Mesothelioma by Nick Johnson

October 29th, 2008 by admin

Everyone is probably aware that people are able to develop an illness or even cancer from exposure to harmful chemicals. But did you know, people come in contact with these chemicals in the workplace without their knowledge? The type of cancer developed from these harmful chemicals, asbestos, is called Mesothelioma. Continual exposure to asbestos in the workplace causes cancer cells to form in the body. This cancer generally affects the lungs, but in some instances, the cancer is able to develop in the abdominal cavity of the heart.

Many people question why asbestos is so harmful to people if it is comprised of minerals that naturally appear within the environment. The reason why it is pernicious is quite simple; Asbestos causes an unnatural and harmful reaction within the body. Unlike other minerals found in the environment, the minerals that comprise asbestos are unaffected by fire and heat. They do not dissolve, evaporate into the air, nor contain an odor. In addition, the minerals in asbestos are tasteless. Thus giving the harmful chemicals free range to enter your body through inhalation. For some reason, many companies avoid warning workers on the presence and danger of asbestos. Sometimes, the companies are unaware of the presence of asbestos, but most often they are negligent and flat out do not warn their workers of the dangerous chemicals that engulf the workplace. Employees unknowingly work within these environments for months or years on end, unequipped with proper protective gear. When a workplace is filled with asbestos, the threat of malignant Mesothelioma is very much present. The three ways the body is susceptible to attack from this deadly cancer are: pleural (lung), peritoneal (stomach), and pericardial (heart).

SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA

When dealing with the symptoms associated with Mesothelioma, people should be aware warning signs may not appear until 20 years after the were unknowingly exposed to asbestos. For the three different types of Mesothelioma, Pleural, Peritoneal, and Pericardial, there are many different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma strikes the lining of the lungs and causes shortness of breath, persistent cough, and a pain that lingers in the chest. A victim of Pleural Mesothelioma may also suffer from chronic wheezing and a hoarse voice. All of these symptoms stem from excess fluid gathering in the space surrounding the lungs. When this type of cancer is sever, the development of numerous tumors may form. In time, pneumothorax (collapsing of the lungs) may occur.

Another type of this cancer develops within the lining of the abdominal cavity, Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Unlike victims of Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma victims experience weight loss, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and muscle atrophy. This group of symptoms is often referred to as Cachexia. Diseases with weakened immune systems and cancer usually bring on cachexia. Similar to Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma also has built up fluid, although this form of the cancer has built up fluid in the stomach cavity, accompanied with abdominal swelling and pain. Additional signs that one suffers from Peritoneal Mesothelioma include: fever, anemia, bowel obstruction, and blood clotting. In late stages of the cancer, tumors may appear in the abdominal cavity.

The third type of Mesothelioma, which is Pericardial Mesothelioma, attacks the heart, as well as the lining surrounding the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the most rare form of all three diseases. The symptoms of this type of cancer are somewhat similar to those of Pleural Mesothelioma, but also include chest pain, heart palpitations, and a nagging cough. Severe cases of Pericardial Mesothelioma display a different crop of symptoms. A patient may notice a yellowing of the eyes and skin. They may also experience low blood sugar levels, blood clots in the veins and arteries. Severe bleeding may also occur various organs throughout the body.

Generally, Mesothelioma related caner does not spread to other parts of the body besides, the lungs, heart, and stomach, but in some instances the disease will breach other parts of the human body (i.e. brain, bone, or adrenal glands). When spreading of the disease occurs, additional signs and symptoms may appear. These include but are not limited to: excessive pain, trouble swallowing, and swelling of the neck and/or face.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma related cancer or suspect you may have Mesothelioma related cancer then please do not hesitate to contact Nick Johnson at http://www.johnsonlawgroup.com.

