Mesothelioma The Silent Killer

eroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, are combined with Piroxicam and cisplatin (CDDP) they produce an anti-tumoral treatment of cancerous cells, specifically malignant mesothelioma cancer cells. These results, published in May 2008 in the Journal of Translational Medicine, are getting plenty of attention by both scientists as well as victims of mesothelioma cancer. Prior to this study, the prognosis for malignant mesothelioma cancer was grim, even at best, but now, researchers are breaking open a can of worms that may provide treatment for the deadly cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust.

While this study offers a slice of hope for victims, the further research is required. Scientists with this study also found that the potential for determining a specific molecular target of mesothelioma cells, because of these drugs’ anti-tumor effects, could lead to advances in therapy treatments of the deadly cancer.

What is Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer?

There are several varieties of mesothelioma cancer, however, malignant mesothelioma is considered one of the most lethal. According to the study, “prognosis is poor and patients have a median survival of a few months in either treated or untreated cases.” Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer with malignant cancer cells forming on the sac lining of the chest or abdomen, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). It is often associated with exposure to airborne asbestos particles and fibers, which increases the risk of malignant mesothelioma developing in an individual.

Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is often marked by several symptoms including lumps in abdomen, weight loss, pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain under the rib cage and difficulties breathing. The cancer can also often cause fluid retention in the abdomen or around the lungs. The cancer often has symptoms similar to other conditions making misdiagnosis of the condition common.

Medical professionals have even admitted that malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer are very similar and differentiating between the two is difficult, however, there is an array of tests that physicians can use to increase the potential for a more accurate diagnosis. Tests for diagnosis may include the patient enduring physical exams, chest x-rays, biopsy of body tissues, getting a complete blood count (CBC), cytologic exam, which is an exam of cells under a microscope, or a bronchoscopy procedure where a bronchoscope is inserted into the nose or mouth for a better view of airways.

Diagnosing and Treating Malignant Mesothelioma

While treatments for mesothelioma are rare in and of themselves, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat malignant mesothelioma because of the severity of the condition. However, medical professionals take into consideration several factors prior to treatment to determine a patient’s prognosis. The following is a detailed list of these factors, according to the NCI:

* The stage of cancer, which includes stage I or localized malignant mesothelioma or advanced malignant mesothelioma that includes stage II, stage III and stage IV.

* The size of a tumor.

* Potential for tumor removal through a surgical procedure.

* The amount of fluid gathered in the chest or abdomen.

* A victim’s age, physical health and previous health issues.

* Type of mesothelioma cancer.

* Whether a cancer is diagnosed as reoccurring or not.

Often, cancer may spread through the lymph system, blood stream or other bodily tissues.

Treatments for malignant mesothelioma can range from surgery to therapy, including chemotherapy and biological therapy to clinical trials, although the outcome is based on the progression of the cancer and most often, individuals are not aware of their condition until it reaches an advanced and, usually, an untreatable stage.

Asbestos Exposure and What to Do

Asbestos is a mineral fiber that was used heavily in a range of building materials from vinyl flooring to insulation. It was prized for its inexpensive production costs and fire-retardant ability making it ideal among construction companies. Unfortunately, the inhalation of high levels of asbestos dust and fibers contributed to the development of mesothelioma cancer.

Unfortunately, this discovery came far too late, as millions of Americans working in the industry were exposed and millions more continue to remain at risk for exposure as asbestos still exists in homes, schools, apartment complexes and dozens of other types of buildings across the country. Individuals who believe they may have been exposed to asbestos particles and fibers should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If mesothelioma is the outcome it is advisable for a patient to receive consultation from an experienced mesothelioma attorney, as the potential for a mesothelioma lawsuit may exist with the opportunity for monetary compensation.



By: Alan Haburchak

About the Author:

ble form of lung cancer, which often kills patients within a few years after symptoms begin to appear, is being treated with a cholesterol drug — Lovastatin.

Nearly 20 to 30 years ago, the drug’s effects were known as killing cancerous cells, however, at that time it was too powerful to test on cancer patients. At that time, however, the anti-cancer effect was considered too risky to continue studying because of the extremely high doses that were needed to be given to a cancer patient. Researchers put the study on hold, according to news reports, until recently when scientists at a Nashville, Tenn., clinic started providing the drug to pleural mesothelioma patients.

