The Three Main Organs Affected by Mesothelioma - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the lining of large internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure. Because asbestos fibers are minuscule, they become lodged in the lining of the internal organs and, over time, lead to the growth of cancerous tumors. The time period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma cancer can be several decades, which is why many patients fail to recognize the initial symptoms of the disease. Sadly, this leads to a delayed diagnosis of mesothelioma, which in turn decreases the patient's life expectancy.

Patients who develop mesothelioma often have been exposed to asbestos at their workplace, such as navy shipyards and construction sites. The repeated exposure to asbestos means that they inhaled millions of tiny asbestos fibers that remained in their bodies. The three organs most often affected by mesothelioma are the lungs, heart and stomach.

Lungs: Pleural Mesothelioma

The most common form of mesothelioma, known as pleural mesothelioma, affects the lungs. The disease results when inhaled asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining that surrounds the lungs and cause the growth of cancerous cells around them. This process causes the lining of the lungs to fill with fluid, which obstructs breathing and causes chest pain. At this point, most pleural mesothelioma patients notice that something is wrong and seek the help of a doctor.

Stomach: Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The asbestos fibers can also become lodged in the lining around the stomach. This type of mesothelioma, which is called peritoneal mesothelioma, occurs when a person eats food covered with microscopic asbestos fibers. The fibrous material remains in the stomach lining for a long time (2050 years) before it prompts the growth of the cancer cells. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much rarer than pleural mesothelioma, accounting for about 1020 percent of all mesothelioma cases.

Heart: Pericardial Mesothelioma

The tiny asbestos fibers can also become lodged in the lining of the heart, where they can cause cancer. This form of mesothelioma is called pericardial mesothelioma. It is a very rare type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases.

Mesothelioma: Medical and Legal Considerations

The treatment for all forms of mesothelioma is similar and typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. While an aggressively administered mesothelioma treatment can slow the spread of the disease, it can rarely cure it. This is because most mesothelioma cancers are discovered at an advanced stage, when treatment is less effective.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, whether it's pericardial, peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma, a knowledgeable lawyer may help you hold those responsible for your suffering liable for your medical bills, physical and psychological pain, and reduced quality of life.

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mesothelioma pictures - News

Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium, which lines the heart.An individual may be at risk to develop mesothelioma if he or she was exposed to asbestos in the workplace or at home. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of asbestos particles. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has occurred. Those with a past asbestos exposure history experiencing symptoms should consult a physician with experience in accurately diagnosing mesothelioma. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be caught at an early stage. At earlier stages of mesothelioma progression, more treatment options are available and oftentimes a better prognosis is given. Additional mesothelioma information and statistics can be found in this section.Mesothelioma T reatmentOnce an individual has been diagnosed by a qualified mesothelioma doctor, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing mesothelioma and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients often have many questions for their doctors about the treatment options that would be most effective for them. Conventional treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Recently, chemotherapy drugs including Alimta and Cisplatin have showed promising results in some patients.Mesothelioma clinical trials as well as experimental treatments are other options that certain mesothelioma patients may be eligible to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer treatment section that includes important information for patients and families. We've included resources on top mesothelioma experts such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of cancer centers where mesothelioma treatment takes place. Beyond the conventional treatments for mesothelioma, certain alternative therapies may provide assistance to mesothelioma patients. We continually update this section of our site as new mesothelioma treatment information becomes available. Check back often to read about the most recent advances.Asbestos Exposure and CancerAsbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads to the development of mesothelioma. Asbestos products were used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Asbestos companies continued to produce these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to workers and their families. Many of these products were responsible for asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufactured the products as well as those who used them at commercial, industrial and military jobsites. Renovation and construction both at home and in schools and other public facilities also posed high risk areas for asbestos exposure.Asbestos related cancer is common among military veterans who we exposed on naval ships, in shipyards and at military bases. Naval ships where exposure occurred include aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers, submarines, warships and others. Some prominent shipyards where asbestos was prevalent include Brooklyn Navy Yard, Norfolk Navy Shipyard, Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. At commercial and industrial locations including refineries, power plants, steel mills, auto production facilities and large construction sites, many workers were put at risk.

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Malignant Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma - Health - Cancer

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the most common of the four types of provider. It accounts for approximately 7 to 20 percent of cases. When viewed under a microscope, the malignant cells appear as elongated spindle-shaped cells are irregularly shaped and often overlap each other.

Considered as a variant of desmoplastic mesothelioma from sarcomatoid mesothelioma. This form is probably the most difficult of all mesotheliomas to diagnose. When desmoplastic mesothelioma attack or metastasize, the cells may appear very flat and can be misdiagnosed as benign fibrous tissue. Medical experts say this form should not be diagnosed by core needle biopsy. It's important to recognize that sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma is sometimes difficult to diagnose based on histological methods. For example, cells of other types of lung cancer called sarcomatoid carcinomas are very similar in appearance (as well as other characteristics) for sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma.

