Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Mesothelioma


Mesothelioma

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mesothelioma
Synonyms Malignant mesothelioma
MesotheliomaCT.jpg
CT scan showing a left sided mesothelioma with an enlarged mediastinal lymph node
Specialty Oncology
Symptoms Shortness of breath, swollen abdomen, chest wall pain, cough, feeling tired, weight loss[1]
Complications Fluid around the lung[1]
Usual onset Gradual onset[2]
Causes ~ 40 years after exposure to asbestos[3]
Risk factors Genetics, infection with simian virus 40[3]
Diagnostic method Medical imaging, examining fluid produced by the cancer, tissue biopsy[2]
Prevention Decreased asbestos exposure[4]
Treatment Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, pleurodesis[5]
Prognosis Five year survival ~8% (US)[6]
Frequency 60,800 (affected during 2015)[7]
Deaths 32,400 (2015)[8]
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs (known as the mesothelium).[9] The most common area affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall.[1][3] Less commonly the lining of the abdomen and rarely the sac surrounding the heart,[10] or the sac surrounding the testis may be affected.[1][11] Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may include shortness of breath due to fluid around the lung, a swollen abdomen, chest wall pain, cough, feeling tired, and weight loss.[1] These symptoms typically come on slowly.[2]
Greater than 80% of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos. The greater the exposure the greater the risk.[3] As of 2013 about 125 million people have been exposed to asbestos at work.[12] High rates of disease occur in people who mine asbestos, produce products from asbestos, work with asbestos products, live with asbestos workers, or work in buildings containing asbestos. Asbestos exposure and the onset of cancer are generally separated by about 40 years.[3] Washing the clothing of someone who worked with asbestos also increases the risk.[12] Other risk factors include genetics and infection with the simian virus 40.[3] The diagnosis may be suspected based on chest X-ray and CT scan findings, and is confirmed by either examining fluid produced by the cancer or by a tissue biopsy of the cancer.[2]
Prevention centers around reducing exposure to asbestos.[4] Treatment often includes surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. A procedure known as pleurodesis, which involves using substances such as talc to scar together the pleura, may be used to prevent more fluid from building up around the lungs.[5] Chemotherapy often includes the medications cisplatin and pemetrexed.[2] The percentage of people that survive five years following diagnosis is on average 8% in the United States.[6]
In 2015 about 60,800 people had mesothelioma and 32,000 died from the disease.[7][8] Rates of mesothelioma vary in different areas of the world. Rates are higher in Australia, the United Kingdom, and lower in Japan.[3] It occurs in about 3,000 people per year in the United States.[13] It occurs more often in males than females. Rates of disease have increased since the 1950s. Diagnosis typically occurs after the age of 65 and most deaths occur around 70 years old. The disease was rare before the commercial use of asbestos.[3]

source wikipedia   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma

A Brief Overview of Mesothelioma


Introduction
Nowadays there is a lot of discussion all over the world, both offline and over the Internet, about mesothelioma. In the USA, there are mesothelioma awareness groups in almost every city in the USA. Besides discussion forums, mesothelioma legal cells, mesothelioma forums, mesothelioma awareness groups etc., today mesothelioma research is a very vast subject.

 There is even a Mesothelioma Memorial Scholarship that is offered every quarter. This scholarship is given in remembrance and honor of those that have been touched by mesothelioma. Billions of dollars have been spent in trying to fight this dreaded disease and find a cure. Let us begin by asking this simple question - what is mesothelioma?

What is Mesothelioma?
Asbestos and mesothelioma are infamously related. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects people who have been exposed to asbestos. It is a rare form of cancer, and affects only those people who have had a history of exposure to asbestos, not others. However, there can be secondary cases, where a person may come into contact with someone who has been exposed to asbestos in the past. The key to mesothelioma, as is apparent here, is exposure to asbestos.

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Once the patient has inhaled asbestos dust/fibers, other factors like smoking can aggravate the condition over a period of time. There can be other causes of mesothelioma too. For example, there have been cases diagnosed where the patient has had no history of asbestos exposure. People can get it from people who have had asbestos exposure. Before we proceed further, let us define mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma definition: Mesothelioma is defined as is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Malignant mesothelioma cells proliferate at the affected area, and are usually very hard to remove totally.
Mesothelioma came to be widely known about only from about the 60s, when the symptoms started manifesting, and mesothelioma cases were diagnosed. Across America, for people working at facilities that were asbestos-related, it became a nightmare. This was more because at that time, asbestos, because of the number of advantages it had over other metals, was widely used across industries all over the world. It was a tragedy of epic proportions waiting to be unleashed, and when it was unleashed, it wrought havoc in the lives of people all across America. Thousands lost their lives to mesothelioma, and even now, thousands more continue to fight this dreaded disease.
Even today, more than 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the USA. Today, mesothelioma victims and their relatives struggle to cope with the disease. For survivors of mesothelioma legal action against the industries that brought this disease on them has been one way of exorcising the pain and agony they have had to undergo. For a number of victims of mesothelioma lawyers have been able to settle cases successfully. There are mesothelioma support groups to help mesothelioma victims and their relatives cope with life in the aftermath of the disease. There are websites like http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org, http://www.mesothelioma.com, http://www.cancer.gov, etc.