Details of Lovastatin and its Cancer-Killing Potential

Researchers have given little notice to Lovastatin as a treatment for mesothelioma cancer even though a stage-four melanoma patient had received treatments of Lovastatin in 2000 and currently remains cancer-free, nearly nine years later. Medical professionals aren’t sure that Lovastatin can do much for pleural mesothelioma patients as it did for the melanoma patient, but it is being heavily researched.

The drug, according to an article in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, described Lovastatin’s effects as apoptosis. Apoptosis is also described as ?ogrammed cell death, according to the Reproductive and Cardiovascular Disease Research Group. Apoptosis occurs when a stimuli is introduced to a variety of cells in which the cells begin to commit ?ll *******?The study looked at the ?rophologic changes, histologic evidence of nuclear condensation and degeneration, and flow-cytometric analysis of DNA content?f the mesothelioma cancer cells treated with Lovastatin and determined it a potentially sufficient treatment for mesothelioma.

What is Lovastatin?

Lovastatin is part of a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). The drugs decrease the production of bad cholesterol within the body. It is often prescribed to patients as an oral pill that is taken in low-doses — once every four weeks. Lovastatin does have reported side effects, which have not been fully studied on mesothelioma patients, however, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) the side effects include:

* hives, rashes and itching

* loss of appetite

* flu-like symptoms

* nausea as well as pain in upper right part of stomach

* extreme tiredness

* yellowing of skin and eyes

* lack of energy

* difficulty breathing and swallowing

* swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles and

* lower legs/calf muscles

* muscle pain, tenderness or weakness

* fever

* unusual bleeding or bruising

* hoarseness

* constipation

What to do If Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cancer has become increasingly prevalent in the United States and around the world. Individuals who were exposed to a mineral known as vermiculite containing deadly asbestos may have had the condition for 20 or more years without any signs of the cancer within their bodies.

Although asbestos was banned once mesothelioma became linked to asbestos exposure, the damage had already occurred. Unfortunately, asbestos is still used in many industries today and was so prevalent from the 1920s to the 1980s that millions of homes are contaminated with asbestos as well as hospitals, elementary schools and offices.

Those who have suffered from mesothelioma cancer or feel they may have been a victim of asbestos exposure have the ability to consult a legal professional for a potential mesothelioma lawsuit. Developing a mesothelioma lawsuit might assist a victim in paying for medical bills if they receive a monetary return on their damages incurred. Consulting a mesothelioma attorney is often a free legal service and may add peace of mind for mesothelioma victims, their families and friends.



By: Peter Kent

About the Author:

In most cases, people usually ignore the symptoms of Mesothelioma due to their generic nature. This is because the early symptoms of mesothelioma can also be the indication of other common diseases. Furthermore, researches have concluded that a patient with prior exposure to asbestos may develop mesothelioma much later in his/her life, i.e. after 20 to 40 years of asbestos encounter. Thus, many patients disregard the possibility of developing mesothelioma due to something that happened much earlier in their lives.

Mesothelioma is a cancer in which the protective linings of the body’s internal organs get affected by malignant cells. These linings include:

•Pleura: the outer lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity;

•Peritoneum: the lining of the abdominal cavity; and

•Pericardium: a sac holding the heart.

The symptoms of mesothelioma affecting these organs can vary due to the special nature and functions of the organs. Some of these symptoms are severe, and also some of the symptoms are rare. It is, therefore, recommended to contact a physician if the symptoms prevail.

Additionally, if mesothelioma is detected at early stages, the chances for a possible cure are high.

Following are the symptoms of mesothelioma, categorized by types:

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:

•Shortness of breath

•Coughing up blood

•Pain in chest

•Pleural effusions (fluid accumulation in the lung lining)

•Back pain

•Hoarseness

•Weakness

•Problem in swallowing

•Loss of appetite

•Weight loss

•Excessive coughing

•Swelling

•Paralysis

•Fever

In severe cases, a pleural mesothelioma patient can develop pneumothorax or lung cancer (lung failure). Nonetheless, some patients may show almost no symptoms.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:

•Swelling or mass accumulation in the abdomen

•Weight Loss

•Abdominal pain

•Bowel obstruction

•Blood clots

•Fever

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Hernia

Pericardium Mesothelioma Symptoms:

•Chest pain

•Shortness of breath

•Cough

•Unusual heart beating

•Irregular breathing patterns

These symptoms of mesothelioma can also be the indications of other minor diseases. However, if diagnosed soon, these symptoms can help the doctors to cure the cancer at a primitive stage. Remember that only a doctor can confirm the presence of mesothelioma by examining medical reports, asbestos exposure history, MRI and/or CT scan. In some cases, a needle biopsy can also be conducted.



