Sunday, October 16, 2011

Test May Detect Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma was recorded has increased worldwide. Like many cancers, early detection is the key to survival and a better quality of life for patients. Now, a group of Japanese researchers pave the way for laboratory tests can help doctors identify the disease - and begin aggressive treatment - previously.

Writing in the journal, Modern Pathology, the researchers explain how a protein called CD146 can serve as a biomarker for mesothelioma. protein has been shown to be present in patients with advanced malignant melanoma, prostate cancer and ovarian cancer. Now, for the first time, researchers also identified the presence in the lung fluid of mesothelioma patients.

The research team tested the lung fluid of 51 patients, 23 had malignant mesothelioma and 28 had benign lung condition called reactive mesothelium. Although the patients experienced the same symptoms and all had fluid build-up, only patients with malignant mesothelioma presence of CD146 positive. The researchers reported that the protein was undetectable in all cases of reactive mesothelium. They can use CD146 to identify and confirm 90 percent of patients with malignant mesothelioma.

Caused exclusively by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms, which can include shortness of breath and cough, can mimic other diseases and even CT scans are often not definitive. As a result, some cases of mesothelioma are not identified until the disease is in advanced stage and treatment options are limited. Japanese researchers wrote "We propose that CD146 is a sensitive and specific immunocytochemical marker allowing differential diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma from reactive mesothelium."

According to the World Health Organization Read More

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Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma - 5 Important Facts Should Know About Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of mesothelioma which attacks the lining of abdomen also known as peritoneum. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a universally fatal disease affecting 20% to 30% of the mesothelioma cases. It's was first described by Miller and Wynn in the year 1908. According to the statistics, in the past two decades, the incidence of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma cancer has increased.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen also known as peritoneum. The location of malignant cell is human's abdominal lining and because of that, MPM can sometimes known as abdominal mesothelioma. However, most common term used to describe this type of cancer is peritoneal mesothelioma.

The main cause of MPM in humans is asbestos. Asbestos typically is the one of most commonly roofing materials since it is not only cheaper but is easy to fix on a roof. Asbestos exposure contributed to almost 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma lung cancer. Humans come into contact with asbestos when they swallow or inhale the fibers. Asbestos inhalation may increase risk to develop asbestos related diseases, most importantly mesothelioma.

Asbestos was completely banned in UK since it was recognized to be a serious health hazard, and it is now responsible for about 4000 deaths each year and many cases of serious disease. The people at increase risk of developing health asbestos related disease are those whose work brings them into direct contact with asbestos such as builders, heating engineers, roofers and demolition workers. In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure will increase the risk of other health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis (chronic lung ailment) and other type of cancer such as larynx and kidney cancer.

Symptoms of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

It can takes such a long time for cancer to develop the symptoms and sometimes may take up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease. Most common symptoms of the disease are abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, abnormal weight loss, anemia, easy fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Abdominal pain and swelling result from fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. Other than that, people can easily get fever when the disease starts to shows its symptoms. Among the symptoms stated above, abdominal pain is the most common reported initial symptoms of MPM.

Unexplained night sweats and blood coagulation problems are less frequent symptoms occurring when the cancer develops. If the cancer cells spread to the other part of the body, the symptoms may lead to trouble swallowing or swelling of the neck and face.

Diagnosis of Abdominal Mesothelioma

It is very difficult to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma since there is no defined system so far that can differentiate the stages of the development of cancerous tumor cells. If required, TNM staging system normally used to detect the cancer in stages. Other than that, Serum mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) may be a potentially useful serum marker used to diagnose and to follow-up the cancer progression. Computer tomography (CT) findings may be a useful tool in detection and characterization of peritoneal mass.

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a deadly neoplasm. MPM's diagnosis is difficult to perform since the symptoms will take a long time to show up. Early detection is the key in peritoneal mesothelioma treatment since the cancer cell normally spread very fast.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can be regarded as a very dangerous cancer among other cancer.However we can prevent this problems from occur to you and your family. As i said before, early detection is the key of peritoneal mesothelioma treatment success since the cancer cell spread very fast. Get your free update's information about mesothelioma especially mesothelioma treatment by click > mesothelioma

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What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) in nature. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, hence mesothelioma. What is the mesothelium?

The mesothelium is a type of tissue lined with special cells referred to as mesothelial cells. The mesothelial cells typically line the abdominal cavity, heart cavity, chest cavity, and the outer surface of most internal organs. Each cavity has a specific name for the mesothelial covered cavity which is:

Peritoneum: abdominal cavity
Pleura: chest cavity
Pericardium: heart cavity

The mesothelium has a specific purpose in the body. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that allows easy movement of the organs. The pleural mesothelium for example, allows the lungs to move easily with each breath that is taken. Without this, breathing would be a difficult and possibly painful process.
Many refer to malignant mesothelioma as simply, mesothelioma. There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma ranked from less likely to more commonly seen:

Sarcomatoid
Mixed/Biphasic
Epithelioid

Malignant mesothelioma more commonly begins in the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma). Approximately 10-20% of the cases of malignant mesothelioma will begin in the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Malignant mesothelioma rarely begins in the cavity surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
Malignant Mesothelioma Statistics:

Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer estimated to affect 2,000-3,000 newly diagnosed cases annually in the U.S. The United States reported an increased rate of mesothelioma from 1970 to 1990, which has currently stabilized and possibly decreased. However, European countries continue to see an increase in the rate of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is commonly seen in the ages 65 years and older but increases with age. Mesothelioma is 5 times more likely to affect men than women. Mesothelioma is more common in the Caucasian nationality than African American.

Mesothelioma is a very serious cancer. Symptoms commonly do not appear early which causes mesothelioma to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. For this reason, mesothelioma has a low survival rate that is about 1-2 years. However, cancer research is slowly changing this statistic. Learn more about what risk factors predispose you to mesothelioma.

Kristy is a mother and experienced nurse. She has a Bachelor in Biology and Chemistry and writes to inform individuals interested in health information.

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Reducing Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery or a combination of the three is used in the treatment of mesothelioma. The survival ratio can only be ascertained after diagnosis (up to 5 to 10 years) and implementation of varied treatment some of which are yet undergoing clinical trials. The membrane lining of the abdomen, lungs and the heart gets affected by the cancer referred to as malignant mesothelioma, triggered by exposure to asbestos.

The condition is caused almost always due to the ingestion or inhalation of asbestos. The disease takes approximately 30 to 40 years to manifest initial signs and symptoms, from the time of initial ingestion or inhalation. This is one of the reasons why mesothelioma is mostly seen in older people. This is one of the most painful, fatal and aggressive type of cancers, even though it is not very common, and efforts are being made to improve mesothelioma life expectancy.

Types of malignant mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma are the three types of cancers triggered by asbestos exposure. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the tissues surrounding the lungs and is the most common form of this cancer. Perinoteal mesothelioma occurs in the tissues surrounding the abdomen, while pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form, occurring in the tissue that surrounds the heart.

