Is Asbestos killing your family?

by Christopher Angus
Mesothelioma is one of the worst diseases known to man, the average life expectancy is less than two years once the disease is diagnosed. Thousands of people every year are diagnosed with Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a Cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs and has a direct link to people who have come into direct contact with asbestos.
Mesothelioma is also known as Asbestos Cancer, it strikes many, many thousands of people across the world every year. Over three thousand people are diagnosed in the United States every year. Once a person is diagnosed with Mesothelioma they are usually dead within two years.
The people who are most likely to contract Mesothelioma are usually labourers who have worked in factories, in mines, in manufacturing facilities or have continually been in contact with Asbestos or Asbestos Dust.
Mesothelioma symptoms include: Shortness of Breath, Repetitive Coughing and painful chest and abdomen. Occasionally the patient my feel severe stabbing pains in the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma symptoms usually only surface 35 - 50 years after Asbestos contact. However, if an individual displays symptoms of Mesothelioma they should consult a doctor immediately.
Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed through a chest X-Ray, Complete Blood Count, Biopsy or a Thoracotomy.
There are a number of different treatment options for people suffering from mesothelioma. The most common form of treatment is surgery, where doctors will try to remove as much of the Cancer as possible.
Palliative surgery is used when the disease is in a more advanced stage.It is used to relive or control symptoms where there is an accumulation of fluid in the lung or the tumour is pressing against the lung wall.
Radiation is used to kill cancer calls and shrink tumours, it works by firing high energy X-Rays at the tumour. Radiation has a few side effects, such as Vomiting, Nausea and general fatigue.
Chemotherapy is another way of treating mesothelioma cancer. Chemotherapy does not show a good success rate when it comes to treating mesothelioma cancer, the response rate is around 15%.
It's important to come to term with your cancer, by doing so will make your life more enjoyable by not living in anger, fear or sadness.
There are many groups that offer support to people living with mesothelioma cancer, ask your doctor first.
Anthony Gregory Helps to promote the following Sites:
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Mesothelioma Asbestos Claim: Know Your Rights

by Ermenegildo Billar
As an American citizen you have many rights. The United Stated of America signed a very important document called the Declaration of Human Rights. In it, under article number 3 you will find that "everyone has the right to life..." With that said, almost everyone infected with mesothelioma got it by inhaling toxic asbestos fibers during a long period of time without any warning. This means that you may have the right for a mesothelioma asbestos claim.
The Beginning
Since the first mesothelioma lawsuit hit the courts in 1929, more and more lawsuits have been presented involving more than two hundred billion dollars. Any person that has acquired mesothelioma because of negligence of someone else is eligible to file a case in search for compensation for damages to their life.
Mesothelioma and the Law
Although mesothelioma is still a very rare type of cancer, the US government has been presented with countless cases, making it somewhat a legal priority to create answers for. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amendment on June 14 2006 to the highly debated "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005" which granted victims of mesothelioma "$1.1 million within 30 days of their claim's approval". Victims include people from normally exposed industries and also people exposed to asbestos during the 9/11 rescues and debris recollection after the attacks on the World Trade Center and debris recollection from reconstruction after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
What you can Do
Don't ever hesitate or think twice if you want to seek legal advice for a mesothelioma asbestos claim. There are many excellent hard working legal firms that can find you the best compensations for obtaining mesothelioma by inhaling asbestos fibers. Nevertheless, you have to be diagnosed with the illness in order to file a case. Because of the innumerable cases that have been presented of people that only present symptoms from the cancer, the justice process for people currently ill from mesothelioma is hindered. The justice department has no other choice but to reject these spam cases in order to tackle the mesothelioma asbestos claims from people who are genuinely suffering the disease. There are other ways to make a mesothelioma claim for only presenting symptoms.
About the Author
After certain events in his life, Ermenegildo Billar has dedicated years of his life to understanding and helping people with the malignant mesothelioma. For your comfort he decided to create www.infothelioma.com so you can have easy access to his research.

