When you are faced with something as devastating as a Mesothelioma diagnosis, you have a right to seek answers about why you weren't forewarned of the dangers of asbestos, and you have the right to seek reparations for you and your family. If you are a grieving family member or executor of the will of a person who has died from asbestos-related disease or mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a claim as well.
Legal details are understandably the last thing that someone wants to confront after the initial shock of an asbestos-related illness. However, taking advantage of your legal rights can create the necessary funds to finance aggressive treatment, pay off huge medical bills incurred during diagnosis, and provide financial security for your family for years to come.
Mesothelioma Lawyers Legal Guide
Who Gets Mesothelioma?
Statistics show that, because of their work history, the disease most often affects men between the ages of 50 and 70 who were employed in an asbestos-laden environment before asbestos warnings and bans were in place in the 1970s. Though women still have a much lower frequency of the disease, cases of second-hand exposure to asbestos has prompted more diagnoses among women, especially those whose male family members worked with asbestos. The occupations most associated with mesothelioma are shipyard workers, electricians, plumbers, construction industry workers, pipefitters, boilermakers, and anyone subject to heavy exposure to dangerous asbestos and airborne asbestos fibers.
An abundance of cases have also demonstrated that mesothelioma can develop among people who lived in communities where asbestos factories or mines were located. In some instances, entire towns have been adversely affected by the presence of asbestos fibers in the air. For example, in Libby, Montana - site of a former vermiculite asbestos mine - hundreds have already died of mesothelioma.
Though still significantly rarer than other cancers, an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Other countries, notably the United Kingdom and Australia, report a much higher incidence of the disease. Nevertheless, the United States - like many other countries - has seen an increase in asbestos-caused cancer as men who worked in U.S. shipyards in the 1940s and 1950s, at the height of production, are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Perspective of Mesothelioma lawyers
It does not really matter how much money you win in the case of settlement or trial when it comes to mesothelioma. No sum of money will relieve the suffering and pain you feel when you have lost someone you love to mesothelioma. You have to watch your family member go through such pain and die well before you may have even considered thinking about such a loss.
esothelioma lawyers understand your pain and your loss. It is their job to help ease the burden you feel by guaranteeing you do not have to take on any more of a financial burden than you can handle at such a difficult time. Mesothelioma lawyers work to get you compensation for your own suffering, the suffering of your family member and to pay for the bills that will inevitably come from the extensive medical care the patient will need.
It can also be used to secure the financial future of the surviving family members. There are often children who are in the middle of their higher education, mortgages and other payments that need to be made as well as the desire to set up funding for the futures belonging to grandchildren. The price of the loss of that loved one is truly immense, but some form of compensation is due to the family so that the death is not fully in vain.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of aggressive cancer that attacks only after a period of well over 20 years, often closer to 50. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. It does not seem to matter the duration of exposure; the disease has to find the right conditions to thrive and spreads like a wildfire. Mesothelioma is known to have killed over 40,000 people since 1980 and the number show no sign of diminishing in the near future. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year and the same number die from the disease.
Lawyers
The lawyers who handle mesothelioma cases are usually very compassionate people who care more about helping the people affected by the disease more than the money they receive for trying the case. These lawyers are often involved with law firms that have a history of success in mesothelioma law. They understand the devastation you feel when you have to file such a claim and try to keep your case as low key and comfortable as possible.
Filing Your Claim
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is necessary that you take action on filing your claim as soon as possible. The time span in which you are allowed to file a mesothelioma claim is variable from state to state but ranges from one to five years. Winning a settlement or a case is fully dependent on filing a claim on time. If you wait too long to decide to file your claim you can wind up missing the window of opportunity to make those who were unwilling to protect you from asbestos pay for their mistake.
Filing on time is the difference between winning and losing your compensation case. You will often find that the doctors who treat you will advise seeking out a lawyer to help settle your case and organize payment for your medical bills. The company that mine, processed and shipped the asbestos that made you will is just as responsible for your ill health as any company head that neglected to provide protective measures for exposed workers. Mesothelioma lawyers will bring as many people to the settlement table as possible to make sure you are compensated for your loss of income, quality of life and loved one (if the case is file after a loss).