Malignant mesothelioma treatment

The type of treatment is decided by the surgeon, which again depends on the extent of spread of the cancer, its location, as well as the age and health of the patient. In most cases, the condition only manifests fully by the time it is too late for a complete cure. Even after diagnosis the patient does not survive for more than a year or a year and a half. To improve mesothelioma life expectancy, and to slow down the spread of cancer further, the surgeon always focuses on different ways to remove the cancer cells.

To improve mesothelioma life expectancy, there are a number of treatments available, some of them undergoing clinical trials currently. You can decide on the type of treatment after considering the new medical techniques at work as well as all the factors surrounding the case. A full treatment option or rather a guaranteed one is not possible even if the latest lab experiments are applied. However, patients could live longer if they are able to participate in the clinical trials and at the same time allow the surgeons to understand the disease better. In this way, in the near future, a total cure for Malignant Mesothelioma can be found.

Symptoms and cure:

Depending on the symptoms, the type of mesothelioma can be identified. Excess fluid surrounds the lungs, and due to lung compression there is difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath which worsens as the cancer keeps spreading. There is also incidence of severe to mild pain in the chest, weight loss which is sudden and unexplained, and fatigue. Depending on what stage the cancer is diagnosed and the type of mesothelioma, the treatment depends on the call of the doctor. Surgery is most common, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

As far as the treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma is concerned, currently there are three treatments, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery to increase the otherwise petty grim Mesothelioma Life Expectancy.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms: An Overview

Malignant mesotheliomas are rare cancers that form in the tissues lining the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum) or heart (pericardium). Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is the most common, accounting for about 75 percent of all malignant mesotheliomas. Between ten and twenty percent of all malignant mesotheliomas are peritoneal mesotheliomas. Pericardial mesotheliomas are extremely rare. A history of exposure to asbestos is found in most individuals with mesothelioma. The time from exposure to onset of cancer may be as long as thirty years; this is why most people with malignant mesothelioma are between 50 and 70 years old.

Many symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are non-specific, and are also seen in a number of other chest and abdominal conditions. This, combined with the lack of an accurate history of asbestos exposure in some patients, may considerably delay diagnosis. The majority of people with mesothelioma only have symptoms during the two to three months before they are diagnosed. About one quarter of all people with malignant mesothelioma have symptoms for about six months before diagnosis.

Once symptoms are present, they may depend on the location of the primary cancer. In general, symptoms become more pronounced with more advanced disease. With pleural mesothelioma, common symptoms are difficulty breathing, cough, pain in the chest or under the ribcage, coughing up blood, hoarseness, and the collection of fluid or pleural effusion in the pleural cavity. The face and arms may swell up. Many of these symptoms and signs are also seen with lung cancer.

With peritoneal mesothelioma, symptoms may include a lump or swelling in the abdomen, abdominal pain, fluid in the abdomen, constipation due to bowel obstruction, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma may experience chest pain, breathlessness and palpitations. Some symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are common to many cancers. These include unexplained weight loss, fever and fatigue.

Mesothelioma Symptoms provides detailed information on Advanced Mesothelioma Symptoms, Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Introduction, Mesothelioma Stomach Symptoms and more. Mesothelioma Symptoms is affiliated with Pleural Mesothelioma Information [http://www.e-MesotheliomaInformation.com].

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Mesothelioma Clinical Trials: Best To Know These Things

Clinical trials are generally bio-medic research studies in humans that strictly follow a pre-defined protocol. It is a process that all potential treatment alternatives and medicines go through before they are considered safe or effective for the general population.

People who participate in these trials are most often than not patients who have invasive and treatment-resistant diseases. Most of these patients see it as their last hope for a cure.

There are three stages.

Phase I is for determining the correct dosage and safety of a particular drug. This phase is not to test the efficacy of the drug, but more the safety. This phase is normally tested in a small group of people; usually 20-80 persons for the first time.

Phase II is for determining if the new drug actually works against a particular health problem. This stage further evaluates the optimum dosage and confirms the results of Phase I trials. Phase II gives tests to a larger group of people; around 100-300 persons.

Phase III is the final phase of a clinical trial before the new drug is approved for treating a disease. In this stage, the new drug is compared against the current standard treatment for a particular illness. Different doses and drug combinations are also tested in this stage. Up to 3,000 people are participative in the last phase.
A fourth stage is used nowadays for post-marketing studies. This phase determines if a drug or treatment is safe over time, and is done only after all three previous phases were approved by the FDA.

Doctors conduct clinical trials before any new treatment is recommended to patients. Since mesothelioma is one of the most devastating diseases, participation in such trials has become an important option for many malignant mesothelioma patients.

There are clinical trial reports on mesothelioma and all were aimed to raise hope for patients suffering from this disease.

Phase III Vorinostat (SAHA) trial is conducted for progressive malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. In this trial, doctors use Vorinostat, a chemotherapy drug, to kill cancerous cells, stop their division, and block enzymes that cells need in order to grow and multiply.
Phase II Pemetrexed Disodium with Gemcitabine or Carboplatin advanced malignant mesothelioma patients is a study conducted to examine the effects of chemotherapy drugs such as Gemcitabine, Pemetrexed Disodium, and Carboplatin on advanced and recurrent malignant mesothelioma.
Phase II AZD2171 is a study for patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma. Here, doctors investigate the use of chemotherapy drugs to inhibit enzymes which slow the growth and block blood flow into the tumor. This study aims to help victims suffering from sarcotamous, advanced, epithelial, and recurrent malignant mesothelioma.

The individuals who participate in extensive clinical trials are brave individuals who wish to take a more active role in helping mesothelioma patients. These individuals greatly contribute to a more thorough understanding of this disease and help further medical science's options in treating mesothelioma.

For all other information on Mesothelioma treatments, visit Mesothelioma Treatments Online [http://www.MESOTHELIOMATREATMENTSONLINE.COM].

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Mesothelioma - Unintentional Company Mistake Or Preventable Failure to Protect Workers?

In earlier years, many victims of mesothelioma asbestos cancer believed their illness could not have been prevented. Companies described ignorance of the dangers of asbestos, and little or no knowledge that employees were at risk for malignant mesothelioma if they were exposed to asbestos dust. Because of this common perception, many workers injured by mesothelioma did not seek legal compensation, and instead struggled on their own with asbestos cancer.

However, today it is clear that many cases of malignant mesothelioma could have been prevented. More importantly, companies knew that asbestos could potentially cause malignant mesothelioma, and they also knew what steps to take for worker protection. Instead, these companies claimed ignorance and left workers open to the dangers of asbestos cancer.

The Danger Of Asbestos

Asbestos was introduced in the 1890s. The fibers were mined and then shipped for processing, where they were milled into a fine dust. This dust was then added to numerous compounds, ending up in insulation, fireproofing, cement, floor tiles, joint compounds, and much more. Employees were regularly put at risk whenever working with these materials. The fibers of asbestos themselves were dangerous, but also had a very high tendency to become airborne. The slightest disturbance could kick them into the air, and they tended to resist settling again, sometimes remaining aloft for weeks.

