Mesothelioma Claims - What Does Mesothelioma Cause - Law - Personal Injury

In the industrial setting, asbestos use has been an epidemic that continues today. Millions have been exposed to it's carcinogenic properties due to corporate greed and lack of interest for the common worker. It's harmful properties were known since the 1930's, yet it's use continues to this day. Despite attempts to hide it's impact on health, more and more mesothelioma claims are surfacing each year.

Asbestos history - It's no surprise that asbestos use still continues today. It happens to be a very reliable product, capable of holding it's integrity against heat and chemical damage. Products such as welding gloves, ovens, and household insulation were commonly known to contain asbestos. During the 1940's, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, millions of workers were exposed to asbestos during the production of new war ships. Even cigarette filters were known, for a time, to contain asbestos fibers.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma - As with other forms of lung cancer, early warning signs are often not present. This is why it is such a devastating form of cancer.

Some forms of mesothelioma can present with early signs, indicating the need for diagnostic testing. Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing indicates trouble in the lungs. This may also include the appearance of blood upon coughing and persistent difficulty with swallowing.

Regardless of asbestos exposure, this should be discussed with your doctor. A change in normal bowel habits or feelings of nausea are often noted, along with weight loss and an unexplained fever. These symptoms tend to accompany periods of unexplainable fatigue.

What to Do - It is very important to seek medical treatment if you suspect past asbestos exposure, or if the symptoms described persist. If mesothelioma is the cause, the prognosis depends heavily on early detection and treatment. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention, as your life could depend on it.

While a diagnosis of mesothelioma is devastating, there is something that can be done. Seeking legal counsel through a lawyer will help to determine your options. Sometimes, you can find lawyers who specialize in the area of mesothelioma claims.

The only way to put an end to this unethical practice is to punish those who have, and continue to put people at risk. It's not just a right, it's a duty! Speak with a lawyer immediately, as they will be your best source for legal counsel. It may also be worth seeking a lawyer whom specializes in mesothelioma claims.

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Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer of the mesothelium, the protective covering on and around most of the organs in the human body. The major cause of the disease is overexposure to asbestos. It most commonly affects the pleura, which lines the lungs and the chest cavity, but can also be found in the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) and the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart). Despite a common assumption that the disease is of the same origin as a smoker's lung cancer, there is no link between mesothelioma and smoking.Symptoms of the disease may take as many as 20 to 50 years after exposure to become apparent. Different forms of mesothelioma present with different symptoms, but all are unpleasant. Coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain resulting from a build-up of fluid in the pleural area are common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma may result in weight loss, ascites (a build-up of fluid in the abdomen), and abdominal pain. A person with peritoneal mesothelioma may also experience bowel obstruction, fever, anemia, or abnormal blood clotting. If the cancer metastasizes past the mesothelium, difficulty swallowing and swelling of the neck and face may occur.

In severe cases where many tumor masses are present, symptoms include: collapsed lung/lungs, blood clotting in the veins, blood clotting in the heart's arteries, severe bleeding in many organs, jaundice, a low blood sugar level, and severe ascites.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are shared by various other disorders, making this cancer a difficult disease to diagnose. When the above symptoms are presented, suspicion of mesothelioma is raised if the patient has a history of exposure to asbestos. A physical examination, chest x-rays, and lung-function tests are performed to rule out other possible problems. X-rays are used to determine if there is the pleural thickening that is normally seen after exposure to asbestos. A CAT scan and an MRI are performed if pleural thickening is detected, and tests are performed to detect abnormal cells in the pleural fluid. If abnormalities are found, a biopsy is performed to confirm results. A laparoscopy may be performed to determine if the cancer is in the abdomen.

Once the diagnosis has been made, doctors will assess the stage of the cancer. The stage is classified as "localized" if the cancer is limited to the membrane surface from which it originated, and "advanced" if it has spread farther.

The disease can be treated with surgery (but the average result is a 5 year survival rate of less than 10%), chemotherapy, radiation (used to relieve symptoms as the tumors are highly resistant to radiation), immunotherapy (which has produced varying results of success and disappointment), and heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (a procedure in which the surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible before administering chemotherapy treatment immediately after, allowing 60 to 120 minutes to take effect before it is drained).

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Mesothelioma Caused by Exposure to Asbestos - Law

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, the protective lining around the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (the outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but mesothelioma may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (the lining of the heart).

Most people who develop mesothelioma have either worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles or were exposed to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways--such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked around asbestos or by home renovation using asbestos products. There is no link between mesothelioma and smoking, although smoking tends to aggravate mesothelioma side effects.