"Breathing Room" - Protection against Invisible Work Hazards

by Philip Nicosia
There are some jobs that you know are high risk: firefighting, construction work, military service. What people don't realize is that some jobs can put you at risk for microscopic toxic substances that damage the respiratory system, silently yet steadily, and by the time you've discovered that you're sick, you're already been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Look at the odds: 150,000 people develop lung cancer a year, and 15% of those are from people who had been exposed to chemical substances (asbestos, silica dust, radon, and environmental pollutants) while they were at work. If you are in any of the following occupations, you should take out disability insurance. It gives the assurance that if you do get sick because of your job, and have to take weeks and months off for treatment, you'll be properly prepared. In fact, disability insurance will often replace up to 80% of your gross income, tax-free. It's money when you need it most--when medical bills are high, and you no longer have your job to pay them.
Shipbuilders are exposed to fiberglass, which have been linked to a higher incidence of cancer. While most manufacturers insist that they're safe, lab tests and statistics say otherwise. In fact, this evidence has been available for over twenty years, but no laws monitor exposure to fiberglass materials. Some shipbuilders are also exposed to asbestos, another toxic substance that has been banned by some countries.
Asbestos was used in pipe insulation, making pipefitters (especially those who have been working on it before the 1980's) at risk for asbestos inhalation. Asbestos clings to the lungs, causing lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. Pipe fitters are also at high risk to benzene exposure. Benzene is a carcinogen that has been linked to lung cancer. The same problem plagues anyone who has worked in any job related to insulation.
Tile workers who mount ceiling and floor tiles and other shock-absorbing materials are exposed to high levels of dust. This can cause respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung cancer. The dust can also irritate the eye and skin, and make it susceptible to infections.
Welders and Refinery Workers are exposed everyday to a toxic mix of carcinogens like benzene, poisonous fibers, and gases. This profession has a high rate of reported cases of cancer, aside from physical injuries that can result from working with very sharp objects and hot metals. Sanders face the same problem, inhaling silica dust and noxious fumes. These gases can all scar the lungs, and trigger mesothelioma and lung cancer. Protective gear helps, but since the substances are in the air and are not fully filtered out, just breathing puts you at risk.
You may love your job, or you may not have the option to quit. However, you need a safety net. Since you are exposed to known chemical hazards (even if you can't see them) it is necessary to take out disability insurance so you or your family will not suffer from financial problems if and when you do get sick.
Philip Nicosia is the webmaster of Resources.eu.com an online resource centre covering many topics including disability insurance.
About the Author
Philip Nicosia is the webmaster of Resources.eu.com an online resource centre covering many topics including disability insurance.

Herbal Mesothelioma cancer treatment

by dr jack
Mesothelioma cancer is one of the cancer which occurs to the chest and lung cavity. It is the rare cancer which is found. Is you or someone suffering from it? Want to get rid from it then here is the accurate cure for it with no side effects. More information meets: dr jack Mesothelioma cancer is one the rare form of cancer in which the cells are found in the chest or the lung cavity. In this disease the cells become abnormal and divide without control or order. This cancer cells spread to the nearby tissues and organs of the nearby parts of the body. This is the disease caused as a result of malignant cancerous cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is very difficult to assess consistently due to the great variability in time before diagnosis and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma.
The people who are exposed to asbestos that is their working area or the environment in which they are living are at higher risk of getting this cancer. This disease in many cases does not occur for decades after the exposure to the cancer causing substances. It is also said that all of us are exposed to this disease that is in the air we breath, water we drink, from the natural deposits in the earth and the asbestos products around us.
The manufacturers of this asbestos product owners were prosper as they got much income to them. But the workers who worked for it had to ultimately suffer for it. Though the government took actions against this asbestos production and banned the usage of these products but yet it is still used, imported and making the people to get higher risk at their lives. So, to stop the people to getting addicted from this disease it is an urge need that the awareness should be given to the people about this asbestos and the effects of it as it turns them to the attack of mesothelioma cancer.
Smoking is also one of the risk for contracting mesothelioma cancer in the people. This also is one of the cause for the development of cancer in the body. We cannot find any of the earliest symptoms are less serious illness and they are neglected. In some cases this cancer does not show the signs of the sickness in the early stages of the development of the disease.
The most common symptoms are dyspnea, pleuritic pain, lasting cough, fatigue, shortness or difficult in breath, chest pain, chronic or persistent coughs and weight loss. This disease is more found in men than women. This occurs in the people who are above the age of 30 years that is after the initial exposure to asbestos. But it should be treated in its initial stage as early as possible so that it may not go deeper.
The major cause of this disease is the people working with asbestos. During the production of the asbestos products if the tiny particles of it are inhaled or swallowed then this causes serious health problems which in turn lead to mesothelioma cancer. But there are few cases that are reported without any known exposure to asbestos. If we are more exposed to asbestos then this can lead us to lung cancer, chronic lung ailment, other cancers like larynx and kidney.
The faster you consult the doctor or the specialist it would be better to get specialized care for getting better and coming out of it to lead a normal life. So, it is the primary or the basic need to get more information and cure the disease. Many cancer treatment options are not very effective in treating mesothelioma. But at our center we provide you the treatment to reduce the cancer and free you from the suffering from our specialist with the medication which are natural and no side effects. Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age. Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.
About the Author
Dr Jack is a Conventionally Trained Western Medical Doctor from India and fellow of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). He is also trained in traditional supplements since the age of 5 years to practice complimentary alternate supplements. More information: dr jack