Unfortunately, sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are known to be resistant to treatment, which may mean that a typical combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy did not work. Certain cell types may indicate a specific clinical trials and treatments that patients have available to them.

For this reason, if you are diagnosed with cancer and you know that you have been exposed to asbestos at some time in the past, obtaining a second diagnostic opinion may be important. Various types of cancers vary widely in terms of prognosis and treatment options, and if the wrong diagnosis, the patient can not receive the most appropriate treatment for their cancer.

How Mesothelioma is Diagnosed sarcomatoid ?/

To diagnose as sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells, histological examination of tumor tissue performed. Tues sarcomatoid will often look very similar to other types of sarcomatoid cells, such as sarcomatoid carcinoma, or tumor that affects the epithelial cells of the body. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is commonly misdiagnosed as pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma, a cancer that affects the lungs and produces symptoms almost identical with mesothelioma.

To that end, the immunohistochemical data is very important in differentiating cells of sarcomatoid mesothelioma from sarcomatoid carcinoma and other spindle cell type. Malignant mesothelioma cells are keratin-positive sarcomatoid, which means that cells will react with antibodies specific antikeratin used during the coloring process cell samples.

Desmoplastic mesothelioma

Even more difficult to diagnose than sarcomatoid mesothelioma, desmoplastic mesothelioma is considered as a variant of sarcomatoid subtype and also frequently misdiagnosed as benign (non-cancerous) fibrous tissue. Desmoplastic mesothelioma is a rare variant, making only 5 to 10 percent of all cases of malignant mesotheliomas.

How a cell sarcomatoid Affect Prognosis & Treatment?

While the sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, unfortunately, is considered the most lethal subtype because of the aggressive nature. Tues sarcomatoid mesothelioma treated with therapy similar to other subtypes, but sarcomatoid cells more resistant to treatment than epithelial or biphasic subtype.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cases are often especially resistant to chemotherapy. This response to treatment leads to poorer prognosis for patients diagnosed with this subtype, as well as survival time is reduced.

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Mesothelioma ? What is it? - Health - Cancer

Are You Aware of Mesothelioma?

Many people have heard the name Mesothelioma tossed around in general conversations, but do you actually know what it is? In this lens, I will shed more light on Mesothelioma and hopefully this information will help others.

Mesothelioma - General Information

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the body's primary organs. This lining, called the mesothelium, protects organs by making a special fluid that permits the organs to move like enabling the lungs to move while breathing. Although rare, mesothelioma affects 2,000 to 3,000 people every year.

There are 4 main types of mesothelioma : pleural mesothelioma ( lung ), pericardial mesothelioma ( heart ), peritoneal mesothelioma ( abdomen ) and testicular mesothelioma. In addition, mesotheliomas are classified by their appearance ( cell type ) under the lens of a microscope as either epithelioid, sarcomatoid ( fibroid ), or mixed ( biphasic ).

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, with about 3 out of 4 cases beginning in the chest hole. This kind of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura. The pleura comprises two layers an outermost layer ( parietal ) and an inner layer ( abdominal ). Typically, pleural mesothelioma develops in one layer and stays there, but it can metastasize ( spread ) to the other layer. A diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is often extremely terrible news for the patient, but as with a great many cancers, early detection is the key to an increased survival expectation thru aggressive treatment.

Pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare. This kind of mesothelioma accounts for slightly less than 6 % of all diagnoses. To date, there have been less than 150 cases documented in medical literature, with less than 200 cases reported worldwide. Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, which surrounds the heart and provides support and protection for the organ.

Peritoneal mesothelioma has effects on about Ten to twenty p.c of patients diagnosed as having the disease. This illness affects a membranous layer called the peritoneum, which is comprised of 2 sub layers ( parietal and visceral ). These two layers provide protection and support for intestinal organs and for the entire abdominal cavity.

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest type of the illness, with less than A hundred cases documented worldwide. It is created in the tunica vaginalis, which can provide protection and support for the testicles.

Epithelioid mesothelioma is the commonest cell type, accounting for at least Fifty % of all malevolent mesothelioma. These cells have the form of cubes, with a tubular pattern and an exceedingly distinct cell nucleus.

Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common, accounting for rather less than 15 % of noxious mesothelioma. These cells sometimes have an oval, irregular shape, and the nucleus is not as easily tangible as their epithelioid relative.

Mixed ( biphasic ) mesothelioma is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid mesotheliomas. This classification applies to both intermixing of cells continuously across the tumor, or with them in separate groupings.

