Mesothelioma

What is mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Although uncommon, mesothelioma is no longer considered rare. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is particulary difficult for doctors to diagnose and one that does not respond well to therapy.

The chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart are surrounded by a a layer of specialized mesothelial cells. Most other internal organs are also covered by these cells. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium.

A special protective lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around is produced by the mesothelium. This protective fluid helps the lungs to move without resistance inside the chest cavity while breathing. The medical name for the mesothelium of the chest is the pleura and the medical name for the mesothelium of the abdomen is the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the "sac-like" space around the heart is called the pericardium.

A malignant (cancerous) tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. As most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma. Tumors of the mesothelium can also be benign (noncancerous) but benign mesotheliomas are much more rare.

Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium in the late 1700's. However it was not until much later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and even more importantly, its association with asbestos exposure was recognized. The first report linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was written by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers in the "Asbestos Hills" in South Africa. Since than the relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure has been confirmed in studies around the world.

The incidence of mesothelioma in the United States remains very low, with 14 cases occurring per million people per year. Despite these numbers the noticed threefold increase in mesothelioma in males between 1970 and 1984, is directly associated with environmental and occupational exposure to asbestos, mostly in areas of asbestos product plants and shipbuilding facilities.

Although the disease is much more commonly seen in 60-year old men, it has been described in women and early childhood as well. The cause of the disease is not so well understood in these latter two groups, but there is some evidence of possible asbestos exposure for some of these cases as well.

Malignant mesotheliomas are divided into three main types. About 50% to 70% of mesotheliomas are the epithelioid type. This type has the best prognosis (outlook for survival). The other two types are the sarcomatoid type (7%-20%), and the mixed/biphasic type (20%-35%). Treatment options for all three types are the same.

About three-fourths of mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. They are known as pleural mesothelioma. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen. These are called peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, starts in the cavity around the heart, and is very rare. The covering layer of the testicles is actually an outpouching of peritoneum into the scrotum. Mesotheliomas that affect this covering of the testicles are quite rare.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, a thin wall of cells that surround the body's organs and internal body structures. Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. Other locales of the disease are malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen wall. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest of these malignancies and accounts for only an estimated 10 percent of all mesothelioma incidences annually.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring but toxic mineral that was used in industrial capacities. While the precise route by which microscopic asbestos fibers reaches the pericardial lining is not known, physicians surmise that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the bloodstream and become entangled in the heart's lining as the blood processes through the heart. Mesothelioma occurring in other parts of the body, such as in the pleura or peritoneum, can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognoses are poor in cases of pericardial mesothelioma, just as nearly all mesothelioma cases are. However, several treatment options exist to help patients manage the disease and maintain comfort. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most likely treatment options for patients of this disease. Surgery is typically not an option because of the local of the disease and the risk of grave damage to the tumor area.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians will often suspect pericardial mesothelioma if the patient has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A comprehensive diagnostic and biopsy process will be undergone through use of multiple body imaging scans.
What a Patient's Options?

Patients of pericardial mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed to asbestos. Anyone who worked with asbestos products is potentially at-risk and should fill out the brief form on this page to receive additional treatment and legal information.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. Other types of mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the cell wall surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the hearth. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.
What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in peritoneum. These other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.
How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treated?

Prognosis of mesothelioma patients is poor, and peritoneal mesothelioma patients are no exception. Most peritoneal treatment regimens for patients include palliative methods such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, if the disease is diagnosed in its earlier stages, patients may be eligible for surgical resection of the disease, which could potentially add years to initial prognoses.
How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physicians may suspect peritoneal mesothelioma if the patient complains of stomach, chest, or abdominal pain. Suspicious hernias may actually be a pleural effusion caused by peritoneal tumor growth. Misdiagnosis is common and patients will likely undergo multiple imaging scans and a diagnostic biopsy before an official diagnosis is made.
What are a patient's options?

Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they exposed to asbestos. Industrial exposures were common and those exposed have collected compensation to finance high treatment costs. For additional information on your legal rights of mesothelioma please fill out the brief contact form on this page.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural disease is often seen in people who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos on the job. It sometimes takes 10 years or more for changes to appear that are indicative of pleural disease which affects the thin membrane layer in the chest. These differences can include a thickening or calcification of the pleural lining and is usually diagnosed as pleural plaques, pleural thickening and pleural calcification.

In most instances, pleural disease is not considered fatal but it does have the ability to impair lung function and it does confirm that a person has sustained significant asbestos exposure and could be at a higher risk for developing more severe asbestos cancer. If you have been diagnosed with pleural disease it is important to preserve your legal rights.