Asbestos In Your Home - Don't Give Your Kids Cancer

by Christopher Angus
Many homes still have asbestos products in them, these range from heaters and fire places to roof tiles. Children play with Asbestos on a daily basis and are exposing themselves to a highly dangerous product that will almost certainly cause cancer and death later in life, if the exposure is high enough. It is reported that children are prone to cancer after asbestos exposure.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fibre that is known for its heat resistance and strength. It is also very resistant to acid. Asbestos can only positively be identified under a microscope, however, asbestos in the home and workplace is very easy to identify. As asbestos ages it starts to crumble and break, the fibres which are deadly are then released into the air and breathed in.
What Illnesses are caused by Asbestos?
The tiny fibres that are released by the asbestos penetrate deeply into the lungs and remain in the individuals lungs for the rest of their lives. Constant or regular exposure to high does of asbestos fibres can cause scarring of the lung tissue and respiratory disease asbestosis. Exposures to low amounts of asbestos are still highly dangerous and can cause lung cancer. Direct contact with asbestos can also cause Mesothelioma - a form of cancer exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. Symptoms of asbestos exposure usually take 20 - 40 years to develop and 100% of cases are fatal. All types of asbestos cause cancer and all types of asbestos cancers can kill. Children are especially prone to developing cancer after exposure to asbestos.
What Products Contain Asbestos?
- Floor Tiles - Ceiling Tiles - Sprayed on Textures Ceilings - Wrapping For Pipes - Boiler Insulation - Fire Proofing - Surfaces and Similar - Roof Tiles - Roof Tar - Heaters - Gas & Electric
What To Do If You Suspect You Are In Contact With Asbestos
Should you discover or suspect that you have asbestos in any part of your home or business you need to make a decision based on the amount of exposure and the condition of the asbestos. The most important factor is the general condition of the asbestos. If it is crumbling or broken it must be removed immediately as it will be releasing deadly asbestos fibres into the surrounding area. You must not remove the asbestos yourself. The asbestos needs to be removed and disposed by a properly qualified and protected individual. Call your local government office or council immediately and seek advice on recognised companies that can remove the asbestos safely.
If you are a home owner or a tenant you must make arrangements immediately to have the asbestos encapsulated or removed. You are liable for any person who develops cancer as a result of exposure in your home.
Christopher Angus helps promote the following sites:
http://www.mdhsasbestosconsultants.com http://www.everest-oxfordshire.co.uk http://www.brilliantseo.com
About the Author
Christopher Angus is a writer and website promoter. He is available for hire at chris@brilliantseo.com

Mesothelioma

by vyom
It is as dreadful as it sounds, Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, it is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium). In lay mens language Mesothelioma is a disease that causes the deadly tumors to develop in the chest and lung cavity. Mesothelioma is also called abestos lung cancer as it happens due to asbestos exposure.
Malignant Mesothelioma begins in tissue that surrounds and supports the different organs in the body. This protective tissue is called mesothelium and serves to protect the lungs, heart and stomach by producing a special fluid that allows the organs to move freely. Tumors that begin here are very dangerous because of their proximity to the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Although these tumors can be benign and non-cancerous, they are more often malignant and cancerous. According to reported studies malignant mesotheloma is a very rare form of cancer. Doctors only diagnose two to three thousand cases per year in the United States, with men three to five times more than women likely to get the disease. Although rare, the incidents of Malignant Mesotheloma appear to be on the rise. There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). While pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium). About three-fourths of mesotheliomas start in the chest cavity. Another 10 to 20 percent begin in the abdomen, while those starting around the heart are very rare. Although rare, Malignant Mesothelioma represents a serious health threat to those diagnosed. Because it often becomes advanced before symptoms appear the outlook is not as good as it is for cancers that doctors find earlier. About half of the patients whose doctors find and treated the cancer early will survive two years or more. The average survival time for all stages of Malignant Mesothelioma is about one year. http://www.mesotheliomaprognosis.blogspot.com/
About the Author
this is vyom i am a first timer so please bear with me......