When airborne, the asbestos particles were breathed in by the workers who were laboring around them. The fibers, breathed in like this, became a direct cause of asbestos cancer and many other terrible diseases. Even worse, the danger wasn't limited to those working directly with asbestos. Anyone in the vicinity of a site using the material, or on a vessel transporting the material, or cleaning up a site where the material had been used would be at risk for malignant mesothelioma as well.

What Is Malignant Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is one of the most common and most tragic results of this type of asbestos exposure. It is a cancer of the mesothelium, the lining around most organs of the body, including the heart, lungs, and stomach. When the mesothelium is afflicted with cancer, it is invaded by tumors. This may mean one large tumor, but frequently it means many smaller tumors. These masses stop the mesothelium from functioning properly and are very painful.

Mesothelioma most commonly arises in the pleura, the mesothelial lining outside of the lungs. The majority of other cases appear in the peritoneum, the lining outside of the stomach. It is important to note that asbestos cancer isn't lung cancer or stomach cancer, although the tumors can easily metastasize, spreading into the lungs and stomach.

How Companies Put Workers At Risk

You may just be learning about the dangers of asbestos exposure, but your company may have known about them as early as the 1920s. Yet despite this knowledge, manufacturers and vendors of asbestos products failed to issue warnings about asbestos cancer until as late as the 1970s. Some companies never provided warnings at all, even as the link between asbestos cancer and asbestos became clear.

Because of the lack of warning, many people are now realizing that companies can be held accountable for the reckless practices that resulted in malignant mesothelioma. Hardworking employees just doing their jobs ended up in danger from exposure through no fault of their own, yet their companies offered no information or protection. Even more tragically, family members were often exposed to asbestos carried home on the clothing of loved ones working with deadly substance. The amount of particles required to cause asbestos cancer is small, and many victims became sick just because of the particles on the clothes of their father, mother, brother, sister, husband, or wife.

How Workers Can Fight Back

If you have been diagnosed with asbestos cancer, you may have a right to legal action against the company that exposed you. Your best course of action is to find an experienced attorney who will take the time to review your case and perform the detailed investigation that is sometimes necessary to determine the origin of your exposure.

With the right attorney at your side, you can make sure the company that failed to protect you is held accountable for its actions. You can be compensated for their deficient warnings, helping you and your family in your battle with asbestos cancer.

Joe Belluck is a founder of Belluck & Fox, LLP, a leading mesothelioma law firm. He has worked on hundreds of asbestos cancer lawsuits, and lectures about malignant mesothelioma.

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Mesothelioma Is a Ticking Time Bomb

A terrible but true fact about malignant mesothelioma - one of the deadliest cancers - is that it takes so long to develop. Medical studies have shown that this tragic situation is one of the reasons that that this cancer is practically untreatable.

Malignant mesothelioma is overwhelmingly caused by exposure to asbestos. Be it at a shipyard, construction site, military installation or assembly line millions of Americans and workers around the world have been exposed to the dangers of this cancer-causing material. For centuries asbestos has been widely used because of its versatility and fire-resistant qualities but beneath its commercial adaptability has been a hidden danger that has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent victims. Mesothelioma lawyers have won millions of dollars in awards and settlements on behalf of these victims in court proceedings.

Here's what happens in the majority of cases: Employees at workplaces where asbestos exposure was common usually unknowingly inhale tiny, invisible particles of asbestos. These particles work their way into the linings of vital body parts such as the heart, lungs and abdominal organs and successfully fight off the body's immune system. Over a period that can last for three to five decades these particles generate cancer cells and tumors.

This incredibly long period of development usually goes on without causing any outward symptoms as the victim ages. Then, decades later, when the cancer cells are so far advanced and the tumors so large symptoms such as chest or abdominal pains and difficulty in breathing develop. Making things more complicated, when victims do seek medical attention many physicians misdiagnose the illness and are unaware it is cancer, according to many official medical reports.

This means that when most of these victims are finally diagnosed the cancer has spread to the extent that traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are completely ineffective in eradicating the cancer. The most that modern medicine can do is to try to make these victims as comfortable as possible for the short remaining time they have to live. That is usually not a lengthy period of time. According to U.S. health officials most malignant mesothelioma victims have less than 18 months to live after they have been diagnosed with this deadly, aggressive cancer.

To learn more about facts and other mesotheloma topics please see this site malignant mesothelioma

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Malignant Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma

Majority of mesothelioma (cancerous tumor affecting mesothelial cells of organs) cases come under the classification 'pleural mesothelioma'. This is a cancer that originates in the pleura, the delicate membrane covering the lungs. Out of these, seventy five percent are diffuse malignant pleural mesethelioma. The balance is localized or benign.

Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma is, in most cases, caused by unprotected exposure to asbestos. The symptoms include shortness of breath and/or chest pain, loss of weight, cough, fatigue, swelling on the face, neck and arms, reduced appetite, and coughing up blood. There would be collection of fluid in the thoracic cavity. It may take from twenty to forty years or more after contact with asbestos for the symptoms to emerge. Because of the time lag, diagnosing is often difficult. Moreover, many doctors are not familiar with the disease.

Diagnostic procedure consists mostly of imaging with Computed Tomography (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Position Emission Tomography (PET), and laboratory tests and analysis. Thoractomy, which means making an incision through the chest wall to look into the pleura (the membrane lining the lungs and the thoracic cavity) and pleural biopsy provide conclusive evidence.

Diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma tumor is very aggressive and spreads fast. There are several methods to gauge the stage of the cancer. The most common is known as TNM. T is for the size of the tumor, N for the number of lymph nodules involved, and M for metastasis (spread of the cancer). There are basically four different stages. Correct grading helps the doctors to decide on the course of treatment. If the affliction is detected at an early stage, the chances of longer survival are better.

But generally the prognosis (response to treatment) is not good in diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma cases. Surgery during Stage I may help. If detected during the later phases of the cancer the survival rate is four months to twelve months. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy do not seem to improve the survival rate. The reality is that currently there is no effective curative treatment. Research is on to find new management methods and more effectual medicines.

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 affiliated with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers [http://www.e-peritonealmesothelioma.com].

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Why Military Veterans Are at Risk For Mesothelioma and Asbestosis

Most workers have heard of the complications that arise from exposure to asbestos. The fibrous compound was used in a myriad of applications up until the 1980s, and few companies warned employees about the dangers of exposure. But as is now widely known, exposure to asbestos can lead to malignant mesothelioma, also known as asbestos cancer.

Anyone who worked in construction, maintenance, or custodial fields when asbestos was in use could have been exposed. But new research has shown that military veterans are at a particularly high risk for malignant mesothelioma, particularly Navy seamen and technicians who worked with asbestos parts on ships. This article will examine that risk, the possible results, and how an experienced mesothelioma attorney can help with recovery of damages.

Exposure To Asbestos

Asbestos was originally used because it helped add strength to compounds. It was commonly found in a variety of construction supplies, including drywall, plaster, caulking and putty, joint compounds, insulation, and fireproofing materials. Whenever any of these construction materials were installed, handled, sanded, or removed, the asbestos fibers were knocked out into the air. The fine asbestos dust was easy to inhale, and often ended up remaining in the air even after the actual work had been performed. This allowed it to be inhaled by others who may not have been immediately involved with the project that kicked up the dust initially. Cleanup crews, inspection crews and others often inhaled the fibers accidentally without ever knowing that they were in danger.