Mesothelioma is considered extremely lethal for a number of reasons:
o Mesothelioma diagnosis is often very late. It manifests in a person years after exposure to asbestos, as long as 15 to 20 years.

o While the gestation period is extremely long, as mentioned above, the exposure time is extremely short, as less as two to three months. This means that a person doesn't even have to have prolonged exposure.
o The average lifespan of a person, after diagnosis, is very short, around 24 months.
o It affects not only a person exposed to asbestos; chances are that he can pass on the asbestos dust or fiber to his near and dear ones as well.
Types of Mesothelioma
Primarily, mesothelioma occurs in three areas, based on which mesothelioma is categorized into:
o Pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the pleura, the outer lining protecting the chest cavity as well as the lungs)
o Pericardial mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the pericardium, the sac enclosing the heart)
o Peritoneal mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the peritoneum, the lining protecting the abdominal cavity)
Based on the types of cells seen in a mesothelioma patient, mesothelioma can again be categorized into 3 types:
o Epithelioid mesothelioma (approximately 50 to 70 percent of all mesothelial cells)
o Sarcomatoid mesothelioma (least common mesothelioma cell type, approximately 10 to 15 percent)
o Biphasic mesothelioma. (approximately 20 to 40 percent of all mesothelial cells)
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the kind of mesothelioma a patient may have. If a patient is suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma, he would generally feel a pain in the chest region, accompanied by shallow breathing. These symptoms occur owing to the deposition of fluid in the pleura.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms differ from those of pleural mesothelioma. In the case of localized peritoneal mesothelioma, the symptoms include:
o Fever
o Difficulties in bowel movements
o Anemia
o Abnormalities observed during blood clots
In the case of advanced peritoneal mesothelioma, the symptoms would further include pain, a swelling of the face or the neck, and difficulties in ingestion.
Mesothelioma symptoms usually map to those of other, lesser serious ailments. Therefore it is prudent to consult a specialist to ensure what the symptoms indicate.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Mesothelioma diagnosis is not an easy task, as the symptoms map to other lesser ailments, as mentioned above. The first step to diagnosing mesothelioma is a review of the patient's medical history. It is important to know if the patient has had any illnesses whose symptoms mesothelioma too displays. At this time, it is also important to know if the patient has had prior exposure to asbestos. If the patient hasn't had any illnesses displaying the symptoms related to mesothelioma, and has had exposure to asbestos, then there can be suspicion of mesothelioma.

It is important to do a detailed physical examination of the patient, including x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. The focus would usually be on the abdominal and chest regions. If there is anything suspicious at the end of these examinations, it is advisable to do a biopsy.
A biopsy is usually done by a specialist, either an oncologist or a surgeon. Biopsy involves taking a tissue sample from the patient and subjecting it to specific tests to determine the presence or absence of mesothelioma. Biopsy in the case of mesothelioma can be:
o Thoracoscopy (done by taking tissue samples from inside the chest region, using a thoracoscope)
o Peritoneoscopy (done by taking tissue samples from the abdominal region, using a peritoneoscope)
Once the diagnosis is made, it is vital to learn the stage at which mesothelioma has been detected. Depending on whether the cancer is still at the original site or whether it has spread to other parts of the body, the mesothelioma can be called:
o Localized (still at the original site)
o Advanced (spread to other parts of the body)
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma treatments vary depending on the type of mesothelioma, as also the stage at which it has been detected. The three most commonly used treatment forms against mesothelioma are:
o Surgery - Surgically removing the cancerous body part. For example, malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment could involve removal of the affected lung by performing a pneumonectomy.
o Radiation therapy - Exposing the affected part to high-energy rays to kill the malignant cells
o Chemotherapy - Using chemicals/drugs to destroy the malignant cells, either by injecting them into the patient, or intravenously, or by direct placement in the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).
Besides these three options, research is underway to find newer and more effective treatment options. Clinical trials have played a major role in developing newer treatment options.
Mesothelioma Prognosis
In the case of mesothelioma, prognosis is not as accurate as it is with other lesser serious ailments. This is because prognosis usually depends on the phase at which an illness is detected. Mesothelioma is usually detected quite late in a patient, so it becomes difficult to state the cure percentage or lifespan of a patient after treatment. Whatever statistics are available are not as reliable as one would like them to be. While it has not been easy to determine which of the two - pleural or peritoneal - mesothelioma is harder to stage, experts are generally in agreement that a prognosis is quite difficult for both.
However, latest studies and research have shown that mesothelioma patients might not be as bad off as was initially believed. This data is tabulated below.
Stage of Mesothelioma Detection Chances of Survival (No. of Years) Percentage of Patients
Mid to advanced stages 3 years 10%
5 years 5%
Early stages 2 years 50%
5 years 20%
This is just general data on mesothelioma prognosis. There is specific data available n the Internet for specific scenarios and situations.
Resources
o http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org
o http://www.mesothelioma.com
o http://www.cancer.gov
o http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com
o http://www.mesolink.org/legal-guide/mesothelioma-legal-options-faq.html

Mesothelioma Lawsuit


People suffering from Mesothelioma are provided with the legal right by Maryland law to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that happens because of asbestos exposure. You are much more susceptible to this illness if you've worked wherever the chance of inhaling asbestos debris was high. For those who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you may get compensation from the celebration accountable for your publicity to asbestos by way of a Mesothelioma lawsuit.
Mesothelioma is a critical disease; oftentimes generating its presence felt 20 or thirty years following exposure. You would like to commence the healthcare treatment immediately in order have more than a one year|twelve months survival rate. When submitting Georgia Mesothelioma lawsuits, you should have a correct comprehending of all of the intricacies which are associated with filing lawsuits. Make sure you employ a qualified and skilled Mesothelioma lawyer because only then are you able to attain success in your lawsuit.

Mesothelioma, the disease of mesothelium, is a painful one mingled with costly treatment. Mesothelium is the overlaying made across the heart, lungs and different essential organ of human body. It protects the organs from injury when beating towards the body wall. Generally in case of involuntary muscles in human body, as located in heart, stomach, lungs etc, the mesothelium performs essential role.

In the course of respiration system the air is taken in, get purified in lungs and once again the contaminated blood filled with carbon-di-oxide is taken out. In the course of the mentioned purification process if any small or even microscopic particles are inhaled unexpectedly then those debris can't come out effortlessly from lungs and linger caught within the mesothelium. If such particles debris get accrued in big quantity in lungs, then it causes a lot kind of lungs related or cardio-thoracic problems. In numerous cases it eventually results in cancer, known as mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a infrequent cancer kind that occurs because of asbestos exposure. It's got an effect on the liner of the lungs and abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is a deadly illness with a mean survival time of simply twelve months following diagnosis. Your survival rate may easily increase if it is diagnosed early. Mesothelioma litigations in Baltimore offer you an opportunity to file a case against a party that's accountable on your situation.