However, pleural plaques can lay the groundwork for mesothelioma, which is an extremely aggressive cancer known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma originates in the pleura but quickly spreads to the outer chest wall, abdomen, and heart. Mesothelioma is typically fatal within 1 year of diagnosis. However, early recognition of risk factors, like asbestos exposure will typically lead to early detection of the cancer. Those whose disease is discovered early enough will likely be much more eligible life-sustaining and bettering treatments. Mesothelioma patients who receive an early diagnosis may be eligible for surgical resection of the cancer, which can extend life years beyond that of typical mesothelioma patients.

Other treatments are available for mesothelioma, including traditional radiotherapy and chemotherapeutic methods which can ease symptoms of the disease and make the cancer much more manageable.
Don't Let Time Get in the Way!

Don't let time prevent you from taking legal action. Every state establishes set timeframes for filing lawsuits for an asbestos related injury. These timeframes are also known as the state statutes of limitation. The deadlines established in the statutes are fixed so it is important to consult with a legal professional soon after the onset of an asbestos related illness to determine what, if any action may be appropriate.

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body's internal organs and structures. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma has three known varieties. They are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, the lung's lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity wall. And pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the hearth, known as the pericardium.
What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a nature, yet toxic mineral that was used commonly in heavy industry. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body through the lung or ingestion. Once inside, the durable fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled by the body, causing a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?

Malignant mesothelioma prognoses are poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are several treatment options for the management of the cancer. Among these are chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy methods are more likely but surgery is often an option for those whose disease is diagnosed early enough.
How is Malignant Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant Mesothelioma will typically be suspected if the patient complains of chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing. While any of these could indicate mesothelioma, they are also associated with many other respiratory conditions so further diagnostic procedures are typically warranted. These may include imaging scans, such as computer topography or magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnostic biopsy is also required for cancer specialist to examine the behavior of these cells before a diagnosis is determined.
What options of patients of Malignant Mesothelioma have?

Patients of malignant mesothelioma or any other asbestos related health complications may be eligible for compensation if they were wrongfully exposed. All those seeking further information should fill out the brief contact form on this page to receive a mesothelioma and asbestos information packet detailing treatment and legal options.

Good Lawyer for Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) is the biggest reason why so many people today are hiring lawyers and going after various asbestos companies. Alive with companies in the former retain used asbestos in their wares despite the fact that they did know how treacherous asbestos can enact to human health. In actuality, mesothelioma is besides admitted being asbestos cancer by countless mortals wittily considering it halfway always develops over a settlement of exposure to asbestos.

If you want to hire a lawyer for asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit, then you need to be very careful whom to trust. You also have to realize that there is so much more to hiring a lawyer for asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit than just dialing an 1800 number and signing a contract. Here are some things you should request yourself:

Do I really have mesothelioma? Some people immediately go to a lawyer for asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit without first confirming whether they posses mesothelioma or not. You should envision that mesothelioma is precisely a mere laborious disorder to button down since its symptoms resemble those of a lot of other diseases. This means you hold to get a undoubted comprehensive screening in layout to manifest that you absolutely own the sickness. Some lawyers for asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit proposition to permit you a unrecompensed screening if they catch that you prepare obtain a history of exposure to asbestos, so maybe it is a good idea to consult a lawyer first if you have your suspicions.

Is the lawyer experienced enough? The mark of a great lawyer is experience. If you are looking for a lawyer for asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit then you have to realize the fact that finding an attorney with a lot of experience will be to your advantage.. Some people believe that skill can act as measured in terms of years, but inwardness should purely put on measured in the number of cases that a lawyer has handled. It is altogether fully easy to jewel out just how much practicality a lawyer has, despite the gospel that most lawyer will keep wearisome to evade the issue. In fact, aptly solicitation around place keeping watch who this lawyer is should care you with a lot of insights reconnaissance just how much proof that attorney has when it comes to asbestos litigations.

Try to ask from former clients to see just how the lawyer for a asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit you are planning to get has handled their cases. With this information, you should be able to take a guess at how the attorney will handle yours.

Class - action vs. self - litigation. Practiced are a lot of humans today who are stunt beside companies thanks to a class / congregation. This means that they are all at once suing a single company for its blunder in their cases. Nowadays what are the advantages to this? For one situation, people who join in a class action lawsuit will often find it to be much easier than actually having to appear in court. This is because class action lawsuits are actually handled by the chosen attorneys and will actually only involve you being visited by some lawyers, signing some papers and if the case is won, receiving some money. The problem with a class - action law suit, however, is the fact that the compensation to be given out by the defendant is often given as a block figure to be distributed among the litigators. Your chances of actually being compensated will increase when you get a lawyer for a mesothelioma lawsuit but the amount that you will get can get smaller.