On a ship, the danger of exposure to asbestos was even greater. The enclosed spaces made it more likely that fibers would be inhaled. In the open air, asbestos eventually dissipates even though it tends to remain airborne for quite some time. On a boat, there is limited ability for the fibers to blow away naturally. Instead, they circulate and expose more people to the harmful effects of the dust, greatly increasing the risk of asbestos cancer.

Extended Risk From Indirect Exposure

If you were in a situation where you may have worked with asbestos yourself, you should certainly get screened for asbestos cancer. But you may be at risk for malignant mesothelioma if you were in the vicinity of asbestos fibers and inhaled them unintentionally. You may even have the disease if a family member worked with asbestos; the fibers tend to cling to clothing, creating the possibility that they would dislodge at home, after the workday was over and outside the environment that caused the original contamination.

Exposure Leads To Malignant Mesothelioma

When workers inhaled the fibers, they rarely knew that the fibers could cause potentially deadly health hazards like malignant mesothelioma. However, most companies that manufactured construction products containing asbestos were aware of the fact that when it was inhaled, it could eventually lead to deadly asbestos cancer. The asbestos fibers agitate the mesothelium, which are mucus membranes that line almost every organ in the human body. Malignant mesothelioma is usually found in the mesothelium around the lungs, but it can also be found around the heart and even surrounding the stomach.

What makes asbestos cancer so dangerous is how easily it can spread throughout the body. It begins as small tumors within the mesothelium, but tends to quickly metastasize into other nearby tissues. Because most malignant mesothelioma is found around the lungs, the cancer tends to become lung cancer. Although the two are linked, asbestos cancer is not the same as lung cancer: malignant mesothelioma may spread and become lung cancer, but it always begins in the mesothelium and it is always caused by asbestos exposure.

Do You Need A Mesothelioma Attorney?

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, you should strongly consider hiring an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Although the use of asbestos was banned decades ago, asbestos cancer can take many years to manifest. In fact, many cases are going to court just recently. This rise in cases has led to specialized mesothelioma attorneys, who are familiar with the law and the science behind asbestos cancer.

No matter how advanced your disease, a mesothelioma attorney can be a very beneficial partner throughout the process. He or she will be able to guide you through the complex legal issues of proving fault, and he or she will be able to assist your family during the late stages of the disease. You need a mesothelioma attorney you can trust, but once you find the right one, you'll be able to rest assured that your rights are being defended as well as possible.

Joe Belluck is a founder of Belluck & Fox, LLP, a leading mesothelioma law firm. He has worked on hundreds of asbestos cancer lawsuits, and lectures about malignant mesothelioma.

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Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a lethal cancer that starts in the lining of the lungs. The main cause is believed to be unprotected contact with asbestos. Every year about 3000 new cases of this disease are reported in the United States. It is estimated that over the past fifty years nearly eight million people have been exposed to asbestos and that 300,000 new cases would be reported by the year 2030. The peak may be around 2020 and thereafter the incidence is likely to taper down because of the preventive measures that are being taken.

Like in all cases of cancer, early detection and appropriate treatment improve the survival rate. On both counts the pleural mesothelioma patients are at a disadvantage. Symptoms take anywhere between 20 to 50 years to manifest. Because of this, the patients are generally in the fifty plus age group. And the outwardly noticed indications of the sickness are similar to that of several lesser ailments. This makes the diagnosis difficult. Because of all these, by the time the problem is detected, the cancer is likely to have spread. As yet there is no fully effective line of treatment. It is generally accepted that a combination therapy is better than monotherapy. A great deal of research is being done in this area.

A number of studies have been made about the survival rate among pleural mesothelioma patients. They all come to the same conclusion - the disease is almost always fatal. The lifespan of a person diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is about six months to two years. There have been exceptions and their stories are inspiring. The life expectancy varies according to the stage (pleural mesothelioma has four different phases) and the type. One research based on the histologic (tissue structure)tests shows a median survival of 11 months - 9.4 months for sarcomatous, 12.5 months for epithelial and 11 months for mixed.

Several inspirational books are available for the patient to read and fortify himself. Also helpful are chat rooms with others in the same condition.

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 affiliated with Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers [http://www.e-peritonealmesothelioma.com].

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Cause of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma is rare. That is what the people in charge would have you think. If Pleural Mesothelioma is so rare, how do you think, more than 2000 to 3000 new patients are diagnosed every year?

The fact is Pleural Mesothelioma used to be a rare form of cancer which made a symptomatic appearance 30-50 years after exposure to Asbestos. You see the only way to contract Pleural Mesothelioma is by being exposed to Asbestos. Before 1980 there were no laws protecting the workers from Asbestos exposure in the workplace, however, once it was seen that people working in an environment of Asbestos exposure were being diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma 30-50 years after their exposure, laws began to change.

Just imagine you work for 30 years in an industry and when you near retirement age you or your loved one contracts Pleural Mesothelioma.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma cancer is a malignant form of cancer found in the sac lining of the abdominal cavity or around the lining of the heart. It's a fast and deadly cancer as once the symptoms develop it divides at a swift rate and complications are created within a year. The survival rate is nil and the life expectancy once the pleural Mesothelioma cancer develops is hardly two to three years, if you are lucky.

Asbestos Exposure and Pleural Mesothelioma

80% of all Mesothelioma cases are for workers in the asbestos industry. The disease is more common in men between the ages 50 and 70 and is contracted through the occupational hazard.

Most laws emerged but as yet, fail to give complete protection to the workers in the Asbestos industry. People working in shipyards, mines, insulation factories etc are still as viable to get pleural Mesothelioma as they were decades ago. Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma causes death. The fault lies with your employer.

MesotheliomaResourceOnline.com presents information that will help you understand the disease; its causes, effects and how you can best cope with it. If you need further assistance or have some questions on what you have seen so far, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Action You May Take

Money is not everything. But if you or your loved one have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of Asbestos exposure, consider legal action as you may be entitled to MONETARY COMPENSATION.

Mesothelioma Resource Online holds highly researched information and articles on the leading causes and cures on Mesothelioma. During the course of on going re-search and analysis we have developed an extensive Data Base regarding Mesothelioma types, causes, cancer images and legal issues.

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Mesothelioma Life Expectancy - Beating the Silent Killer

Asbestos exposes the human body to a silent killer - malignant mesothelioma. If proper precautions are taken the fact remains that this 'death sentence' can be avoided. Many of the doctors in private practices across the globe give this verdict.

It is to the turn of the twentieth century that the origins of this silent killer malignant mesothelioma can be traced. Many industrial giants at the time were introduced to the new material asbestos. Due to its high flexibility, this component was widely incorporated, as is still being used, to exploit its ingrained insulative properties. This very material claims the lives of many workers who were once working around it and using it. Relatives and friends of the person affected also remain at risk of contracting the disease.