No just one expects go to hospital following working with a firm that use asbestos within the manufacturing process. No one wish to handle an expensive lawyer in courtroom as it will take time, energy, productiveness time, not pointed out losses in all probability that would make employee pay additional money to organization who employ their situation much more over whether it is associated with Asbestos mesothelioma case before the courts claim.

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the mesothelium the result of publicity to asbestos fibers. There is several fundamental details just one ought to be mindful of if he is thinking about pursuing an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit. Previous to pursuing a lawsuit, he ought to search advice from a respectable mesothelioma lawyer for a better comprehension of mesothelioma law. A mesothelioma lawsuit give you just one with enough compensation that will assist cover his legal, medical, and on-going bills related to the mesothelioma cancer.

Federal US entitles people identified with mesothelioma to file a lawsuit against the errant company or companies. Mesothelioma, being a deadly sort of cancer, ruins the prospects of victims and their families. This efficiently signifies that mesothelioma lawsuits are essential something that may mitigate the sufferings of the family

In the past, as a consequence of being exposed to an asbestos material, there have been circumstances when the mesothelioma melanoma sufferers have gotten thousands in reparation for their cancer diagnosis. Lately, mesothelioma lawsuits help those who have become unwell with this cancer by supplying a array of reimbursements. Several of those litigations have answered people who have been in touch with asbestos linked substances at their workplace, and corporations are obliged to pay damages to their existing or former staff members for non-disclosure of the hazard entailed in touching asbestos and linked materials.

Some fundamental elements must be taken under consideration by victims discovered to endure mesothelioma cancer and are capable of file a mesothelioma lawsuit.
What are mesothelioma lawsuits and just how do they arise?
$5 million continues to be recovered from your mesothelioma litigation filed on behalf of a 70-year-old man who passed faraway from malignant mesothelioma. The man was exposed to mesothelioma causing asbestos at work. His profession called for fitting asbestos that contains ceiling tiles. He breathed in asbestos fibers launched by the tiles everyday. The fibers have been launched whenever he reduce and in good shape the tiles. In addition, he was also exposed to asbestos from working alongside drywall installers who produced asbestos dust from using only asbestos that contains joint compound.

Is mesothelioma curable? The straight answer to this query is 'No'. Well, you will find drugs and treatments that assist in easing the pain sensation and should aid to extend life, however these remedies aren't sufficient to save life. Mesothelium refers back to the wrapping structure of nearly all of the bodily organs in our system and mesothelioma is the cancer that occurs in mesothelium.
It has been reported that deaths attributable to mesothelioma cancer in England is increasing. According to at least one estimate, 2,249 men and women died from malignant mesothelioma in 2008 whereas 2,156 died from the sickness in From 2006 to 2008, northeastern England was the geographic area with the very best incidence of mesothelioma deaths. The male demise rate was 1 per million. Southeastern England adopted having a male death rate of 74 deaths per million people.
The asbestos cancer mesothelioma is a threat to the lives of many Navy veterans. This really is as the Navy used asbestos-containing items extensively. Several instances of asbestos-containing goods are gaskets, adhesives, cables and valves. The areas of a ship wherever asbestos may have been present are several and take on boiler rooms, mess halls, engine rooms and navigation rooms. Ships involve a too high risk of asbestos exposure due to many areas on board ships are closed, which means that asbestos fibers can't escape. As such, asbestos fibers on board a ship are likely to dealt with by ship personnel.

You or a loved just one has just been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Your mind and emotions are on a curler coaster ride, not understanding much if anything about this deadly cancer, and never knowing wherever to show for Mesothelioma monetary help. There is assist in the storm. Listed here are many methods to locate Mesothelioma monetary aid whenever you require it after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that's the result of exposure to asbestos fibers, and this cancer can cut lifespan to a point of months from the onset of symptoms. Over recent years, the amount of mesothelioma instances coming to light has risen quite dramatically, as well as in line with this, the amount of mesothelioma litigations being filed has also increased. Due to mesothelioma lawsuits became such huge business, a lot law firms and lawyers now specialize during this area, generating it simpler for all those affected by this disease to obtain the legal assistance they have to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

A diagnosis of mesothelioma because of industrial asbestos exposure may be daunting, both emotionally and logistically. A myriad of questions show up that may appear at initial difficult to locate answers for. This article serves as a guide to those most-often requested questions regarding mesothelioma and submitting a litigation coping with mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma: Legal Aspects



A Brief Overview
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the linings of the lungs and the intestinal tract, and also the sac covering the heart. It is also called epithelial mesothelioma, as it affects the membrane in the pleura, the pericardium and the peritoneum. It is not lung-cancer per se. The mesothelioma-lung cancer confusion has been there earlier. Mesothelioma is merely a form of cancer that affects the lining covering the lungs. It comes in three forms:
o Pleural mesothelioma
o Peritoneal mesothelioma
o Pericardial mesothelioma
Causes of Mesothelioma
The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. This can be direct exposure at the work place, or secondary exposure (when the victim is exposed to asbestos through coming in contact with someone who has already been exposed to asbestos). Despite all the pain and the loss that the workers faced, there was some hope in the form of legal recourse. Workers started suing the plants they worked in, and soon the legal battle against mesothelioma reached epic proportions. Even today, there are around 3,000 cases of mesothelioma being diagnosed in the United States every year. While the treatment is painful and not always successful, these mesothelioma victims at least have the hope of monetary compensation to help them fight mesothelioma.
The first manifestations of mesothelioma were seen as early as the 1950s and the 1960s. At that time, the workers in plants and other work areas that used asbestos in some form or the other were unaware of the lethal side of asbestos. The management at these work areas - docks, industrial plants, equipment manufacturers, and many more, the list is endless - soon came to know of the adverse effects of asbestos. However, for some reason they kept quiet about it. Their focus was on reduced costs and profits, it seems, and they remained mum about the harmful effects that asbestos could have on their workers. Asbestos, after all, had huge advantages over other material, which was why it was used so much irrespective of the genre of industry. This over the years proved to be a very, very costly error on their part.