Asbestos, which was first mined and used commercially in the late 1800s, became quite popular during World War II. Beginning at that time, millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos dust. The risks associated with asbestos exposure were not widely known, or at least they were downplayed by those in the asbestos industry. However, it was soon proven that shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, those who make asbestos products, and laborers in the heating and construction industries were most likely to get a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Between 3,000 and 6,000 new cases of mesothelioma are presented each year in the U.S., with the average age of diagnosis falling between 50 and 70. Treatment for mesothelioma does exist, but the success rate is quite low. There is no cure for mesothelioma, but those affected can receive treatment including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Since the first mesothelioma lawsuit was filed in 1969, thousands of others followed, and asbestos-related injury quickly became the nation's largest area of product liability litigation.

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Mesothelioma Caused by Asbestos Exposure - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer most commonly found in the lungs, heart and abdomen and is usually caused by asbestos. Typically, malignant mesothelioma develops when one is repeatedly exposed to asbestos, which is a flame-resistant material once used for insulation. Asbestos is also found in ceiling and floor tiles, roof shingles, cement, automobile brakes and clutches.Most of those suffering from malignant mesothelioma have breathed asbestos at work. Some have even been exposed to asbestos in their own home, without realizing it. Those who could be at risk include:

- Construction workers.- Maintenance engineers and janitors.- Shipbuilders exposed to asbestos in boiler insulation.- Miners that mined vermiculite or asbestos.- Railroad workers who worked around boilers and furnaces.- Factory workers.- Firefighters.- Drywall removers.- Auto mechanics and workers who worked with brake linings and clutches.- Demolition workers.- Those who live around asbestos factories or mills.

There are a variety of symptoms associated with mesothelioma which are similar to pneumonia. The most common symptoms include:

- Chest pain- Coughing up bloody fluid- Trouble swallowing- Hoarseness- Shortness of breath- Weight loss.

A lot of attention has been given to asbestos exposure and people aren't exposed as much today as they were several years ago. However, it can sometimes take years for the symptoms of Mesothelioma to surface.

Furthermore, asbestos hasn't been completely eliminated and therefore, it still presents a threat to those who are unknowingly exposed. Do the research and make sure that you and your loved ones are not being exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by being exposed to asbestos, even for short periods of time.

Mesothelioma usually shows up 30-40 years after exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms are too often overlooked or diagnosed as minor ailments, which is why it is crucial to look into your exposure to asbestos. If you have been repeatedly exposed and are suffering the symptoms of mesothelioma, you should be screened right away.

However, if you were exposed unknowingly for any length of time at your home or place of employment to asbestos, resulting in mesothelioma, you deserve to be compensated. Seek legal counsel, not only for your own benefit, but for your loved ones as well.

At one time, several businesses, landlords and property owners were fully aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure yet they allowed employees, tenants and home buyers to be exposed. Anyone who was unknowingly exposed absolutely deserves to be compensated.

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Mesothelioma Causing Mine May Reopen in Canada - Health - Cancer

A mine that causes mesothelioma will probably stay open.A spokesman for the Canadian Cancer Society says his organization is "deeply disappointed" that the government of Quebec has decided in favor of helping the Jeffrey asbestos mine stay in operation. Benign mesothelioma tumors,on the other hand, can increase in size. Larger tumors can negatively affect the surrounding tissues and organs. Large tumors can cause a buildup of fluids in the mesothelial membranes. This can cause some very dangerous side effects, such as seizures and comas.According to Canadian media reports, the government has agreed to the $58 million dollar loan guarantee that was needed to help secure international funding and keep the chrysotile asbestos mine open. But the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Medical Association, and other health organizations had argued vehemently against the move, citing evidence that asbestos causes deadly malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos ex posure. Not only are Canadians who work or live around the Jeffrey mine in Quebec at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, but so are thousands of people in the countries to which Canada ships the asbestos. Most of these countries are third world countries that are not likely to enforce asbestos handling guidelines to minimize the risk of mesothelioma. The World Health Organization estimates that 107,000 worldwide contract mesothelioma every year.

"This decision directly conflicts with global cancer control," says Paul Lapierre, Vice President of Cancer Control and Public Affairs with the Canadian Cancer Society. "The epidemic of asbestos-related cancers, both in Canada and around the world, will continue to spread. From a public health point of view, the Quebec Government has made the wrong decision as all forms of asbestos cause cancer."

The Cancer Society has actively lobbied against the decision, saying it will increase the worldwide incidence of mesothelioma. In an attempt to mollify some of their critics, the government did place some conditions on the Jeffrey Mine funding. A consortium of investors must come up with $25 million in additional financing by July 1. The investors will also have to contribute $1.5 million annually for five years to support 'economic diversification' as well as annual inspections of the clients who purchase asbestos from the Jeffrey Mine.

The government says that reopening the Jeffrey Mine would create 425 jobs in the region and generate millions of dollars in taxes and royalties for Quebec. Despite the predicted rise in mesothelioma deaths, Quebec's finance minister contends that Canada's asbestos industry 'saves lives' by allowing countries like India to build more cheaply, supporting economic development.