Mesothelioma Treatment & Information

by Stephanie Guindon
Getting credible information about the diagnosis of Mesothelioma, is very important for patients and their love ones. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer of the lung, or known as the pleura which may cause a patient to become short of breath because they have been exposed to asbestos. Every case is different and sometimes a patient may not show any symptoms at all. Mesothelioma consists of several forms. Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the forms and are cancer cells found in the lining of the abdominal cavity or found in the lining around the heart. This form of cancer can be painful because it can spread through the entire body and cause the organs to shut down. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos do not all contract Pleural Mesothelioma cancer. This cancer could be related to asbestos exposure and not all asbestos exposure is harmful. Asbestos may already be fixated in the walls not causing the particles to be free in the air, effecting workers.
When there are free particles in the air, the workers are exposed to asbestos and that is harmful to the worker and may cause the worker to contract Pleural Mesothelioma. A second form of the cancer is Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. This cancer is also associated with asbestos exposure and occurs in the tissue lining of the abdominal cavity, which contains fluid that enables the organs to move and work right. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the most common cancer that is related to asbestos exposure because it is the place where the cancer spreads. This cancer can cause severe health problems and complications for a patient. Normally a patient may experience flu symptoms as well as the swelling of the abdomen. Pericardial Mesothelioma caused from asbestos is another form of cancer, which is also rare affecting the lining surrounding the heart. Pericardium are the cells that produce lubricating fluids which protects the heart allowing the heart to move freely when pumping blood into the other parts of the body. This can cause a patient to have cancer spread through the tissues in the lining of the heart. At this stage, treatments may not be effective and may lead to fatal circumstances.
It may take a patient a long time after being exposed to asbestos, before he or she recognizes symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems and a continuous cough. Being diagnosed is the first step and even though it can be extremely difficult to detect Mesothelioma symptoms because they are similar to so many other types of cancers your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your exposure to asbestos. Several tests will be done, including chest x-rays, MRI scans or CT scans to determine any abnormal changes. A tissue sample may be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and if your doctor has concluded that you are a patient of Mesothelioma your next step is treatment. Therapy is a form of treatment and there are several kinds of therapies to choose from. Do not be afraid, you are not alone; support is out there to help you fight the cancer and get the treatment you deserve. Please visit www.mesothelioma-treatment-2day.com for more information on mesothelioma and treatment options.
About the Author

Mesothelioma Overview

by Steve Dimeck
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, but the deadliest one of all. It strikes about 3000 hard working people in the United States each year, mostly men over 40 years of age. It is caused by direct asbestos exposure, or from asbestos dust brought home on the worker's clothing.
During the twentieth century, around 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States. Many asbestos-containing products remain in buildings, ships, industrial facilities and other environments where the fibers can become airborne.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining of the lungs, the inside of the ribs, and around the abdominal organs. In the past it was thought that cigarette smoking caused mesothelioma. However, with medical research it has been proven that it is caused by asbestos exposures.
Here's what the asbestos does. When a person breathes in asbestos fibers, the fibers then travel to the ends of the small air passages reaching the lining of the lungs and damaging the mesothelial cells (the lining of the lung cells). If swallowed, these fibers can reach the lining of the abdominal cavity where they play a part in causing a cancer called peritoneal mesothelioma. The chance of ever getting mesothelioma rises with the intensity and duration of your exposure to asbestos.
And you may not get mesothelioma right away. Mesothelioma can even develop 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure. The average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis with mesothelioma until death is less the 6 months. So, who's at risk?
People who work or used to work in asbestos environment, and spouses or children being exposed to asbestos fibers from work clothing brought home. Also, if you live in a house that was built in the mid 70's or before, you have to know that most insulation materials, including pipe insulation; boiler insulation; fireproofing spray; firebrick and gunnite (used for internal insulation of furnaces and boilers); also many construction materials, such as roof, floor and ceiling tiles contained asbestos. You too might be exposed to asbestos. You need to have your house checked for any asbestos presence.
If you have ever been exposed to asbestos directly or indirectly, early symptoms of mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and/or pain in the lower back or at the side of your chest. Less often, you can experience trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss. So, these early symptoms sometimes may delay your diagnosis as these symptoms are also related to other illnesses. It will be up to you to mention to your doctor the possibility of asbestos exposure, because your doctor may not suspect it right away. Your doctor then, has to use x-rays, CT scans or a breathing test to detect the presence of asbestos. He or she can further perform a biopsy (taking samples of your lung tissue) to confirm it.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you were most likely exposed to asbestos. Many asbestos manufacturers and even distributors knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, yet they did not warn people of those hazards. As a result, you have a right of recovery against those manufacturers, which on the other hand can help pay the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.
The first thing you need to do after being diagnosed with mesothelioma is contact a lawyer immediately to see if you have a case. Think about the source of your exposure, regardless of how long ago that might have been. Try to find the responsible parties. Whether that was your spouse's work, your work, your parents' work, the house you lived in, or anything at all that might have exposed you to asbestos.
Also, you need to ask your lawyer about your statute of limitations. Even if your family member has died from mesothelioma, you may still be eligible to file a claim. Even if you've never worked at a place that directly dealt with asbestos but you have gotten it through asbestos fibers brought home on clothes worn by a spouse or parent who worked in an asbestos environment, you may still be eligible to file a claim.
If diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor can only do so much to save your life. It will be mostly you religiously following the health directions given to you by your doctor and educating yourself about mesothelioma. Your doctor can help you save your life, but you can also help him or her help you by knowing how to deal with it.
Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace any professional advice you need to get from a lawyer, or doctor, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. The author, publishers and marketers of this information disclaim any loss or liability, either directly or indirectly as a consequence of applying the information presented herein, or in regard to the use and application of said information. No guarantee is given, either expressed or implied, in regard to the merchantability, accuracy, or acceptability of the information. Thank you.
About the Author
This article was produced by Attorney Resources and Lawyer Information website. Please visit http://lawyer.bestinfo4you.com/mesothelioma-attorney.html if you need to find a mesothelioma lawyer or if you need more info.