Mesothelioma Litigation - Did it Help?
The implications of asbestos use are staggering, primarily because of the range of products it is used in. From office buildings to toasters to car brakes to shipyards, asbestos was used almost across the breadth of the industrial sector. A publication in 1935 by the American Journal of Cancer - Pulmonary Asbestosis: Carcinoma of the Lung in Asbesto-Silicosis - first raised the suspicions of people from the research and medical fields of the connection between the presence of asbestos and the unusually high death rates and lung-related diseases in the industrial sector. This connection was confirmed in 1955, and soon the continued use of asbestos despite knowing about its deadlier side became a legal nightmare for the industrial sector. Mesothelioma litigation in the United States has enabled mesothelioma victims win hundreds of thousands of dollars in lawsuits from their callous employers. It has been one of the successes in the battle against mesothelioma indirectly, and against the irresponsible attitudes of the management of workplaes that used asbestos, directly.

The Legal Aspect of Mesothelioma
Over the years, the legal benefits that mesothelioma victims have received have been enormous. The symptoms of mesothelioma manifest much after the initial inhalation of the asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma treatment is also painful and expensive. The compensations awarded to them have helped them at least cover their medical expenses. Nowadays there are mesothelioma law firms - law firms that specialize in mesothelioma. They have trained mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys. These lawyers specialize in mesothelioma compensation cases.

It can happen that a victim may shy away from legal recourse because they fel that they do not have adequate financial support to pay the lawyer. However, this is a scenario they need not worry about. All they have to do is contact a mesothelioma support group, or a mesothelioma help group. These are present all over the United States. The patient can also go online and put a search for mesothelioma legal assistance cells by typing mesothelioma and then typing the name of the state or area they are from in the search field of the search engine they are using. This is not a fixed rule - they can type it in any order. For example - mesothelioma California, mesothelioma Texas, mesothelioma lawyer texas, New York mesothelioma, California mesothelioma lawyer, etc.
How are Mesothelioma Lawyers so Successful?

One of the basic things in awarding compensation is for the judge or the jury to decide whether the harm done was intentional, or whether it was the result of a choice the victim made, in simple terms. In many cases, the circumstance of a victim is a result of a choice he or she made. For example, in a smoking-related cancer case, the choice to smoke was made by the victim. However, in the case of mesothelioma, the situation is different. The circumstance of mesothelioma in the victim could have been averted if only his employers had been more careful, had made him aware about the risks the job entailed, and then let him choose, besides providing him whatever protection required to prevent him from being exposed to asbestos. This is one area that mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma attorneys have been able to successfully work on.
After the initial slew of mesothelioma cases and lawsuits, now laws are firmly in place to safeguard the health interests of the worker. Besides, in the event of someone actually suffering from mesothelioma, there are some guidelines towards seeking legal redress for them as well. Mesothelioma law is strict and helps provide fair verdicts in mesothelioma-related compensation cases.

Guidelines for Mesothelioma Victims Seeking Legal Action
The primary rule of thumb while filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is that it has to be filed immediately on diagnosis of the disease. In fact, in many of the states across the United States, mesothelioma laws stipulating the timeframe within which a lawsuit can be filed are in place. On diagnosis, you can contact a mesothelioma lawyer through your local mesothelioma activists or mesothelioma group for more mesothelioma information relating to lawsuits. The work of a mesothelioma lawyer or mesothelioma attorney is not limited to just fighting your case. A mesothelioma attorney usually has an extensive network of contacts - other victims, mesothelioma case histories, good treatment facilities, nature of treatment options available, in fact, for most mesothelioma-related information. His specialization is a distinct advantage over a lawyer who doesn't have too much of an idea about mesothelioma.

The government is also taking steps to ensure that workers are safe from exposure to asbestos. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has passed laws and regulations stipulating safety measures and also has set in motion plans to ban and phase out the use of asbestos as much as possible. You can find more information about this at the EPA website - http://www.epa.gov.
You can also browse the Internet for mesothelioma-related information, mesothelioma pictures, more information on asbestos, etc.
Resources
o http://www.mesothelioma.org
o http://www.mesolink.org
o http://www.asbestosnews.com