Avoid exposure in the first place:

A person can get affected by asbestos indirectly. It is suggested that you avoid taking on any kind of roof repair or any other building repair work at home on your own. It is advisable to hire the services of a professional who understands the danger caused due to asbestos exposure. If mesothelioma is detected early, the chances of suppressing it are much higher. It is important to get yourself checked as early as possible to avoid further complications if you are ever in doubt about the risk of exposure.

It is prolonged exposure to asbestos that causes malignant mesothelioma; a deadly cancer. This malignant cancer is different from other forms of cancer due to the fat that it remains dormant within the carrier system for decades, anywhere between 30 and even 40 years! It is after this period that the symptoms become apparent. Mesothelioma cancer does not become malignant immediately but takes a number of years.

Hire an experienced mesothelioma attorney:

As compared to the yester years, today there is a higher diagnosis rate and chance of detection of this form of malignant mesothelioma. The disease raises its ugly head after 30 to 40 years and till then the carriers live with this deadly killer without experiencing any symptoms. Due to the negligence on the part of employers, thousands of cases have been brought before the courts around the world to help victims in improving mesothelioma life expectancy. Most of the cases are winning and victims are being paid in huge sums. This has given rise to a new breed of attorneys who specialize in this field.

Detect it early:

People affected by malignant mesothelioma cannot be cured with any amount of money at their disposal. But instead of turning the money down, it can be used to find various treatment options to relieve the pain and prolong life, thus improving mesothelioma life expectancy. The first thing is to work towards an early detection of this cancer, because only then can a more effective treatment be put in place to help in improving the survival rate. Mesothelioma has always been a silent killer and thousands have been exposed and affected by this killer disease already. Sit back, contemplate and identify asbestos exposure now to tap on potential help.

Your mesothelioma life expectancy can be put is danger if it is unwittingly subjected to the highly toxic material, asbestos. Without any trial every year thousands of people are sentenced to such a death with malignant mesothelioma.

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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Malignant Mesothelioma - A Dangerous and Life Threatening Disease

Malignant mesothelioma attacks the membranes and lining of large cavities in our body. The serous cavities houses important and major bodily organs like lungs, heart and abdomen. The serous membranes surround the cavities and protect these organs from abrasion and friction specially during the functioning of the organs like heart beating and breathing. The specialised cells are referred to as mesothelial cells which form the mesothelium which is the tissue layer of serous membranes. The cancer which occurs in this tissue is referred to as mesothelioma.

The different forms of malignant mesolthelioma are pericardial mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural mesothelioma. Perinoteal mesothelioma occurs in the membrance which surrounds the abdomen. It affects male organs as the lining of the scrotum extends to the perinoteum.

In case of pericardial mesothelioma, the lining which surrounds the heart is affected. In case of pleural mesothlioma which is the most widespread form of malignant mesothelioma, the lung cavity is affected. Nowadays, mesothelioma is considered as cancerous or malignant. They actually begin as a small tumour and then rapidly spread to the various organs and tissues. Originally, non cancerous growths and fibrous cysts started appearing in the serous membranes which were thought to be mesothelioma. This specific condition is non cancerous and does not spread speedily.

The basic cause of mesothelioma is exposure to fibrous minerals like asbestos. There is enough evidence to prove that the fibers of asbestos is the main cause for this disease. There are experiments which have been conducted and there is indisputable evidence to prove the same. However, it is also not true that all those who are exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is definitely a rare and deadly disease. Many a times, it is detected only when it comes advanced. The patient survives for not more than two years, once the disease is identified. The malignancy percentage decides the survival time of the patient.

Like mentioned earlier, this form of mesothelioma is very rare and is a result of exposure to asbestos at the workplace. About 75% of the cases of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma type. Many a times, pleural mesothelioma is confused with lung cancer as the pleura is situated close to the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive and invasive form of mesothelioma wherein the life expectancy is much less once the patient has been diagnosed of this condition. The main cause for this condition is asbestos exposure, but the dangers associated with it are ignored by the employers.

However, there has been increasing awareness about this health condition over the years and many manufacturing units are becoming more health and safety conscious and correct precautionary measures are being taken to prevent this condition.

Mesothelioma and particularly Malignant Mesothelioma has been a major reason for many compensation cases being filed by affected workers.

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Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural - Early Signs, Detection, and Treatments

People who develop Mesothelioma in pleura worked in an atmosphere, which induced them to inhale asbestos particles. Sometimes, people who inhale asbestos dust and fiber in some other ways, like washing the clothes of the person who worked in the asbestos factory may also develop this disease.

Malignant Mesothelioma pleural may show symptoms in the initial stage. Shortness of breath, pain in the chest wall, pleural effusion, abdominal swelling and weight loss are some of the common symptoms of this disease. Sometimes, blood clotting abnormalities, fatigue, wheezing, coughing up blood and anemia may also persist.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma in pleura is often difficult, as the symptoms can be linked to some other conditions. The physician analyses the medical history of the patient and identifies this disease. Generally, patients who have the history of exposure to asbestos are under the clinical suspicion for Malignant Mesothelioma in Pleura.

The physician examines the patient thoroughly to diagnose Mesothelioma. They may also perform chest x-rays as well as other tests of the lungs. The chest x-ray can clearly show the pleural thickening, which happens due to continuous exposure to asbestos. A CT scan is also performed to detect this disease. Sometimes, cytology can be useful in detecting the abnormal cells. If the result of cytology is positive, a biopsy is the required to confirm Malignant Mesothelioma pleural.

Screening tests for people who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period, may diagnose Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural in the premature stage. This helps to improve the rate of survival for the patients. Some physicians use Mesomark Assay, which is an in vitro test used to diagnose Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is classified as early and advanced stage for the purpose of treatment. If the cancer is found only on the membrane surface in which it was originated, it is then referred to as the early stage. In advanced stage, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body beyond the membrane surface.

The early stages of Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural can be treated using conventional therapies like radiation or chemotherapy. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy has proved to be successful in treating 74.6% patients.

Radiation treatment is given to the patients who can tolerate a radical surgery. However, in most cases, radiation is given as a consolidate treatment, in combination with chemotherapy. It is proved that delivering radiation and chemotherapy can extend the life span of the patients for more than five years.

Chemotherapy is the most successful treatment to Malignant Mesothelioma pleural. Cisplatin chemotherapy in combination with raltitrexed, which is an antimetabolite drug can also be an option. Sometimes, cisplatin may cause certain side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The Food and Drugs Administration in the United States approved conventional therapies like surgery in combination with radiation for early stage Mesothelioma and surgery in combination with chemotherapy for advanced stages.

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Understanding Malignant Mesothelioma - One of the Deadliest Forms of Cancer

Internal organs of human body are covered with a thin membrane. It is called mesothelium. The mesothelium has two layers. One layer covers the organ and the other layer forms a sac around the organ. In between the two layers there is lubricant fluid which allows the organs move without causing any friction so that our lungs and heart can move. There are different names for different membranes in our body. The mesothelium present in the chest cavity is popularly called as pleura. The mesothelium covering the abdomen is called peritoneum and pericardium is the membrane covering our heart.