What you must DO when Doctor said you've got Mesothelioma ?

by Ivan_13
I know... when it's happened to us, it can make us fall deep in depression and stress. Do not make it worst by let your self down. These steps below I recommended you to do: 1.Think Positive, this is not the end of the world, you can still try to cure your mesothelioma, surround your self with people who are positive and supportive, ask their support, this will generate a huge of positive feelings in you. Mind affects the body, if you are always in positive thinking, your body will do the best to cure your body. Some people have their cancer gone from their body when they took mind therapy, learn how to have a positive thinking, because it makes them always optimist. Never put your self down, it affects your body and can slow the self healing process.2.Find Information, collect books, articles, or people experience about mesothelioma, you can't win if you don't know your enemy. So if you have a lot of information about mesothelioma, you will get your self more confidence to cure your self from mesothelioma.3.Go to the hospital, check your body and do the treatment from medical professional, some options for mesothelioma treatement generally include surgery, radiation therapy and chemo therapy.4.Always pray to God, this is one of the most important task you must do, after you make the three steps above, now you can hope miracles from God, because you have been try as much as you can, and after that... God is your hope, yups, never underestimate the power of pray.
About the Author
If you want to know more about mesothelioma, please visit LimitHealth.com more articles about antivirus, trojan, adware, spyware and PC security in WhyAntivirus.com

Mesothelioma Can Lie Dormant For Many Years

by Jeff Foster
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer that affects the lining around the heart, lungs and abdominal cavities which is called the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by chronic exposure to asbestos or asbestos-related products.
When asbestos fibers enter the body, by either breathing in the tiny asbestos fibers or by swallowing them, they can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancer. There is currently no known cure for malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma causes the cells of the mesothelium to mutate and multiply infinitely. It is this mutation which causes tumors that prevent proper lung and heart functions. Studies have shown that mesothelioma can also invade part of the immune system, including the spleen, bone marrow and lymph nodes.
The cancerous cells of mesothelioma can lie dormant for many years before a victim begins to show signs of illness. It is not uncommon for the beginning stages of mesothelioma to appear as many as 30 years after initial exposure.
It is this one key reason that prevention of asbestos exposure is of absolute importance.
Because mesothelioma is known to lay dormant for years, often by the time symptoms appear it is too late to for treatment to make a difference in survival. Currently survival rate ranges from 1 to 5 years depending on the stage of mesothelioma when it was diagnosed as well as the overall health condition and age of the victim.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma. Treatment ranges from chemotherapy, radiation treatment and preventive surgery, however, none of these treatments will cure this dangerous cancer. Treatment is designed to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms.
Years ago, it was not uncommon for asbestos companies to know the risk involved with the manufacturing of their products and the resulting asbestos exposure. Many companies did little or nothing to help provide their employees with protection. Some companies were even accused of ignoring the dangers of asbestos exposure to make a profit.
If you are fearful that you have been exposed to asbestos and fear that the exposure has caused you to contract mesothelioma, then you have the right to seek restitution for your loss. Seek an experienced mesothelioma attorney for advice.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly cancer. Don't allow yourself to remain in denial.
Seek medical treatment immediately. Many treatments can help to relieve some symptoms of mesothelioma.
About the Author
For more important information on mesothelioma visit a-mesothelioma-guide.com. You'll find information such as the types of mesothelioma, symptoms, and other articles at http://www.a-mesothelioma.com