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Mesothelioma symptoms can mimic heart conditions

October 26th, 2008 by admin

Mesothelioma symptoms can mimic heart conditions

Doctors don’t always come up with the right diagnosis. If they make up their mind that a condition is X, it’s hard for them to think about other explanations–sometimes even in the face of evidence that contradicts their initial idea.Diseases of the chest and the lining of the chest cavity (the peritoneum) can be very hard to diagnose. In one study a woman was found to have an artery blocked. Doctors assumed a heart condition, even though 3 months earlier she’d had fluid drained from her chest–one very important sign of mesothelioma. Doctors then performed a surgical procedure that removed the membrane surrounding the woman’s heart, hoping this would give her some relief. At that point, when they examined the cells they’d removed, they finally reached a correct diagnosis that she was suffering from mesothelioma in the lining of her heart (pericardial).Normally a biopsy is the best way to diagnose mesothelioma, but malignant mesothelioma cells can look like other kinds of cancer. Tumor tissue that’s removed during biopsy must be submitted to special laboratory tests and, if necessary, examined with an electron microscope to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. The important part is to have a physician who considers all the possibilities when you describe your symptoms.If you know someone who has ever been exposed to asbestos fibers at work or elsewhere, and they suspect they may be having a heart problem, do them a favor. Help them find a physician who knows about all of the various symptoms that asbestos-related diseases can cause. Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, but with proper treatment some patients are able to gain extra time with loved ones.

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Smoking Greatly Increases The Risk For Lung Cancer

October 22nd, 2008 by admin

Lung cancer is the most deadly of all cancers. It is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer society. More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

Lung cancer is the most deadly of all cancers. It is the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer society (ACS). More people die of this than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined. The ACS predicts that in 2007 there will be about 213,380 new cases. Of this number, about 160,390 people will die.

Sadly, this can be prevented if people would stop smoking. Smoking is the root cause of eight out of 10 lung cancer cases diagnosed in the United States. The risk for getting this increases if a person has been smoking more than a pack of day for several years.

The risk is lowered if the person stops smoking before lung cancer is developed. Stopping smoking will allow the tissue to slowly return to normal.

And it is not just cigarettes that increase the risk. Cigar and pipes are also likely to increase the risks. Second hand smoke is just as dangerous. If your husband or wife smokes, you have a 30 percent greater risk of developing lung cancer than a person with a husband or wife that does not smoke.

However there are other risk factors, according to the AMS. They are:

* Exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma, another type of cancer that can begin in the lining of the lungs, is also linked to asbestos.

* Arsenic, which is often found in drinking water.

* E

xposure to radon, which is found in the soil. Radon is odorless, colorless and is invisible to the naked eye.

* If you smoke marijuana, you may not know that marijuana cigarettes have more tar than regular cigarettes.

* If you have had a family member who has suffered from lung cancer, you are at a higher risk for being diagnosed yourself.

* Follow your mom%26#8217;s advice and eat your fruits and vegetables. A diet that is low in fruits and vegetables may increase your risk.

Most often people do not know they have it until it has spread. Early diagnosis increases your chance of surviving. According to the ACS, the most common symptoms are:

* A cough that does not go away

* Chest pain, often made worse by deep breathing

* Hoarseness

* Weight loss and loss of appetite

* Bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)

* Shortness of breath

* Infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia that keep coming back

* Wheezing

According to the ACS, there are two types of lung cancer. Non-small cell is the most common type, accounting for about 85 percent. Both types of usually begin on the bronchi, even though in some cases tumors may being elsewhere in the lungs.

Treatment for lung cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Your personal physician can advise you on the best treatments.

Article Source: http://www.BestToRead.com/

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Health, Biomarkers Being Studied for Mesothelioma Treatments