Symptoms of Mesothelioma


Mesothelioma Cancer
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a serious malignant tumor that affects the torso of the human body. There is a strong link between mesothelioma and contact with asbestos particles via breathing or swallowing.
There are three common forms of mesothelioma:
1. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the chest cavity (after breathing the particles) before spreading to other areas.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma starts in the abdomen (after swallowing the particles) and accounts for about 10-20% of Mesothelioma patients.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the cavity that surrounds the heart.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early on because the symptoms are often mistaken for those of other, less serious ailments. To make matters worse, it often takes many years for the symptoms to show up after the contact with asbestos takes place. Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Even a small exposure to this cancer-causing material can result in malignant mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma has a latency of up to thirty-forty years, and many individuals previously exposed to asbestos are now displaying symptoms. This means the average age of mesothelioma patients is between 50 and 70 years. Men are typically affected more, because of the common presence of asbestos in industrial settings. There are three major types of malignant mesothelioma. Epithelial, sarcomatoid, and mixed. Epithelial mesothelioma is most common. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to respiratory distress, a lasting cough, and pneumonia. In addition, symptoms are often mistaken for less serious ailments, and many patients do not show any signs at all.
Individuals with pleural mesothelioma may amass some fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity. This can be detected through a chest x-ray, as well as CT scans.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is based on a biopsy. This exam will test a tissue sample for the presence of malignant and/or pleural mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos is the principal cause of Mesothelioma. Asbestos is a type of insulation material, which was commonly utilized in the past in the following industries:
Steel Workers
Brake Mechanics
Insulators
Boilermakers
Ship fitters
Maintenance Workers
Pipe Fitters
Construction industry
Shipbuilding industry
Automotive industry
Other manufacturing industries
Mesothelioma appears most often in people who worked in the above industries and were exposed to asbestos in their workplace. The utilization of asbestos was very prevalent after 1940's. However it would take 10-40 years after the first exposure for the first symptoms of mesothelioma to become noticeable, which made it very difficult to diagnose. The peak in mesothelioma cases is projected to be reached near year 2010 according to studies. There are three frequently used types of asbestos: white, brown, and blue. Brown and blue asbestos are more frequently associated with mesothelioma. These types of asbestos have been restricted by most countries in the 1990s. A record of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases.
Asbestos is a very dangerous material and can cause serious damage to your health. It is made up of very minute fibers, which can find their way to pleura (outside lining of the lung) and damage the cells pleura are made of. These fibers can also be passed on to clothing, which makes them dangerous not only to the person exposed to asbestos, but to their family members as well.
Smoking
Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure drastically increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not materialize 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 because of 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, difficulty 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. Once Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the likelihood of recovery varies according to several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, how much it has spread, and the age of the patient.
In general, the earlier that Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the greater the likelihood of survival. If you feel that you have experienced any of the typical Mesothelioma symptoms, pay a visit to your doctor for professional advice.
Mesothelioma diagnosis
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often complicated, because the symptoms are similar to those of several other conditions. Diagnosis begins with an assessment of the patient's medical history, as well as any history of asbestos exposure. A 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 found. 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, lit 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 and extent of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a precise effort to find out whether the cancer has proliferated 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 extended beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.
Mesothelioma treatment
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general well being. Typical treatment options consist of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.
Surgery is a frequent 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 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 moving 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 applying chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).
To ease symptoms and control discomfort, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has accumulated 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 administered through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be beneficial in alleviating symptoms.

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos


Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin membranes (called the mesothelium) lining the chest, lungs, abdomen and sometimes the heart. Although quite rare, mesothelioma symptoms strike more than 200 people each year in the United States. The majority of mesothelioma cases are directly linked to asbestos exposure.
Because of the long latency period of mesothelioma, the average age of patients is between 50 and 70 years. Mesothelioma affects men most due to the high exposure of asbestos in industrial typed jobs. Mesothelioma symptoms include respiratory problems, shortness of breath, continual cough and pneumonia. Other mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, abdominal problems and swelling. In some mesothelioma patients, the mesothelioma symptoms are quite muted, making it hard for mesothelioma doctors to diagnose.
Mesothelioma doctors specialize in the study, research, and treatments of Mesothelioma cancers.
Mesothelioma (or the cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells become abnormal and replicate without control. During Mesothelioma, these cells will invade and damage tissues and organs. Mesothelioma cancer cells can spread throughout the body causing death.
Mesothelioma treatments and Mesothelioma clinical trials and tests
There are many mesothelioma treatment options available. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy and the mesothelioma treatment depends on the patient’s age, general health and stage of the cancer. There has been much mesothelioma research conducted throughout the past two years to find new treatment methods. Click here to read more about mesothelioma treatment techniques.
Through mesothelioma research, The National Cancer Institute has sponsored mesothelioma tests and clinical trials that are designed to find new treatment methods. Because of the increase in number of mesothelioma cases in the United States, both governments have increased funding for mesothelioma research. Mesothelioma research and clinical trials have been successful in developing new techniques to fight this cancer and the outlook for more advanced mesothelioma treatments is promising.
Surgery is the most common treatment method for malignant mesothelioma. Tissues and linings affected by mesothelioma are removed by the doctor and may include the lung or even diaphragm.
A second mesothelioma treatment method is radiation therapy through the use of high energy x-rays that kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be outside or inside the body.
A third mesothelioma treatment method is chemotherapy. Through pills or drugs through needles, chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells.
A new mesothelioma treatment method is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. In this treatment, light and drugs are used to kill cancer cells during surgery for early stages of mesothelioma in the chest. Although there are numerous treatments and drugs for mesothelioma, doctors are losing the battle against this deadly disease. Most mesothelioma treatments involve old techniques combined with different drug cocktails. However, in most cases, these mesothelioma treatments have many side effects including organ damage, nausea, increase in heart failure etc. The rush to find a more effective mesothelioma treatment or even cure is ongoing at numerous clinical labs across the nation. Let's hope that the mesothelioma treatments will one day erradicate mesothelioma cancer and asbestosis.
With an abundance of information on the Internet, Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos
Mesothelioma is such a harsh disease. Not only does it take years for symptoms to appear, but there are limited treatements and drugs that will prolong the lives of workers stricken with mesothelioma. In many cases, the death rate of mesothelioma is unfortunately very high. However, with increased funding in mesothelioma research through the government and private grants, the outlook for a mesothelioma cure is quite possible. In the meantime, mesothelioma support groups and local discussions provide the ongoing support for mesothelioma patients.
Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos ([http://www.mesothelioma-cancer-and-asbestos.com])is your source for mesothelioma and asbestos information, treatments, clinical trials, attorneys, support groups and lawyers.