Paying Up
There are typically no attorney fees for mesothelioma cases. Most of the time you only have to pay the law firm after they have gotten you some kind of compensation; even then it is a percentage of the total settlement or award. Even if they are only able to get medical compensation for you (which is rare) they only receive payment if you have some cash award.
Taking Action
Negligence on the part of the companies that produced asbestos and the companies that used it in their products is what causes mesothelioma. No one in their right mind would expose themselves to a known carcinogen. Winning cases have to prove that the company being sued was aware of the dangers of asbestos and that they had the opportunity to protect the employees and chose not to do so. Through this negligence they put at risk:
* Employees
* Employees’ spouses
* Employees’ children
* People who frequented their homes
It can take a review of thousands of documents and interview transcripts to make a case for mesothelioma. The case cannot be simply one word against another; the case must be proved before it even goes to settlement. You will find that mesothelioma lawyers are very careful about the cases they will take, preferring those that will highlight the damage that the asbestos industry caused.
Results
The results of asbestos and mesothelioma litigation are usually in terms of hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Most people will have their medical care paid for, but the vast majority will have additional money given to them for losses of things they might not consider such as quality of life and ability to continue working. Depending on your case, the prognosis and the proof of exposure you can be looking at a hefty sum that will really help you family when you are no longer able to do so.
General Mesothelioma Statistics - United States
Being a rare cancer, mesothelioma is now spreading fast among people of all ages and races due to asbestos exposure. According to the latest statistics report by the United States National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is diagnosed in 2 thousand to 3 thousand people every year and with the passage of time, this figure is expected to rise as more and more people are falling victim to asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma Statistics – A General Overview
Approximately 70% to 80% of all the mesothelioma cases are known to result from direct exposure to asbestos while the rest result from indirect exposure. Direct exposure is referred to inhaling asbestos at workplace and anywhere the patient worked him/herself. On the other hand, indirect exposure refers to inhaling asbestos from any equipment or thing that carried asbestos particles.
Due to its long latency period, it takes about 20 -50 years for the mesothelioma symptoms to appear. People exposed to asbestos in their childhood and youth are discovered with mesothelioma in their middle and later years. As a result it becomes very hard to collect exact mesothelioma statistics as most of the people during the long latency period do not suffer from any of its symptoms. There is also the danger that mesothelioma statistics do not accurately reflect the number of people who suffer from this malignant cancer.
Mesothelioma and Age Related Statistics
It has been found that mesothelioma is mostly diagnosed in people over 55 years. Most of the people discovered with mesothelioma were retired or on the verge of retirement. 75% of the people suffering from mesothelioma are over the age of 65.
However, according to statistics, mesothelioma is increasing among people between 20 to 40 years. This indicates a rise in secondary exposure to asbestos.
In most of the cases, by the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is at an advanced stage; and combined with old age and lack of prompt treatment, it leads to the patients’ death. The survival age for mesothelioma is 16 to 18 months. The 5 year relative survival rate is 10% which is slowly improving due to new modes of treatment and care.
Mesothelioma and Gender Related StatisticsAccording to gender-based statistics, mesothelioma cancer affects men 5 times more than women. The main reason for this is exposure to asbestos at workplace such as industry, mines and other places where asbestos is handled and the majority of people working here are men.
Also, mesothelioma is less common in African American men than in white Americans.
Detailed Mesothelioma Statistics
- According to medical experts, mesothelioma cases will continue to increase in the US for at least another 10 to 20 years
- Up to 8 million people have already been exposed to asbestos in the US and they are at risk to develop mesothelioma in the next few decades while asbestos is a grave threat to many others
- Industrial chemicals and construction industry are the other two industries with high mortality rate resulting from mesothelioma along with ship building and ship repairing industry
- According to mesothelioma statistics, by 2030, asbestos will cause more than 60,000 cases of mesothelioma and 250,000 cases of other deadly cancers
- Over half a million mesothelioma injury claims have been filed up till now. Over 50,000 were filed in 1998 only.