By: Jennifer White

About the Author:

In today’s era of information, most people are well aware of the dangers that asbestos pose. Factories, refineries, automotive companies, and construction sites are the leaders of Mesothelioma risks and asbestos exposure.

There are numerous asbestos-related risks and Mesothelioma risk factors lingering around California that have little to do with factories and labor companies. Asbestos has been brought back to the forefront of health concerns despite tougher asbestos laws. As if asbestos laden debris isn’t enough of an insult, asbestos is being released through the vast amounts of construction occurring in the many areas of California, including Richmond and Oakland.

Despite the asbestos reform laws in the early eighties due to the risk of Mesothelioma, this fire resistant material is still used in modern day construction as a cost effective, safety conscious building material. Though asbestos is used in lower concentrations because of its very obvious links to mesothelioma, it is still far from being outlawed as it should be.

Residents in Richmond, California and the surrounding Bay Area are at a very high risk for current asbestos exposure and later cases of Mesothelioma. With percentages of older homes, businesses, and buildings carrying high levels of asbestos, a mesothelioma case is simply waiting to happen. Add that exposure to the high exposure rate that the new construction has brought, and somebody really needs to take a long hard look at what the potential fallout may very well end up meaning.

The government itself certainly has knowledge of the Mesothelioma risk and the asbestos exposure. Legislation is hanging in the balance to determine that those who were exposed to asbestos and are likely to contract Mesothelioma later in life are not going to be permitted to file Mesothelioma lawsuits. The government is trying to state that while they are well aware of the risk of future Mesothelioma cases, they are trying to deny the people their right to medical and legal claims associated with Mesothelioma.

The government claims that they are willing to set aside funds that will allow Mesothelioma claimants to file for medical coverage if they meet stringent guidelines concerning asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma contraction. This is a phenomenal slap in the face to those who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos and the threat of Mesothelioma. The government can’t even ensure that social security funds will be available in twenty to thirty years, not to mention that hands down, private health care is far and above government health care.

This new law would of course not be surprising. Ample laws have been passed protecting the government and businesses from worker claims. Mesothelioma laws have already hit governmental facilities as well in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and a few Midwestern states. These laws prohibit workers from suing their companies, provided their companies pay for their medical expenses which are deemed “necessary.” These laws will leave Mesothelioma and other health care choices in the hands of the insurance companies and do not provide for various other financial liabilities which are bound to occur when Mesothelioma creates symptoms bad enough that the injured party can no longer hold gainful employment.

Louisiana legislation was enacted after lawmakers were petitioned by companies who were sued by healthy claimants after selling asbestos laden fill dirt to homeowners who were rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. The contractor who sold this fill dirt was successfully sued for the risk that the exposure to the asbestos presented to the homeowners and their families. In a time when Mesothelioma is well enough understood to be rightfully feared, the contractors had the responsibility to their own welfare and the welfare of others to be sure their product was clean of asbestos.

These types of lawsuits serve a greater purpose than providing future financial relief for families who were exposed to asbestos and placed at risk for future cases of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma settlements such as these send a very clear message that the public is tired of being placed at risk for dangers that can be prevented. The governmental stance on this lawsuit allows for companies to increase their levels of irresponsible exposure while undermining the value of the worker. Mesothelioma is a virtual death sentence, and by allowing companies to abandon Mesothelioma victims, it creates a further risk for everyone.

Substantial mesothelioma settlements and awards are necessary to keep companies accountable and within the bounds of human expectation.



By: Nick Johnson

About the Author:

Mesothelioma is a heartbreaking condition caused by exposure to asbestos. It is a form of cancer that develops mainly in the outer lining of the lungs or the heart, but most certainly can also form in the abdominal cavity. This cancer is often found in people who have worked with asbestos in the past, most notably when it was inhaled on the job site.

In the United States, 10,000 people a year die from asbestos intake, and many people who suffer from mesothelioma have the legal ability to extract compensation from the companies that have used the asbestos that harmed them. Taking legal action for asbestos-related health issues is a touchy subject, though, and the laws are constantly changing. Different states have also adopted different laws on the subject, so depending where you live or where the incident took place, you may find yourself facing differing legal issues.

