Mesothelioma: a Cancer Which is Caused Due to Exposure to Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is generally caused due to the exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a critical form of cancer which generally affects the lungs of the human organism. Mostly those people who are very much prone to the exposure of asbestos in their day to day life will lead to get affected by Mesothelioma. In this consideration, mostly, the labors in the industrial and in the construction firm get affected by Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is virtually caused due to the exposure to asbestos, which generally gets into one's body through tiny dust like particles which floats in the air in the process of inhaling.

Symptoms of mesothelioma are many and varied. The most common sign or symptom of Mesothelioma is lack of proper inhaling, continuous coughing, constant pain in the chest, etc. In addition to this, loss of weight, swelling of the abdomen, fever and anemia are also some other Mesothelioma symptoms. Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer and hence the proper diagnosis of it cannot be enhanced due to the different symptoms that crop up in Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be treated in various ways. The most common and the basic form of Mesothelioma treatment is through surgery. The surgery will help in the removal of the affected lining of the body organs whether it be in the chest, abdomen or in the neck. Another popular form of Mesothelioma treatment is the radiation therapy. This radiation therapy or radiotherapy is implied in order to kill the cancer affects cell areas.

Mesothelioma thus becomes a deadly disease when no remedial measures are taken to overcome it and when exposure to asbestos is not controlled. But at present, there are various Mesothelioma law firms which are established in many countries of the world especially in those places where there is high percentage of mesothelioma, a cancer which is the result of high exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma law firm is entitled to provide advice to thousands of mesothelioma patients every year. Mesothelioma law firms are large enough to have huge resources and years of experience. Each case of mesothelioma is handled individually and proper investigations are made to help out the clients. Mesothelioma law firm provides adequate counseling to the victims of asbestos. The mesothelioma law firms are based on two aspects. Firstly, to alert the victims about the possibility of this cancer due to the exposure to asbestos and secondly to improve the work place where exposure of asbestos are common.

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, but the deadliest one of all. The victims of mesothelioma are innocent men and women who did not know that they were being poisoned with asbestos as they worked. The manufacturers and even distributors knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, but they did not warn people of those hazards. As a result, you have the right of recovery against those manufacturers, which on the other hand can help pay the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

Although nothing can truly compensate for loss of health or life, mesothelioma lawyers are devoted to getting you the compensation you deserve. If your life has been affected by mesothelioma directly or indirectly, then you may deserve compensation.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is a long and tedious process. So, it is vital to your case that you find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, and as soon as you have been diagnosed with the cancer. Most states have a time limit in which you can file your mesothelioma lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, you may find that you are not entitled to make a claim. Earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better your chances of success. Here are a few important guidelines in finding a good mesothelioma lawyer.

Mesothelioma Law Firm

There's no such thing as a mesothelioma law firm because one law firm can deal with a variation of cases, but it is best to select a law firm or an attorney that has past experience of dealing with mesothelioma cases. They have already done the leg work and gained the knowledge and experience with mesothelioma. But, do not disregard any other law firm. A mesothelioma case is just like any other case that requires responsibility and discipline from the attorney to win your case. A law firm with a very good reputation can as well handle your mesothelioma case, if not better, even if they have never been exposed to a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Searching for a mesothelioma lawyer

You can begin your search on the Internet or in the yellow pages. However, your local or state bar association, and Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (found in most public libraries) will give you narrower search and help you find your mesothelioma lawyer a whole lot faster. The Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network has a database of over a million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries. You could actually find the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network online as well. Just search for it in your favorite search engine.

How do you select your mesothelioma lawyer?

The Oklahoma Bar Association has put out excellent guidelines regarding choosing an attorney. They state that "Selecting a lawyer is a personal matter. You must judge which particular attorney will be best for you. Before making a decision, however, you may want to contact several lawyers or law firms to gather some comparative information.

When choosing a lawyer, keep practical considerations in mind: the lawyer's area of expertise, prior experience and reputation, convenience of office location, amount of fees charged and the length of time a case may take. A lawyer's communication skills are another factor. Willingness and ability to talk to you in language you understand and responsiveness to your questions will influence how well informed you are about the progress of your case.

It is advisable that you select an attorney with whom you feel comfortable. These preferences may guide you in selecting someone with whom you feel most comfortable.

It is important that you trust the lawyer you hire—and that you believe he or she will do the best job possible in protecting your legal rights. But keep in mind that most lawsuits and other legal work are not "sure things." You should be cautious of an attorney who guarantees results. No lawyer can be expected to win every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be exactly what you want to hear."

When do you seek a mesothelioma lawyer?

The timely process of selecting a mesothelioma lawyer and the proper filing of your mesothelioma lawsuit can make all the difference between a multi-million dollar compensation claim to secure the future of your family (once and if you are gone), and getting nothing at all for your pain, suffering, and loss of life. That means you need to seek a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with this dangerous cancer.

Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace the legal advice you need to get from a lawyer, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. Laws vary from state-to-state and change from time-to-time. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about the issues described in this article. Thank you.

Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Help You Build A Case

Each year 3,000 cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed and most of the people who are diagnosed with this deadly cancer have never heard of it. The unfortunate nature of the disease is that if the symptoms were diagnosed properly the treatment could have had an impact.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura (the lining of the lungs), around the lining of the heart or the lining of the abdominal cavity. While Mesothelioma cancer is rare, most people die after a year or two of diagnosis.
The majority of Mesothelioma cases are traced back to exposure to asbestos – and no other cause for this cancer has ever been found. Exposure to asbestos happens primarily through jobs that were held by people working with asbestos as well as some military service. Until 20 years ago, many materials and products that were used in manufacturing and construction used asbestos until it was found that exposure to the product caused Mesothelioma and other health problems.
During World War II when naval ship yards were producing many ships for the war effort, asbestos was in high use and demand. Asbestos was also being used for construction in all types of buildings, as well as the manufacturing and automobiles. Until recently, the processes and products that used asbestos were unregulated, however the risks of asbestos exposure were still well known, however the companies that use the product still continued to use asbestos freely in their practices.
One of the unfortunate truths is that many of the companies who made use of asbestos provided little in the way of education or protection of the risks of asbestos exposure to their workers. This does however leave the companies on the hook for compensating the victims of Mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, it is not only the workers who are contracting Mesothelioma, it is also their families, spouses and children, of workers who worked with asbestos are also at risk of contacting this deadly cancer. Asbestos is a nearly indestructible, very fine fiber that is easily inhaled and is then lodged in the lining of the lungs primarily, which then causes inflammation and then Mesothelioma. These fibers are easily brought home attached to skin, hair, shoes or clothing and then dislodged at home, exposing more people to the asbestos, and thusly, Mesothelioma.
If someone you love or yourself has Mesothelioma, you need to contact a Mesothelioma attorney to find out if you have a case for a Mesothelioma lawsuit. The largest difficulty with exposure to asbestos and Mesothelioma symptoms beginnings is the long time between the exposure and diagnosis. Mesothelioma doesn't usually begin to present symptoms until about 20 years after exposure to asbestos. This makes it quite difficult to diagnose the cancer and track the asbestos exposure, the cause or companies that are responsible.
The symptoms of Mesothelioma include fluid in the chest, chest pains, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Because of the nature of these symptoms and the fact that they are so similar to other medical problems, they are easily mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis of Mesothelioma cancer. Unfortunately, by the time people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma it is too late – most people pass away within one or two years of diagnosis and conventional cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy have little effect on the disease.
Most of the cases of Mesothelioma can blame the companies and supervisors for whom they worked in the past dealing with asbestos. Most people and companies knew of the dangers of working with asbestos and failed to take any safety precautions for the material handlers. This cancer is devastating to those who have it and to their families, physically, emotionally and financially.
A Texas Mesothelioma lawyer can help you build a case for yourself or a loved one who has Mesothelioma. A Texas Mesothelioma attorney is the only one who is capable of tracking down the companies who are responsible for the asbestos exposure. A good Mesothelioma lawyer in Texas can help with a Mesothelioma lawsuit for financial compensation for you and your family.
A Mesothelioma lawyer can link your cancer with asbestos exposure that you had when you worked before as well as fighting for your rights and compensation for the Mesothelioma cancer you've contracted due to the exposure. While compensation won't replace a life lost to Mesothelioma cancer, it can help cover the lost wages, pain and suffering, funeral expenses and medical costs that were caused by the cancer.

Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnoses Increase Rapidly in Australia

Scientists in Australia speculate that the number of mesothelioma cases reported there will rise rapidly over the next 15 years, reaching a disturbing peak of 900 deaths from mesothelioma cancer a year.
The Australian workforce once relied heavily on jobs from asbestos-related processing and construction companies and now is finding that they are becoming victims of their one-time employment.
Mesothelioma Death Rates
A professor for the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine used World Health Organization (WHO) figures and found that the UK and Australia both currently lead in the number of mesothelioma-related deaths worldwide.
Professor Julian Peto, head of the Cancer Research UK Epidemiology and Genetics Group, speculated that the death rate from asbestos-related diseases will only increase, especially among men who are currently 40 years of age, and who will become nearly 100 times more likely to die by the time they reach 80 years of age.
Peto also speculated that since the 1980s, there have been approximately 10,000 cases of mesothelioma reported in Australia alone. He also concluded that within the next 40 years, more than 25,000 Australians could die from asbestosis.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Diagnosis
At its peak, in the 1970s, nearly 10,000 tonnes (equivalent to more than 22 million pounds) of brown asbestos was being imported into Australia for use in the construction industry, largely affecting construction workers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and shipyard workers.
According to Peto, who presented his findings at a public lecture at the University of Melbourne in April 2008, nearly 500 Australian men and 100 Australian women are diagnosed each year with asbestos-related conditions including mesothelioma cancer.
What is Asbestos and How Does it Cause Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is derived from a mineral known as vermiculite. There are several types of asbestos found throughout the world, and the use of asbestos was wide spread during the 20th century worldwide, as it was a heat-resistant product that was inexpensively produced, offering the construction industry a cheaply made and easily mass produced product.
In Australia, not only was asbestos mined, but it was imported as well. For years, individuals were exposed to asbestos in many different ways and often, many of them developed mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer caused usually by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and dust. It is often misdiagnosed and even when symptoms are present, it can be difficult to diagnose.
Additionally, it is considered a silent killer, as individuals suffering from mesothelioma cancer are usually unaware of their condition until the cancer is too far along to treat. Mesothelioma can be a dormant condition, not revealing symptoms for decades in an individual.
Types of Asbestos
There are six types of asbestos commonly found including, chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), crocidolite (blue), tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite. Among these six various types of asbestos the white, brown and blue were the most commonly used and are often associated with the construction industry.
Chrysotile, which was banned in the 1930s in Australia, was considered a more flexible form of asbestos and its use was implemented into a range of products including cement roofing sheets for buildings, brake linings, pipe insulation, floor tiles, and even for fire protection within fuses. In the United States, chrysotile is the most common type of asbestos found and a large contributor for mesothelioma there.
Both amosite and crocidolite asbestos were banned in Australia in the 1980s, but prior to that they were widely used in Australia. Crocidolite is also predominately found in Australia and Africa.
The health affects of white asbestos was discovered early on, but the use of both brown and blue asbestos continued, and mining of the product soared until its medical affects became clear and regulations began to be implemented after the 1980s.
Australian Mesothelioma Treatment Facilities Increase
Due to the high rate of asbestosis cases reported in Australia, with no relief in site, many medical facilities and mesothelioma research centers are setting up headquarters there.
For example, the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia and the Queensland Asbestos Related Disease Support Society are two groups working to offer mesothelioma victims support and information regarding their condition as well as funding for the research of mesothelioma treatments.
While mesothelioma treatment research continues there are no known cures for asbestos-related illnesses. Individuals are advised to speak with an experienced mesothelioma law firm to learn more about developing mesothelioma litigation.
Because of the preventable nature of mesothelioma and the high costs associated with managing the disease, developing a mesothelioma lawsuit may provide monetary compensation as a potential outcome for victims seeking relief.