- Every year more than 10,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma worldwide
- Asbestos is used in the production of 5,000 products worldwide which is an alarming figure
- 85% of the people diagnosed with mesothelioma are males
- More than 7,500 Americans died from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2001.
- More than 500,000 asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuits have been filed so far
- More than 110,000 schools in the US still contain asbestos in one form or another
- Mesothelioma treatment is very expensive, costing between $400,000 and $800,000 for oxygen, drugs, pain killers and other forms of treatment
According to mesothelioma statistics, around 43,000 to 230,000 people in the US have died from mesothelioma cancer resulting from exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma statistics are very grim and shocking. However, it cannot be denied that these figures are true and the number of people suffering from mesothelioma is expected to rise as more and more people are getting exposed to asbestos. It is very important that these mesothelioma statistics are studied carefully and people who are at the highest risk of mesothelioma or suffering from it are given proper help and treatment.
Mesothelioma Law Information
The history of asbestos and mesothelioma law goes back to more than 1980 since, the time since asbestos dangers were discovered. Mesothelioma laws were made to protect people from this deadly cancer and to punish the companies who deliberately exposed their workers to asbestos even after knowing its dangers.
The mesothelioma law states that if you have been knowingly exposed to asbestos or if you have lost someone to an asbestos related disease, you have a right to seek compensation and bring to justice the people responsible for your loss. While the monetary compensation will not relieve the anguish and pain of the disease, it will at least ease the financial burden of your medical bills and expensive treatment and improve the quality of life for you and your loved ones.
Mesothelioma is a 100% preventable disease. However, it was due to the careless and greedy nature of some people who did not care for general health and endangered innocent lives for personal gain. This includes people who manufacture, sell, supply and exfoliate asbestos at processing plants.
Working or dealing with asbestos without any safety measures leads to inhalation of asbestos by large number of people living or working in the vicinity. When inhaled, the particles and dust released from asbestos can settle in the lining of stomach, heart and lungs and cause malignant Mesothelioma, a rare cancer only caused by asbestos exposure.
Being a preventable cancer, the sole responsibility of the occurrence and spreading of Mesothelioma lies on people who handle the asbestos industry. Thus, mesothelioma laws hold such people accountable for several lives that have fallen victim to this deadly disease and demands justice from them.
Filing a Mesothelioma Case
Filing a Mesothelioma case can be a difficult decision. Before filing a case, you need to be fully aware of your legal rights so that when you file the case, you emerge victorious.
If you know for sure that mesothelioma laws were violated and you and your loved one were knowingly exposed to asbestos which caused cancer, you have the right to file a mesothelioma case. For this you need to know exactly how or when you were exposed to asbestos.
Before filing the case, you need to see an attorney and work towards strengthening your case to make sure that you are protected by mesothelioma legal rights. Your mesothelioma legal rights enable you to seek compensation from the people responsible for your situation. Filing a lawsuit on behalf of a family member who has lost his/her life due to the disease may pose some limitations on your rights.
To get information regarding mesothelioma and asbestos and get justice, you should seek a mesothelioma attorney as soon as you are diagnosed with the disease. Family members of a deceased Mesothelioma patient can also file for compensation for their personal loss. Laws and procedures for each kind of case differ and it is only after consulting a professional lawyer that you should file a lawsuit to get justice for your suffering and loss.
STAGES OF MESOTHELIOMA
Staging is the process of finding out how far the cancer has spread. Staging of mesothelioma is based on imaging studies such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans. The treatment and outlook for patients with mesothelioma largely depends on the stage (extent of spread) of their cancer. Since pleural mesothelioma occurs most frequently and has been studied the most, it is the only mesothelioma for which a staging classification exists.
The staging system most often used for mesothelioma is the Butchart system. This system is based mainly on the extent of the primary tumor mass, and divides mesotheliomas into stages I through IV.
