sectors like professional, students or etc, which are not sure about their incident with asbestos. It is the duty of patient to provide the source of asbestos presence than California Mesothelioma attorneys starts their case, but the people at home and the professional plus students have no idea about the presence of asbestos so the common lawyers avoid these types of cases but the California Mesothelioma attorneys handles these cases and the history is witnessed that California Mesothelioma attorneys also have won them.

California Mesothelioma attorneys have established a library containing the books having knowledge about asbestos and the materials in which it is used in many industrial sectors. As well as California Mesothelioma attorneys have the material over the information of legal issues related to mesothelioma and laws defined by the state for handling the case of mesothelioma. California Mesothelioma attorneys have complete command in this field. While California Mesothelioma attorneys were attending the case, they takes the detailed interview of the infected person as well as the interview of his family too, to get the complete working history and nature of work to start the case in the proper directions.

California Mesothelioma attorneys do not only handles the cases with the help of available information but California Mesothelioma attorneys also keeps on researching for the better treatment of mesothelioma with the help of their skilled doctors. California Mesothelioma attorneys research is resulting in the better and advanced cure for the patients, which has increased the hope of these patients towards the life which gives them strength and courage to file a case and get the help of California Mesothelioma attorneys with full trust.

California Mesothelioma attorney is not only confined to California only. But they are also handling the client in their surroundings. California Mesothelioma attorney has established five attorneys with an impressive history. They have collected a large amount of fund for clients. California Mesothelioma attorney has handled more than 2500 claims. These lawyers have presented more than thousands of cases in front of jury. California Mesothelioma attorney has established some principles which help the treatment of asbestos.

 


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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Tips for Hiring a Mesothelioma Lawyer

When hiring a mesothelioma attorney, there are many things to consider . The following list includes some of the things to look for when hiring an attorney that specializes in mesothelioma injury settlement claims.

For mesothelioma help, visit http://www.curebug.com.

1. Be certain that the attorney you intend to hire actually handles mesothelioma injury settlement claims cases. Even better, hire a lawyer who specializes in mesothelioma injury cases. Don't hire a divorce lawyer, a bankruptcy lawyer, a construction lawyer, a patent lawyer, a trademark lawyer or any other type of lawyer or attorney. Keep it simple. Hire a mesothelioma lawyer or mesothelioma attorney.

2. Be certain that the mesothelioma lawyer you intend to hire handles the particular type of injury claims case that you have. A quick Google search will offer a plethora of lawyers and attorneys who specialize in handling mesothelioma injurcy claims.

3. Find a mesothelioma attorney who has a lot of experience handling your particular type of case. Ask them to show you recent cases, along with settlement amounts that have been awarded for each case. Schedule a phone interview and put together a list of questions that, once answered, can help you select a mesothelioma attorney whom you can trust.

4. Avoid hiring a mesothelioma attorney who promises you a specific outcome. Because mesothelioma lawyers can earn huge sums of money if they win a mesothelioma settlement claim, they may provide false claims and bogus promises in order to attract mesothelioma victims to use their services.

5. Start with a broad search for mesothelioma attorneys, then narrow your search. Continue until you have the top 3 mesothelioma lawyers, and then select the one that fits the criteria that is most acceptable for your situation.

6. Make sure that that specific mesothelioma lawyer and not one of his or her associates is the lawyer who will actually be working on your case and going to court with you.

7. Hire a mesothelioma attorney whom you feel comfortable working with after meeting him and discussing your case. Don't hire a lawyer who is pressuring you to go to trial if your goal is to strike a satisfactory deal with the prosecutor as soon as possible. On the other hand, don't hire a lawyer who is pressuring you to take a plea bargain if what you really want is a trial.

8. Be sure that the mesothelioma attorney you intend to hire has time to work on your case. If the lawyer you intend to hire is starting a month-long trial next week, he may not be the injury claims lawyer best suited to represent you.