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About Mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos. - Health

Mesothelioma is a cancer which appears to be increasing. Perhaps more accurately it is now being diagnosed more frequently and often resulting from exposure to asbestos maybe 15, 25, 35 or more years ago. Because the effects usually remain undetected for many years the most at risk categories of becoming a mesothelioma victim are men in their 60s, 70s or 80s who worked with asbestos many years ago. In years past there was obviously less physical protection in terms of protective clothing and masks and fewer health and safety regulations to conform to. The workers were continually exposed to the asbestos fibres (the UK spelling) and dust which caused the cells of the mesothelium to become abnormal. Because the disease frequently takes decades to develop fully many of them were oblivious to the problem until thirty to fifty years later. It is these men who are now issuing multi-million dollar mesothelioma lawsuits seeking compensation against the companies that exposed them to the dangers of asbestos, even though they were aware, in many cases, that it could cause harm to the employees. Mesothelioma legal advice is big business because of the potential for high settlement awards.

There are also other people at risk from the disease; namely those who have had regular contact with a person who has worked with asbestos. People who worked with asbestos would carry asbestos dust and asbestos fibres on their clothes, skin and in their hair back to their home. Once in the home the fibres and dust were a source of asbestos poisoning to all family members. For example a wife who washed her husband's clothes would herself be at risk of developing mesothelioma, respiratory problems or another asbestos related disease.

In simple terms our internal organs are protected, covered or lined with the mesothelium (the cells are referred to as the mesothelial cells). Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is usually presented in a fibre form. Exposure to these fibres, without suitable protective clothing and breathing equipment, means the body then absorbs the asbestos fibers and dust. Old asbestos installations maybe surrounded by accumulated asbestos dust which is also a severe hazard.Types of Mesothelioma.

o - Pleural mesothelioma - the most frequently diagnosed type of this disease and effects the lungs and breathing.o - Peritoneal mesothelioma - less frequent and is typically found in the abdomen, stomach and bowels.o - Pericardial mesothelioma - much less frequently found and affects the heart.

Many of the symptoms are similar in each of the mesothelioma types - in the early stages at least - to other less dangerous and more frequently diagnosed illnesses. If you have any reason or cause to believe you had exposure to asbestos then - consult your doctor and discuss your concerns. The symptoms and the latency period of this disease mean that it is difficult to diagnose.

Mesothelioma Treatment.

Although there are treatments for mesothelioma, they do not have a high success rate particularly on patients in whom the cancer is in its later stages. The faster the mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated, the more chance of success, which is why it is important to get as fast a diagnosis as possible.

Current treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I understand there is an anti cancer drug called Onconase that has been used in some clinical tests and has had some success in the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. In the UK the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has now approved the use of the mesothelioma drug Alimta in the NHS hospitals and mesothelioma treatment centres. Alimta and Cisplatin are used for the treatment of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in some circumstances.

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Quebec Continues To Export Mesothelioma Causing Asbestos - Health - Cancer

The Olympics will generate an estimated $4 billion CAD for Canada. So with that kind of income perhaps it is time Canada reexamines its practice of exporting mesothelioma causing asbestos to the rest of the world. After all, the income from asbestos is estimated to be only $100 million CAD - a drop in the bucket compared to the Olympics payday. Unfortunately, this reexamination will not happen in the near future. The parliament of Quebec has officially refused to reexamine the dangers of exporting asbestos to developing countries, including Mexico. According to the Canadian Press, the motion would have created a parliamentary committee aimed at examining the practice, which has come under fire lately and flies in the face of WHO warnings about the health risks posed by the mineral. The proposal was supported by the Parti Quebecois, but was shot down by the Liberal party majority. Asbestos causes asbestosis and various cancers including mesothelioma.

The parliamentary decision comes despite a recent study showing a rise in asbestos-related deaths in Mexico, which gets about a third of its asbestos from Canada. The study, published in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Industrial Medicine puts the death toll from mesothelioma at around 500 deaths annually. Mesothelioma causes cancer in the lining around the heart, lungs or abdomen and is caused by asbestos exposure. But the same study goes on to say that there are likely almost twice as many deaths from other asbestos-related lung cancers, putting the total death toll in Mexico closer to 1500.

Countries like Mexico use Canada's chrysotile asbestos in industrial applications and as an additive to strengthen cement. The Liberal party-controlled government, led by Premier Jean Charest, takes the official position that asbestos is safe and will not cause mesothelioma when correctly handled. However, as a recent editorial in Canada's Globe and Mail points out, not only is safe handling unlikely to happen in poorer countries, but chrysotile fibers are so tiny that they can even penetrate some filtration masks, causing lung damage despite precautions.

But asbestos remains big business in Canada. Although only one chrysotile mine still exists, the industry still employs some 700 people and accounts for nearly $100 million CAD in exports annually. A town in Quebec is even named for the mineral. Even so, Canada itself tightly regulates the use of the mineral inside its borders and exports about 95 percent of what is mined. Canada exported 175,000 tons of asbestos in 2008, nearly all of it to developing countries.

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