The advantage of hiring a lawyer for a asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit on your own is the fact that you will be able to present the case by yourself. This means that you will be able to present your case to its full extent. You will also be able to make the company pay you to the fullest extent. However, since you will be litigating alone, the company will also have an easier time fighting your case. Because of the higher risk that you will end up with nothing, a lawyer for a asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit may choose not to defer payments and ask for a retainer up front.

Will the lawyer handle my case personally? There are certain people who get furious when they find out that the lawyer for a asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit they hired is not handling their case personally. Some people may feel betrayed by this information. However, you have to realize the fact that a great lawyer always has subordinates. If a lawyer for a asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit handles your case personally then it is either he / she is not very good or your case is specially rewarding.

asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit

Mesothelioma Frequently Asked Questions

There are many people who might have never heard of Mesothelioma and may be ignorant of its symptoms. However, they are at risk of acquiring mesothelioma. Considered a rare type of cancer, mesothelioma affects many people every year. It is necessary to know more about Mesothelioma courses of action that can be taken to stay safe from it. Here are some frequently asked questions on Mesothelioma:

What exactly is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is cancer that forms in the mesothelial layer. Mesothelioma commonly develops in the lungs, heart and organs present in the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma commonly occurs in the pleural membrane of the lungs—this is called pleural mesothelioma.

What are the causative factors of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused due to exposure to asbestos dust. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials before the 1970’s. Materials like pipes, insulation materials, flooring, ceiling and roofing tiles also contain significant quantities of asbestos. With health concerns on the rise, the use of asbestos has seen a gradual decrease.

I have been exposed to asbestos. What are the chances of getting mesothelioma?

Usually, the chances of acquiring mesothelioma depend upon the duration of exposure to asbestos dust. The intensity of exposure to asbestos also plays a determining role. Mesothelioma has a long latency time of about 20 to 50 years. This means that mesothelioma may develop long after exposure to asbestos. Generally, people acquire Mesothelioma anywhere in-between 35 and 40 years after getting exposed to asbestos.

How fast does Mesothelioma develop?

In the initial stages, Mesothelioma progresses very slowly. Pain in the lower back and chest pain are the usual symptoms in the initial stages. These may also be accompanied by fever, weight loss and breathing trouble. Once Mesothelioma is acquired, it progresses very fast and treatment must be started as soon as possible.

Is Mesothelioma treatable?

There are several traditional treatment methods for Mesothelioma. These include surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Like other cancers, diagnosing mesothelioma in its initial stages greatly enhances the person’s chances of survival. For this reason, it is advisable for persons who have working in an atmosphere where they might have into contact with asbestos to regularly visit a doctor for screening and checkup.

What legal actions can be taken if diagnosed with mesothelioma?

People suffering from Mesothelioma are eligible for monetary compensation from the manufacturers of asbestos products. In case of death from mesothelioma, dependents of the person are also eligible for monetary compensation.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma diagnosis generally commences with a diseased person’s visit to the physician after prolonged chest pain. This painful sensation is caused as a consequence of a buildup of liquid within the pleural membrane; this is known as pleural effusion & constitutes the common showing symptom associated with cancerous mesothelioma.

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is oftentimes problematic, as the symptoms are confusable to those associated with a number of different conditions. Diagnosing starts with a critical review of the person’s medical record. A history of exposure to asbestos dust can increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A bodily exam is performed, accompanied by thorax X-ray & frequently lung function examinations. The X-ray can disclose pleural thickening normally observed after asbestos dust exposure and increments doubt of mesothelioma. A computed tomography (or CAT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging is commonly done. Whenever a large quantity of liquid is there, defective cells can be observed by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is performed by a pleural tap or thorax drainpipe, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drainpipe and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. Whilst absence of cancerous cells on cytology doesn’t entirely leave out mesothelioma, it makes it much more improbable, particularly if an secondary diagnosing may be arrived at (for example. TB, coronary failure).

In case cytology is confirming or a plaque is considered as questionable, a tissue biopsy is necessary to affirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A physician takes out a sample of cells for exam below a microscope by a diagnostician. A tissue biopsy can be performed in various ways, depending upon where the anomalous region is situated. In case the cancer is in the thorax, the physician may do a thoracoscopy. In this operation, the physician makes a minor cut through the thorax wall and places a fine, illuminated pipe called a thoracoscope into the thorax between two ribs. Thoracoscopy permits the physician to see inside the chest and get tissue samples.

A tissue biopsy is a comparatively minor operation (depending on the area of the neoplasm) during which a little section of questionable tissue is excised. The excised section is analysed by a histopathologist, a skilled person in the field of unhealthy tissue. Histopathological exam can affirm a case of cancerous mesothelioma while as well typing & staging it. Inferring the type and stage may assist doctors advise the best of treatment options.