9. Be certain that the Florida mesothelioma attorney you intend to hire has a support staff that can adequately handle your case. Does the lawyer have, for example, a secretary, an investigator, a paralegal, and access to expert witnesses that may be needed in order to properly represent you at trial? If not, you may want to look for another lawyer.

10. If the mesothelioma attorney you intend to hire is quoting you a fee that is a lot more or a lot less than the going rate, ask yourself why. If the fee being quoted is a lot more than the going rate, is it because the lawyer is that much better than her competitors? If she is not that much better, than why should you pay that fee? On the other hand, if the fee being quoted is a lot less than the going rate, is it because the lawyer is just starting out and has little experience handling your particular type of criminal case? If so, you may want to look for another lawyer.

summary

Use this 10 step guide as a way to hire the best mesothelioma attorney that you can find. Although it may be extra time, you'll feel better knowing that your mesothelioma lawyer meets your qualifications in getting you a fair mesothelioma injury claims settlement award.


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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs as a result of asbestos exposure. This cancer causes malignant cells in the mesothelium, the protective lining of the abdominal cavities that include the intestines, heart and lungs. The lung lining (Pleura) is the most common site of Mesothelioma.

Symptoms Shortness of breath (because of pleural effusion) Weight loss Chest wall pain Anemia Fatigue Blood in the sputum Abdominal pain Issues with bowel function Diagnosis

For diagnostic purposes, your health care provider may do a CT scan or chest x-ray. The disease is often confirmed through microscopic examination and biopsy. There is not much research available for early detection of Mesothelioma as the symptoms can arise 20 or more years after the disease takes root in the body. Diagnosing Mesothelioma is difficult because often symptoms are similar to a number of other medical conditions.

The process of diagnosis starts with a review of your medical history. If you have a record of asbestos exposure, there is an increased chance of Mesothelioma. If there is a large amount of fluid in your body, cytology can play a prominent part in the detection of abnormal cells.

If the cytology is positive, your health care provider will conduct a biopsy for confirmation of the diagnosis. A biopsy can be implemented in a wide variety of ways, often on the basis of location. Laparoscopy is the best way to go if you have cancer in the abdomen.

Advantages of Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney If you find the right Mesothelioma attorney, your mesothelioma case is going to be stronger. Experienced attorneys know how to fight your case on the basis of state regulations. This is important because the regulations vary from one state to another. With a Mesothelioma attorney, you are going to get compensation quickly. For individuals who are struggling financially, getting compensation quickly can be quite important. For Mesothelioma victims, any support is critical. The Mesothelioma attorney gives you support, including emotional support, which is quite vital as legal process is long and cumbersome. It is the responsibility of the Mesothelioma attorney to ensure that the victim remains upbeat and does not give up. Your Mesothelioma attorney will conduct all the research related to your case. For preparing legal reports, your Mesothelioma attorney may require your assistance. Disadvantages of Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney When you hire a Mesothelioma attorney, prepare to a pay high fee. In most cases, they charge a commission on the compensation you get. Finding the right Mesothelioma attorney is not easy. To attain success in your mesothelioma case, make sure you take your time in meeting and selecting an attorney. When you hire a Mesothelioma attorney, you need to give them full freedom. If your attorney is not willing to tak e your opinion into account, there is a strong possibility that your case is going to suffer. Your attorney should consider your needs and make you an active part of the case. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs as a result of asbestos exposure. This cancer causes malignant cells in the mesothelium, the protective lining of the abdominal cavities that include the intestines, heart and lungs. The lung lining (Pleura) is the most common site of Mesothelioma.
Symptoms

* Shortness of breath (because of pleural effusion)
* Weight loss
* Chest wall pain
* Anemia
* Fatigue
* Blood in the sputum
* Abdominal pain
* Issues with bowel function

Diagnosis

For diagnostic purposes, your health care provider may do a CT scan or chest x-ray. The disease is often confirmed through microscopic examination and biopsy. There is not much research available for early detection of Mesothelioma as the symptoms can arise 20 or more years after the disease takes root in the body. Diagnosing Mesothelioma is difficult because often symptoms are similar to a number of other medical conditions.