Butchart Staging System
* Stage I: Mesothelioma is present within the right or left pleura, and may also involve the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) on the same side.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus (food passage connecting the throat to the stomach), heart, or pleura on both sides. The lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity). Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage IV: There is evidence of distant metastases (spread through the bloodstream to other organs).
Another staging system has recently been developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC). This is a TNM system, similar to staging systems used for most other cancers. T stands for tumor (its size and how far it has spread to nearby organs), N stands for spread to lymph nodes and M is for metastasis (spread to distant organs). In TNM staging, information about the tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis is combined in a process called stage grouping to assign a stage described by Roman numerals from I to IV. Minor differences exist between the AJCC TNM staging system and the Butchart staging system.
TNM Staging System
* Stage I: Mesothelioma involves the right or left pleura. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. It has not yet spread to the lymph nodes.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to the nearby peribronchial and/or hilar lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma has spread into the chest wall muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side as the primary tumor, with or without spread to subcarinal and/or mediastinal lymph nodes on the same side as the main tumor. Subcarinal nodes are located at the point where the windpipe branches to the left and right lungs. Mediastinal lymph nodes are located in the space behind the chest bone in front of the heart. Mesotheliomas with the same extent of local spread as in stage II that have also spread to subcarinal and/or mediastinal lymph nodes on the same side are also included in stage III.
* Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite that of the primary tumor, or directly extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into the peritoneum, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any mesothelioma with evidence of distant metastases (spread to other organs through the bloodstream) or spread to organs beyond the chest or abdomen is included in this stage.
Although the recently developed TNM classification is the most detailed and precise, the original Butchart staging system is still used most often to describe the spread of pleural mesotheliomas. Understanding these staging systems for mesothelioma is important both for estimating and better understanding prognosis, and also for assessing therapeutic options.
Prognostic Factors
Because pleural mesothelioma has been better studied than peritoneal mesothelioma we know more about factors associated with prognosis for pleural mesothelioma. Younger age at diagnosis, performance status (functional status) and absence of weight loss are associated with a more favorable prognosis.
Mesotheliomas are usually of three different cell types (histological analysis): 1) epithelial cell type - has the most favorable prognosis; 2) fibrosarcomatous cell type - carries the worst prognosis and 3) mixed cell type - has an intermediate prognosis.
If you have any questions regarding your legal rights, please contact us.
Mesothelioma Lawyers - Important Information for Patients
Deciding to pursue legal recourse and selecting an attorney to represent you in a mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit are important decisions that should be made carefully. I have seen some families receive $500,000 and others be awarded nearly $30 million. I have seen some lawyers reject a case only to have another firm accept it and make a big success of it. And I have seen some families wait nearly three years to receive their first check while others received large checks within three months of filing a claim. The main reasons for these differences are the facts of the patient's situation and the law firm chosen.
The Facts of Your Situation
Some mesothelioma patients know they worked around asbestos, but many do not know how they were exposed or how often. In fact, many people are not sure if they were ever near this carcinogen. Unfortunately, there have been thousands of products that contained asbestos - cigarette filters, hair dryers, brakes, basement and roof materials, pipes, boilers, insulation, and many other products found throughout the home and at work. If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma it is more than likely that you were exposed to asbestos multiple times in your life and that this happened decades before your diagnosis.
In general, the value of your case depends on how many asbestos containing products you were exposed to, the number of identifiable defendants that still exist (many have declared bankruptcy), your age and earning capacity. And the speed of your case can depend on a number of variables including the state where you worked and lived when you were exposed to asbestos.
The Law Firm You Choose
When you have been given the news about this terrible disease, you may not feel that you have the time to deal with the legal questions - Should I talk to a lawyer? Should I file a claim? However, you should not wait too long to learn about your legal rights for at least three reasons:
- Statutes of Limitations - There are statute of limitations which means you only have a limited time to file your case after diagnosis. The statute of limitations time period is set by individual states and varies. The clock usually starts ticking on the day of diagnosis.
- Financial Pressure - A mesothelioma diagnosis can bring financial stress, less income, more expenses, and treatments that are not covered by insurance. Knowing that money may be on the way from filing a claim can bring financial relief.