In Texas, the asbestos laws change all the time. Before you should worry about that, though, you need to have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. If you have not been diagnosed, but are worried that past exposure to asbestos may have caused harm, visit your doctor immediately. Mesothelioma diagnosis is difficult to perform mainly because the mesothelioma symptoms resemble those of other ailments.

However, a chest scan could find problems such as pleural thickening (that’s thickening of the outer lungs) or other evidence of cancer in the abdomen. Tissue samples may also need to be taken to make sure that mesolthelioma is present. If a positive diagnosis does come out of this and you can link it with exposure to asbestos, you are probably qualified to seek legal counsel. The next step is to find an adequate mesothelioma lawyer.

Texas has a number of excellent mesothelioma lawyers to choose from. The lawyers here deal with constant change in the legal system representing mesothelioma, and as such have to keep up with the changes and trends of the laws regarding the disease. By working with a top medothelioma lawyer in Texas, you will be working with someone who knows exactly what is going on at all times regarding mesothelioma laws.

It can be difficult to choose a lawyer, as many of them claim to be a top contender in their field. It’s hard to know who will really bring around a positive result at the end of your claim. Although it may be difficult to weed out the lawyers who don’t know the mesothelioma laws so well, you can be assured that knowledgeable lawyers are out there.

Let’s go over some of the more influential Texas mesothelioma lawyers out there. Fred Baron, who took on his first case for a toxic tort client in the early 1970’s, has become one of the most important mesothelioma lawyers in not only Texas, but across the United States. In fact, he currently ranks as one of the “100 Most Influential Lawyers in the U.S.” Lisa Blue is a psychologist and trial lawyer who has published books on mesothelioma and provided over 200 lectures on the subject of trials relating to the illness. Besides these two notable lawyers, there are many more top mesothelioma lawyers in Texas, all you need to do is look.

Finding a top mesothelioma lawyer in Texas puts you on the right path to receiving compensation for asbestos-related illness. There is no reason to have to suffer without being given what you deserve by the companies responsible for the asbestos. To find lawyers that work in Texas on predominantly mesothelioma cases, the best place to look is the internet. The top mesothelioma lawyers in Texas all have websites detailing their achievements and contact information. You can go through all the information for a number of these lawyers simply by going through some websites. From here, you can choose the ones you feel you would be comfortable with, and then speak with them personally.

Asbestos-related mesothelioma cases are more common than you think, and with the constantly changing laws it’s important to find a lawyer that is on top of his or her game. There are many top mesothelioma lawyers in Texas, but it’s finding them that will take some time. After a diagnosis proving your condition, you should look into finding a lawyer that is right for you. Then, you can start towards getting the compensation you deserve.



By: Nick Johnson

About the Author:

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.



By: Nick Johnson

About the Author:

Mesothelioma lawsuits were considered to have reached their maximum numbers in the late-mid nineties. It became evident and was expected that once the news about asbestos linked health risks were brought to the public’s attention, Mesothelioma lawsuits were filed at lightening speed. New claimants in Richmond California surfaced from all stages of mesothelioma, and California mesothelioma lawyers began to realize they needed to become fluent in the medical conditions their clients presented.

In the late nineties, experts claimed that the number of Richmond mesothelioma lawsuits would be steadily declining, since tougher asbestos laws made it less tolerable to use asbestos laden materials in construction or production. Just as the insurance companies began to breathe a sigh of relief that they survived the Mesothelioma claims, the number of Mesothelioma lawsuits began to climb once again.

The difference between older lawsuits and newer lawsuits, however, was clear. The majority of new Mesothelioma lawsuits were being filed by individuals who were not ill in any way, not had they been diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

Does this new Mesothelioma lawsuit trend threaten to undermine current Richmond mesothelioma lawsuits with patients who are actually fighting the disease, or are these new Mesothelioma lawsuits filed by healthy claimants a sure sign of what is to come? There has been little to argue that high levels of asbestos is the cause of Mesothelioma.

There is little to argue the fact that it takes decades before a person who has been exposed to these toxic levels of asbestos may develop Mesothelioma. The evidence is clear. The companies who are responsible for exposing their employees are rapidly going bankrupt due to the astronomical settlements and award judgments.

People who were exposed to asbestos are no longer willing to wait until they are ill before filing Mesothelioma lawsuits. Their decision to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit is based on the fear that with the decades of dormancy associated with Mesothelioma the available funds to cover their future medical expenses and their family’s basic financial needs will be long gone.