Treatment for Mesothelioma Symptoms

An October 2005 report states that a new method that assists diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is to measure the presence of osteopontin in blood. Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more.
Treatment of pleural mesothelioma is limited and as yet there is no proper cure. Pleural Mesothelioma provides detailed information on Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate, Mesothelioma Pleural Brachytherapy and more. Pleural Mesothelioma is a serious ailment that affects the thoracic cavity. It is a rare form of cancer that is mostly associated with exposure to asbestos. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs. They all come to the same conclusion - the disease is almost always fatal. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases.
Symptoms
During the early stages of Mesothelioma, the. One of the characteristics of mesothelioma is that symptoms can appear very late, sometimes 50 years following first contact with asbestos. In fact, the first signs of abdominal asbestos mesothelioma may not be noticeable until 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. Moreover, the symptoms can vary, depending on several factors, such as the specific type of mesothelioma a patient has and his length of exposure to asbestos. Besides, exhaustion, weight loss and appetite loss are some of the other contributing symptoms. The person who has developed mesothelioma has to be diagnosed immediately when these symptoms are seen. The symptoms and signs of Mesothelioma can be incredibly common that is why the patient may just take it for granted. Diagnosing mesothelioma (within the framework of western medicine) can be challenging, because the symptoms are quite similar to those of other illnesses and conditions.
Asbestos Cancer
The most preferable option can be of preventive treatment for Mesothelioma. Strict industrial safety measures, proper hygiene, and regular check up of workers exposed to asbestos must form the crucial part of serious Mesothelioma preventive treatment methods. Activities such as washing clothes of a person who has. Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was once widely used in a range of items, from ceiling and wall tiles to insulation and auto brakes. Most reader know that it is possible to buy ads that will be displayed on Search Engine results pages when certain keywords are searched on. The current record high payment for keyword advertising of this type is held by "mesothelioma" and "asbestos cancer". Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops by exposure to asbestos. The person who has been exposed to asbestos can claim the compensation from the asbestos firm as a financial security to fulfill the future needs of their family. The infected person can claim the compensation amount from those irresponsible firms that expose asbestos. The Code of Federal Regulations states that asbestos is to be considered a most hazardous toxic substance and you can immediately claim the legal compensation. They will either die from mesothelioma or sarcoidosis. Which are both asbestos cancers which.

Treatment of Asbestos Exposure
However, in more advanced cases, cure is usually not possible. Mesothelioma diagnosis is very important as far as an early treatment is considered. High risk groups such as asbestos and construction workers must undergo frequent check-ups to monitor any conditions leading to mesothelioma. Because this cancer is so deadly, early diagnosis and treatment can help prolong life, but the mortality rate is usually 100% within five years. A Mesothelioma diagnosis can be stressful for anyone and therefore you will have a lot of questions. The following worksheets will guide you in asking the right questions when consulting a doctor about what the right course of treatment is best for you. This tumor as a long lactation period and is often diagnosed 30-50 years after the exposure. The determining factors that needs to be taken into account before the commencement of the mesothelioma treatment are:. These symptoms may also be accompanied by weight loss, fever and difficulty breathing. Unfortunately, once Mesothelioma develops, it quickly becomes aggressive and treatment must be sought immediately. Phase III trials are used to compare a new treatment method with a currently used treatment program. And if a western treatment is chosen as part of the healing protocol, it's important to know what side effects to expect and how to minimize them.

Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer, continues to remain a challenge for the medical fraternity. This form of cancer is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. For example, the cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain experienced in pleural mesothelioma is often seen in lung infections such as pneumonia. Typically, once symptoms are more pronounced the cancer is fairly advanced and treatment becomes less effective. The average survival time is approximately one year, and five-year survival is lower than ten percent. Because of this poor prognosis, the cancer is treated as aggressively as the patient's overall physical condition allows, with some combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor found in the mesothelial cells of an organ. Generally, the probability of developing this form of cancer is in accordance with the length of time you are exposed to asbestos.

Raltitrexed
Raltitrexed Is Related to the Pleural Mesothelioma Drug Alimta®. Raltitrexed is in the class of chemotherapy drugs called antifolates. Raltitrexed is closely related to pemetrexed (Alimta®), another antifolate.
Sometimes a few benign cases are also noticed. Traditional treatment for pleural mesothelioma is not very effective. Pleural Mesothelioma is affiliated with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers. It is a rare form of cancer that is mostly associated with exposure to asbestos. Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a fast-moving cancer with a median survival time of between one and two years. The organs where this form of cancer is most commonly found are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Pleural Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining and is the most common form of Mesothelioma. The symptoms can occur from both to three months before Mesothelioma is discovered. Pleural Mesothelioma is the ordinarily occurring type which takes part in almost both thirds of the total detected Mesothelioma cases.

Mesothelioma Information


Aside from patients and families, there are many of us who search for mesothelioma information and have questions we would like answered. Here are 10 of the most often asked questions with answers for those seeking mesothelioma information.


What is the mesothelium?
The mesothelium is a membrane that completely covers and protects each of the internal organs of the body. This membrane is made up of two layers of cells, one layer surrounds the organ while the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces lubricating fluid which is released between these layers, allowing the moving organs such as the heart and lungs to glide easily against adjacent surfaces.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium membrane, and is caused by earlier exposure to asbestos particles. When mesothelioma strikes, cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control, and malignant cells develop in the mesothelium which can metastasize from their original site to invade and damage nearby tissues and organs within the body. Typically, mesothelioma will begin in the pleura or peritoneum.. the abdominal cavity or lungs.
How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer, even though reported incidence figures show a steady increase over the past 20 years or so. Each year approximately 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States alone. Mesothelioma affects men more so than women and the risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can occur in either sex and at any age.
What are the causes of mesothelioma?
At least 90% of mesotheliomas can be linked to exposure to asbestos, although usually the exposure will have taken place many years before the cancer becomes apparent. It is known that even very low levels of exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma, so it is possible that some patients may not have had any known contact with asbestos but may still have breathed in asbestos fibres without realizing it. Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation has also been linked to mesothelioma, and a small number of mesotheliomas have been linked to a type of radiation called thorium dioxide(thorotast). This was used in some x-rays up until the 1950's. There is no evidence linking mesotheliomas with cigarette smoking
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
The symptoms of mesothelioma are often difficult to diagnose being very similar to the symptoms displayed in other conditions including asbestosis. The diagnosis of mesothelioma will require a review of the patient's medical history, including past history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination will be performed and x-rays of the chest and abdomen obtained. A CT scan or MRI may also prove useful in the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Can mesothelioma be treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma varies depending on the location of the cancer, to what extent the mesothelioma has developed, and the patient's age and general condition. The options for mesothelioma treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Is there a cure for mesothelioma?
The only treatment offering any hope of a cure for mesothelioma is an operation to remove the tumour surgically. Unfortunately because mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose, it is often too far advanced for surgery to be carried out safely.
Are there new treatments available for mesothelioma?
The National Cancer Institute is currently sponsoring clinical trials in an effort to discover new treatments for mesothelioma along with improvement of the way current mesothelioma treatments are implemented. Before any new mesothelioma treatment can be recommended for general use, extensive clinical trials must be carried out to demonstrate that the mesothelioma treatment is safe for patients and will prove effective against the disease. Participation in these clinical trials can be an important treatment option for many patients suffering from the effects of mesothelioma.
What is the life expectancy for those diagnosed with mesothelioma?
The life expectancy for patients diagnosed with mesothelioma will vary depending on the type of cancer, where the tumor is, how far it has spread and the age and general health of the patient. Studies show average survival periods of between 8 and 14 months but it is not uncommon for patients to live for a few years following diagnosis of the condition.
So what is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is a non-cancerous chronic and potentially lethal inflammatory disease affecting the lungs, and is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestosis can cause permanent lung damage, increased risk of dangerous lung infections, and heart failure.
So those are the most often asked questions by those seeking mesothelioma information, and it is hoped the above answers have enlightened you.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials


Who conducts mesothelioma clinical trials?

Mesothelioma trials are conducted to study and experiment on the effectiveness of the new drugs and treatments invented for mesothelioma. The cancer institutes, research centers and hospitals mostly conduct these trials. Doctors, private organizations and others fund them. Certain pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers also conduct and fund mesothelioma clinical trials. They do this because they want volunteers to test their new drugs.
How to find mesothelioma clinical trials?
The advertisement for clinical trials appears in cancer centers, newspapers and magazines. Many people enlist for the clinical trials out of their own will. They speak cancer research centers and doctors and express their wish to volunteer for clinical trial. These people do so because they want to help other cancer patients who suffer like them. However, apart from all this, the best place to check out about clinical trials is online. Lots of websites gives information about the trials taking place and how volunteers can participate in them.
What are the phases of mesothelioma clinical trials?
Mesothelioma clinical trials are normally done in three phases:
1) Phase I trial: This trial involves only very few people. It is used to test the effectiveness of the new drugs or new type of treatment.
2) Phase II trial: This trial involves a larger group of subjects. The drug's side effects, safety, dosage and effectiveness are tested using this trial.
3) Phase III trial: This trial involves a huge amount of people from various cancer treatment Centers simultaneously. This is a comparative trial in which the new medicine or type of treatment is compared to the existing ones. The comparative risks, benefits and effectiveness are analyzed.
What are the benefits of mesothelioma clinical trials?
There are many benefits of taking part in a mesothelioma clinical trial. Some of these benefits are listed below:
1) The patients who participate in mesothelioma clinical trials have easy access to the latest drugs and treatments that have been invented. These are not available for the other non-participants.
2) Normally, the new drugs and treatments are invented after much research and experiments. So, they are more effective and work well than the current drugs and treatments. So, the volunteers would highly benefit from these new drugs and treatments.
3) The medical research personnel and doctors consider a participant in a mesothelioma clinical trial a very special person. So, the volunteer gets lots of special and close medical attention on all aspects of the treatment.
4) Every clinical trial helps medical science advance one more step. This will define the medicines and treatments of the future. The destiny of millions depends on these advancements.
5) The volunteers for mesothelioma clinical trials are contributing to a huge social cause. It is because of them that many find their life during the disease more comfortable.
The above are the various benefits for volunteers taking part in mesothelioma clinical trials.
What are the risks involved in participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial?
A mesothelioma clinical trial is only an experimental study of new drugs and new types of treatments. These may be advantageous or disadvantageous. The main risks associated with taking part in a mesothelioma clinical trial are as follows:
1) The new medicine or new method of treatment may not be better than the current one. Sometimes, it may even worsen the condition.
2) Mostly, medical researchers and doctors are not aware of the exact side effects and consequences of the new medicines or types of treatment invented by them. So, there may also arise to be risky side effects because of the clinical trial.
3) The clinical trial treatments may not be covered by health insurance. So,
It is always better to find out about this before going in for the mesothelioma clinical trial.
4) A clinical trial involves much more interaction between the doctor and the patient. So, the patient will have to go to the hospital more often. These frequent visits may be tiresome and irritating during an uncomfortable illness like mesothelioma.
5) If the patient gives a complete free hand to the doctors and researchers, then they may not have any choice in the treatment, which they will receive. This may be difficult and risky for the patient.
What is the eligibility to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial?
Normally, there is no specific eligibility to participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial. However, sometimes there may be certain conditions that may be imposed for participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial. These are as follows:
1) Some studies may want only first-time Volunteers. Others may permit even those who have been in other studies previously.
2) Some Studies may be random, giving no choice to the patients about the type of treatment they may receive. Others may be more specific about giving a choice to the patients.
3) Sometimes, some studies may focus on only one particular type of mesothelioma. Thus, other patients suffering from other types of mesothelioma are not eligible for such studies. For instance, a person suffering from pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma originating from the lungs) is not eligible to participate in a study involving peritoneal mesothelioma (mesothelioma originating from the abdomen).
4) Some studies may require a person in a particular stage of cancer. Thus, others become ineligible for that study For instance, a person in the second stage of cancer becomes ineligible for a study Involving persons in the fourth stage of cancer.
5) Some studies may specifically require people of a particular sex or of a particular age group.
6) Some studies may require people of a particular background. For instance, people who are smokers or people who have worked in asbestos industries or so on.
What are the types of mesothelioma clinical trials?
There are various types of mesothelioma clinical trials. Some of them are listed below:
Prevention Trials:
These trials are directed towards finding out a way to avoid the occurrence of mesothelioma. These studies use people who do not have mesothelioma or people who have had it but now the cancer is in remission. They try to find out ways to prevent recurrence.
Screening Trials:
These trials are conducted to study whether the diagnosis and discovery of cancer is effective. People who are cancer free but have factors, which predispose them to cancer, participate in this trial.
Diagnostic Trials:
These are trials, which study about the diagnostic procedures and test their effectiveness. Patients who show symptoms of mesothelioma can participate in this trial.
Treatment Trials:
This trial tests the effectiveness of new types of treatments and the various new drugs. Volunteers for this type of trial are patients with mesothelioma.
Quality of Life Trials:
Trials conducted to try and improve the quality of life of mesothelioma patients are called Quality of life trials. These trials are focused about trying to reduce the discomfort and symptoms associated with mesothelioma.
Genetics studies:
These Studies are about the way in which genetics affect the way mesothelioma is diagnosed and treated.
What should every volunteer do before participating in a mesothelioma clinical trial?
Everyone who wants to participate in a Mesothelioma clinical trial should
1) Talk to their doctor about their desire and seek his advice,
2) Check whether they are eligible to participate in this trial,
3) Decide on the amount of freedom they want to give their researcher and
4) Decide on the type of trial they want to participate in.

