mesothelioma
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Getting a Mesothelima Lawyer to Fight Against Lung Cancer
It is said that mesothelioma is linked to lung cancer and it is a good idea to get the help that is deserved when someone feels like they have been diagnosed because of the work that they did for a living. There are many mesothelimo lawyers that are waiting to help you with your situation and will get you the settlement that you deserve.
There are many people that this disease affects. It will take its toll on the entire family. These lung cancer patients deserve to have the respect and the care that they deserve for all their duties while in the work force. It is important that these patients and their families have the necessary information that they deserve to be well informed about the entire process.
Malignant mesothelima is a rare form of lung cancer that is brought on by asbestos. The term mesothelioma is used to describe a cancer tumor, which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ; this is usually the lungs, heart, or the abdominal organs. When a person is diagnosed with this form of disease, a mesothelima lawyer will fight to give them the rights that they so deserve.
A person this is diagnosed with this form of cancer will have a long hard struggle in front of them. For most people, they will not get any better and will have to live with this type of problem for the rest of their life. When someone has to go through that much pain and suffering in their life because their company did not tell them that they were in danger, they will deserve a settlement for their time and their pain.
A mesothelioma lawyer will fight for their patients to have all of their medical bills paid and to have a little extra money to help them with the rest of their life. This is an important procedure that will determine how well you settle out. You need to be confident in your attorney so that the facts can be presented and the client will have a fair and good case.
In some cases the patients will die before the case is settled. In these cases, the families of them will be entitled to the remaining settlement. They will have to live without their family member for the rest of their life due to this terrible form of cancer and they will deserve to be compensated well for that reason. A mesothelioma lawyer will help them fight for what their loved one wanted so much.
In the end, the money and the settlement cannot make what is wrong turn right. It is not going to bring back the loved one. However, it will be telling these companies that they did something wrong and that they did not get away with it. You will be fighting for rights of the workers and the responsibilities of the employers.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: What Is It?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). Most doctors and researchers think that the main cause of this disease is exposure to asbestos. Because the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma resemble those of other ailments, the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage. As a result, most patients with this illness have a life expectancy of one year or less. However, treatments are available to prolong the lifespan, alleviate the pain, and reduce the depression and anxiety of mesothelioma patients. Read on to learn more.
Causes
Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by tiny asbestos fibers that become logged in the abdominal lining. There are two theories about how the asbestos fibers may reach the peritoneum. First, it may be that patients ingest the asbestos fibers while eating food covered with microscopic asbestos particles. Second, it is possible that patients inhale asbestos fibers that eventually enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system and become deposited in the stomach area.
Most mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos 30 to 40 years prior to their diagnosis. In previous decades, asbestos was widely used in home construction, shipbuilding and the automotive industry. Workers who handled asbestos materials typically did not have any protection against inhaling and ingesting asbestos particles. Sadly, many of these workers are developing symptoms of malignant mesothelioma now, many decades after their exposure.
Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma causes the cells in the stomach lining to over-produce fluid. As a result, fluid is retained in the abdominal cavity. Consequently, some patients notice persistent bloating and swelling in the stomach area. Many patients also experience low-grade fever, overall weakness, shortness of breath and nausea. Unfortunately, these symptoms usually appear when the mesothelioma cancer has already advanced and spread. As a result, the prognosis of mesothelioma often is only a few months to a year. Generally, the sooner mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.
Treatments
Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated like most other cancers. The main therapies include radiation, chemotherapy and immune therapy. Most patients also receive comprehensive therapy designed to improve their overall strength, raise their red blood cell count, and drain their cells of excess fluid. A major part of any treatment plan is pain management. Fortunately, today's medical advances mean that mesothelioma patients do not have to experience extreme pain. Doctors can prescribe a variety of medications according to each patient's unique needs. Finally, many mesothelioma patients also consult a psychiatrist or psychologist in order to alleviate their psychological suffering and learn how to cope with their disease.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, consult knowledgeable doctors and also talk to a skilled mesothelioma lawyer. The attorney might help you hold those responsible for your suffering financially liable through a demand of compensatory and punitive damages. While money cannot restore your health, it can help you pay your medical bills and other expenses and help your family overcome the economic strain produced by your illness and loss of income.
Visit a lawyer to discuss your asbestos exposure and potential compensation for the costs of your peritoneal mesothelioma treatments.
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Stage 1 Lung Cancer Survival Rate - Know Your Odds
The earliest stage of cancer of the lung is when the malignant cells are confined to one area of the lung. When these cells started to spread outward and affect other healthy regions of the body, the level gets a little higher. At the initial form, the tumor starts in the tissue linings of the lungs. As it progresses, the tumor will affect other tissues of the lungs before it could start destroying other organs of the body. This malignant tumor is referred to as the primary tumor. Stage 1 lung cancer survival rate is just above 50 percent.
Cancer of the lung is one of the most dangerous types of cancers in the entire world. According to some research, this type of cancer has claimed as many as 1.3 million people annually since 2004. Most patients with this type of cancer are not aware that cigarette smoking is the primary reason for their dilemma. Cigarette or tobacco smoking contributes to a huge amount of lung cancer diagnostics. Over exposure to pollution or carcinogenic materials also increases one's risk of having this dreaded disease. In some research, alcoholism also triggers an abnormal lung growth. We have to be reminded of the danger of this dreaded illness, and being informed as to how it can be prevented counts a lot.
There are two types of lung tumors. One is small cell and the other one is non-small cell carcinoma. At the earliest stage, the malignant cells haven't invaded any lymph nodes yet. Stage 1 lung cancer survival rate in a five - year period is at 55 percent.
There are different symptoms one may see if affected by this dreaded disease. Following is a list of probable symptoms of lung cancer. Take note that these symptoms may also be the effect of other lung diseases.
• Persistent coughing or more often referred to as smoker's cough
• losing breath due to constriction of the airway
• Over fatigue even in light exercises
• Pain in the chest
• Sudden discomfort in the chest area
• Shallow breathing accompanied by wheezing
• Traces of blood in phlegm
• Lung infections like bronchitis or pneumonia that occur frequently
• Change in the tone of voice is another symptom
• It could also be weight loss
Stage 1 lung cancer survival rate can be improved. One must seek the help of medical professionals when diagnosed with this life altering disease. Doctors who are experienced with this type of illness are the key to extending one's life.
Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Sufferers
Learning that you have developed mesothelioma is not easy. This is a rare cancer and deadly disease that is caused by asbestos exposure. Though the disease is not curable, there are several types of treatments and therapies that you can get to help you live a longer and comfortable life. If you or a loved one has developed this deadly disease, you must seek immediate treatment and get legal help and advice as soon as possible.
Secondary Exposure To Asbestos Fibers
Asbestos products and materials were common during the last century. Many workers in industries where asbestos exposure was prevalent came in contact with the deadly material regularly not knowing that their lives were at risk. Even those who were exposed to asbestos due to secondary exposure like fibers brought home on clothes and on the hair of workers have been discovered to place family members at severe risks of developing mesothelioma also. People who live near facilities that made asbestos containing products were also at risk for developing this deadly disease.
Here are some known industries and areas that asbestos products were prevalent. They include:
? Shipyards
? Insulation installers
? Construction workers
? Power and chemical plants
? Boilermakers
? Auto mechanics
? Electricians
? Plumbers
? Pipe fitters
? Welders
? Railroad workers
? And more...
If you have worked in any of these locations or have worked in any of these industries you should talk to your doctor so that you can get the proper diagnosis for your illness and receive treatment at the early stages of this disease. Mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose and takes a very long time to present itself after exposure to asbestos, but early diagnosis and treatment can help you live and longer and comfortable life. Regular screening is recommended so that appropriate treatment can be given.
Asbestos Exposure And Mesothelioma Sufferers
Mesothelioma sufferers do not have to go through this alone. Having to deal with the physical, emotional, and financial issues resulting from this deadly disease is devastating. There are many support groups available for mesothelioma sufferers that can help you cope with your illness. These support groups can help you reach out to other mesothelioma sufferers. Also, to ease the stress of financial burden, you can seek monetary compensation from the companies that are at fault and exposed you to this deadly disease. If you need legal advice, you should contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney who specializes in asbestos litigation and mesothelioma lawsuits as soon as possible.
Asbestos Exposure
Early Diagnosis Of Mesothelioma Is The Key
Mesothelioma has become one of the most killer viruses of the last three decades. The root of the virus lies in an exposure to asbestos material. Even though the disease is considered less widespread as compared to other forms of cancer such as lung cancer, it's disturbing growth due its airborne mode of exposure has made it quite lethal. There is still no cure for this form of cancer except chemotherapy treatment. According to a report Malignant mesothelioma kills 10,000 people a year in the US alone.
The problem lies in the fact that there are no real alternatives to asbestos. And since the late 70s companies that manufacture this material have consistently lied or ignored the levels of hazard. But due to the thousands of tort cases based on asbestos exposure, manufacturing companies are doing whatever they can to meet standards of workers safety.
Transmission through Asbestos
Only by the 70s was there sufficient data available that comprehensively proved the connection of asbestos exposure. The toxic nature of asbestos if inhaled over a long period of time leads to mesothelioma form of cancer. There have been secondary transmissions or in-direct cases of transmission. In 2004 a lady in England got infected with mesothelioma due to the clothes of her father which was exposed to high levels of this toxic material. This case creates a whole different level of risk as the person concerned was not directly working in an asbestos environment.
The one redeeming fact of asbestos exposure is that malignant mesothelioma transmission is not possible with small periods of exposure. One cannot get this cancer if it inhales the toxins a few times. A sustained exposure to this environment can be the only cause for this disease. According to Centre of Disease Control (CDC) a person may take up to 7 to 10 years to develop mesothelioma
Diagnosis of the Disease
An early diagnosis is the key to fighting this disease therefore diagnosing a set of common symptoms as early as possible is highly recommended. This is especially in the case of people working in the high risk environment.
The following are the basic processes used in diagnosing mesothelioma
(A) A CAT scan or an MRI scan to check the presence of large fluid
(B) Lung function test and a Chest X-ray is performed after a thorough physical check
(C) Finally a biopsy is needed for confirmation of malignant mesothelioma
The biopsy depends upon where the cancer is located. Most commonly it is located in chest or in the abdomen. Though no test is perfect, based on medical history and the person's possible exposure to asbestos, certain inferences can be drawn.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
When Lung Cancer Spreads To The Brain, Bone, And Other Areas
Treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is usually successful when the disease is caught in its earliest stages. It remains localized in the lungs, and can be removed via surgery. Depending on its location and the extent of lung tissue that has been affected, a surgeon can perform a wedge resection, lobectomy, or pneumonectomy. Unfortunately, a large percentage of cases are not detected until the disease has spread beyond the lungs. This is a process known as metastasis. Once it occurs, surgery alone is inadequate for curing the condition.
In this article, we'll explain how lung cancer spreads to other areas of the body. You'll learn about the treatment options doctors use to resolve the disease along the way.
The Beginning Of Metastasis
With NSCLC, tumors are composed of cancerous cells. These cells eventually break away from the tumor, and travel to other parts of the body. They can do so through the lymphatic system (a part of the immune system), or through the patient's bloodstream.
When lung cancer is discussed in the context of the lung, it is referred to as a primary tumor or primary cancer. When it is discussed in the context of areas outside the lungs, it is called a secondary cancer. For instance, if NSCLC has spread to the brain, a surgeon may refer to it as "brain cancer secondary to the lung" rather than "brain cancer." This addresses the fact that metastasis has occurred, and indicates the original site of the disease.
When Cancer Cells Spread To The Lymph Nodes
The first place to which lung cancer cells migrate is the lymph nodes. The cells are delivered through the lymphatic system. In many cases, this does not necessarily constitute metastasis since the cells can migrate during the early stages of the disease. Once the cancer cells have reached the lymph nodes, however, they can spread further to other areas of the chest.
This spread is rarely caught by doctors since it is often absent of symptoms. When NSCLC is detected in the lymph nodes, chemotherapy is typically used to treat it.
Lung Cancer In The Bone
Metastasis to the bone is common, and affects an estimated four out of ten people with late stage NSCLC. While the disease can spread to bone anywhere throughout the body, common sites include the upper legs, pelvis, and spine. The patient will experience pain, which worsens as the disease advances. It is common for people to mistake the pain for mild sports injuries, such as muscle strains.
By the time lung cancer has reached the bone, it has progressed to the point that treatment focuses on relieving symptoms rather than curing the disease. Radiation therapy is usually the treatment option of choice. The patient will also receive medications to help minimize the pain.
When The Disease Reaches The Brain
Many people who suffer from late stage lung cancer will also experience metastasis to the brain. This can cause several side effects, including headaches, seizures, and a loss of coordination. Symptoms of NSCLC that has reached the brain are similar to the side effects of a stroke.
Treatment may encompass several options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and stereotactic radiotherapy. This latter option involves delivering a high dose of radiation to specific parts of the brain tissue.
Cancer Cells In The Liver
Often detected by accident, NSCLC in the liver represents a late-stage advance of the disease. By the time cancer cells have reached the liver, the condition is usually deemed at stage 4. It often produces no symptoms other than those from which the patient already suffers. Other times, the patient may feel nausea and pain under the ribs.
As with NSCLC that has spread to the bone, treatment for the disease in the liver has the goal of reducing symptoms. Surgery is rarely done at this stage.
Metastasis of cancer cells from the lungs to other parts of the body is an indication that surgery alone cannot cure the disease. If you suspect you may have NSCLC, consult your physician to discuss the most appropriate treatment options.
Asbestos, Mesothelioma Diagnosis - Not For The Faint-Hearted
Asbestos can be airborne or processed into materials, examples of which are asbestos dust or asbestos-containing roofing sheets, respectively. 'Of the major asbestos related diseases, mesothelioma is the most sensitive and scientific indicator of the adverse health effects that have resulted from airborne exposures to asbestos fibres' [H Weill, J M Hughes, A M Churg, 2004. Changing Trends In US Mesothelioma Incidence, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, vol.61, Issue 5].
The published findings above from reputed scholars based in New Orleans & Vancouver, in layman's terms, can be inferred that developing mesothelioma is likely an incident of having been exposed to airborne asbestos fibres. Think those grey roofing sheets again & construction workers, earning a good, decent & honest living for themselves, handling them (raw) in large quantities; don't you think don't you think the immediate atmosphere in which they're working would be affected? 'Mesothelioma, more precisely malignant mesothelioma, is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall) and many other internal body organs' [Wikipedia contributors, 2011. Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia: Mesothelioma].
When asbestos particles are inhaled, they commonly attach themselves to the cell weaving that your lungs are biologically clothed in. Think of really bad fashion, repulsively worn, expressing the most grotesque & demonic themes. Now the human body, being as amazing as it is, immediately notices an intrusion of 'alien invaders' (from out of space, for all it cares) & deploys the ueber-elite warriors of its stealth immune system, the T-Cells, to the distressed area. WAR! The T-Cells on arriving launch a great counter-strike to neutralize the enemy, blasting, bombing & totally fighting with everything they've got in their arsenal, their expertise, experience, spirit & much more (it's just another day at work for them)! Their opposition however is severely impeded by the destructive power the inhaled asbestos fibres unleash on the (now poor) delicate lungs, diminishing the initially mega-powerful offensive of the T-Cells. Then what happens is as the lungs weaken, they're gravely damaged and it is this damage particularly that is the formation of mesothelioma! It must be noted that despite the defeat, the T-Cells are one extremely hardcore supreme fighting unit within the immune system, bacterial infections are generally kicked the crap out of in no time when stepping against these super-fighters! In the realm of the human body internally, defeating T-Cells is not a small thing at all! Pleural Mesothelioma becomes malignant when more parts of the lungs have been damaged than the human body can otherwise healthily do without.
In one way or another cancer affects us all, we've either been directly affected by it or know someone who has. In my childhood, I lost two angelic teachers who are now residing in Heaven & were like surrogate mothers to me. I loved them that much & still do. That's why writing about cancer to some is almost like nature second nature (sadly). When it's affected you, so voraciously that all of a sudden key figures in your life you knew as far as you could remember are just gone - away from this Earth & then you're just there now, in this world without them, it's hard not to have an idea of cancer or take an active stand against it. I'm sure I'm not the only one who hopes that with every new year that dawns upon us, we're taken several significant steps towards developing a vaccine for cancer! What a year that would be!
Don't you think we ought to know more about these diseases, in our own interest? Especially when it only requires a single isolated incidence of being exposed asbestos fibre & bang, there you have it & have now got a terminal illness? Construction sites aren't the only places known for asbestos problems in recent times; elementary schools, offices, mines, retail stores amongst other locations all made the list, without trying to scaremonger you. Read the news! Maybe it's not in covered in mainstream media but it's in the news nontheless. Google it!
Cancer kills more people than AIDS & yet more people tend to make themselves aware of AIDS & how to prevent it. Both are horrific, cancer is one sickness not be underrated, ever! Mesothelioma is a terminal condition. People who get it overwhelmingly die from it. In my time reading about mesothelioma, I've come across reading about only ONE person who miraculously survived it, & lived to tell his story. What a lucky guy! To the time where all people who develop mesothelioma can & WILL share his fortune!
References: Occupational & Environmental Medicine: Changing Trends In US Mesothelioma Incidence
http://oem.bmj.com/content/61/5/438.full
Wikipedia - The Free Encyclopedia: Mesothelioma
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma
Specialist Listings contains resources on mesothelioma & how current affairs & contemporary history affect people who suffer from it. It contains an up to date account of litigation experts on mesothelioma/asbestos-exposure cases, many of whom have impeccable reputations & impressive track records in their respective niches. More importantly, it provides a voice for people who have been affected by any of such diseases & strives to make their plight a lot more understandable to the vast majority of otherwise healthy people, so that more positive actions can be effected for the betterment and healing of cancer-inflicted people's lives. Bookmark Specialist Listings now at http://specialistlistings.blogspot.com/.
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