This poses an interesting question for those who have knowingly been exposed to asbestos. Filing a Mesothelioma lawsuit based on exposure may very well provide for the individual as well as the family in the event that Mesothelioma is diagnosed. California juries are awarding these settlements and recognizing that exposure is enough of a basis in which to file.

However, there is only so much honey in the barrel, and for those who file Mesothelioma lawsuits and win but never develop Mesothelioma may very well have taken the financial resources out of the hands of someone who waited until they were diagnosed. This is a very tricky and difficult ethical question faced by those who have been made aware of their asbestos exposure.

This poses a difficult question for various companies who were once responsible for the large amounts of exposure to asbestos but have moved on to more ethical manufacturing practices. The company at one time was responsible for presenting a huge health risks in association to asbestos and Mesothelioma. However, they now employ hundreds of thousands of workers who are protected against asbestos and Mesothelioma.

In most cases, the current management and ownership was not even in existence when the asbestos levels were high enough to cause Mesothelioma risks. Should they choose to settle these Mesothelioma lawsuits, they risk placing hundreds of thousands of people out of work.

The company may have at one time been responsible for the development of Mesothelioma in the past, but future cases are not likely because the asbestos has been removed.

Those who were exposed have a likelihood of developing Mesothelioma, and there is a responsible party which should be there to help cover the extraordinary expenses associated with Mesothelioma treatment. Where are they supposed to turn when they develop the disease? If they wait too long, there may not be any place for them to turn. If they file a Mesothelioma lawsuit too early, they may be denied compensation.

Questions such as these are often best discussed with a competent California mesothelioma lawyer who can handle cases in Richmond, San Francisco, Oakland, San Diego, Los Angeles and throughout California. Having seen hundreds of cases and families affected by Mesothelioma, they can offer insight which can be unattainable any other way.

Despite the fact that they are not currently responsible for the development of Mesothelioma, you can count on these companies having lawyers on speed dial to fight for them. It would only be prudent that those who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos and are at risk for developing Mesothelioma do the same.



By: Nick Johnson

About the Author:

Cancer takes on many forms and results from many causes. Some cancers are preventable. Some forms of cancer have a good prognosis. The type of cancer that is the focus of this article is called Mesothelioma and it is preventable. If someone develops mesothelioma, typically the prognosis is poor and families need to seek help from a mesothelioma lawyer.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the legacy of mesothelioma is a disturbing one. Thousands of people unduly suffer from the effects of asbestos exposure and many more have wrongly died. The hazardous effects of asbestos became know in the 1920s but corporations, who were using asbestos, did not tell their employees of the danger nor did they use alternative materials.

Thousands of persons were unnecessarily exposed to asbestos and as a result many developed mesothelioma in their later years. If you, or anyone you know, have mesothelioma contact a mesothelioma lawyer to help you receive compensation if you were wrongly exposed to asbestos.

If you know someone who died from mesothelioma, it is important that their family contact a mesothelioma lawyer who can recommend whether a mesothelioma lawsuit may result in compensatory benefits.

Mesothelioma attacks what are called mosothelial cells of an organ. The most common organ cells affected by mesothelioma are those in the lungs, heart or abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma is the most predominant type of mesothelioma and it presents as an extremely virulent variety of lung cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is separated into two explicit categories. The first type is called diffuse and malignant (cancerous) and the second type is known as benign (not cancerous).

Malignant mesothelioma is a life-threatening rare condition accounting for almost 75% of all the mesothelioma cases. Malignant mesothelioma must be treated aggressively as it is a malignant type of cancer.

Not only for this reason but, also because more often than not, by the time it is has been diagnosed, the disease has moved into an advanced stage of cancer. The diagnosis of mesothelioma can only be made definitively by taking a biopsy and conducting a pathological analysis.

As the pleural mesothelioma tumor spreads over the pleura, (a thin membrane that covers the outside of the lungs) it produces thickening of this membrane. As the thickening progresses, a restraining type of girdle effect takes place.

As the pleural membrane becomes thicker and more restrictive, the lungs become more restrained and start to diminish and become smaller. The ultimate result of this progression is that the lung(s) are less capable of performing their functions.

One of the first signs someone will begin to experience is shortness of breathe. This will initially be noticeable when they put forth energy or effort in actions such as light exercise, making a bed, and yard work etc.