The cell type by which one's tumors are made up does have an impact on project survival. A study conducted on 167 patients disclosed that patients with epithelioid growths survived for 8.5 months, sarcomatoid patients survived for 7 months, and biphasic patients survived for 6 months.

Clearly, mesothelioma is a lethal kind of cancer that is hard to note and even tougher to treat. Those who suspect they may be at risk should contact their healthcare supplier straight away. Like any other cancer, early detection is important.

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Mesothelioma - Catch It Early To Avoid Big Trouble - Health - Fitness

Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware of its symptoms. Although considered a rare form of cancer, each year the number of cases grows. With the prevalence of this disease on the rise, it is critical to understand why and how Mesothelioma develops and what courses of action can be taken in the event of diagnosis. The following are some questions and answers that will provide you with information on Mesothelioma.

**What is Mesothelioma?**

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. The organs most commonly affected are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common form of Mesothelioma is Pleural Mesothelioma -- cancer of the lung lining. But cancerous cells are also found in the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and the lining around the heart (the pericardium).

**What causes Mesothelioma?**

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is often found in building materials used before the mid 1970's. In addition, materials such as pipes, boiler insulation, floor, ceiling and roof tiles may contain asbestos. It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even in patient's homes can result in mesothelioma. In many cases mesothelioma does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing asbestos. 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are currently being diagnosed. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also contract this disease through exposure to the worker's clothing. Like many other cancers, smoking greatly increases the risk of contracting mesothelioma.

**How much asbestos exposure will cause Mesothelioma?**

Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is directly related to the length of time you are exposed to asbestos. The health risk also increases with the intensity of the exposure to asbestos.

However, an exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later. At the age of 48, Canadian Member of Parliament Chuck Strahl, was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma and traces the cause back to changing brake pads on logging equipment after he graduated from high school. Strahl's case is a good example of the fact that Mesothelioma has a latency period of anywhere from 20 to 50 years. Like thousands of others he developed the disease long after his exposure to asbestos.

**What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?**

Mesothelioma is a very subtle form of cancer providing only a few noticeable symptoms until it becomes extremely advanced. 75% of all mesolthelioma cases are Pleural mesothelioma - cancer of the lung lining. This type of cancer causes shortness of breath and/or chronic coughing that can easily be mistaken for allergies or a common cold. Mesothelioma is often discovered by accident when patients are being examined for these common symptoms. Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include: chest pain, shortness of breath, chronic coughing that worsens over time, fatigue, wheezing, lung infection, hoarseness, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, chest or abdominal pain or blood in the phlegm from the lungs when coughing

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and intestines and can be just as dangerous and deadly. Symptoms of Peritoneal mesothelioma include: pain or swelling in the abdomen, weight loss, bowel obstruction (blockage in the large or small intestines), anemia (reduced number of red blood cells), and fever.

The onset of Mesothelioma is usually quite slow. Patients will begin to experience symptoms such as lower back pain and chest pain. Unfortunately, once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment must be sought immediately.

**Can Mesothelioma be treated?**

Unfortunately, by the time most infected people become aware they have mesothelioma it has ceased being dormant and becomes extremely aggressive. Once it is no longer dormant, this type of cancer can travel quickly, and this makes it almost impossible to stop.

While there are treatments that are available in order to keep the patient comfortable, there is currently no cure for Mesothelioma, and as many as 75% of those who develop the disease will lose their life within one year. The remainder may last for up to an additional six months. Among the treatments that are used in order to reduce the effects of the disease are oxygen, postural drainage and pain killers. A wide range of treatment approaches are being tested, ranging from attempts to fortify the body's natural immune system to gene therapy which tries to attack the problem at the DNA level to homeopathy, herbs and acupuncture. But none have yet been shown to be very effective once the disease reaches the aggressive stage.

Given the generally poor prognosis for people who do not catch the disease in time, early detection is the best defence against Mesothelioma. If you have worked in an industry such as construction or suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos, be alert for symptoms and contact your doctor immediately. Like all forms of cancer, detecting Mesothelioma at the earliest stage possible greatly increases your chances for survival.

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Mesothelioma Lawsuits - Frequently Asked Questions - Health

