what is mesothelioma and mesothelioma lawyers

Mesothelioma: What is it?

Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of the cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is thought to be associated with exposure to asbestos, and this asbestos association has been documented in 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is very difficult to assess and diagnose consistently. The time between exposure and the onset of the disease, and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma, make diagnosis very difficult.
It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even patient's homes can result in mesothelioma. In many cases mesothelioma does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing asbestos. 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are currently being diagnosed. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also contract this disease through exposure to the worker's clothing. Like many other cancers, smoking greatly increases the risk of contracting mesothelioma.
Some of the earliest symptoms of mesothelioma are commonly over looked due there similarity to symptoms of less serious diseases. Some patients do not show any signs of sickness in the early stages of development of the disease. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include dyspnoea, pleuritic pain, lasting cough, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms may not be attributed to mesothelioma unless the patient is examined by a competent and knowledgeable health care provider who orders the appropriate tests. Test for mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, may include CT scans, x-rays scans, or MRI. Surgery can be one of the treatment options; however, the recurrence rate of cancerous cells is high. It is very important that the disease is diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
This disease is not more prevalent in any particular race or ethic group; however it is more common in men. Most cases of mesothelioma occur 30-45 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Once it develops, this cancer will continue to grow until it is treated or the victim expires.
Mesothelioma: Treatment
Although science is not certain as to the exact mechanism which causes mesothelioma, it is thought that the asbestos fibers puncture the parenchyma, become lodged in the pleura, and by process of irritation create the change in the cells which causes the mesothelioma.
The chance of recovery for a person with mesothelioma depends on several factors, including:
Size of the cancer
Location of the cancer
Spread of the cancer throughout the body
Response to treatment
Appearance of the cells under a microscope
Age of the patient
Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure.
If you have mesothelioma or you know someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, remember that time matters. The sooner you consult your doctor and get professional care the better your chances will be of dealing with this dangerous asbestos cancer. There are three traditional methods of fighting cancerous mesothelioma:
Surgery
Chemotherapy drugs
Radiation therapy.
Please contact your doctor as soon as possible to get more information.
Mesothelioma: The Internet Phenomenon
The nature of Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer and the length of time before symptoms may occur has made conventional claims for compensation difficult. This has opened the door and presented a great opportunity for personal injury lawyers and personal injury and class action lawsuits.
An indication of the part that the Internet has played, or is playing in this, can be determined by the amount of money personal injury lawyers and law firms are spending to advertise their services on the Internet. Many of these Law Firms have entire websites dedicated to this subject. In fact much of the information in this article was culled from these law firms' websites.
The punch line on all these websites of course is that the mesothelioma victim should hire this law firm to represent them in a personal injury or class action lawsuit.
Most reader know that it is possible to buy ads that will be displayed on Search Engine results pages when certain keywords are searched on. The current record high payment for keyword advertising of this type is held by "mesothelioma" and "asbestos cancer". These law firms are currently paying more than any other seller of goods or services to attract visitors to their websites.
Is this good or is this bad? Obviously the law firms feel that there is a great deal of money to be made in these personal injury suits, but what about the mesothelioma victim? For him/her these lawyers, and law firms, may represent the only chance for adequate medical care and the means to support their families and live their lives with this debilitating disease.
Mesothelioma: The Summary
Mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, is a terrible disease. The length of time between exposure and the onset of the symptoms hangs over the heads of many people like a life sentence. Personal injury lawyers and attorneys are often derided and condemned, however for the victims of Mesothelioma they may represent the only means of securing the funds to treat the disease or cope with the disabling impact of malignant mesothelioma.
About the AuthorBob Wakfer is the owner of Computer Partners and a long time student and practitioner of SEO. Computer Partners offers web site design, hosting and search engine optimization for its clients. If you would like to discuss any of these services with Bob you can email him at bob@compar.com.
Mesothelioma InformationMesothelioma Asbestos Cancer Information: Brings you all the latestinformation for mesothelioma sufferers. You are not alone in your struggle with thisdisease.
Mesothelioma & Cancer Self Help Information on causes, symptoms and treatment for Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer. Latest news from around the globe, and links to other Mesothelioma organisations.
Mesothelioma Resource Online Information on symptoms, diagnosis, effects & treatment of malignant mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma Legal Review - The complete resource directory for Mesothelioma related information, legal services, and products
Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can develop decades after exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used due to its fire resistant and insulating properties, but is no longer mined, milled or manufactured in Australia because of the health risks. All uses in new products are now banned in Australia and no asbestos products may be imported. Strict precautions also govern the removal and disposal of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials. Mesothelioma usually starts in the outer membrane of the lungs (pleura) but can also occur in the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Uncommonly, the heart or reproductive organs may be affected. Mesothelioma cannot be cured. Treatment aims to prolong life and keep the person as comfortable as possible. Symptoms of mesothelioma - lungsThe lungs are wrapped in a thin membrane called the visceral pleura. The chest wall is similarly lined (parietal pleura). These two membranes touch and slide across each other while we breathe, lubricated by a slick of fluid. Mesothelioma usually develops in only one lung. The tumour tends to grow across the lung until the entire organ is encased. Sometimes cancer cells migrate to lymph nodes and other areas of the body (such as the unaffected lung) via the lymphatic system. Mesothelioma causes the pleura to make more fluid than necessary, which presses on the lung (pleural effusion). Symptoms include:
Breathlessness
Dry cough
Pain.Symptoms of mesothelioma - peritoneumAbout 10 per cent of mesothelioma cases involve the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal and the pelvic cavities. Swallowed asbestos fibres can move through the stomach wall and cause mesothelioma to develop in the peritoneum. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
Painful abdomen
Swollen abdomen
High temperature
Nausea and vomiting
Bowel problems
Urinary problems.Symptoms in the later stagesSymptoms in the later stages of the disease include:
Sudden and unexplained weight loss
Spitting up sputum
Spitting up blood
Swallowing problems
Hoarseness.High risk groupsThe primary risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. The disease is rarely seen in young people. Since mesothelioma can take as long as 40 years to develop, the incidence tends to rise following middle age. High risk groups include anyone who has worked with asbestos - in jobs such as asbestos mining, milling, manufacture or in the construction, power and shipbuilding industries - and their close family or household members: for example, those who washed their work clothes.Diagnosis methodsDiagnosis of mesothelioma may include:
Medical history including history of asbestos exposure
Physical examination
Blood tests
Chest x-rays
CT scans
MRI
Drainage and laboratory analysis of the pleural fluid
Tissue sample (biopsy) to help differentiate mesothelioma from another condition known as ‘benign asbestos related pleural disease’.Treatment optionsDepending on the type of mesothelioma, the stage of disease and the person’s preference, treatment options can include:
Pleurectomy - surgery to remove the affected tissue. The affected lung may also be removed in whole or in part. Usually only small tumours are treated with surgery. Life span may be prolonged for a few months or years.
Phototherapy - sometimes used during pleurectomy. Stray cancer cells within the chest are highlighted with special dye and killed by laser.
Pleurodesis - a special powder is inserted between the pleural layers to cause inflammation that stops production of excess fluid. It is performed using a slender instrument (endoscope) inserted into the chest.
Peritoneal surgery - to remove tumours in the abdominal cavity. Bowel symptoms can often improve following this procedure.
Chemotherapy - cancer-killing drugs that can shrink the cancer and ease symptoms. Chemotherapy is often recommended if the cancer has returned following other treatment, or if other treatments are inappropriate.
Radiotherapy - x-ray treatment to kill cancer cells. Only small areas can be treated or else the healthy cells of the lungs, heart and liver may be damaged. Radiotherapy is often used to ease pain and breathlessness.Where to get help
Your doctor
Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Inc. Tel. (02) 9637 8759
The Cancer Council Victoria, Cancer Helpline Tel. 131 120
Peter McCallum Cancer Institute Tel. (03) 9656 1111
WorkSafe Victoria Tel. (03) 9641 1555
Environment Protection Authority Victoria Tel. (03) 9695 2722
Department of Human Services, Environmental Health Unit Tel. (03) 9606 0000
Asbestos Victims Support Group website.Things to remember
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can develop decades after exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma usually targets the outer membrane of the lungs (pleura) but can also occur in the membrane lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
There is no cure; treatment aims to prolong life and keep the person as comfortable as possible

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Mesothelioma: What is it?

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