Asbestos - The Fiber Disease

by Chris Freville
Ongoing exposure to asbestos fibres leaves a permanent mark on the lungs of a person. It causes scarring of the lung tissue. Exposure is exposure; it is not that less exposure is acceptable - asbestos exposure in any measure can cause lung cancer. Illnesses do not always happen with our knowledge. There are many kinds of illnesses that catch us off-guard; most of them often air-borne, resulting from the air we inhale.
The importance of fresh, pure air is indeed often underestimated. Interestingly, even the presence of a relatively small (not to mention, invisible) mineral fibre in the air that we breathe is sufficient to render damage to our health. Asbestos is one such mineral. Asbestos, which is known for its heat and acid resistance and is very strong, can dangerously affect us. When it ages, asbestos begins to break and the fibres find their way into the air that we inhale, thereby making it deadly.
The fibres enter the lungs and stay there for the life of him. This disease is called asbestosis or mesothelioma. It takes about 20 to 40 years for asbestos symptoms to surface. Sadly, all those who get asbestosis die - the death rate is 100% - there is no cure to it.
All kinds of asbestos are carcinogens. Children are particularly prone to get asbestosis or mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos. Products like floor tiles, ceiling tiles, sprayed on texture ceilings, pipe wrappings, boiler insulation, fire proofing, roof tiles, roof tar and heaters have asbestos in them.
Since it is extensively used in building constructions, people working in the mining, pipefitting, shipbuilding etc are likely to be infected. In the beginning, the individual may only experience a chronic dry cough which may eventually lead to shortness of breath and chest pain. Mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. An estimated 80% of mesothelioma patients have a long history of asbestos exposure. Importance should be given on the identification of genetic risk factors for harmful mesothelioma. The toxic fibres that lead to cancer can be a result of mechanical effects such as interference during chromosome segregation, generation of reaction, oxygen species and local and systemic immunosuppression.
The patient may also feel severe stabbing pains in the chest or abdomen. Its symptoms often occur after 35-50 years of contact with asbestos. If an individual displays any symptoms of mesothelioma, they should see a doctor immediately. It is diagnosed through a chest X-ray, complete blood count, biopsy or a thoracotomy. Sadly, asbestosis or mesothelioma is incurable. It is always best to keep a trace of your detailed history of work activities or any other exposure to toxic dusts as it could be years before that one is affected by it. Wearing clothes of a person who has worked with asbestos is not advisable as you could inhale it through the clothes.
Everyone who comes in contact with asbestos does not get lung disease and cancer. It is diagnosed only when your history of exposure fits into it or an indicative chest X-ray and physical findings or symptoms of debilitating lung fibrosis are observed. If you work in an environment which requires you to work with asbestos, it is very essential to take as many recommended safety precautions as possible. Make sure you wear approved face masks and breathing instruments because they filter out the asbestos fibres. Be very careful when working with asbestos - it can take away your life.
See to it that all the area of your body is covered. Sometimes work place may not only be the means through which the disease develops in you. It could even happen in your home or on the street. You could also be exposing yourself to asbestos without knowing. Since most buildings are products of this fibre, you never know when you are coming into contact with this deadly mineral. Though there is no permanent cure to it, there are treatments done for asbestos-related diseases. They include infection treatment, vaccination and standard cancer treatments.
The basic aim of the treatments is to fill the lungs with oxygen making it difficult for the fibres to continue their dangerous activities. Those prone to asbestos-related diseases should give up smoking if they are smokers. Those suffering from mesothelioma have a number of various treatment options. However, the most common kind of treatment is surgery. Here, the doctors try to take off as much of the cancer as possible.
Palliative surgery is done if the disease is diagnosed to be in its late stages. This one is used to control the symptoms as the fluids in the lung gather or the tumour may be pressing against the lung walls. Another form of treatment is radiation which works by firing high energy X-ray at the tumour. It is used to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumour. However, there are side affects to this, such as vomiting, nausea, and general fatigue.

