by BlondieWrites on August 21, 2009
Mesothelioma and asbestos are so much linked that many people call it by the name of mesothelioma asbestos. While mesothelioma is a serious cancer, asbestos is its main cause. While one may approve of things that remain of use for a long time, their effect on the surroundings decides the worthiness of that product in the end. The same holds true with asbestos. The 1940s and 1950s saw a surge of ‘asbestos’ as the next best thing to happen after cement in the construction industry. Due to it’s high degree of stability and resistance to very high temperatures, asbestos was applied greatly in insulators and ceiling tiles in homes, schools and factories.
However, this product is a harmful contaminant. Asbestos has the tendency to break into small particles and remain suspended in the air for longer durations. Any individual that comes in contact or inhales it becomes vulnerable to serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer or the mesothelioma lung cancers.
Types of Mesothelioma:
Mesothelioma, asbestos related cancer, acquires it’s name from the mesothelium cells that are responsible for protecting and enabling easy movement of our vital organs such as lungs, heart and the abdomen in the body. Mesothelioma is generally of three types, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma.
If a person is suffering from hoarseness, difficulty in breathing, loss in weight, coughing, blood in sputum, chest pain, weak muscles, reduced tactile sensitivity, he may be suffering from Pleural mesothelioma or the cancer of lining of the lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma and almost two-thirds of the mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma. The Peritoneal mesothelioma or cancer of the lining of the abdomen causes impaired bowel motion, bloating, swelling in feet, and nausea. This is less common among mesothelioma patients and it affects one-third of the mesothelioma patients. Pericardial mesothelioma is of the cancer of lining of the heart. It is also caused because of asbestos exposure. However, its prevalence is rare. Pericardial mesothelioma manifests in the form of chest pain, palpitations, cough and dyspnea.
Lawsuits Related to Mesothelioma and Asbestos:
The hazardous consequences of long term contact with asbestos and its linkage to mesothelioma cancers has led to several lawsuits against its manufacturers. The mesothelioma or asbestos attorneys claim that the asbestos manufacturers were aware of the harmful affects of asbestos exposure and yet persisted with its use for profit motives. This is the reason why juries have ordered stringent awards in many mesothelioma and asbestos related lawsuits.
by BlondieWrites on August 21, 2009
What is pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma cancer that accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Cancerous cells build up on the lining of the heart.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Asbestos is the main cause of pericardial mesothelioma. When exposed to asbestos without sufficient protection, dust and fibres from the asbestos are inhaled and become lodged in the lungs. From here they can either pass into the lymphatic system and get transported to the lining of the heart or the fibres can just pass through to the heart over time.
Who is at risk from pericardial mesothelioma?
Those who have worked with asbestos constantly for a period of time without sufficient protection are those at risk. These people include construction workers and those who work in asbestos manufacturing plants. Individuals in contact with those in contact with asbestos are also at risk because asbestos fibres can cling to clothes and hair.
How much exposure to asbestos does it take to have a possibility of getting pericardial mesothelioma?
This varies depending on the concentration of the asbestos dust and fibres in the area but it has been recorded that those who have only been exposed for a couple of months have a chance of obtaining pericardial mesothelioma.
What are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma?
Common symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are persistent coughing, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Other symptoms that patients may experience are weight loss, nausea and loss of appetite.
What is the latency period of pericardial mesothelioma?
All forms of mesothelioma have an extraordinarily long latency period (amount of time symptoms take to show up after having disease). The latency period is between 30 – 50 years and so pericardial mesothelioma is usually discovered in elderly men who have had pericardial mesothelioma for most of their life but have never known it.
What is the prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma?
This is highly dependent on how early and how aggressively the cancerous cells are treated. If the cancer is treated when it has fully developed and matured then the chances of a patient’s survival is very small. The prognosis could be only a couple of months.
Is there any promising research for pericardial mesothelioma?
At the moment, research into pericardial mesothelioma is being conducted all over the USA in research labs and also many pharmaceutical companies are endeavouring to find new drugs for chemotherapy. So far, there is still no cure for mesothelioma although researchers predict that new drugs will soon be discovered.