The process of diagnosis starts with a review of your medical history. If you have a record of asbestos exposure, there is an increased chance of Mesothelioma. If there is a large amount of fluid in your body, cytology can play a prominent part in the detection of abnormal cel ls.

If the cytology is positive, your health care provider will conduct a biopsy for confirmation of the diagnosis. A biopsy can be implemented in a wide variety of ways, often on the basis of location. Laparoscopy is the best way to go if you have cancer in the abdomen.

Advantages of Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney

* If you find the right Mesothelioma attorney, your mesothelioma case is going to be stronger. Experienced attorneys know how to fight your case on the basis of state regulations. This is important because the regulations vary from one state to another.
* With a Mesothelioma attorney, you are going to get compensation quickly. For individuals who are struggling financially, getting compensation quickly can be quite important.
* For Mesothelioma victims, any support is critical. The Mesothelioma attorney gives you support, including emotional support, which is quite vital as legal process is long and cumbersome. It is t he responsibility of the Mesothelioma attorney to ensure that the victim remains upbeat and does not give up.
* Your Mesothelioma attorney will conduct all the research related to your case. For preparing legal reports, your Mesothelioma attorney may require your assistance.

Disadvantages of Hiring a Mesothelioma Attorney

* When you hire a Mesothelioma attorney, prepare to a pay high fee. In most cases, they charge a commission on the compensation you get.
* Finding the right Mesothelioma attorney is not easy. To attain success in your mesothelioma case, make sure you take your time in meeting and selecting an attorney.
* When you hire a Mesothelioma attorney, you need to give them full freedom. If your attorney is not willing to take your opinion into account, there is a strong possibility that your case is going to suffer. Your attorney should consider your needs and make you an active part of the case.


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Monday, November 7, 2011

5 Steps to Selecting the Right Mesothelioma Attorney

If getting a Mesothelioma diagnosis, you need to find a qualified and experienced Mesothelioma attorney to fight your case in the court. If you are a Mesothelioma victim, you can get some monetary compensation from the company that is responsible for exposing you to the harmful effects of asbestos fibers.

With so many attorneys handling Mesothelioma cases, selecting the right Mesothelioma attorney is not easy. You can lose monetary benefits if you are not able to find the right attorney as the outcome of your Mesothelioma lawsuit is pretty much decided by your attorney. Before hiring services of an attorney, it is better that you interact with them and take a close look at their success rate and academic qualifications.

1. Experience

Only go for an attorney that has experience of more than five years in dealing specifically with Mesothelioma cases. If possible, check their records and you will get an idea of how beneficial they are going to b e in handling your case. Do not sign any agreement until the attorney is willing to provide you documented evidence in support of their claims.

2. Costs

Before hiring any Mesothelioma attorney, make sure that you ask about the lawsuit costs and the fees that you need to pay them. Normally, the attorney will ask for some amount upfront but there are a few attorneys that charge contingency fees. Contingency fees are a percentage of the compensation that you are going to get. If you do not receive any compensation, you do not need to pay any money to your Mesothelioma attorney. Before signing agreement, tell your attorney that you can only afford a contingency as fee commission. Attorneys ask for 30 to 35% commission.

3. Passing the Case On

Stay away from Mesothelioma attorneys that plan to pass your case on to another attorney. These kinds of attorneys act as a broker between you and the attorney that is going to plead your case. There is no need to give extra money to these individuals when you can find an attorney on your own. Attorneys that pass case to another attorney are just worried about their commission; they have no interest in your case.

4. Internet

The internet is the best place to find a Mesothelioma attorney. The main thing about using internet as a medium is that you can get quotes from the attorneys without going to their office. You can get all the information related to your attorney online. There are plenty of websites that give review of various Mesothelioma attorneys operating in various states. You can search these attorneys on the basis of success rate, experience and the state in which they are operating.