A Quick Guide to Asbestos and Health Issues

by Gerard Simington
Unless you have been completely out of touch, you have probably heard all the hubbub about the dangers of asbestos. So, what is the big deal?
A Quick Guide to Asbestos and Health Issues
Asbestos is a fibrous material that is highly resistant to burning. It has a long history. While it was first used on a large scale commercial basis at the turn of the twentieth century, it has actually been around much longer. In fact, the ancient Egyptians were known for using it burial clothes.
Common modern applications used to include building materials, products and automobile brake pads, which all required a fire resistant element. Asbestos is still used today, but on a fairly small scope. The reason has everything to do with health. Asbestos in and of itself is not harmful to people. What is harmful, however, is asbestos dust.
Asbestos dust is a vicious thing. Due to the chemical makeup of the material, the dust is like a cloud of fine glass particles. While they will not damage your skin, they do great damage to the lungs. Making matters worse, asbestos dust is so fine that it is easily raised from asbestos material like ceiling tiles and walls. Once in the air, it is all but invisible. Prolonged exposure, such as when working on or in a building with asbestos materials, can result in massive amounts of the toxic dust entering the lungs.
Once asbestos dust is in your lungs, you cannot expel it by coughing. That doesn't mean the body does not try. Asbestosis is scarring of the lungs from acid created by the body in an effort to get the asbestos dust out. If this process is allowed to occur for 10 to 20 years, the lungs may stop functioning because of excess scarring. If that sounds bad, it only gets worse. Asbestos dust can lead to terminal cancer in the form of mesothelioma. [What is Mesothelioma?]
Asbestos is an excellent fire resistant material that saves us from burning while killing us in a much slower manner. Since 1989, it has been banned in the United States in all but a few commercial areas.
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A Quick Guide to Mesothelioma

by Gerard Simington
When you talk about the health risks caused by asbestos, mesothelioma is at the top of the list. It is a sad story with a very unhappy ending.
A Quick Guide to Mesothelioma
Beginning in 1926, various studies started revealing that the wide spread use of asbestos for its fire resistant properties might not be such a good thing. The problem? Dust from asbestos materials was easily ingested into the lungs, but was nearly impossible for the body to expel. This resulted in a host of health problems of which Mesothelioma undoubtedly is the worst.
Mesothelioma is a nasty form of cancer. It is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos dust. This primarily occurs when a person has worked directly with or around asbestos materials. For example, a person who works on older buildings with asbestos materials or a person in the ship building industry to mention only a few. The disease can also impact secondary individuals who come in contact with such people, particular said peoples clothes.
On the medical side of things, Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the mesothelium. This anatomical term refers to the lining found around most organs of the body including the lungs and chest cavity. The cancer can also attack the sack encompassing the heart as well as other areas of the body. In short, it is a devastating form of cancer.
The truly horrific thing about Mesothelioma is the fact it takes a long time to appear. Gestation periods can be from twenty to fifty years. Even when it begins to show symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnose because it shares many symptoms common to aging and other health issues. These can include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and blood clotting.
Unfortunately, Mesothelioma is deadly once it fully presents. A variety of treatment methods have been tried, but nothing has worked. The average person presenting with the cancer has a life span of less than a year. Radiation, surgery and pharmaceutical approaches have failed to significantly extend this time.
Mesothelioma is terminal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust that takes a long time to manifest, but a short time to kill.
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Selecting A Mesothelioma Lawyer

by Jeff Foster
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and find yourself having made the decision to hire a mesothelioma lawyer, make sure that you take this decision very seriously.
It is of great importance that you do your homework and seek out the best and most experienced mesothelioma lawyer and not just the one with the flashiest advertising.
It is very important to find a lawyer that has years of experience and positive jury verdicts for mesothelioma cases. When hiring a mesothelioma lawyer it is important to find someone who you can trust and who you feel has your best interest as their top priority.
Ignore the hype, the sales pitch, the glitzy offices, the fancy advertising, and the pressure to sign now; and go for the services of an experienced mesothelioma attorney when seeking counsel to handle your case. Litigating mesothelioma is difficult therefore, having an experienced attorney by your side is of utmost importance... with the key being on "experienced".
When interviewing a mesothelioma lawyer it is important that you ask questions such as how many mesothelioma cases have they handled; again this speaks to the importance of finding an experienced attorney to work on your behalf.
You will also want to know how many mesothelioma cases the lawyer has settled and on the average how long did it take to settle the claim. If at all possible you will want to avoid a jury trial, simply in the interest of time and stress.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and one for which there is no known cure. Time is meant to be spent with your loved ones and not in a protracted court battle. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help to move the process forward in a concise and well thought out manner.
When interviewing a mesothelioma lawyer, ask if they will pass your file onto another firm. The lawyer you interview may not even be the lawyer that ends up working on your case. Ask the questions and expect satisfactory answers!
Also ask how many attorneys will be working on your file and exactly how long have those attorneys been practicing law.
Remember this is not the time for inexperience and you deserve to know who will be working on your lawsuit. You will also want to know if there have been any grievances filed against the mesothelioma lawyer you interview. Ethical and moral practices should be an expectation.
Another helpful question would be; what is the average compensation for a mesothelioma case that the lawyer has won?
Also, focusing on the less stressful route and the most expeditious route, remember to ask about the odds for settling outside of court versus having to go to court and attempting to win a jury verdict.
Take the time to ask these simple questions in your initial meeting with the mesothelioma lawyer.
Don't take short cuts.
Doing the hard work on the front end will make such a difference for you and your family. Another key piece of advice is to avoid making any final decisions and avoid signing any legal agreement based on the first meeting with a perspective mesothelioma lawyer. You should take a few days to think over the results of the interview and should always interview more than one attorney prior to making a decision.
Yes, time is of the essence and it is your responsibility to have your lawsuit handled by a lawyer who understands the complexity of asbestos claims. Experience really does count.
Asbestos claims are often very complex and proving the link between your illness and your exposure to asbestos can be quite difficult and often time consuming. The guidance of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is critical to helping you and your family as you seek and receive financial compensation for being diagnosed with mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure.
Experienced attorneys in this field understand that each case is different and deserves individual attention, and will pursue your lawsuit with experience and knowledge of mesothelioma and the asbestos industry.
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Mesothelioma Cancer Treatment - Asbestos Kills

by Gregory De Villiers
Mesothelioma cancer is a disease that results from exposure to asbestos related substances. Asbestos usually consists of fibres that can enter the body through the mouth, or the skin, and, subsequently, enter the lungs, or blood stream.
Mesothelioma cancer has become more widely documented in the last 5-10 years, due to the fact that symptoms of asbestos cancer can take between 20 to 40 years to manifest. Mesothelioma cancer is hard to diagnose, as the symptoms do not tend to manifest themselves until the later stages of the disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma lung cancer include shortness of breath, chest pain, fever and other secondary illnesses such as pneumonia.
Asbestos cancer most often develops in men between the ages of 50 to 70 years who were exposed to high levels of asbestos in the workplace. Asbestos was mainly used in manufacturing industries such as automotive and ship building as well as in the construction industry. The use of asbestos was only recently banned in the 1990's.
Mesthelioma lung cancer has been found to be the most common form of mesothelioma cancer and it develops in the lining of the lung (pleural). Mesothelioma cancer can also develop in the abdominal area (peritoneal) and around the heart (pericardial). There is a greater chance of malignancy in abdominal asbestos cancer. For a more detailed explanation of mesothelioma cancer, visit http://www.lung-canceradvice.com
Mesothelioma lung cancer can be detected through a CT scan which enables it to be sometimes diagnosed earlier than the other two types of mesothelioma cancer. The type of mesothelioma cancer treatment will depend on the stage at which the cancer was diagnosed, the age of the patient as well as personal preferences. The disease can be divided into four separate stages. The stage in the disease process that is reached will determine the method of mesothelioma cancer treatment. At the first stage when the tumour is confined to the lining of the lungs, surgeons may try to remove the entire tumour surgically. Once the tumour has invaded the surrounding body tissues in the later stages, it is not curable.
Conventionally, the more advanced stages of mesothelioma cancer are treated with either radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy x-rays to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumours Chemotherapy, on the other hand, uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The aim of these mesothelioma cancer treatments is to prolong the patient's life as the disease cannot be cured in the more advanced stages.
In addition to these conventional mesothelioma cancer treatments, there are also various experimental treatments currently under investigation which offer new hope.
Immunotherapy: This form of biological therapy for mesothelioma cancer treatment uses the patient's own immune system to attack the cancerous cells. Clinical studies have shown that the immune system is able to distinguish healthy cells from cancer cells, and can therefore be used to destroy those cancerous cells.
Gene Therapy: This form of mesothelioma cancer treatment is very much still in the developmental stages. The process involves injecting a specific gene straight into the tumour. This gene renders the cancer cells sensitive to the antiviral drug glanciclovir which under normal circumstances is not effective against these cells. The glanciclovir is then able to destroy all the cancer cells without harming the healthy tissue cells.
Drug Therapy: The drug Alimta is the only chemotherapy drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)for the treatment of patients with malignant mesothelioma lung cancer . This new and exciting drug has been demonstrated in clinical trials to reduce symptoms and increase the life expectancy of patients.
Photodynamic Therapy: Photodynamic therapy involves the use of light to destroy cancer cells. The patient first is first administered a photosensitizing drug that only collects in cancerous cells. Fibre-optic cables are then inserted in the body in order to focus light of a certain frequency on the tumour. The light stimulates the photosensitizing drug to produce toxic oxygen molecules that destroy the cancerous cells.
These experimental mesothelioma cancer treatments, although still in the developmental stages, offer cancer victims the prospect of a better and longer life. With the likelihood of an increase in the number of people diagnosed with asbestos cancer, further research into other forms of mesothelioma cancer treatment is vital.
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