Mesothelioma Risk


Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is considered to be very rare. This type of cancer occurs in protective lining, which is responsible for covering internal organs of the body called Mesothelioma. There are basically 3 types of Mesothelioma:
  • Pleural Mesothelioma
  • Peritoneal Mesothelioma
  • Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
Among all different types of Mesothelioma, pleural Mesothelioma is the most common one. More than 70% people are suffering from this type. Pleural Mesothelioma attacks on the lungs.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This type of Mesothelioma cancer occurs in the peritoneum. It attacks towards the abdominal cavity. However, it is less common as compared to the pleural Mesothelioma.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This type of Mesothelioma cancer occurs in pericardium and attacks at the heart. However, this type is least common.
The main recognized cause of this disease is Asbestos. It works in such a way so that the people who are exposing to the asbestos will develop the symptoms of Mesothelioma in upcoming future and not immediately. Many experts often suggest that the smokers are more vulnerable to Mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma:
Most of the patients of Mesothelioma do not notice any kind of symptoms in the earliest stages/months. Mesothelioma can only be detected by the regular medical checkups. Also many people confuse with the symptoms of Mesothelioma with the regular and common ailments. The symptoms of pleural Mesothelioma are:
  • Fever
  • Back pain
  • Chest pain
  • Muscle weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Breath shortness
  • Decrement in sensory capabilities
  • Swallowing trouble in arm and face
  • Hoarseness
  • Coughing up blood
  • Continuous cough
The main symptoms of peritoneal Mesothelioma are:
  • Creation of fluid in abdominal cavity
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss
The main symptoms of pericardial Mesothelioma are:
  • Night sweats
  • Fever
  • Trouble in breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Irregularities heartbeats
  • Heart palpitations
Mesothelioma risk factors:
One of the most common risk factor of Mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who work in the place surrounding asbestos are more vulnerable towards Mesothelioma. Also the people who are exposed to the thorium dioxide are also vulnerable. Some experts also suggest that x-ray substances or also responsible for peritoneal and pleural Mesothelioma. People who are constantly in touch with Zeolite are also at a great risk. Zeolite is a mineral which is mostly found in Turkey's Anatoli region. Some medical experts also believe that there is a connection between the simian virus 40 and Mesothelioma. However, cases are still debatable. Tobacco, which is said not to be a direct responsible for this disease but the combination of the people who consume it and people who works in surrounding of asbestos are 50% more vulnerable to Mesothelioma.
Though Mesothelioma cancer is a rare type of cancer, but it doesn't mean that it is any less dangerous. As of now there is no proper cure for Mesothelioma and the problem with this disease is people are not able to find it in the early stages. This disease mostly takes the life of the people in just 2 years. The only key by which you can fight with this type of disease is to regularly go for doctors for diagnosis.

Mesothelioma treatments remain disappointing.



 Mesothelioma treatments have a better prognosis in early stage and in mesothelioma treatments, to find a cure is very difficult. This is the fact of mesothelioma treatments.


Mesothelioma, also known as malignant mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer that occur in the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs also known as mesothelium. Mesothelium is the lining of the chest, lungs, abdomen and also the heart. Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to the hazardous agent called asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare disease but the symptoms strike more than 200 people each year in the United States. The symptoms of mesothelioma basically take times to appear and sometimes up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease.

Mesothelioma occurs in one per 1,000,000 of the population. The incidence rate is higher in male gender then in female. The incidence rate also increase by age. However the disease can occur in either man or women at any age. Mesothelioma is found to be in highest incidence rate in Britain, Australia and Belgium. However mesothelioma still a very rare disease.
There are three main types of this diasease. The highest one is pleural mesothelioma. It is called as pleural because the mesothelioma mainly affected the lining of the lungs. The incidence appeared for up to 75% for pleural mesothelioma. The other 20% of the case are peritoneal or pericardial. Peritoneal meosthelioma affects the abdomen whereas pericardial mesothelioma when it affects the heart.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are related to the respiratory system which includes shortness of breath, fever, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. The sufferers also have acute chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma is related to the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers reach the lungs through the nose or mouth and they build up in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers build up in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma and the main site of attack is the linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death. This is called palliative care.
There are many mesothelioma treatments and mesothelioma treatments option available. mesothelioma treatments include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The mesothelioma treatments depends on the patient's age, general health and stage of the cancer. There has been much mesothelioma research have been done to find the new treatment methods.
Mesothelioma is a bad dream to the sufferer. Not only does it take years for the symptoms to appear, but there are limited mesothelioma treatments and drugs that will prolong the lives and improved the quality of life in mesothelioma patient. Hope that this article can bring information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatments.