Mesothelioma and its Effects - About the Disease and who is to Blame

About the Disease
Mesothelioma or asbestos cancer is an aggressive cancer caused by the inhalation of dangerous asbestos fibers. This disease attacks the mesothelium, a protective, 2-layered membrane which covers the internal organs of the body including the lungs, abdominal organs and heart. The cells produce fluid between these layers, which allows easy movement of the lungs and heart within the chest cavity. The layer that covers the lungs is known as pericardium, which is where pericardial mesothelioma is known to occur. The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity. Mesothelium also lines the female and male reproductive organs.  Any of these cells can be affected by mesothelioma, but is mostly seen in the peritoneal mesothelium or pleural. Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly diagnosed form of this cancer. This disease takes anywhere between 20-50 years or more to develop, which is why older individuals are usually the victims.

The Effects of the Disease
The invasion of the mesothelium by cancer cells usually makes it so difficult for the patient to breathe, which results to the need of oxygen, especially as the disease progresses. People with the pleural form of mesothelioma can also suffer from pleural effusions. These effusions prevent the smooth movement of the organs and lungs in the chest. Peritoneal mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity and stomach region which causes loss of appetite, vomiting, or nausea, and can result in dangerous weight loss. In addition to weight loss and breathing difficulties, patients suffering from this disease also complain of too much sleeping difficulties, coughing, pain in the lower back and persistence chest pain.

In summary, malignant mesothelioma is a very painful disease because it is usually not diagnosed until it is in an advanced stage. For this very reason, mesothelioma symptoms are quite serious. If the diagnosis was done late, it is more likely to have spread or metastasized, which makes successful treatment even more difficult.

Who Can Get The Disease?
According to recent statistics which shows that because of their work history, the disease usually affects men between the ages 50-70 who were employed in an asbestos laden environment before the asbestos warning and bans were in place in the 1970s. Although, women still have a minimal frequency of the disease, cases of second hand exposure has incited more diagnosis among women, most especially those whose male family members has worked with asbestos. The jobs mostly associated with mesothelioma are electricians, shipyard workers, construction industry workers, plumbers, boil makers, pipe fitters, and anyone subject to heavy exposure to dangerous asbestos and airborne asbestos fibers.

Several cases have also demonstrated that mesothelioma may develop among people who are living in communities where asbestos mines or factories were located. For example, an entire town was adversely affected by the presence of asbestos fibers found in the air. It was in Libby, Montana - site of former vermiculite asbestos mine, where hundreds have already died of mesothelioma.

This type of cancer is still significantly rarer than other cancers. In the United States, there is an estimate of about 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma have been diagnosed each year. Other countries like Australia and United Kingdom, usually reports a much higher incidence of the disease. Many countries has observed an increase in asbestos caused cancer as men who has worked in shipyards and other asbestos companies in the 1940s and 1950s, at the peak of production, are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Dealing with the Disease
This disease is usually diagnosed in its late stages, and such diagnosis is destructive to the individual and his or her family members. Over the years, there have been researches into the disease and unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma. Some individuals suffering from this disease may be candidates for surgery to remove tumors or even the whole lung, but most times, it is better treated with chemotherapy or radiation. Oftentimes, these treatments are palliative, which lessen the intensity of the symptoms of the disease rather than offering a cure.

Medical professionals and research scientists are constantly examining new methods to fight the disease. For instance, doctors are aware that some combinations of chemotherapy drugs work better than others and tests developed to ascertain earlier diagnosis of the disease or to monitor those most at risk have arrived on the scene.

Who is to Blame?
There is this reason why an individual develops mesothelioma is usually due to the lack of proper protection offered to those who worked with asbestos companies. Although, the harmful properties of asbestos and asbestos products have been evident for decades, several employers fail to take proper care to protect their workers from inhaling asbestos while they are at work. It was not until public awareness of the dangers of the materials were revealed in the 1970s that several employers started offering protective clothing such as gloves, aprons, respirators, etc, to their workers to be used on a daily basis.

Due to lack of proper care of employers, several companies who manufacture asbestos or products that contain asbestos have been subject to thousands of lawsuits filed by those who have been harmed by the material. Many of these lawsuits, with the help of a mesothelioma lawyer are filed by the victims and their family in an effort to guarantee compensation from those guilty for their exposure.

Treatments to Mesothelioma

It has been disappointing when considering the prognosis for malignant mesothelioma. Records have shown improvements in prognosis from recent multimodality and chemotherapy treatments. Treatments to this disease at earlier stages have a better prognosis, but cures are very rare. Analytical observation of the malignancy is affected by some factors such as the extremely long latency period between asbestos exposure and development of the disease, invasion to underlying tissue and other organs within the pleural cavity, and continuous mesothelial surface of the pleural cavity which favours local metastasis through exfoliated cells. The histological subtype and the patient's health status and age may help to predict prognosis. Below are some of the types of treatments to mesothelioma

Radiation - It is some times given post-operatively as a consolidative treatment, for patients with localized disease and who can tolerate a radical surgery. The entire hemi-thorax is treated with radiation therapy, mostly given simultaneously with chemotherapy. Administering radiation and chemotherapy after a radical surgery has led to extended life expectancy in selected patient populations with some patients surviving more than 5 years. Been part of a curative approach to mesothelioma, radiotherapy is usually applied to the sites of the chest drain insertion, to prevent growth of the tumor along the track in the chest wall.

This disease can generally resist curative treatment with radiotherapy alone, alleviative treatment regimens are some times used to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel. Radiation therapy when given alone with curative intention has never been shown to improve survival from mesothelioma. Necessary radiation dose to treat mesothelioma that has not been surgically removed could be considered very toxic.

Surgery - This by itself has proved to be disappointing. The median survival in one large scale was only 11.7 months. However, research has shown success when used in combination with chemotherapy and radiation.  A decortication/pleurectomy is the most common surgery, in which the lining the chest is removed. The less common one is an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), in which the lung, pericardium, the hemi-diaphragm, and the lining of the inside of the chest are removed.

Chemotherapy - This can be considered to be the only treatment for mesothelioma that has been proven to improve survival on controlled and randomized trials. According to a study that showed a comparison of cisplatin chemotherapy alone with a combination of cisplatin and pemetrexed (brand name Alimta) chemotherapy in patients who had not received chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma previously and were not candidates for more aggressive "curative" surgery. This was the very first reported trial of a survival advantage from chemotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma, this showed a significant improvement in median survival from 10 months in the patients treated with cisplatin alone to 13.3 months in the combination pemetrexed group in patients who received supplementation with folate and vitamin B12. Vitamin supplementation was given to most patients in the trial and pemetrexed related side effects were significantly less in patients receiving pemetrexed when they also received daily oral folate 500mcg and intramuscular vitamin B12 1000mcg every nine weeks compared with patients receiving pemetrexed without vitamin supplementation. The objective response rate increased from 20% in the cisplatin group to 46% in the combination pemetrexed group. Some side effects which include stomatitis, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhoea were more common in the combination pemetrexed group but only affected a minority of patients and overall the combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin was well tolerated when patients received vitamin supplementation; both quality of life and lung function tests improved in the combination pemetrexed group.

However, there are some unanswered questions about the optimal use of chemotherapy, including when to start treatment, and the optimal number of cycles to give.

Other treatments include Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, Multimodality Therapy and Immunotherapy.

Cause of Malignant Mesothelioma – The types of Exposure to Asbestos

The major risk factor for mesothelioma is when one is working with asbestos. Asbestos is undeniably the major cause of malignant mesothelioma which can be considered indisputably associated with the development of mesothelioma. The connection between asbestos and mesothelioma is so strong that so many people see mesothelioma as a signal tumor. In most cases, there exists a history of types of exposure to asbestos. However, there have been reports of mesothelioma in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. In rare situations, mesothelioma has also been associated with intrapleural thorium dioxide (thorotrast), inhalation of other fibrous silicates, such as erionite and irradiation. There have also been studies that suggest that simian virus 40 (SV40) may act as a cofactor in the development of mesothelioma.

Records have shown that asbestos was known in antiquity, but it was not mined and widely used commercially until the late 1800s. It was greatly used during the World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. At first, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known publicly. However, a high risk of developing mesothelioma was later observed among people who work in asbestos mines and mills, shipyard workers, workers in the heating and construction industries, producers of asbestos products, and other trades people.

The duration of exposure to asbestos causing mesothelioma may be short. For instance, cases of mesothelioma have been documented with only one to three months of exposure.  It is advisable to wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. Latency, the time from first exposure to manifestation of disease, is prolonged in the case of mesothelioma. It is virtually never less than 15 years and peaks at 30–40 years or even more. According to a review, the instances of occupationally related mesothelioma cases, the median latency were 32 years.

Some of The Types of Exposure to Asbestos are:
Occupational Exposure
Since the early 1900s, exposure to asbestos fibers has been known to be an occupational health hazard. There have been various epidemiological studies which associate occupational exposure to asbestos with the development of diffuse pleural thickening, pleural plaques, carcinoma of the lung and larynx, asbestosis, peritoneum, diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura and gastrointestinal tumors. Asbestos has been widely used in several industrial products such as insulation, cement, gaskets, brake linings, roof shingles, textiles and flooring products.

Paraoccupational Secondary Exposure
Family members and others who live with asbestos workers have a high risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other related diseases. This very risk may be due to exposure to asbestos dust unknowingly brought home on the hair and clothing of asbestos workers. To reduce the risks of exposing family members and others to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are advised to always shower and change their clothing before they leave their workplace.

Environmental Exposures
Incidence of mesothelioma was found to be higher in people living near naturally occurring asbestos. For instance, in central Cappadocia, a place in Turkey, mesothelioma was causing about 50% of all deaths in three small villages which are Sarıhıdır, Karain and Tuzköy. At first, this was attributed to erionite, this is a zeolite mineral with similar properties to asbestos. However, a newly detailed epidemiological investigation proved that erionite causes mesothelioma mostly in families with a genetic predisposition. There is a documented presence of asbestos fibers in food products and water supply has fostered concerns about the possible impact of long term and, as yet unknown exposure of the general population to these fibers.

Asbestos in Buildings
There is a number of building materials used in both public and domestic premises prior to the banning of asbestos may contain asbestos. Also, those performing renovation works or Do It Yourself activities may expose themselves to asbestos dust.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis (2)

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining which covers many of the body's internal organs, the mesothelium. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it can also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart, the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis. Mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. If you are suffering from this disease, diagnosing starts with a review of your medical history. History of exposure to asbestos may increase your clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is carried out, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may show pleural thickening, commonly observed after asbestos exposure and increase suspicion of mesothelioma. An MRI or a CT scan is usually performed. If there is a large amount of fluid, abnormal cells may be detected by cytopathology, if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid, this is done by thoracentesis or tube thoracostomy (chest tube); for ascites, with ascitic drain or paracentesis; and for pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. Absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, this makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis is possible (e.g. heart failure, tuberculosis). Unfortunately, the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma by cytology alone can be difficult, even with professional pathologists.

However, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Your doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy can be done in various ways, which depends on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, your doctor can perform a thoracoscopy. What your doctor does is that he makes a small cut through your chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube known as thoracoscope into your chest between the two ribs. What the thoracoscopy does is that, it allows your doctor to look inside your chest and obtain tissue samples. Alternatively, your chest surgeon might directly open your chest (thoracotomy). If the cancer is located in the abdomen, your doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, your doctor makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. Some times, if these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

However, immunohistochemical studies play an important part for the pathologist in differentiating neoplastic mimics from malignant mesothelioma. There are several tests and panels available. No single test is perfect for distinguishing carcinoma from mesothelioma or even benign versus malignant.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis (1)

Mesothelioma is known to be caused by exposure to asbestos, although through mesothelioma diagnosis, cases have been documented in children or other people with no asbestos history. Asbestos is a microscopic and naturally occurring mineral which loges in the pleural lining of the lungs and the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity. In most cases, many years will pass (up to 60) before mesothelioma will develop in those who had been exposed to asbestos.

Mesothelioma can be a very difficult malignancy to diagnose, because the symptoms and pathology of the disease closely resemble other respiratory conditions. For this very reason, misdiagnosis is not uncommon in mesothelioma patients. The symptoms of mesothelioma are chronic cough, chest pain, the presence of blood in the lung fluid and effusions of the chest and abdomen.

Diagnostic surgeries including a biopsy will typically be required to determine the type of malignant cells that are present in the body. Typically, a body imaging scan which includes a computer topography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance image (MRI) will be used to determine the extent and location of the disease.

Most mesothelioma patients are referred by their personal physicians to one of several famous mesothelioma doctors in the world. These oncologists are well versed in the disease behaviour and pathology and are the most well known with cutting edge mesothelioma treatment options.

Mesothelioma Treatments

This is a type of cancer, which affects the lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body. It is a treatable malignancy. However, there is no cure for mesothelioma, but mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are available for patients with this disease. Currently, a combination of Cisplatin and Alimta are the only FDA approved chemotherapy treatment. Several clinical trials are currently in progress utilizing other drugs such as Onconase and Gemcitabine, with many showing impressive and improved results in certain cancer patients.

However, radiation therapy is utilized, but typically in conjunction with other treatment methods such as chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical resection of mesothelioma is possible in early stage diagnosed patients, so it is advisable from time to time to go for check up, if you work with asbestos firms or you have been exposed to asbestos. Aggressive surgeries like extrapleural pneumonectomy can extend survival rates far beyond previous thought timeframes. Diagnostic and palliative surgeries like pleurodesis and pleurocentesis are also common in patients of malignant cancer.

There are alternative therapies that have been used effectively by many mesothelioma patients to help in managing symptoms of the disease and conventional treatments. Although, these treatments are mainly preferential but can be extremely valuable to many patients. If you are suffering from this kind of cancer, it is advisable for you to see a qualified doctor with years of experience to educate you of the type of mesothelioma treatments that will help.




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Symptoms of Mesothelioma – Some of The Signs You Should Know About This Rare Disease

The signs or symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20-50 years or even more, after exposure to asbestos. Cough, shortness of breath, and pain in the chest because of accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are most times symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal swelling, pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity), weight loss and cachexia (general physical wasting and malnutrition). Other symptoms may include blood clothing abnormalities, fever, anemia, and bowel obstruction. If the cancer happens to spread beyond the mesothelium to remaining parts of the body, symptoms may include swelling of the face or neck, or trouble swelling, pain.

Mesothelioma that affects the pleura may cause these signs and symptoms:
1. Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis).
2. Chest wall pain.
3. Fatigue or anemia.
4. Shortness of breath.
5. Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough

In some cases, the person may have several tumor masses. The individual can also develop a pneumothorax, or breakdown of the lung. The disease may spread or metastasize to other parts of the body.

Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity some times do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Some of the symptoms include:
1. Weight loss
2. Abdominal pain
3. Problems with bowel function
4. A mass in the abdomen
5. Ascites or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

In some cases of the disease, these signs and symptoms may be present:
1. Jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin
2. Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
3. Pulmonary emboli or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
4. Low blood sugar level
5. Severe ascites
6. Pleural effusion
7. Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs.

Normally, a mesothelioma does not spread to the brain, adrenal gland or bones. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

Malignant Mesothelioma – All about This Rare Cancer Disease

Malignant mesothelioma affects the lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body. These cavities which is known as the serous cavities, houses certain major organs in the body, such as the lungs, heart, abdomen and others. The membranes which surround these cavities are called the serous membranes. Their duty is to protect these major organs from the friction and abrasion that may occur as the organs move against each other during typical daily functioning, for example, heart beating and breathing. The serous membranes have its origin from specialized cells known as mesothelial cells. These cells form to create the mesothelium, which is the major tissue layer of the serous membranes. It should be know that cancer that occurs in the mesothelium is known as mesothelioma.

There are three types, which are:
1. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lung cavity.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioma, in the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen. This is a rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma may also affect the male testicles; because of the lining around the scrotum is an extension of the peritoneum.
3. Pericardial mesothelioma, in the perdicardium or lining surrounding the heart.

Every mesothelioma is considered to be malignant or cancerous. They begin as a localized tumor and then spread rapidly to most of the surrounding tissues and organs. At first, fibrous cysts and other non cancerous growths that appeared in the serous membranes were thought to be mesotheliomas and were known as benign fibrous mesothelioma and multicystic mesothelioma. These conditions are now known not to originate in the mesothelial cells, but other cells within the serous membranes. Also, these conditions are typically localized, non cancerous and do not spread rapidly.

Etiology
Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are connected with a previous exposure to fibrous minerals, of which asbestos is the most important. There is now undeniable evidence of the role of these fibers in the development of this disease. There has been demonstration in animal experiments and so many other experiments. It should be known that not everyone who is exposed to asbestos fibers has developed this disease, suggesting that other factors can also be involved.
Though, malignant mesothelioma is rare, but it is a serious and deadly disease. It is some times in the advanced stages when it is detected; therefore the outlook for the mesothelioma patients is not as good as it is for patients with cancers that are detected earlier. According to a report, the average survival time after detection is 1-2 years and the survival time also depends on the type of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Lawyer – Your Mesothelioma Case Can Be Handled By a Good Lawyer

This is a cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos. This disease can take 15-40 years or more before it appears, and it often begins in the lungs or the abdomen. Victims only average about one year of life after definite diagnosis. If you are suffering from this disease, then the best way to discover your legal rights and compensation in a mesothelioma case is to find a good mesothelioma lawyer.

If you were working on jobs where you inhaled asbestos particles and exposed to asbestos dusts, you have a high risk of developing this type of cancer. It makes you a potential victim of this disease. Each year, it is estimated that over 1.3 million people are exposed to asbestos in their working environment. Places where people may be exposed due to their work are in railroads, building construction, factory, shipyard industries, automotive among others. Also, it is known that when you wash the clothes of someone who is working with asbestos firm, you may be at risk for developing mesothelioma too.

From statistical analyses involving several legal cases, the jobs that have the highest risk of developing this type of cancer are: boilermakers, mason, painters, plumber, boiler operators, automotive mechanics, crane operators, insulators, pipe fitters, metallurgists, shipyard workers, cement plant workers, etc. If you are working with any of these firms, then you are advised to find a good lawyer to help fight for your legal rights, if you have developed the disease.

How You Can Confirm Mesothelioma
There are different ways to help you confirm this type of cancer. You or your family can contact a lawyer after definite diagnosis by a qualified medial doctor:
1. Symptoms: include shortness of breath, chest pain and weight loss.
2. First step diagnosis: chest X-ray and CT scan.
3. Confirmation: biopsy and microscopic examination.

How You Can Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer
There are several ways you or your family can find good lawyer:
1. You can find a low-cost assistance through local Legal Aid Office, if you can not afford an attorney.
2. You can contact a local or state Bar Association for a list of lawyers who can handle mesothelioma cases.
3. You can ask a personal attorney or talk to a doctor for a referral for a reputable attorney who can handle  this type of legal cases.

If you finally find a good lawyer, here are some questions you should ask:
1. You should know how committed the lawyer is in handling this type of case.
2. You should know how experienced your lawyer is in representing mesothelioma patients.
3. Ask about your lawyer's success ration.
4. You must ask how many of these cases were settled, and how many of them went to trial.
5. Make sure your lawyer is the one that will personally handle your case, because some attorneys refer cases to other attorneys in exchange of a fee.

Compensation
According to a California based firm, in the United States, the compensation of this type of lawsuit case can be up to 9 million US dollars. However, every case differs and the results are dependent on the facts of each case and the law which applies in the venue where the case is filed.

Mesothelioma Lawyer –Tips on How to Get Mesothelioma Settlement from Mesothelioma Case

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which can be invariably fatal, and this happens as a result of exposure to asbestos. Someone who suffers from this type of cancer may decide to hire a mesothelioma lawyer to assist claim mesothelioma settlement. To choose the best lawyer, it requires careful consideration of some important factors such as, whether the lawyer has experience in dealing with mesothelioma cases, also what success ratio do the lawyer has. Most people who have worked with asbestos did so without the knowledge that the substance is highly toxic and can cause cancer and chronic lung disease called asbestosis. Till date, some workers do not know of the dangers, but many companies are aware of the consequences and failed to protect their employees.

So many companies manufacturing or using asbestos products are responsible for injuries that their workers sustain due to asbestos exposure. To help you claim mesothelioma or asbestosis settlement, you are going to hire a lawyer. Choosing the best mesothelioma lawyer is very important, because it can affect how well a claimant works with his or her lawyer, and how successful the lawsuit is.
The most important question you should ask a prospective lawyer is simply how much experience he or she has in working on mesothelioma cases. The best lawyers should have several years’ worth of experience working on asbestos settlement lawsuit. Choosing a lawyer with so many years of experience can help speed up the process and improve your chances of success.

Considering the years of experience, another question you should ask your lawyer is if he or she has a good success ration. Experience is important, likewise the layer's track record when it comes to winning lawsuits. It will be helpful for you to look at the lawyer's track records in term of dollar value of settlements they have obtained for their clients.

Many of these lawyers work on a contingency basis. What this means is that, they do not charge you any fee until or unless the lawsuit is won. As soon as the lawsuit is won, you are to pay your lawyer a percentage of the money you were awarded; this percentage should be agreed upon when you initially hire the lawyer. Lawsuit seems to be expensive; for so many people, the best mesothelioma lawyers are the ones that work on contingency, as you do not have to worry about finding the money to pay lawsuit fees up front. You should choose a lawyer you are comfortable working with, this is equally as important as any other points.

In summary, while choosing the best lawyer, it is important to quickly choose an attorney, because of time limitations on pursuing mesothelioma settlement. You should file a claim within one to three years of mesothelioma diagnosis. Since representing mesothelioma can be so profitable to attorneys, it is very important that individuals who have suffered from mesothelioma be careful choosing attorneys. Make sure the attorney will be the one to personally handle your case, because some attorneys refer cases to other firms in exchange of their own commission. The best mesothelioma attorneys are not only expert at what they do, but they should also be people who are supportive, loving, caring, compassionate and thoughtful.

Mesothelioma and Asbestosis – The Symptoms and Signs We All Should Look Out For

Asbestosis is known to be a non cancerous, chronic illness caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos tends to increase the risk of lung cancer, mesothelioma and non malignant lung and pleural disorders. The risk here depends on duration, concentration, frequency, and the type of asbestos fibers. The diseases that manifest from asbestos exposure take a long time to develop. Most cases of asbestosis happen in asbestos workers fifteen or more years after initial exposure to asbestos. Smoking significantly increases the likelihood of lung cancer in workers exposure to asbestos (however, smoking does not appear to increase the risk of this disease).

Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer
This is an uncommon cancer which may affect the lining of your lung (pleura), the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and the pericardial in the perdicardium or lining surrounding the heart. This type of cancer is mostly caused due to exposure to asbestos. This is diagnosed 30 years or more after the first exposure to asbestos. It occurs more often in men than in women and the risk increases with age.

The Symptoms and Sign
Shortness of breath (this is the primary symptom)
A cracking sound in the lungs while inhaling
A persistent and productive cough
Chest pain
Chest tightness
Loss of appetite/weight loss

Diagnosis
Chest X-rays are the most common method of detecting asbestos related disorders.
There is history of exposure to asbestos.

Other tests include:
CT scan
Pulmonary Function Tests
Physical Examination
Biopsy
Biopsy/Bronchoscopy

Treatment
The treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, as well as the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These treatments can some times be combined when necessary.

Get Help From a Professional
Only a doctor can make the diagnosis of mesothelioma. It is very important to talk to an experienced doctor, if by any chance you have been exposed to asbestos and have any symptoms.