October 21st, 2008 by admin

Biomarkers Being Studied for Mesothelioma Treatments A study from the Department of Molecular Pathology at the Polytechnic University of Marche in Acona, Italy recently found that biomarkers within the body may offer early warning signs for mesothelioma victims. The study focused on biomarkers of mesothelioma cancer and found that biomarkers often form before mesothelioma cancer symptoms appear, which may offer early warnings and potentially a successful treatment for mesothelioma cancer patients, according to the study which was published in a June issue of Mutation Research. Studying Biomarkers to Help Mesothelioma Treatment Biomarkers are a type of “biochemically expressed substance” similar to a protein, according to a news report on the study. According to the International Cancer Biomarker Consortium (ICBC), a large-scale research effort is being conducted to better understand how biomarkers act as indicators for several types of cancer including mesothelioma. The large-scale effort is similar, according to the ICBC, to the Human Genome Project and uses an array of researchers from around the world to assist in studying the use of the the biomarkers. The Polytechnic study followed 119 individuals who had been previously exposed to asbestos; of these individuals, all exhibited increased numbers of biomarkers compared to individuals who were not exposed to asbestos. What is Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that can develop after an individual is exposed to asbestos fibers or asbestos dust. Once inhaled, the lung begins to form cancerous cells on its lining. The cancer is often described as one of the only preventable forms of cancer especially since individuals are still being exposed to asbestos in America through improper cleanup and disposal methods. Currently, asbestos is found in insulation in homes, apartment buildings, hospitals, offices and schools. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of regulation and cleanup of asbestos, however, it is too costly to remove asbestos throughout the country until an individual becomes exposed to asbestos the risks for developing the incurable form of cancer is dangerous. Additionally, because mesothelioma cancer usually remains dormant for years, it becomes increasingly difficult to diagnose and to successfully treat. Finding Help for Asbestos Related Conditions Like Mesothelioma It is important that individuals who may have been exposed to asbestos to contact a medical professional immediately to assess and potentially diagnose their condition. The sooner mesothelioma cancer can be diagnosed the more successful an outcome will be. In addition to contacting a medical professional it may also be important to contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney to learn about developing a mesothelioma lawsuit, which may result in receiving monetary compensation to pay for expensive mesothelioma medical bills.

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The Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer

October 19th, 2008 by admin

The Four Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer

One rare form of cancer is called Mesothelioma, a malignant tumor in the mesothelial tissues of the lungs and the abdomen, arising from the inhalation of asbestos. Its rarity is one of the reasons why a lot of people are not aware of this kind of fatal disease. In fact, many people die of Mesothelioma undiagnosed. Although there is now a growing awareness of the hazards of asbestos to health, still many have not heard of Mesothelioma and thus, have not understood its nature, cause, signs and treatment. Even some physicians find it hard to detect Mesothelioma because its symptoms are akin to other diseases like lung cancer and pneumonia. Furthermore, it takes decades for a patient who was exposed to asbestos to develop Mesothelioma — fifty years, at most. Being unaware of Mesothelioma poses higher risks since it deters diagnosis and treatment. A person undergoing treatment must know the different stages of the cancer or the extent of the disease. Chances of recovering from Mesothelioma and the kind of treatment depend on the stage of the illness. There are basically two staging systems used for Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs): TNM system and Brighan system. These staging systems are also used in other kinds of cancers; however, the first is commonly used. There is no established method in determining the stage of the Peritoneal Mesothelioma cancer (abdominal) so the TNM system is used. There are three variables in the TNM system: tumor, lymph nodes and metastasis. In the earliest stage of Mesothelioma, stage I, the malignant Mesothelioma cells start to grow and multiply only one layer of the pleura. The pleura is the membrane that encloses the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. However, there are some instances wherein the pericardium (membrane that covers the heart) and diaphragm cover are already affected. In this case, the cancer patient is still in stage I Mesothelioma. In the second stage, the two layers of the pleura are already affected by Mesothelioma. Take note, however, that in this stage, only one side of the body is affected. Normally, the pleura produces only small amount of lubricating fluid that allows easy expanding and contracting of the lungs. The excess fluid is absorbed by the blood and the lymph vessels so there’s a balance between the amount of fluid produced and removed. During the second stage Mesothelioma, fluid starts to build up between the membrane of the lungs and the membrane of the chest wall, resulting to pleural effusion. The increase in the volume of fluid produced causes shortness of breath and chest pain. Other Mesothelioma cancer patients experience dry and persistent cough. Diagnosis of the pleural effusion is achieved through a chest x-ray. Stage III Mesothelioma means that the malignant cells have already spread to the chest wall, esophagus and the lymph nodes on one part of the chest. The patient may suffer severe pain near the parts affected. When not treated immediately or when the Mesothelioma patient doesn’t respond well to medication, the cancer may advance to the fourth stage. The fourth stage Mesothelioma is formidable since at this stage the Mesothelioma cells have penetrated into the bloodstream and other organs in the body like the liver, the bones and the brain. The lymph nodes on the other side of the chest may also be affected by Mesothelioma in stage IV. Brighan staging system, on the other hand, determines whether the Mesothelioma can be surgically removed or not and whether the lymph nodes are affected or not. In stage I Mesothelioma, the lymph nodes are not yet affected and the patient can still recover through surgery. In stage II, surgery can still be executed but some lymph nodes have already been infiltrated by the cancer cells. In stage III, the heart and chest wall are already affected; thus, surgery is no longer advisable. The lymph nodes in this stage, however, may or may not be affected. In the final stage, stage IV Mesothelioma, cancer cells have already gone to the bloodstream and other parts of the body like the heart, brain, bone and liver. In most cases, a patient who has reached stage IV Mesothelioma only has four to twenty-four months to live.