As the pleural mesothelioma grows and the lung(s) become less functional, the difficulty in breathing expands to occurring when the patient is involved in activities requiring even less exertion than light exercise. Eventually the pleural mesothelioma patient will experience shortness of breath even when lying down, sitting in a chair, and/or resting.

The tumor is constricting the lungs as it moves inward and as it expands outward, to affect nearby tissue of the chest cavity and ribs, it more than likely will create an excessive level of pain.

The second type of mesothelioma mentioned above is referred to as peritoneal. The tumor associated with form of mesothelioma affects the peritoneum membrane that lines several abdominal organs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as rare as pleural mesothelioma but it presents more aggressively and as a results in a reduced life expectancy.

As with all cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma can be benign or malignant. Peritoneal mesothelioma takes years to develop and it is generally discovered by sheer chance and prior to symptoms beginning.

Typically the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: abdominal pain, a generalized weakness, poor appetite with eventual lose of weight, nausea and vomiting, and swelling of the abdomen.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma progress slowly and as time passes they become more and more severe. As with pleural mesothelioma, there is no cure and the prognosis is affected by the tumor size and stage, the type of tumor cell, and the response to treatment.

Treatment options for both types include: chemotherapy, radiation, surgical intervention, and intra-operative photodynamic therapy; which is the latest drug and light treatment used in the early stages of mesothelioma. If you feel you have been irresponsibly exposed to asbestos, call a mesothelioma attorney today.



By: Tim Dillard

About the Author:

Finding a highly qualified and competent California mesothelioma attorney involves a little investigation. Newly diagnosed victims of Mesothelioma in California often have ample questions involving their health, their future, and their lawful recourses in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The facts of mesothelioma are not easy to hear, nor are they easy to deal with. While a Mesothelioma doctor is equipped to answer medical and health questions as they relate to Mesothelioma, only a qualified Mesothelioma attorney is capable of answering questions that are associated with the legal ramifications of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

California mesothelioma victims are encouraged to make a list of questions that they feel they need answers to, one list for their Mesothelioma physician and another list for their attorney. The top ten questions to ask a California mesothelioma attorney have been suggested here, but there will be many more questions regarding a Mesothelioma case.

1. It is vital to contact a Mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible as many states have complicated regulations concerning Mesothelioma lawsuits. The first question to ask a qualified Mesothelioma lawyer is whether or not you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. This of course will involve divulging all the information possible to allow the Mesothelioma lawyer to determine if you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit.

2. Some California mesothelioma lawyers are already involved with other Mesothelioma lawsuits or Mesothelioma settlements which may preclude them from taking on any new cases. It is possible that you may qualify for a class action lawsuit or perhaps an individual Mesothelioma lawsuit, depending on the circumstances. Mesothelioma patients need to inquire whether their case would be handled as an individual case or as part of a class action Mesothelioma lawsuit, and which would benefit them the most.

3. Knowing that your potential Mesothelioma lawyer has ample actual courtroom experience is a highly important part of hiring a Mesothelioma lawyer. It is perfectly acceptable to inquire with your potential Mesothelioma lawyer about their prior Mesothelioma and courtroom experience. Mesothelioma lawsuits are not the type of lawsuits you want a newbie cutting their teeth on, there is simply too much at stake.

4. California mesothelioma lawsuits tend to be large cases with a lot of complicated laws and circumstances to navigate. A Mesothelioma attorney needs to have ample support and resources to assist in the research and argument process. You will want to ask the Mesothelioma attorney how many Mesothelioma cases are in the firm, how many Mesothelioma expert lawyers are in the firm, and how much extra support services they can receive from the other California mesothelioma attorneys in the law firm.

5. Mesothelioma victims tend to be victimized by the contraction of the disease and are often very sensitive to other people’s feelings, including their Mesothelioma lawyer’s feelings. Asking questions that validate their experience is a good thing, and is not offensive to a Mesothelioma lawyer. If your potential Mesothelioma attorney reacts to questions with offense, it is not in your best interest to hire them. Asking them about their track record with Mesothelioma cases, how many went to trial versus how many of them were settled, as well as the results of each case is a reasonable line of questioning.

6. It is rarely in the best interest of the Mesothelioma victim for their case to be split between multiple law firms. Asking whether your lawsuit will be handled in house or if there is the possibility of splitting the case between law firms is a question of relative importance.