- Lawyers Can be Excellent Resources - The more experienced mesothelioma lawyers and law firms can often be excellent sources of information about various doctors and treatment options available for this disease.
But, picking a lawyer is serious business and you should not use TV ads as the reason to hire an attorney. Actual credentials are what counts. For example, what type of accomplishments has the law firm achieved? How committed are they to mesothelioma/asbestos cases? Are these cases a substantial part of their practice or just a small piece? How many other cases like yours have they handled?
Also, make sure you understand the fees being charges. Contingency is the term that means that the lawyer gets paid only after they collect money for you. The amount of the contingency fee that your lawyer can charge varies and is usually between 33% and 40%. It is important to discuss fees openly, ask what services they cover, how they are calculated, and whether there will be any extra charges.
Finally, for something as important as a mesothelioma lawsuit, your attorney should not only be experienced, skilled, and dedicated, but also a trusted partner who understands that your health needs always take precedence. The best lawyers are those that are not only expert at what they do, but are also caring, supportive, thoughtful and compassionate.
Alabama mesothelioma lawyer information
If you or a member of your family in Alabama has been diagnosed with the asbestos linked disease mesothelioma, you need an Alabama mesothelioma lawyer referral right away; one who concentrates their entire practice and law firm on representing the victims and families of those who are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
This deadly disease which damages the internal lining of the lungs is directly related to asbestos exposure. The companies responsible for this disease are the ones who need to pay for it. Many knew asbestos was dangerous as early as the 1930's or 40's. Yet these companies continued to use asbestos because it was more profitable. The disease mesothelioma is a form of cancer that may take as long as fifty years to show symptoms after initial exposure to asbestos.
The attorneys referred by The Maune Raichle Law Firm are industry leaders in Alabama mesothelioma law . By law we must inform you that fees may be incurred as a result of filing a legal claim; mesotheliomamedicine will charge you no monies until a settlement is reached, period. Please contact The Maune Raichle Law Firm for an Alabama mesothelioma lawyer referral now and get the help you deserve.Alaska mesothelioma lawyer referral
If you or anyone in your family has been diagnosed with the asbestos linked disease mesothelioma, you need to act expeditiously by calling an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Many of the asbestos companies that withheld asbestos exposure dangers from you and your loved ones. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
This disease develops slowly over a period of time as it can lay dormant for up to 50 years. Once the symptoms start amassing in your body treatments become harder to show solid positive results. Now that you have to answer to this deadly form of cancer, you must act fast in order to get the treatment and support that you need.
Call The Maune Raichle Law Firm for a qualified lawyer referral to handle your case and get you the compensation you are due. We already know that mesothelioma is caused by asbestos. Get an Alaska mesothelioma lawyer referral to represent you and teach these companies not to gamble with people's lives for profit.MIAMI MESTHELIOMA LAWYERS
H. DILLON GRAHAM, III, is the founding member of Graham & Associates, P.A. with more than 20 years of experience limited to trial practice in the civil justice system. Mr. Graham's practice is currently limited to helping victims of negligence who have suffered a brain injury recover full and just compensation from those at fault. Mr. Graham has successfully tried to verdict and resolved many significant catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases by taking on powerful corporations, insurance companies, property owners, trucking companies, product manufacturers and governmental entities doing business in Florida.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos in Other Parts of the World
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With current bans and regulations attempting to limit the mishandling of asbestos-containing materials, the occurrence of asbestos exposure in Australia and the United Kingdom still exists today. For additional information concerning the effects of asbestos in these countries, please visit our sections that are strictly dedicated to asbestos in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers
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. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.
What is the mesothelium?
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.
What is mesothelioma?
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 mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum.
How common is mesothelioma?
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma 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.
What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?
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, mesothelioma has 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. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, 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 lung.
Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?
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 mesothelioma. 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 mesothelioma, 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.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
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 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 diagnosis.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
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 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 the 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.
How is mesothelioma treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's 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 removing 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.
Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied?
Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.
People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI's Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ.
People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/publications on the Internet.
Dealing with Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in its late stages, and such a diagnosis is devastating to the individual and his/her family. Though research into the disease has been ongoing, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma. Some patients may be candidates for surgery to remove tumors or even an entire lung, but most are better treated with radiation or chemotherapy. More often than not, these treatments are palliative, serving to lessen the severity of the symptoms of the disease rather than offering a cure.
Medical professionals and research scientists, however, are constantly exploring new ways to combat the disease. For example, doctors know that some combinations of chemotherapy drugs work better than others and tests developed to ascertain earlier diagnosis of the disease or to monitor those most at risk have arrived on the scene.
Who Gets Mesothelioma?
Statistics show that, because of their work history, the disease most often affects men between the ages of 50 and 70 who were employed in an asbestos-laden environment before asbestos warnings and bans were in place in the 1970s. Though women still have a much lower frequency of the disease, cases of second-hand exposure to asbestos has prompted more diagnoses among women, especially those whose male family members worked with asbestos. The occupations most associated with mesothelioma are shipyard workers, electricians, plumbers, construction industry workers, pipefitters, boilermakers, and anyone subject to heavy exposure to dangerous asbestos and airborne asbestos fibers.
An abundance of cases have also demonstrated that mesothelioma can develop among people who lived in communities where asbestos factories or mines were located. In some instances, entire towns have been adversely affected by the presence of asbestos fibers in the air. For example, in Libby, Montana - site of a former vermiculite asbestos mine - hundreds have already died of mesothelioma.
Though still significantly rarer than other cancers, an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Other countries, notably the United Kingdom and Australia, report a much higher incidence of the disease. Nevertheless, the United States - like many other countries - has seen an increase in asbestos-caused cancer as men who worked in U.S. shipyards in the 1940s and 1950s, at the height of production, are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Malignant mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms of the disease often closely mimic those of less serious conditions. It will often require X-ray and other body scans (CT or MRI) in addition to a biopsy to conclusively diagnose mesothelioma. Nevertheless, those experiencing chronic cough, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or breathing difficulties should alert their physician immediately. This is particularly true among those with a known asbestos-exposure history. Those with asbestos exposure history should communicate this to their physician even before symptoms appear so that they may be able to alert patients to warning signs of the disease. If detected early enough, patients may be eligible for aggressive treatment options, including surgical resection of the mesothelioma cancer and affected tissue. Oncologists and thoracic specialists will be able to assist the patient in determining the extent of the disease and the best treatment options for that particular patient.
How is Mesothelioma Treated?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer but can be managed with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Currently, there is no known cure for asbestos cancer but several mesothelioma treatment regimens have proven to be successful in helping the patient avoid pain and discomfort caused by the disease. Several therapies have emerged in recent years that have extended survival rates to levels previously thought to be impossible. Cancer centers have initiated hundreds of clinical trials in recent years to help mesothelioma patients find a therapy that works for them while still working towards a cure for future patients. Progressive therapies are now being developed through the International Mesothelioma Program under the direction of thoracic specialist Dr. David Sugarbaker.
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 are the risk factors for malignant mesothelioma?
There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that a person will develop mesothelioma. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. Exposure to this very harmful substance can significantly enhance the chances of contracting the disease. Other secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and tobacco. We discuss each of these risk factors in more detail below.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Once an individual has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options with his/her physician. Recent scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available for managing the disease and supporting improved quality of life. Newly diagnosed patients always have many questions about the treatment options that would be most effective for them, including questions about new treatment therapies like Alimta and Cisplatin and other chemotherapy drugs. In addition to these newer drugs that are being used to treat asbestos cancer, mesothelioma patients also have a number of "conventional" treatment options to consider, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. Clinical trials and experimental treatments are still other options that some 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 doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list of questions that you may wish to discuss with your personal physician when preparing a treatment plan. We are always providing new and informative resources regarding mesothelioma treatment including: Clinical Trials, conventional treatments, experimental therapies, and more. Check back often for the most recent advances in mesothelioma treatments.