In case the cancerous cells are in the abdominal cavity, the doctor may do a laparoscopy. To get cells for examen, the physician makes a little surgical incision in the abdominal cavity and introduces a specialised instrument into the abdomen. In case these operations do not give sufficient tissue, more extended diagnostic surgical operations may be required.

Chemotherapy as a treatment option for Mesothelioma

Chemotherapy involves the usage of cytotoxic (i.e. anti-cancer) drugs to kill cancerous tissues. Chemotherapy works by destroying the growth mechanism of the cancerous cells.

In some individuals, chemotherapeutic treatment can arrest the progress of mesothelioma for some time; decreasing the symptoms associated with it and improving the quality of life. It can increase the lifespan in some patients with mesothelioma bya few months, but will not generally completely cure it. Chemotherapy usually provides relief from the symptoms. Chemotherapy is usually administered after surgical operations are performed to treat mesothelioma.

Chemotherapy is the best treatment option for mesothelioma that is known to increase the chances of survival in patients suffering from the disease. A research study conducted in the year 2003 by Vogelzang and other scientists compared cisplatin chemotherapy with a combination of cisplatin with pemetrexed chemotherapy in individuals who had not undergone chemotherapy for mesothelioma before and were not candidates for surgery. This trial reported increasef survival chances from chemotherapy in mesothelioma. Vitamin supplements were given to most participants in the trial and side effects related to pemetrexed were comparitively low in individuals receiving pemetrexed when they were also administered 500 mg of folate daily and 1000mg of vitamin B12 every 9 weeks when compared with individuals receiving pemetrexed without any vitamin supplements. In February of 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration (i.e. the FDA) approved the drug pemetrexed as a treatment drug for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Nevertheless, there are many unanswered questions regarding the correct usage of chemotherapy, when to start the treatment, and the correct number of treatment cycles to be administered.

Cisplatin when administered in combination with raltitrexed increases survival rates similar to that of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin. However, raltitrexed is no longer available commerically in the market. In individuals who cannottolerate pemetrexed, cisplatin along with gemcitabine or vinorelbine is an alternative option, though significant increases in survival have not been observed for these medications. For individuals in whom it is not possible to use cisplatin, carboplatin may be substituted but some studies have shown comparitively low response rates and high rates of toxicity for carboplatin-based medications, albeit with almost the same survival rates like patients who arebeing administered cisplatin.

Recently in January 2009, the United States FDA okayed the use of conventional therapies like surgical procedures in combination with radiation therapy and chemotherapy on Mesothelioma after studies performed on national level by Duke University came to the conclusion that remission rates increase by almost 50 points.

Tips to Cope with Mesothelioma

Life after a mesothelioma diagnosis can be very difficult and confusion. You may be upset and confused as mesothelioma may be detected only at an advanced stage.

1: Coping with your feelings.

A number emotions or fellings like confusion, worry, depression, denial, anger, negativity, and others may be experienced. You may have different feelings when compared to others, but this doesn?t imply that you aren?t coping with it. The feelings and emotions you get are natural to you so don?t compare these with others.

2: Finding people to talk.

Your friends and family may find it difficult to talk with one another about the condition. This is not unnatural as they may be afraid of scaring you and make it even more complicated to talk about in the future. It is best to get everything out in the open.

3: Informing your children about the condition.

It always difficult to inform children about mesothelioma.It is even more complicated if your children are young. Most patients have young children, or the children of friends with whom they want to share.

Pleural mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma Signs & Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a serious type of cancer that attacks the membrane surrounding various organs. symptoms of mesothelioma may take anywhere between 20 to 40 years or more to manifest themselves. And because early mesothelioma symptoms tend to be general, they often go ignored or else confused for symptoms of less serious ailments. Generally, however, individuals begin to manifest mesothelioma symptoms two to three months prior to being diagnosed .

There are three types of mesothelioma – pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial – and symptoms tend to vary according to type.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:

* Shortness of breath
* Difficulty swallowing
* Coughing
* Sweating
* Fever
* Weight loss
* Fatigue
* Swelling in the upper body, especially the face and arms
* Lower back pain
* Pain in the side of the chest
* Muscle weakness

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include:

* Stomach pain
* Weight loss
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Swollen belly
* Bowel obstruction
* Anemia
* Fever
* Blood clotting abnormalities

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

The pericardium is the lining that surrounds the heart. Mesothelioma affecting this area of the body is known as pericardial mesothelioma and symptoms include:

* Heart palpitations
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Persistent coughing