Asbestos particles trigger the mesothelium cells to multiply without any order or control. The cells form a tumor and sometime may affect other organs of the body through lymph nodes.

It is generally found that the malignant Mesothelioma is common in men over 60, however one may come across in women and children. The clear reason for women and children malignant Mesothelioma is not well understood.

When one looks at malignant Mesothelioma it can be noticed that there are three distinct types. About 50% to 70% of the malignant Mesotheliomas have the best prognosis. It is called epithelioid. The other is called sarcomatoid type about 7% to 20% and the third type is called biphasic or mixed about 20% to 35%.

Generally malignant Mesothelioma starts in the chest cavity which is known as pleural Mesothelioma. When the asbestos particles are inhaled the first organ in the body that are affected are lungs. About 10% malignant Mesothelioma begins in the abdomen area which is called as the peritoneal Mesothelioma. It is very rare for malignant Mesothelioma to start in the pericardial region.

The treatment for all the types is the same. If the malignant Mesothelioma is found in just one place, surgery becomes a viable option. The doctors remove the tumor and the patient may experience relief. But sometimes the malignant Mesothelioma goes undiagnosed till it has spread to different parts of the body. In that case surgery is not a good option. Then the doctor may suggest chemo therapy or radiation.

The research is going on to look for alternative treatment for malignant Mesothelioma. Patients can consider clinical trials or can take part in cancer treatment research studies. So the patient can opt for conventional treatment or alternative treatment. If the malignant tumor is diagnosed in fairly advanced stage then the doctor may suggest the treatment to manage and ease the pain.

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. The symptoms could be misleading and considered as respiratory condition. So it is a good idea to go for full physical check up if you have chronic cough and shortness of breath.

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Malignant Mesothelioma - A Useful Definition

Various cells and nerves are responsible for building our entire body system, they being in fact a network through which organs communicate in order to maintain themselves functionally.

When something unnatural happens, something like having difficulty in breathing, for instance, it is a sign that there is something wrong with your lungs, that everything that relates to them have met something that does not let them function normally. It can also be the mesothelium which is affected, the protective layer that covers the lungs allowing them to operate their normal course.

When the mesothelium is affected, it means that something from outside got stuck to it affecting the cells, therefore this protective layer will work to get rid of the evil 'something' from outside. This thing can be just about anything, but when it comes to mesothelioma disease this is definitely related to mineral asbestos.

The result will indicate the mesothelioma or malignant mesothelioma. As long as the mesothelium is part of almost any organ, mesothelioma can originate in any part of the body system. The most commonly met however is the pleural mesothelioma, the disease that affects the pleura - the membrane that covers the lungs and the chest cavity.

This type of disease is commonly referred to asbestos cancer mesothelioma. The inhalation of fibers and dust particles present inside the asbestos powder is the generating cause of the disease. Another form of malignant mesothelioma is the peritoneal mesothelioma that is localized in the abdomen and its cavity.

This one is the second type that is met with this disease. The period that it takes for this disease to manifest at its fullest varies from one case to another, but generally a patient to suffer from this disease is detected mostly in the late stage of the disease. At that time the chances for survival are rather slim.

An advanced level of this condition can lead to pericardial mesothelioma which means that the lining of the heart is attacked as well. The symptoms of malignant mesothelioma are related to shortness in breathing and pain while breathing. The patient won't be able to do the daily tasks experiencing fatigue most of the time.

Another symptom is dry coughing and if the doctor can detect the disease in its early stages then it can be treated through the three ways available - surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Unfortunately, the disease can not be detected in its early stages and that is what makes the patients succumb shortly after it is discovered. The fact is that many times an early detection is almost impossible as the patient doesn't present any symptom that can lead to the detection of the malignant mesothelioma.

I have set up a website specifically for those people who do not know where to start when they find out that they, or someone close to them has contracted mesothelioma. The site has all the information you need to file your case; lawyers, experts, articles by experts, but most importantly, a number of videos by an expert in the field, who will guide you through the process. You will never feel alone using this website resource. I hope that it gives some comfort to those affected. You can go directly to the site here: http://www.mesotheliomaalternatives.com.

Regards,
Chris Arnfield BA, BSc.

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Malignant Mesothelioma - Pleural Mesothelioma & Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma could become possibly the greatest health crisis ever faced by the American public. This disease does not discriminate in its victims; although the great deal of people that struggle with malignant mesothelioma now are into their 60s or 70s or 80s, some doctors and other healthcare professionals believe there could possibly be a mesothelioma epidemic in the decades to come due to the fact that virtually everyone in the United States has been asbestos at some point in their lives. The latency period between exposure and malignancy is quite long, making this disease extremely difficult to detect, and in some cases it only takes an single contact with asbestos to begin the domino effect that will eventually result in malignant mesothelioma.

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, the lining that surrounds many important organs. The mesothelium is a mucous membrane that secretes lubrication so that the organs can move and function properly. Correspondingly, there are three main types of mesothelia:

o Pleura: this sac surrounds the lungs and the thoratic cavity

o Peritoneum: this sac surrounds the stomach and lower intestines

o Pericardium: this sac surrounds the heart

When asbestos enters the body through inhalation or ingestion, its jagged, microscopic shards pierce the organs it settles in and tear through them into the mesothelium. Once the shards pierce the mesothelium, the tissue can develop malignant mesothelioma plaques and cancerous tumors. Although pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma because asbestos fibers are easily carried through the air, due to the location in the chest and natural function of the lungs this deadly cancer can spread easily from them through the circulatory system.

Once malignant mesothelioma is entrenched in the mesothelium the organ in question will begin to malfunction. The organs can no longer move easily; this means the lungs cannot inhale or exhale, the heart cannot pump, and the gastrointestinal tract cannot process food properly. Treating mesothelioma is often difficult because the initial stages are often confused with less dangerous conditions, and by the time symptoms appear they are often too advanced to treat. This is a quite painful and unpleasant experience, and most victims of malignant mesothelioma rarely live longer than a year after diagnosis.

Asbestos was used throughout the United States because it is sturdy, pliable, and an extremely effective insulator. Schools, churches, office buildings, private homes, virtually every structure had asbestos in the walls, ceilings, or floors. Unfortunately, as the material breaks down it can release its deadly fibers into the air where they can be inhaled or ingested by anyone in the area. Another deadly aspect of this material derives from the fact that it is extraordinarily small and extraordinarily light. Asbestos fibers can settle on the hair and clothes of those that have initial contact with it, and they can carry it with them and potentially expose others to malignant mesothelioma.

It will take decades to determine what effect asbestos has had on the population of the United States. Time will tell if the worst fears of malignant mesothelioma held by some doctors and scientists come true.

To learn more about malignant mesothelioma or how to hire a mesothelioma lawyer, please visit our website at http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

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Malignant Mesothelioma - Myths About This Disease

There are so many different complications that can cause the human body to get worn out and stop functioning like it normally would. The one kind of disease that people ought to be really cautious about would probably have to be malignant Mesothelioma. While there are some things about this disease that is well known, there are certain other rumors that are attached to it as well. Hence, it is important to get rid of these rumors and ensure that you don't simply pay heed to the wrong kind of information. Listed below are some common myths that people often end up believing.

Contracted from lifestyle choices

While cancer itself is often associated with the bad choices that people make during the course of their life, not all forms of it are considered to be deadly. In fact, there are certain kinds of cancers that can be caused for no fault of the individual whatsoever. One such form would probably have to be malignant Mesothelioma. This is not caused or worsened because of the individual smoking or doing something by choice. It is often caused due to a high exposure of asbestos several years ago. Hence, the condition has quite a large dormant period before you can see any visible symptoms.

Can be completely cured

Unfortunately, chemotherapy or even going in for cures that are normally prescribed for other kinds of cancer will not help you out here. You might have to take solace in the fact that your pain can be reduced with the medicine, but little else can be done about everything else. Hence, this is a form of cancer that you might really not be able to cure completely for the time being. Malignant Mesothelioma is going to cause your health to deteriorate gradually, causing you to slip into coma and even death in extreme cases.

Can be contracted from the individual

Considering the nature of the disease and how it can affect individuals that don't even smoke, it is natural for people to think that they can contract it by simply hanging around individuals with this condition. This is completely false, as malignant Mesothelioma is bought about due to an overwhelming presence of asbestos and little else. Hence, it cannot simply be passed from an individual to another by simply breathing from the same space. It takes much more to contract it, and you can be rest assured that the person diagnosed with this condition is absolutely safe to hang around with.

Hence, this should hopefully have busted some myths about the disease that have been floating around. There are many more things associated with malignant mesothelioma that is often believed to be true, but seldom is correct. Hence, it is strongly recommended to research into the condition before you can go ahead and decide on what you might consider to do about the disease. Keep in mind that you might have to be cautious and not simply pay heed to anything that you hear about. Trusting a reliable source for information is the best thing that you can do.

A great website that you can go in order to learn more about malignant mesothelioma is mesotheliomahelp.net/about-mesothelioma.html

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Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis

When a patient has symptoms suggesting malignant mesothelioma, a doctor starts with imaging techniques to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays and CT scans of the chest or abdomen are taken to identify any abnormalities, such as fluid collections, thickening of tissue, or growths, that may indicate underlying disease. Magnetic resonance images (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) images are taken to determine the extent of spread of a cancer; PET is most expensive but also the most accurate. Information from scans is used to plan appropriate treatment.

Once cancer is suspected, a tissue biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If the pleura or tissue lining the chest and lungs is involved, a thoracoscopy is performed, usually under local anesthesia. A small opening is made in the chest wall and an instrument called a thorascope, through which the surgeon can see into the chest, is inserted between the ribs. Tissue and fluid can be collected through this opening. Similarly, if the peritoneum or tissue lining the abdominal cavity and abdominal organs is involved, a peritoneoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity to collect biopsy tissue. The biopsy tissue is then examined under a microscope to find out if the cells in it are normal or cancerous. Depending on the cell type, a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma can be made. Malignant mesotheliomas are of three cell types: epithelioid, mixed and sarcomatoid. In general, epithelioid malignant mesotheliomas are the most common and carry the best prognosis; sarcomatoid ones are the most rare with the shortest survival time.

The next step is to stage the cancer as localized, advanced or recurrent. This may be done through a combination of imaging and surgical exploration. There are three staging systems in use, each with four stages: the Butchart System, the TNM System and the Brigham System.

Malignant Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, malignant mesothelioma lawyer and more. Malignant Mesothelioma is the sister site of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.

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The Truth About Malignant Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritonial Mesothelioma

Malignant mesotheliomais is a relatively uncommon form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, usually in the workplace. It affects the mesothelial cells that line three of the body's largest cavities surrounding the lungs, heart and abdomen and is an aggressive form of cancer. Pleural mesotheliomais is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases.

Found between the lungs and the chest cavity, the pleura is a thin membrane that provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs can maneuver easily against the chest walls while breathing. The pleura also serves as a protective layer. Pleural mesothelioma is often incorrectly described as a form of lung cancer due to the pleura's close proximity to the lungs.

The second most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma. This form accounts for approximately between 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases, or mesothelioma of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane that encapsulates the organs of the abdomen.

While peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common as pleural mesothelioma, it tends to be much more invasive and aggressive, typically yielding a shorter life expectancy for diagnosed patients. Pericardial mesothelioma is a lesser known form of the disease, accounting for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases, or mesothelioma of the pericardium. The pericardium is the membrane that protects your heart, also referred to as the heart sac. The rarest form of mesothelioma is called tunica vaginalis testis and can originate in the lining surrounding the testicles.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Typically the result of occupational duties, mesothelioma can result from brief exposure to asbestos fibers. It has been determined that the dangers associated with working with asbestos have been known for over seventy years; however, employers chose to keep this knowledge disclosed for fear that it could have a negative impact on profitability. Even in this day and age, employees are often not properly notified that asbestos could be present in their working surroundings. This can result in any number of asbestos related diseases including the most serious, malignant mesothelioma.

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Desmoplastic Malignant Mesothelioma

Asbestos has been woven into are history as one of the most dangerous naturally occurring minerals. Originally, it was used for its durability in many building and transpiration materials. The wide use of asbestos exposed millions of people to this deadly fiber. It wasn't until the 1960's that evidence began to mount revealing the dangers of asbestos. This occurred when most everyone lived and worked in a building that was covered in asbestos. The huge amount of growth during the Industrial Revolution put asbestos into every building and transportation device exposing millions of people.

The dangers of asbestos came into light because insurance companies refused to insure people who worked asbestos jobs. They had decades of data that showed asbestos workers were at high risk for developing lung diseases. This caused for further investigation into the dangers of asbestos. It was revealed through multiple medical studies that airborne asbestos is deadly to breath. The small fibers latch onto the lungs causing immune cells to break them up. The immune cells die in the process of fighting the asbestos fibers. They form scar tissue on the lungs and this process is continued until the lungs are covered in scar tissue and stop working. These disease are called Asbestosis, Desmoplastic Malignant Mesothelioma (DMM), and Mesothelioma.

The information revealed about the dangers of asbestos caused mounting mesothelioma claims. Asbestos lawyers began to get compensation for injured workers. In order to get punitive damages for the hundreds of thousands of injured workers they were going to have to prove that asbestos companies had prior knowledge of the dangers of asbestos. An investigation revealed that asbestos companies had known details regarding the dangers of airborne asbestos and had been covering this information up for decades. Not only was the information covered up but nothing was done to protect workers who were exposed to high levels of airborne asbestos. These documents resulted in compensation beyond the amount of the injury. Some claims received over 5 million dollars for a single worker.

There has been a new asbestos exposure in the United States that has affected one of the richest cities in the world. When the World Trade Center came crashing down on 9/11 a cloud of asbestos dust filled the air of Manhattan. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) went on record saying the air was safe to breathe. They later corrected this statement when private air tests revealed that air around the site of ground zero was at toxic levels. Many people have already died from this exposure and many more are contracting lung diseases. The latency period from exposure to illness can be up to fifty years, making the long-term health risks unknown.

Desmoplastic malignant mesothelioma is caused when a person inhales asbestos fibers. It is imperative that mesothelioma advice is given from a doctor and a lawyer.

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Malignant Mesothelioma Lawyer

Awareness of the harmful effects of asbestos has increased greatly since the 1970s. The large majority of people with malignant mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos. Much of this exposure occurred after it was known that asbestos is linked to potentially debilitating diseases such as asbestosis. Diseases caused by asbestos exposure are preventable by removing asbestos exposure. The fact that workers in several industries were knowingly exposed to this dangerous substance has formed the basis of a great deal of litigation to seek compensation for victims of asbestos exposure in the United States. An Internet search can provide a long list of lawyers who are involved in asbestos-related litigation.

A patient with malignant mesothelioma and a history of asbestos exposure can file a lawsuit against the entity that was responsible for the asbestos exposure. In some states, exposure to asbestos alone, without any clinical disease, is sufficient to seek damages. Lawyers experienced in asbestos-related litigation, and with detailed knowledge of asbestos-related laws, may best serve plaintiffs. A skilled lawyer can help establish that a victim was exposed to asbestos, and can often use this information to settle litigation out of court. A victim can seek compensation for medical costs and lost income. Compensation for suffering can also be sought. If the person suffering from an asbestos-related disease dies, family members can continue to seek damages on the victim's behalf.

Close to a million Americans have filed lawsuits seeking compensation from companies alleged to be responsible for exposing them to asbestos. Selecting the right lawyer can be a daunting task for individuals and families coping with a highly lethal cancer like malignant mesothelioma. There are a number of support groups for victims of asbestos exposure that can help with free information on reliable legal representation.

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Malignant Mesothelioma Research

Malignant mesotheliomas are highly aggressive cancers, usually linked to asbestos exposure. Most patients survive approximately one year after diagnosis, and only seven percent of patients make it past five years. If not diagnosed early, these cancers are extremely difficult to treat. However, early diagnosis is a challenge because patients may be unaware of previous asbestos exposure or present with non-specific symptoms.

Research is currently underway to better understand how these cancers develop, and how to improve survival. The American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute are good resources for information on ongoing clinical trials and enrollment criteria. Treatment options being researched can broadly be classified into radiotherapy, light or photodynamic therapy, drug or chemotherapy, biotherapy and immunotherapy. While radiotherapy is palliative in chest pain and chest wall spread, it has no effect on survival. Photodynamic therapy is being evaluated for earlier stages of malignant pleural mesothelioma; it combines the injection of a drug that makes cancer cells sensitive to light with the use of light of a certain wavelength to kill these cells.

A promising clinical trial showed patients with advanced malignant mesothelioma lived for nearly three months longer than a comparison group when treated with a drug combination of Alimtaä and cisplatin. The University of Chicago's Cancer Research Center is leading a trial that combines the anti-cancer drugs gemcitabine and cisplatin, which kill cancer cells, with the biological agent bevacizumab, which slows the growth of cancerous tissue and blood vessels in this tissue. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute have identified a protein called mesothelin that is present in higher levels in mesothelioma cancer cells than in surrounding normal tissue. This knowledge is being used in ongoing clinical trials of vaccines that could kill cancer cells by triggering an anti-mesothelin immune response, and is also being used to develop diagnostic tests to detect rising mesothelin levels in people with malignant mesothelioma.

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Malignant Mesothelioma - A Dreaded Disease

Malignant mesothelioma is cancer that starts in the cells that line most organs of the body, especially the chest, belly, and heart. The lining formed by these cells is called mesothelium. The mesothelium forms a protective sac that surrounds internal organs of the body. It consists of two layers: one layer of cells surrounding the organ and another forming a sac around it. These cells secrete a fluid that allows organs to move effortlessly and harmlessly within the space defined by the mesothelium.

Thus, moving organs like the heart and the lungs can function normally only with a functioning mesothelium. Mesothelioma is a disease in which the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably, invading the surrounding tissues affecting the very organs they are supposed to protect. In most cases of mesothelioma, the lungs are the organs that are affected. The mesothelium of the lungs is known as the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease.

Risk factors and risk groups

Mesothelioma is associated with asbestos. Around 70-80% of all cases of mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that has been widely used in industrial products such as cement, brake linings, flooring's, textiles and insulation. The first cases of mesothelioma occurred in the 1900s in Britain where workers at asbestos factories began experiencing a high level of lung disease. The disease was then referred to as asbestosis. It was only much later, in 1959, that the link between asbestos and lung cancer was made.

Mesothelioma can also arise as a result of secondary exposure to asbestos. A chance of developing cancer in families and other persons in contact with asbestos workers is great due to exposure to dust from the clothing and hair of the worker. People living in old buildings (prior to banning of asbestos in construction materials) are also at risk. The occupations that are most associated with mesothelioma include: construction industry workers, electricians, plumbers, shipyard workers, textile workers etc.

Incidence of mesothelioma

Most countries now specify the level of asbestos that can be safely present in the working environment of a person. Since the risk of asbestos-related disease increases due to heavy and longer exposure to asbestos, proper working environment led to a reduction in the cases of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is now a relatively rare disease; only 2000 cases arise every year in the United States.

Living with the disease

Like many other cancers, there is very little one can do where the diagnosis has not been made in the early stages of the disease. Unfortunately, most cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in its late stages. There is no cure for the disease. In some cases, tumors may be removed by surgery, in the hope that it has not already spread to other parts of the body. Surgery may aim to remove the tumor or the entire lung. Treatments by radiation and chemotherapy are mostly palliative (i.e. aiming to reduce the severity of symptoms rather than treating the disease).

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Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer in which malignant or cancerous cells form in the thin layers of tissue lining the human chest, heart or abdomen. When the cancer is in the chest, it affects the pleura or tissue lining the lungs and is called malignant pleural mesothelioma. This is the most common type of mesothelioma. In the abdomen, a cancer of the peritoneum or tissue lining the abdominal cavity and covering various organs is called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. The least common form of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or outer lining of the heart. The term mesothelioma literally means a growth of the mesothelium, a layer of tissue from which the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium all develop.

The majority of malignant mesotheliomas occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, either directly or via people they live with. Avoiding exposure to asbestos can largely prevent malignant mesotheliomas. Depending on the location of the cancer, someone with malignant mesothelioma may have one or more of the following symptoms: breathlessness, pain under the rib cage or in the abdomen, an abdominal lump or swelling, and unexplained weight loss.

If a detailed medical history and physical exam suggests malignant mesothelioma as a possible diagnosis, a variety of diagnostic tests may be performed, including blood tests, x-rays, MRIs, CT scans and biopsies. Malignant mesotheliomas are graded upon the extent they have spread. A stage I, or localized, malignant mesothelioma is one that has not spread beyond the area it originated in. Stage II, III and IV malignant mesotheliomas are advanced, and may have spread to lymph nodes or to surrounding or distant organs and tissues. Depending on the stage, a treatment plan may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some cancer treatment centers are involved in clinical trials using biotherapy and immunotherapy.

Malignant Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, malignant mesothelioma lawyer and more. Malignant Mesothelioma is the sister site of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.

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