7. The vast majority of California mesothelioma cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means the attorney gets paid a percentage of what he or she is able to win on the Mesothelioma victim’s behalf. If the case goes nowhere, the Mesothelioma lawyer typically doesn’t get paid. The percentage of the Mesothelioma award or the Mesothelioma settlement which typically goes to the representing Mesothelioma lawyer is between 30 and 40 percent.

8. Asking your California mesothelioma lawyer to describe the process of a lawsuit will enable you to understand the process which you are about to enter as well as inform you of how well your Mesothelioma lawyer communicates..

9. It is important to understand how long the Mesothelioma lawyer will need for research and how much information he or she will need from the Mesothelioma victim and the Mesothelioma doctor. Television has given us the impression that lawsuits and court proceedings happen quickly. They don’t it takes time, and for a Mesothelioma victim, time is very precious.

10. California mesothelioma laws may vary by county. Establishing the jurisdiction that the Mesothelioma case will be tried is vital. Often it is tried in the county which the exposure to asbestos took place. Your Mesothelioma lawyer will have to have access to that region.



By: Nick Johnson

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Researchers recently uncovered the potential of a cholesterol drug, introduced in the 1980s, that may offer mesothelioma victims an effective treatment for the deadly and incurable cancer. The drug, Lovastatin, is used to treat and control high levels of cholesterol among patients.

Early on, scientists found that in initial studies of the drug, dating back 20 years, it had an unexpected and very powerful effect on killing cancerous cells within humans. At that time, however, the anti-cancer effect was considered too risky to continue studying because of the extremely high doses that were needed to be given to a cancer patient. Researchers put the study on hold, according to news reports, until recently when scientists at a Nashville, Tenn., clinic started providing the drug to pleural mesothelioma patients.

Details of Lovastatin and its Cancer-Killing Potential

Researchers have given little notice to Lovastatin as a treatment for mesothelioma cancer even though a stage-four melanoma patient had received treatments of Lovastatin in 2000 and currently remains cancer-free, nearly nine years later. While researchers are unsure that they can find the same success of the melanoma patient, the use of Lovastatin may potentially reduce or slow the cancerous production of mesothelioma cells, which can kill an individual within as little as one year after symptoms appear.

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that the cholesterol drug induces apoptosis on mesothelioma cells. Apoptosis is also described as programmed cell death, according to the Reproductive and Cardiovascular Disease Research Group. Apoptosis occurs when a stimuli is introduced to a variety of cells in which the cells begin to commit cell *******. The study looked at the morophologic changes, histologic evidence of nuclear condensation and degeneration, and flow-cytometric analysis of DNA content of the mesothelioma cancer cells treated with Lovastatin and determined it a potentially sufficient treatment for mesothelioma.

What is Lovastatin?

Lovastatin is part of a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). The drugs decrease the production of bad cholesterol within the body. It is often prescribed to patients as an oral pill that is taken in low-doses — once every four weeks.

Lovastatin does have reported side effects, which have not been fully studied on mesothelioma patients, however, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM) the side effects include:

* hives, rashes and itching

* loss of appetite

* flu-like symptoms

* nausea as well as pain in upper right part of stomach

* extreme tiredness

* yellowing of skin and eyes

* lack of energy

* difficulty breathing and swallowing

* swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles and

* lower legs/calf muscles

* muscle pain, tenderness or weakness

* fever

* unusual bleeding or bruising

* hoarseness

* constipation

What to do If Diagnosed With Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma cancer has become increasingly prevalent in the United States and around the world. Individuals who were exposed to a mineral known as vermiculite containing deadly asbestos may have had the condition for 20 or more years without any signs of the cancer within their bodies.

Once researchers began discovering the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, asbestos was banned in the United States and around the world. However, shipments of asbestos are still being imported into the United States and millions of Americans remain at risk for exposure because of the prevalence of asbestos in many homes, apartments, schools, universities, hospitals and government buildings.

Those who have suffered from mesothelioma cancer or feel they may have been a victim of asbestos exposure have the ability to consult a legal professional for a potential mesothelioma lawsuit. Such litigation may appear overwhelming to a victim, but can potentially offer monetary compensation for the heavy expenses associated with receiving mesothelioma medical treatments. Consulting a mesothelioma attorney is often a free legal service and may add peace of mind for mesothelioma victims, their families and friends.



By: Katie Kelley

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