It's a disastrous diagnosis - mesothelioma contracted from occupational exposure. It is well known that the symptoms of mesothelioma can appear years, even decades, after occupational exposure, and its effects can be life-changing at best, life-threatening at worst. As soon as you have found competent medical care for your mesothelioma, you should consider filing a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced attorney. But what does mesothelioma litigation entail? This article will answer some frequently asked questions about filing your mesothelioma law suit.What does "occupational exposure" mean?"Occupational exposure" means that you were exposed to the agent that caused your mesothelioma - usually the toxic mineral asbestos in its insulation and fireproofing forms - in the usual course of business. If you worked with asbestos and then contracted mesothelioma, even if it was years after the exposure, you experienced occupational exposure.What does a mesothelioma lawsuit enta il?Litigation is a long and often confusing process. When you contact a lawyer about a potential mesothelioma claim, you will typically present your medical records and diagnosis for his assessment before he can tell you if you have a chance in court. If the mesothelioma lawyer determines that your case is sound and will probably recover some monetary compensation and damages, he will take on your case, usually with a retainer or fee agreement. The lawyer will then file a complaint and summons suing the appropriate parties for the exposure leading up to mesothelioma.The court will set a series of dates for discovery and trial and, if the case does not settle, both parties will begin to work towards building a case. Since mesothelioma is a disease, an Independent Medical Examiner (IME) will probably be involved in your case. An IME conducts an unbiased medical investigation into your mesothelioma and examines your medical records. The other side will probably request your med ical records, as well, in order to determine if you had a pre-existing condition or other medical problems that may relieve them of responsibility for your occupational mesothelioma. Be prepared to sign waivers releasing this medical information to the requesting parties. Your attorney will advise you which documents to sign and which releases to give. During the discovery process, your mesothelioma attorney may also consult with medical and other experts, who perform a variety of services such as document review and reports, medical examinations and detailed expert testimony on issues related to asbestos exposure, mesothelioma and employment.If your case goes to trial, expect your lawyer to consult with other experts such as trial preparation specialists, who conduct mock trials and coordinate convincing exhibits, multimedia experts who can help present the evidence at trial in the most convincing manner, and witnesses who can bolster your own testimony in your mesothelioma trial. In an effort to avoid the cost and expense of a lengthy jury trial, many states require a mandatory settlement conference (MSC) or arbitration at which both parties sit down for a last-ditch attempt to resolve your complaints. This may or may not result in a monetary settlement. If a jury finds in your favor, you may be eligible for damages above and beyond just your medical treatment; pain and suffering, loss of employment, and other damages may apply.Do Patients Win Mesothelioma Law Suits?It may seem like a daunting process, but patients do effectively fight and win against employers who have caused them to be exposed to toxic asbestos and its devastating health effects. Often, employers knew of the health dangers of asbestos but did not warn their workers or enable them to work in safe conditions. This negligence, both willful and accidental, means that employers bear some responsibility for the health damages of asbestos exposure incurred during occupational work . Patients can and do win mesothelioma law suits, and many multi-million dollar payouts have been recorded for the victims of mesothelioma and their families. If you have mesothelioma, it is vital to contact an experienced and competent mesothelioma lawyer in order to recover your rightful compensation.

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4 Ways to Find Mesothelioma Attorneys - Law - Personal Injury

4 Ways to Find Mesothelioma AttorneysThere are multiple ways for anyone whois looking for a Mesothelioma attorney to find a large pool ofMesothelioma attorneys. There are thousands across the country whoare ready and willing to take on your case. You simply need to knowwhere to look to find them, and need to know what you are lookingfor.There are four main ways for you toseek out Mesothelioma attorneys. Each medium has its pros and cons,with both good and bad issues coming from each method. You simplyneed to mix and match these various ways to find Mesotheliomaattorneys to find the best attorney for you.The InternetThe Internet has quickly become theone-stop source for all of the information that you could need. Youcan easily find huge databases of Mesothelioma attorneys right fromthe comfort of your own home. While this is a strong way to find thepool of attorneys, it can be overwhelming. Most will not know whereto start when they have found thousands of attorneys. This i s why itis important to utilize various mediums when looking for theseattorneys.The PhonebookThe phonebook continues to slowly dieas a medium that people use for information and numbers, oftenoverrun by the Internet. With that being said, you can still use thephonebook to highlight any local Mesothelioma attorneys. This isperfect for anyone who wants to meet the attorney in person beforethey start to work with them, as you will know what is available inyour area.The TVTV Mesothelioma attorneys have put outcommercial after commercial, trying to win your case. While some ofthese are trustworthy, others are not. With that being said, you canstill look into these attorneys to see if they are right for yourcase.Word of MouthSeek out professional attorneys inother aspects of law and ask them to recommend a reputableMesothelioma attorney. Talk to those who know someone who hadMesothelioma and ask them who their lawyer was and how their casewent. Word of mouth can go a long way, hel ping you to understand howreal individuals felt about the cases that they have gone through.The more personal information that you can have about a lawyer, thebetter that you can understand their connection with clients. This issimply limited by the amount of lawyers you talk to and the amount ofpeople you know who had someone go through MesotheliomaSome may find it straining and timeconsuming to try to find Mesothelioma attorneys through all of thesedifferent methods. Those who take the time to try out as many methodsas possible will find that they have found the best Mesotheliomaattorneys available to them. It will require some work and it willrequire some effort. The time and effort that you do put into thiswill translate to a stronger case and a stronger settlement, whateach and every person wants in the end.

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