Boston Lawyer Michael Shepard Taking Mesothelioma, Personal Injury, Asbestos Cases
Seeking compensation for injury caused by asbestos exposure is now easy. A mesothelioma lawyer who started with his mesothelioma cancer law practice in Boston now brings his services to Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. People who are suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos related injuries that have affected their health and wellbeing can rely on Michael Shepard to fight for their rights and help them in claiming compensation.
Michael Shepard has an established reputation of being a compassionate attorney who, along with mesothelioma and asbestos related injuries, also helps people in their pain and suffering arising out of injuries inflicted to them due to the faults of others. If people are injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals, product defects, nursing home negligence, silica, talc, welding fumes automotive or aviation accidents, they should contact the attorneys office to seek guidance for obtaining compensation for the injury caused.
In his website, the mesothelioma cancer lawyer acknowledges that the time of the injured is precious and says “We know our clients want the freedom to see family and friends whenever they choose. We also know that because of their condition, they don’t want to be bogged down in legal matters. Through years of experience in this field, we have developed a streamlined approach to handling asbestos-related litigation that lessens the amount of time our clients spend dealing with lawyers and the courts. After a client’s brief, free, one-on-one consultation with us, we take the matter into our own hands, independently investigating the specific facts of the case, collecting crucial evidence and confronting the people who are responsible for your illness or injury. We make every effort to transform our clients’ “good” case into a “great” case that may secure the maximum compensation deserved.”
Whether the injured is in Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire or Rhode Island, Boston Mesothelioma cancer lawyers are ready to look into the case and assess the maximum compensation during the first free one to one consultation.
Boston Lawyer Michael Shepard Taking Mesothelioma, Personal Injury, Asbestos Cases
Seeking compensation for injury caused by asbestos exposure is now easy. A mesothelioma lawyer who started with his mesothelioma cancer law practice in Boston now brings his services to Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. People who are suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos related injuries that have affected their health and wellbeing can rely on Michael Shepard to fight for their rights and help them in claiming compensation.
Michael Shepard has an established reputation of being a compassionate attorney who, along with mesothelioma and asbestos related injuries, also helps people in their pain and suffering arising out of injuries inflicted to them due to the faults of others. If people are injured due to exposure to toxic chemicals, product defects, nursing home negligence, silica, talc, welding fumes automotive or aviation accidents, they should contact the attorneys office to seek guidance for obtaining compensation for the injury caused.
In his website, the mesothelioma cancer lawyer acknowledges that the time of the injured is precious and says “We know our clients want the freedom to see family and friends whenever they choose. We also know that because of their condition, they don’t want to be bogged down in legal matters. Through years of experience in this field, we have developed a streamlined approach to handling asbestos-related litigation that lessens the amount of time our clients spend dealing with lawyers and the courts. After a client’s brief, free, one-on-one consultation with us, we take the matter into our own hands, independently investigating the specific facts of the case, collecting crucial evidence and confronting the people who are responsible for your illness or injury. We make every effort to transform our clients’ “good” case into a “great” case that may secure the maximum compensation deserved.”
Whether the injured is in Boston, Vermont, New Hampshire or Rhode Island, Boston Mesothelioma cancer lawyers are ready to look into the case and assess the maximum compensation during the first free one to one consultation.
Veterans and Mesothelioma
Thousands of men and women who served our county from World War II to Vietnam are sick from asbestos exposure during their military service. Asbestos was often used for a number of military purposes especially construction and ship-building. Due to long latency periods, people who served as far back as the Second World War are only now being diagnosed.
While a diagnosis of mesothelioma is bad enough, veterans lack the same rights as civilians when it comes to compensation for their exposure.
According to "sovereign immunity," compensation cannot be sought from their former employer, the federal government. The only legal path for veterans is to try and find companies that were involved in providing or installing the asbestos to which they were exposed. However given the amount of time that has elapsed, most of those potential plaintiffs are out of business or involved in bankruptcy proceedings, making it difficult to receive compensation.