by BlondieWrites on August 21, 2009
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma can be defined as a rare form of cancer that affects mesothelium, the protective sac that covers most of the internal organs of the body. In this disease, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and they start dividing randomly. Mostly, the preliminary attack of Mesothelioma takes place in pleura or peritoneum and it is seen that majority of the Mesothelioma patients have a history of exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma with asbestos
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer with a rate of about 2000 new cases per year in the US. Though there is no specific age or sex for Mesothelioma, aged men seem to be more prone to catch the disease. As 70% to 80% of the case histories of patients reveal, Mesothelioma has a strong connection with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a group of minerals, which occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers. It is required in several industries namely cement, flooring products, textiles, etc. When the tiny particles of asbestos are inhaled or swallowed, they pose severe health related threats like increased risk of lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, etc. The combination of asbestos exposure and smoking habit often aggravates the risk.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
One peculiarity of Mesothelioma is that it has a long latency period of about 15-50 years, which means that the symptoms of the disease may start appearing 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Moreover, Mesothelioma symptoms are often not specific i.e. they are same in case of several other diseases. This is why Mesothelioma tests are very important to dispel the incidence of the disease if relevant symptoms crop up.
Speaking of symptoms, there are three prominent symptoms of Mesothelioma that cannot be overlooked. These involve pain while breathing or coughing, gasping for breath and a persistent cough that may result in sputum streaked with blood. Besides, exhaustion, weight loss and appetite loss are some of the other contributing symptoms. Other very rare symptoms are hoarse voice, swelling of the face or the neck, problem in swallowing and pain around the rib area.
However, depending upon the location of the cancerous tumors (pleura or peritoneum) the symptoms vary in case of pleural and peritoneal Mesothelioma. In pleural Mesothelioma, the fluid gets accumulated in the pleura and leads to shortness of breath, persistent coughing, pain in the chest, difficulty in sleeping, pain in the lower back and side of chest, husky voice, nausea, difficulty in swallowing and fever.
Cancer in the lining of the abdomen is what we know as peritoneal Mesothelioma. Because of the fluid retention in the abdominal cavity there is a subsequent abdominal pain and swelling.
Noticeable symptoms of peritoneal Mesothelioma are listed as follows:
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Build up of fluid in the abdomen
- Bowel obstruction
- Abnormal blood clotting
- Abdominal mass and fever
Mesothelioma’s treatment depends upon several factors like location of the cancer, stage of the disease, patient’s age and general health. Standard treatments that are carried out to cure the disease include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined to achieve better results.
Thus it is worthwhile to mention, as all doctors say that to fight a disease we need to find the symptoms first. So be aware of the symptoms of Mesothelioma and consult the doctor at the very onset for an immediate treatment.
by BlondieWrites on August 21, 2009
Mesothelioma is a rare yet deadly cancer that almost always surfaces in a malignant form and results in tumors on significant organs of the body. Most people believe mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. So what exactly is the mesothelium? The mesothelium is a film or sac that surrounds vital organs in an attempt to protect them (such organs can include the lungs and heart). Mesothelioma can almost always be attributed to asbestos. While we might think there exists only one form of mesothelioma, there actually several. We will be talking about pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma. As unfortunate as it may be, mesothelioma’s symptoms don’t surface until the disease has progressed, which at times can be several years following exposure to asbestos. As one might guess, this can make diagnosis a pain and treatment a near impracticality.
Pleural mesothelioma is the widely known variant of mesothelioma. In this form of mesothelioma, tumors develop on the lining of the lungs. Most people with the disease have a difficult time swallowing, breathing, and getting around without coughing. They may also experience other symptoms such as weight loss.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a more uncommon form of mesothelioma. This variant of the disease sheds ill will on the lower parts of the body, particularly the abdomen and stomach. This cancer can start in either of the two locations and metastize (grow into other parts of the body). This variant of the disease tends to bring about more severe symptoms such as nausea and blood clots. Since these tumors can put pressure on surrounding organs, they can make for an unpleasant sensation.
Finally, its time we talk of a very rare type of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma. Th¬is variant focuses on the heart and can bring about palpitations and breathing problems.
If you are or have ever experienced these types of symptoms, its best to speak to a doctor.
by BlondieWrites on August 21, 2009
“Mesothelioma” is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. Mesothelial cells are cells that form a protective lining over the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not rub and chafe against the chest walls.
What causes it?
Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are related to inhaling of asbestos fibers. There are about 3,000 cases per year (mostly men over the age of 40) and there will be about 300,000 cases before 2030. Mesothelioma usually spreads rapidly through the mesothelial cells to the heart and abdominal organs. The life span is typically 24 months after diagnosis, but it depends on what stage the cancer is detected, the health of the patient and other factors.
Although asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, it has a latency period after exposure that could last 15 to 50 years. This means that someone who worked in a factory with asbestos 40 years ago could be developing mesothelioma now. Anyone who knows they were exposed to loose asbestos fibers should be tested regularly for mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
The onset of mesothelioma is usually very slow. The first symptom is a constant pain in the chest. This pain is later accompanies by difficulty breathing due to an accumulation of fluid in the chest. Other symptoms include coughing, fever and weight loss. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed by your doctor with a chest CT-scan.
Prognosis (the outcome)
Mesothelioma advances in 4 stages:
Stage I – the tumor is limited to the area of the lining of the lung and usually limited to only one side of the chest.
Stage II – the tumor extends to other organs within the chest cavity, such as the heart or lymph nodes in the chest.
Stage III – the tumor expands to the other side of the chest or it spreads into the abdominal organs. The lymph nodes outside the chest are affected.
Stage IV -the cancer spreads to different parts of the body far outside the chest area (liver, brain, bone, etc…).
Mesothelioma is an extremely deadly disease. The average survival time is about one year from date of diagnosis. About 20% of patients who find their cancer early and treat it aggressively will reach the five-year mark.
by BlondieWrites on August 21, 2009
I decided to create this article for all the people out there, spending all day searching the keywords “what is mesothelioma and what problems does mesothelioma cause” on Google. Many of us still do not know what is mesothelioma cancer or disease? Well this article will tell you more or less some of the information about Mesothelioma cancer or disease.
Mesothelium covers the external surfaces of the heart and lung. It also covers the inner surface of the chest wall and the inner surface of the sac that surrounds the heart called pericardium. In the lungs the mesothelium is called pleura, in the heart it is called pericardium, and in the abdominal cavity it takes the name of peritoneum.
Its primary role is to protect these organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows for movement. While mesothelioma can affect any of the mesothelial tissue in the body, it is most commonly seen in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium. Sadly, many patients are not diagnosed with mesothelioma until symptoms are present, and symptoms are not usually present until the cancer is in its advanced stages.
To understand this a little better, let’s clarify that the mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. It (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in the cells of the mesothelium, which become abnormal and divide without any control and order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) occurs when the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order.
Nearby tissues and organ can be affected and the cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body.
So what is Asbestos? Well, asbestos fibers cause lesions and scarring on the mesothelium, ultimately leading to the formation of tumors.
The damaged cells secrete large amounts of a clear fluid that presses on the lungs and other organs, causing severe discomfort. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium.There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid and mixed. The epithelial type is the most common. Mesothelioma is a horrific disease where a particular type of cell (the mesothelium) divides without control.This division of cells can lead to mesothelioma.
Now, not everything is bad news. Benign mesothelioma may occur wherever there is mesothelium. It is localized and does not spread to nearby tissues. Cancer that occurs in the mesothelium tissue is called mesothelioma . Malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. The most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but mesothelioma may also occur in the peritoneum or the pericardium .
One of the ongoing problems, however, with this remedy is the fact that mesothelium cancer can take years before it starts to show. In some cases, this period has been over 40 years. The mesothelium makes fluid between the two layers that lubricates the movement of the organs it protects. It actually develops in the mesothelium; a thin, double-layered protective sheath that surrounds vital organs and body cavities. The mesothelium that protects the chest and lungs is called the pleura and the mesothelium that surrounds the abdomen is called the peritoneum.
by BlondieWrites on August 21, 2009
Not too many people worldwide know exactly what mesothelioma is. Well, it’s a type of cancer brought about by exposure to a fiber-like material known as asbestos. As of today, there exists no definitive cure for the disease, something quite unfortunate for those who suffer from it. Asbestos, although initially appearing to be a miraculous material, turned out to be a fraud when in the ‘70s it was discovered that asbestos was linked to the development of mesothelioma. Since the disease takes years to surface, many that were once involved in the shipping, refining, and mining industries are suing their former employers over their development of the disease.
If you were involved in any of the above industries and feel that you may be suffering from mesothelioma, an asbestos attorney can help you. Asbestos attorneys work hand in hand with the family of sufferers to build the best possible case for those who have become contaminated with the disease. If a qualified attorney is hired, there should be no concern that a victim will lose a case. The majority of asbestos cases have a very positive outcome, with victims earning settlements in the millions. However comforting that may be, the settlement will never be able to replace the victim’s health.
Now’s the time to get in touch with an asbestos attorney to get the money that you deserve. Stop hesitating because, as we’ve said above, most if not all mesothelioma cases have potential for settlements. Do the proper research and set up a consultation with an attorney that you know is qualified to serve you. With any mesothelioma sufferer, time is of the essence. Sitting and trying to decide whether to contact an attorney is pointless. Take some action and begin to get the compensation you deserve. Pick up the phone and call an attorney today.