Mesothelioma is A Cancer

If a medical doctor has told you that you have mesothelioma, or a loved one has heard this, then you need to talk to your top mesothelioma lawyer in New York. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused almost exclusively by asbestos. Your mesothelioma lawyer can help you to determine whether or not you may be entitled to recover some of your expenses for the treatment of this cancer.
Years ago many people worked around asbestos and did not fully understand what the consequences may have been. Although it was generally known that it was very unhealthy, many industries that used asbestos took no precautions to protect their employees – or the people that lived close to the plant. This negligence puts those companies at fault and means you may be entitled to repayment of some or all of your medical expenses.
Your mesothelioma attorney will want to know where you worked or lived in order to determine if you have a case, or not. Back in the 70's – or earlier, there were four main industries that used asbestos. This included the automotive, the shipping, the railroad, and the materials industries. The shipping industry refers largely to military ships, and those that served on them earlier than the 70's. Asbestos was used heavily in a number of areas on board these ships. As far as is known, there were about 5,000 different products over the years that had asbestos in them.
If you worked in one of those industries, or lived in a place that had exposed asbestos, and have a mesothelioma diagnosis, then you should talk to your mesothelioma attorney as soon as possible. Even if you may not be aware of having been exposed to asbestos, talking to a mesothelioma attorney may provide you with information to help your memory, or to find those occasions when exposure was possible. Since asbestos is the primary culprit in mesothelioma cases, this interaction with a mesothelioma attorney may mean that you could be entitled to a mesothelioma settlement.
Mesothelioma is a very deadly cancer. There is not any cure for it at this time. Your life, however, or your loved one's life, may be prolonged a couple of years if you are able to detect it early. This cancer is caused by asbestos fibers becoming lodged in the mesothelium, which is a lining that offers protection for most of your internal organs. There are three different types of mesothelioma, that is, it primarily occurs in three different parts of your body.
Since mesothelioma could have been prevented if employers were to have taken certain steps back then, this means that they were negligent to protect their employees. Most states now have laws that allow people with mesothelioma symptoms to pursue lawsuits to recover the costs of medical expenses – or at least some of them.
In order to win your case, however, you will need to contact the top mesothelioma lawyer in New York as soon as possible. Laws pertaining to this field are rapidly changing. You want to have someone who is both experienced with mesothelioma cases, keeps on top of the mesothelioma information, and has a track record of winning many of them. This only serves to help you to win your case – since you may only have one chance to do so.
Your medical expenses for the treatment of your mesothelioma symptoms are going to be very expensive. The average cost for many mesothelioma patients is between $400,000 and $800,000. In most people's situations, however, medical treatment would be nearly impossible unless you are able to recover some money from a mesothelioma settlement. Patients are regularly filing a mesothelioma lawsuit – and winning them today.
After your mesothelioma attorney decides that there is a good possibility that you could win your case, the matter may go to court to be decided in what is referred to as a discovery process. This is not the actual lawsuit, but provides an opportunity for both sides to see what evidence there is available. After this, if the evidence appears to favor your case, procedures will be then set in place to prepare for the actual court case.
No matter what, if you hope to recover any medical costs from the treatment of your mesothelioma symptoms, you will need to contact your top mesothelioma lawyer in New York before any other steps can be taken toward your cost recovery. Why not take the time to contact the office and start your mesothelioma lawsuit today?

Talk To Your Mesothelioma Attorney About Your Settlement Options

Mesothelioma is certainly nothing that anyone could possibly want. When the mesothelioma symptoms start – it immediately becomes a serious matter. Something needs to be done immediately – and it is going to cost a bundle. It is time for you to talk to your top mesothelioma lawyer in New York to see about getting a mesothelioma settlement.
In order to get an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis, there will need to be several tests made. These generally involve scanning with X-ray, CT scans, or possibly a MRI. After mesothelioma is named as a possibility, the doctor will need to do a biopsy in order to be sure whether or not it is actually mesothelioma. From there, the doctor will need to determine the stage of the cancer – to know if and how far it may have spread inside the chest or abdominal cavity.
When someone receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is just as important that you talk to your mesothelioma attorney as it is to your doctor. The primary reason is that the treatment of mesothelioma is costly, and someone else is most likely responsible for your having been exposed to asbestos. Your attorney may be able to help you pinpoint the time and place that you were exposed to asbestos – it is possible that you may not even be aware that you were being exposed to so deadly a substance.
It has been known for many years that asbestos is harmful to humans. This fact was largely disregarded by the various industries that used it until the mid-70's. This would include the shipping industry, the automotive, the manufacturing, and the railroad industries.
It is estimated that there has been about 5,000 different products that used asbestos through the years. One good thing is that not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos will get mesothelioma. It is this carelessness of the industry that has resulted in many more people getting mesothelioma than was necessary. Many states have also given permission for the lawsuits to take place.
Although mesothelioma is still rather rare – affecting only about 1 in a million people, it was general negligence on the part of the industry that brought it about. This means that it may be possible in your case to start a mesothelioma lawsuit that would enable you to recover some of the medical expenses and payment for other related things that go along with it. In general, your mesothelioma attorney can have a consultation with you to establish how and when you may have come in contact with asbestos, or other similar fiber.
Mesothelioma is not always from asbestos, but it is in about 85% of the cases. Before mesothelioma symptoms begin to reveal themselves, as many as 30 to 50 years could have passed. This means that most people with mesothelioma symptoms would be in their later years and more vulnerable to the effects and rapid spread of the disease. If discovered early enough, the life may be extended for a couple more years. Normally, though, once the mesothelioma symptoms appear and there is a diagnosis, the individual has less than one year to live. So far, there is no known cure.
Your top mesothelioma lawyer in New York is ready to look at your case and see if there is the possibility of negligence on the part of an employer, building owner, or someone else. It may be possible to recover some of your losses if that can be proven in a court of law. A mesothelioma lawsuit will be necessary for you to get a mesothelioma settlement from the case.
It is very important for you to contact the top mesothelioma lawyer in New York because of the possible complexity of the case. The laws about mesothelioma issues are changing and you want your attorney to be ready – by having proven experience with other mesothelioma cases. Proven victories in the past is a good evidence that your mesothelioma attorney is willing to fight hard to win your case for you.
Your top mesothelioma lawyer in New York may also be helpful in relating to you some of the latest information about medical treatments that are available as well. He or she may be able to help direct you to doctors and services (or information) that will be valuable to you as you begin to fight your mesothelioma symptoms with various treatments, and, hopefully, will have a mesothelioma settlement to help you pay for the expenses.

Mesothelioma Law is Changing

Finding out that you have mesothelioma means that you should call your mesothelioma attorney in New York. Because of the cost of treating your mesothelioma symptoms, and to recover some of those costs, you should quickly contact the top mesothelioma lawyer in New York to help settle your case. Mesothelioma law is changing, and you need your attorney to be as up to date as possible to provide you with the best opportunity to get a mesothelioma settlement.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that is caused by breathing in asbestos fibers. There are also some other fibers that can produce mesothelioma, as well, but asbestos is the primary cause. These fibers enter into the body – either through the lungs, or by swallowing sputum, and then are passed into the epithelial layer that surrounds the various organs. This layer is called the mesothelium and it is made up of just a single layer of cells. The asbestos fibers pass through the stomach and lungs to this layer and then can become cancerous after many years.
It was known for many years that asbestos could cause cancer, but only recently did more research (1970's) prove it and that brought about governmental intervention on industries that widely used it. Many industries used a lot of asbestos in their products, and this would especially include the auto industry, the shipyards, manufacturing and the railroad industries.
One problem here, though, was that the mesothelioma typically took from 30 to 50 years to surface. This means that if you were exposed to asbestos that long ago, then you might begin to have problems from it now and be starting to show mesothelioma symptoms.
Asbestos remains around you in many places. In many cases, though, it is not harmful if it is left undisturbed. In fact, it is not even recommended that you test it yourself, but get an asbestos professional to do the testing for you. If asbestos is exposed where you live – in an apartment building, or on pipes, etc., then you should also immediately contact a professional and have it checked and sealed – if necessary. You may also want to take pictures to present later if any evidence might be needed.
Your top mesothelioma attorney in New York can help you to discover if your mesothelioma has a cause from asbestos. He or she is very familiar with the products and industries that regularly used asbestos. When a lawsuit is filed with your top mesothelioma attorney in New York, it will be necessary to show a connection proving that you were actually exposed to it.
A mesothelioma diagnosis, unfortunately, means that you will have to come up with a lot of money to cover your medical expenses. The truth is that the lifetime of someone with mesothelioma is about a year – unless the doctors prescribe a very aggressive attack on it with chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Regardless, in most situations you will not be able to afford the treatments needed.
A mesothelioma lawsuit, guided by your mesothelioma attorney in New York, will be needed to help you to recover some of your expenses because of it. If you had a loved one that has already passed away due to mesothelioma, then you also may be able to recover some of your expenses, as well. Your top mesothelioma attorney in New York will be glad to provide you with a consultation and then help you with a mesothelioma settlement to recover expenses of those who helped financially.
Since asbestos fibers can stay in the human body for a long time before any mesothelioma symptoms may be experienced, it is important that you have a physical as soon as possible if you start to experience problems that may be related. If there should be a mesothelioma diagnosis, then you should contact your mesothelioma attorney quickly to see what legal options are available to you.
Mesothelioma is not always caused by asbestos, but most of it is – about 80% and possibly more. It also seems to be that the smaller the fibers are, the greater the likelihood of mesothelioma to develop. Receiving a mesothelioma settlement in time to help recover some of your medical expenses, means that you need to talk to your top mesothelioma attorney in New York quickly. Current estimates are that the medical expenses typically run between $400,000 and $800,000 for the costs of medicine, oxygen, and more. Talk to your mesothelioma attorney today to see what can be done to help you.

The Second Most Common Form of Mesothelioma: Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly disease which in most cases is preventable. It is precisely this preventability that has raised the visibility of this disease. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is a good idea to acquire the assistance of a mesothelioma lawyer or attorney to discuss the feasibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit as you may be eligible to receive a mesothelioma settlement. Also, if someone you know has mesothelioma or has died of the disease, talk with them or their family and recommend that they follow-up with a mesothelioma lawyer.
Within the family of asbestos related diseases called mesothelioma, there is a particular form of cancer which attacks the abdominal lining known as peritoneal mesothelioma. The cause of peritoneal mesothelioma has been identified as exposure to asbestos and asbestos products. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneal and because of this, when an individual is diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, they may also have medical issues related to other organs surrounding the abdomen as well.
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the body's ability to protect the organs in this region by compromising the ability to keep the organs lubricated which enables them shift around and function appropriately. If you research peritoneal mesothelioma, you will discover that it can also be described as diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma. When you hear this term it simply means that the cancer has left the peritoneal lining of the abdomen and has affected other organs nearby. Peritoneal mesothelioma is credited to be the cause of almost ten percent of all mesothelioma cases and, because of this, it ranks second as the most common form of asbestos related mesothelioma.
The most common form is called pleural mesothelioma.
The greatest problem with any form of mesothelioma is that it is infamous for having a long incubation or latency. During this period it is in the body growing unbeknownst to the individual and not affecting health and functioning.
More often than not, peritoneal mesothelioma cells lie dormant for years before they become active and create obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear it regrettably indicates that the disease has advanced to a late stage. In most cases the delay in the appearance of symptoms and subsequent diagnosis of the disease adversely affects the prospects for the individual.
One reason for the late diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been given to the fact that the first or earliest symptoms of the disease are so similar to other less traumatic diseases and ailments that an individual spends a great deal of time being treated for the wrong ailment. It is a general approach for all medical situations to rule out the less virulent causes of an illness before jumping to the conclusion that a more serious situation is present.
So a physician most likely will take the approach to rule out more common reasons for symptoms and only when these don't pan out will he begin considering more serious roots for the illness. When this stage of diagnosing is reached, a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma will be considered.
Mesothelioma is rare, even though it may not feel that way if you or a loved one has been stricken by it. It is exactly this rareness that makes it a diagnosis made by ruling our more common potential illnesses. If the physician takes a comprehensive medical history and discovers an individual has worked in an occupation where they have likely been around or exposed to asbestos or related products, he will know to investigate meosthelioma as a potential cause of the illness. If an individual is aware that they have worked around asbestos, it is a good idea to bring this information up with a physician as soon as there is an illness where the cause is not known.
It is well known that all cancers, as well as other illnesses, present with a variety of symptoms that may be peculiar to that disease and/or to many other diseases. Generally speaking, though someone suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma will complain of abdominal pain, they will become frail or weak, have a loss in weight, be nauseated and vomit, have a loss of appetite, exhibit swelling of the abdomen and may have an obstruction in the bowel.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma spreads to adjoining organs, symptoms other than abdominal may be exhibited such as difficulty breathing and extreme pain.
Contact a mesothelioma attorney if you have mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma: Available Treatments

Treatment of malignant mesothelioma can be very difficult for a wide variety of reasons. First and foremost, mesothelioma can be difficult to correctly diagnose and may not show up in a patient for decades. This can create problems for treatment because with mesothelioma, as with all cancers, treatment is more difficult the longer the disease has been allowed to progress. In addition to the difficulties created by delayed treatment of mesothelioma, the disease often does not respond to traditional cancer treatments, further complicating treatment. Also, the organs that are involved in mesothelioma cannot be partially or wholly removed usually, which means that surgical options can be extremely limited. Lastly, the fact that the majority of mesothelioma patients are men of advanced age, usually over 50, means that some more radical treatment approaches cannot be used because of declining health due to old age.

Altogether, this can mean that even mesothelioma patients that have been recently diagnosed can be given a fairly negative prognosis from their doctos. Statistics are hard to come by, but British scientists suggest that 10% of newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients will live for at least three more years; Only 5% will live five years or longer. For patients in the first stage, 50% live for at least two more years. However doctors can be mistaken, and a diagnosis of mesothelioma is in no way always tantamount to a death sentence. In one famous case, scientist Stephen Jay Gould survived with peritoneal mesothelioma for almost twenty years. Eventually, he died from another kind of cancer.

There are four stages of malignant mesothelioma, which measure how far the disease has progressed. How a patient's mesothelioma is treated depends largely on which stage he or she is in when the disease is found.

* Stage I: Localized mesothelioma that exists only in the lungs, the diaphragm or the pericardial lining.

* Stage II: Advanced mesothelioma that has spread into the lymph nodes of the chest.

* Stage III: Advanced mesotheioma that has spread into the wall of the chest, the center of the chest, the lining of the heart and the diaphragm. Stage III malignant mesothelioma may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes.

* Stage IV: Advanced mesothelioma that has spread far from the chest and abdomen into other organs.

Surgery

Patients with Stage I or milder Stage II mesothelioma are generally offered one or more of the conventional cancer treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. For early-stage patients, surgery for mesothelioma aims to cure the disease by literally cutting the cancer out of the patient's body. The most common type of surgery for pleural mesothelioma is a pleurectomy/decortication, which is where doctors remove all or part of the tissues lining the lungs and chest cavity. If doctors find that they can't remove the cancer without removing the lung underneath those tissues, they may remove one lung as well; this is called a pneumonectomy. A more radical type of surgery for pleural mesothelioma is called an extrapleural pneunonectomy (EPP). In the case of an EPP, surgeons will remove parts of one lung, the pleura, the diaphragm, and the lining of the heart. These are quite dangerous and difficult types of surgery, which will not be recommended lightly by doctors or surgeons.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma — the kind that affects the abdomen — may be offered cytoredutive surgery. In this surgery, doctors are trying to remove all of the cancerous tissue they can find in the abdomen and gut. Doctors may also opt for a peritonectomy, in which the entire lining of the abdomen is removed. Again, this is not an easy surgery and may not be possible for everyone, but it has been successful in some patients. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma are not generally offered surgery.

Radiation and Chemotherapy

In addition to or instead of surgery, doctors may offer an early-stage mesothelioma patient chemotherapy, radiation or both. Radiation and chemotherapy are designed to kill the cancer cells without killing the patient. Unfortuantely, in order to kill the cancerous cells, these treatments often kill healthy cells as well. This is why cancer patients often lose their hair, have trouble eating and feel generally weak and sick during treatment. Doctors who prescribe chemotherapy or radiation may also suggest dietary supplements or other measures to control these symptoms.

Chemotherapy is any treatment where patients are given chemical medication specifically designed to attack the cancer cells as the undergo cell division. The drug is swallowed or injected into the bloodstream regularly over a period of weeks or months, in cycles that give a patient some recovery time in between treatments. A patient could stay at home, only requiring visits to a doctor's office for treatments; sometimes, they can even have the treatments at home. In some cases, doctors may choose to apply chemotherapy drugs directly to the cancerous tissue; this requires surgery, so patients must check into a hospital. There are many different kinds of chemotherapy drugs, and scientists are trying to develop better ones every day.

Radiation therapy seeks to kill the cancer cells with high-energy rays of radiation, such as x-rays, that stop them from growing. With external-beam radiation, patients will be subjected to directed rays of radiation directed as specific parts of the body affected by cancer. This treatment lasts about 30 minutes a day and is given in the exact same way each day over a period of weeks. In internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), doctors put a container of radioactive material next to the cancerous tissue, using surgery or an existing body cavity. Some will be left in the body; others will be removed and replaced. Lastly, radiopharmaceuticals are sometimes used to administer radiation treatments, with the drugs being either injected, inserted into a body cavity or swallowed.

Getting Organized When Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer or another major illness can be overwhelming.  You may be experiencing sadness, anger, confusion, and many other emotions.  One way to decrease some of your burden is to get organized and put your affairs in order.  I advise my clients and their loved ones to find a system that works for them and ask for help to get the project done.  Your system should allow you and your caregivers to more easily navigate your medical, financial, and legal needs.

Steps to help you and those close to you to get organized:

1. Store all of your important information in one place.  Get a file cabinet or filing system and get a notebook.  Keep all your documents filed.  Use the notebook to keep track of medical, financial, and legal information you may need on the go.
2. Tell someone you trust where all your information is kept.  You never know when someone else may need to step in to assist you or access your information. 
3. Arrange for someone to take over for you if needed in the future.  Complete necessary steps for someone to take over medical, financial, and legal issues if you are unable to do so.  This may include advance directives for healthcare and durable power of attorney for other decisions.

Types of information to gather:
Personal

• Social security number
• Legal residence
• Names and addresses of spouse and children
• Family records (birth and death certificates, certificates of marriage, divorce, citizenship, and adoption)
• Education records
• Military records (or dd-214) if you have them
• Employers and dates of employment
• Union records
• Co-workers names and contact information (it might be helpful to look through Christmas card lists)
• If self-employed any old invoices, receipts, records, etc.
• Names and phone numbers of relatives and close friends

Medical

• List of medical providers names and contact information
• List of current medications and treatments
• Medical records (regarding the cancer)
• Death certificate (if the mesothelioma or lung cancer victim is deceased)
• Pathology report
• Copy of advance directives or durable power of attorney for health care

Financial

• Sources of income and assets (retirement funds, IRAs, 401(k)s, interest, etc.)
• Social Security and Medicare information
• Insurance information (life, health, long-term care, home, car) with policy numbers and agent names and phone numbers
• Banks and account information (checking, savings, credit union)
• Investment income (stocks, bonds, property) and stockbrokers' names and contact information
• Copy of your most recent tax return
• Mortgages and debt (including how and when to be paid)
• Location of original deed of trust for home, car title, and registration
• Location of safe deposit box and key (if applicable)

Legal

• Will, Power of Attorney, Trust or and other legal documents
•  Any records from any other attorney they may have worked with regarding their asbestos exposure

Distribution plan for miRview meso test (Mesothelioma diagnosis test)

Rosetta Genomics (the developer of the test) and Warnex Medical Laboratories (a life science company that provides services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries) announced an exclusive distribution agreement for Rosetta's diagnostic tests.  One of these tests is the miRview meso test which uses microRNA molecular technology to differentiate mesothelioma from other cancers in the lung.  The use of this new test could mean more accurate diagnosis and more efficient  treatment options for mesothelioma patients.

As a provider, I find myself hopeful when reading about new research and diagnostic tools for mesothelioma and other cancers.  I feel we are getting closer to better diagnostic tools, more effective treatments, higher quality of life, and my clients living longer.  I look forward to hearing more about this new test and the implications for the mesothelioma community.

What Not to Say to Someone With Mesothelioma or Lung Cancer

When a loved one or a friend is diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other type of cancer, you may have a difficult time finding the right thing to say.  You may have good intentions of being sympathetic and supportive, but sometimes our words can have the opposite affect.  Researchers have found that our well meaning statements sometimes cause our loved one to shut down and at times feel worse.
Below are the six common sayings to avoid and some suggestions for what to say instead.  Adapted from Psychiatrist Jeffrey Knajdl, director of psycho-oncology services at Creighton University (Omaha, Nebraska):

1.  Avoid saying:  "Everything is going to be all right."  – instead try:  "I'll be here with you and we'll make it through this together."
2.  Avoid:  "I know how you feel." – try:  "How are your mood and spirits holding up through this?"
3.  Avoid:  "Try to keep a positive attitude, relax, and avoid stress.  It can help you heal." – try:  Asking what you can do specifically to help your loved one.  If they are worried about finances, help them get their finances organized.
4.  Avoid:  "We can beat this." – try:  Reminding your loved one that you are there to care for, support, and make them as comfortable as possible during treatment.
5.  Avoid:  "Now, now, don't get yourself all worked up." - try:  Offering the comfort of your presence or a hug.
6.  "Congratulations, you're done with chemo (or radiation)." – try:  Giving the person a chance to express how they are feeling by asking open ended questions.

Remember you don't always have to know the right thing to say.  When you don't know what to say it's okay to show your support in silence.  I've had clients tell me it's okay to actually say "I don't know what to say, but I love you and support you. "  Our job as a loved one and a caregiver is to listen and let the patient tell us how best to support them.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Mesothelioma

When you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or any other serious illness, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure.  Often clients can decrease some of this stress by becoming actively involved in their medical care.  By asking questions and learning about your new diagnosis, you may feel  more in control of your treatment options.  Below I have listed ten questions you may find helpful when talking to your medical providers.
I also suggest keeping a notebook or journal for all your medical information.  You can write down the contact information for each of your medical providers, information about tests you have received and the results, medications and side effects, and any symptoms you may be experiencing.  Having all this information in one place will help you and your caregivers when visiting your healthcare provider.  The notebook may also be a place you can write down questions between appointments, so that you remember to ask when you are in the office.

10 Questions You May Want to Ask Your Doctor (when first diagnosed with mesothelioma)
1.  What type of mesothelioma do I have?
2.  What is the stage of my mesothelioma and what does that mean to me?
3.  What are my treatment options?
4.  What treatment options do you recommend and why?
5.  Where will I receive my treatment?
6.  What are the risks of the treatments you suggest?  What are the benefits?
7.  What kind of side effects may I experience from my mesothelioma treatment?  How may they affect my daily life?
8.  What can I do to prepare for mesothelioma treatment?
9.  Should I consider participating in a clinical trial?  Where do I find information about current clinical trials?
10.  What can I expect based on my diagnosis and your experience with mesothelioma?

You may want to add additional questions to this list and to continue to ask questions as your treatment progresses.  Remember that visits to the doctor are often brief and it has helped my clients to be prepared.  You may also find it helpful to bring a loved one or friend with you to your appointments (both for support and to help understand all this new information).

Mesothelioma, a Cancer You Shouldn’t Have Had to Deal With

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. This disease attacks the protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs and in almost all cases is fatal, although new treatments for cancer are always underdevelopment giving us hope we may live cancer free sometime in the future.
You can avoid mesothelioma by not exposing yourself to asbestos. Typically a worker was exposed to asbestos on their job. In the past asbestos was widely used in the large industrial manufacturing industry, the automotive industry and the heating and ventilating industry. Typical exposure is from inhaling asbestos dust a by product of manufacturing. When the worker goes home, their family experiences secondary exposure to the asbestos dust on their clothing.
In residential construction during 1960's and 1970's, asbestos was commonly use to seal leaks and seams on heating ducts in residential houses and in other heating and ventilation systems. Exposure to asbestos dust comes when the asbestos seal begins to breakdown and gives off the deadly asbestos dust particles. So, if you are buying an older home, be certain to have it inspected for asbestos. If found, asbestos can be removed or sealed with a protective cover to prevent exposure to humans.
Detection of mesothelioma and drawing the connection between work-related hazards wasn't always realized. It has only come to light recently that large corporations were negligent in exposing their workers to asbestos dust. This is due to the fact that it takes some time for the cancer to form. Most families were so consumed with helping their loved ones; they failed to realize the cancer they were battling was actually caused by the working conditions of a loved one.
If an individual was exposed to asbestos during their working career then the corporation employing them is at fault and is responsible for the damages resulting from the asbestos caused mesothelioma. Individuals and families battling mesothelioma and facing the loss of a loved one need realize and understand their legal rights.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma then you need to consult with a mesothelioma lawyer to understand your legal rights. This type of lawyer is experienced with asbestos related cases and taking on the large corporations and winning. Typically, a mesothelioma lawyer will review your case at little or no charge to evaluate if you have a case. If it is determined you do they will handle the lawsuit for damages from the corporation responsible.
It is a shame to think your life or a loved ones life is cut short due to the negligence of a corporation not controlling the exposure to asbestos. You may be uncomfortable with a lawsuit, but it is your legal right to seek adequate compensation for your life or a loved ones being cut short and the resulting impact of not being able to provide for the family any longer.
Asbestos caused mesothelioma is a preventable disease and it's sad to think an employee who works hard for a corporation is actually killed slowly by the exposure to asbestos. If you're dealing with mesothelioma in your life, seek the help of a mesothelioma lawyer to ensure your financial future peace of mind while you and your family deal with the loss of a loved one.

Finding the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a serious form of rare cancer. There is no known cure for mesothelioma cancer. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer you will no doubt have many questions and concerns and may have wondered if you need a mesothelioma attorney.
Although the number of people being newly exposed to the risk of mesothelioma cancer is now at a minimum, newly diagnosed cases of the disease are set to rise dramatically in the coming decades. This is due to the fact that symptoms can take 30 to 50 years to develop. Sufferers only become aware of symptoms once the mesothelioma cancer has reached an advanced stage, which is why the disease is so difficult to treat and has such a low survival rate once diagnosed. The has caused an increase in the need for a mesothelioma attorney in some parts of the country.
The average mesothelioma latency period is approximately 35 40 years. Occupational exposure to asbestos over the past fifty years in the United States is calculated to have occurred in approximately eight million people causing many to look for a mesothelioma attorney to handle their case.
Mesothelioma is the most lucrative type of asbestos claim. Such suits typically are settled out of court for about $3 million each, according to plaintiff and mesothelioma attorneys.
The current trend indicates that getting a Mesothelioma attorney may not be such a bad idea if you you have mesothelioma cancer.
To deal with Mesothelioma litigation, one needs a good Mesothelioma Attorney or Lawyer who can also help you determine the appropriate level of compensation. A majority of Mesothelioma Attorneys and Lawyers offer free consultations. You can have information regarding other avenues of support from them. But you ought to seek the information regarding personal injury and illegal death litigation.
You need to find a good Mesothelioma Attorney, or Lawyer to win your case against personal injury or wrongful death, as a result of Mesothelioma Cancer. Many times even the patients are unaware of their disease. So they discover it in later stage and then to seek legal help along with doctor's advice becomes essential.
What is the cause of Mesothelioma Cancer? It is mainly caused through exposure to an Asbestos related substance generally in business concerns where Asbestos related products are manufactured. Mesothelioma Attorney or Lawyer will make you aware of the types of evidence and documentation that might be required in order to pursue litigation. They themselves take care of all the paper work and communication that needs to be done.
Why do a majority of Mesothelioma Attorneys or Lawyers win their cases? It is because they are honest, reliable and considerate about helping people with Mesothelioma Cancer. Also their skills and qualification, most important education on the subject leads them win their cases.
As the Constitution of every country grants the right to be well informed, it becomes important that everyone knows their rights in relation to injury and unlawful death and take up sufficient measures to guarantee that others are not troubled by comparable incidents.
If any one of you has been exposed to Asbestos and has the following symptoms: shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain, fever, or other related immune deficiency illnesses, contact your doctor and then immediately your nearest Mesothelioma Attorney (Lawyer).
Make you life meaningful by helping others.
If I can stop one heart from breaking,
I shall not live in vain.
If I can ease one life the aching,
Or cool one pain,
Or help one fainting robin
Unto his nest again,
I shall not live in vain.
-Emily Dickinson