5. Mesothelioma Law Firm

The whole concept of the Mesothelioma law firm is quite vague as one law firm can deal with a wide variety of cases. To give yourself a much better chance, it is advisable that you find an attorney or law firm that has a record of handling Mesothelioma cases. Similar to any other case, a Mesothelioma case needs a disciplined and responsible approach on the p art of your attorney. Your friends and family members can play a prominent part in selecting the right Mesothelioma attorney.

If you do not have the time to do an in-depth search and are looking to find Mesothelioma attorney quickly, contact your states bar association. Further, there is Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory where you can find contact details of various top Mesothelioma attorneys.


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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Things to Know about the Mesothelioma Attorney

Mesothelioma, a cancer of the mesothelium, is resistant to most types of medication. There is to date, no medicine created, that can completely cure this disease. However, the rate at which it spreads and takes its toll can be checked to a certain extent, thereby ensuring a longer survival period.

To understand the Mesothelioma attorney, one needs to understand the connection between asbestos and Mesothelioma altogether. It is known that asbestos is the prime and most significant cause of Mesothelioma. When a person is exposed to asbestos particles for any duration, they are put at risk of contracting this cancer. The governments of many nations, all around the globe, have laid down asbestos laws that should be followed by the manufacturing companies for safety. Despite these warnings and regulations, there are some companies that have not taken the proper, safety measures to prevent their employees and surrounding environments from exposure to asbestos. In such a case, if a person contracts this type of cancer, they have the right to approach a Mesothelioma attorney for guidance in seeking rightful compensation from a negligent manufacturing company. There are law firms that are particularly well-suited to deal with asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma cases. These are popularly known as asbestos law firms. Most often, a Mesothelioma attorney practicing in such an asbestos law firm is typically skilled and informed, possessing detailed and thorough knowledge about the disease and related occupational hazards. They have a very good, clear, and strong idea of the entire legal process associated with asbestos and its related diseases. Generally, the entire legal process is complex and a Mesothelioma attorney helps the process become easier and less time consuming for the victim and his or her family.

Mesothelioma is a fatal disease and unfortunately there is no medical cure for it. Sadly, it is known that, in many cases, eliminating asbestos exposure would have prevented this disease completely. Proper precautions can keep one safe. Prevention therefore remains better than a cure. If, unfortunately, a person suffers from Mesothelioma, they most likely have the right to file a claim for compensation. This compensation may be for many losses; including failing health, finances, and quality of life as a whole.


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Saturday, November 5, 2011

Mesothelioma - Caution

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer primarily caused by asbestos exposure. There is a higher incidence of mesothelioma among U.S. Navy personnel, shipyard workers, etc. due to asbestos exposure on Navy ships. In addition, family members and others closely associated to those exposed to asbestos may also be at risk (for example the wife who washed her husband's work clothes). The cancer typically has a latency period of 20 to 50 years.

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

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


Symptoms :

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other pa rts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
Diagnosis :

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

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

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

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

Treatment :

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

Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed.
Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

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

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


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Friday, November 4, 2011

5 Commonly asked questions about Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an uncommon type of cancer in which the malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac lining most of the body's internal organs.

Most people who develop the disease were exposed to asbestos inhalation at their place of work. The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ {the visceral layer} and the other layer forms a sac around it {the parietal layer}.

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

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial lining that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the lining t hat surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women. Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of the cancer begin in the pleura or peritoneum.

1-How common is mesothelioma?

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, this disease is still a relatively uncommon type of cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. It 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.

2-What are the risk factors?

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

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems.
Apart from causing mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a non cancerous, long standing chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney. Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the long run.

3-Who are the people at risk of developing the cancer?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople.

Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed this type of cancer. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing this cancer, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

4-What are the common Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a build up of fluid in the abdomen.

Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include intestinal obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, low blood levels{anaemia}, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a definitive diagnosis.

5-How i s the diagnosis made?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure.

A complete physical examination must be done , x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI can also be ordered for. A CT Scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

To confirm a diagnosis, a biopsy must be done. Biopsy involves the removal of a sample of the cancerous tissue for examination in the laboratory by a surgeon or medical oncologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy.

To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary. If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.

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


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