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California Faces New Asbestos Battles | Content for Reprint

October 18th, 2008 by admin

You’d think that the multimillion dollar settlements seen in some mesothelioma lawsuits would have taught us a lesson. Since the 1950s, when the first lawsuits involving mesothelioma and asbestos hit the courtrooms and the juries, we’ve been hearing about the dangers of asbestos to humans. Asbestos, the most common fireproofing material ever used, is a naturally occurring mineral with remarkable qualities. Those qualities made it one of the most widely used materials of any kind in construction, heating, roadwork, insulation, shipbuilding, railway work and many other industries. The profits to be made in the sale and use of asbestos were enormous - enormous enough that many companies that used it in their products deliberately hid evidence that it causes deadly lung diseases, endangering any workers that handled asbestos regularly as well as the general public. It took years of research and court battles, but it was finally established that asbestos causes mesothelioma, one of the most virulent forms of cancer known. Further and more importantly, lawyers for the plaintiffs in one mesothelioma lawsuit after another proved that the companies in question had acted with disregard for the safety of their workers. The general public was horrified to learn how callously businessmen had made decisions that condemned thousands of their employees to death for the sake of bigger profits. Public pressure forced legislation that finally put restrictions on the use of asbestos, requires full disclosure of the dangers of working with asbestos, and mandates the use of protective equipment for all workers who handle asbestos in the course of their work. Many of the companies that were charged in the earliest stages of the mesothelioma suits have declared bankruptcy in the light of large settlements in favor of the plaintiffs. The companies fought back, hiring the best lawyers they could find, pitting their deep pockets against the meager resources of the plaintiffs - most of them working class men and women who had spent their lives building for retirement years that they’d never live to see. They combated - and still fight - every restriction and safety measure proposed, arguing that the expense was unjustified, that the risk was unproven, that the proposed regulations would cripple American industry and cause a national depression in a domino effect. The laws passed, though, in most cases, and we breathed a little easier. But at least, we believed, big business had learned a lesson - that the American public would not tolerate the lies; that they’d be held accountable and made to pay. But apparently, it %26#39;s not so.In the El Dorado hills of Northern California, the cases of lung disease, pneumonia, asbestosis and mesothelioma are far above the statistical norms. The cause - veins of natural asbestos that run through the serpentine earth. In 2002, construction of a soccer field at a local school uncovered a vein of asbestos. The EPA did further tests over the course of the next three years and published their report on the asbestos contamination in the area in 2005. The findings - that El Dorado has a higher level of airborne asbestos than Libby, Montana, the most notorious site of asbestos exposure in the country.Residents on the El Dorado area have been pressing for investigation and safeguards and regulations to control construction in the area since the late eighties. While residents applauded proposed regulations, area construction industry protested that there was no proof that the asbestos levels were a problem. Area mining, building and construction concerns joined together to sue the air board over the proposed regulations. The reasons? The costs are prohibitive. The necessity to comply with regulations will drive companies out of business or force them to relocate elsewhere. Even the county environmental office was skeptical of the EPA report. Local officials called the EPA “alarmist” and accused them of spreading scare stories that could “destroy the county for years”. It %26#39;s estimated that there is naturally occurring asbestos in the ground in 41 California communities. The issue is that the asbestos is released at high levels when the ground is disturbed. Once inhaled, the asbestos can eventually cause mesothelioma.If this all sounds familiar, it should. These are the exact same arguments that are mounted by the lawyers for defendants in mesothelioma lawsuits all over the country. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you could be at risk of developing mesothelioma. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, you’ll want a top mesothelioma lawyer in California to evaluate your case and learn about your rights to compensation.

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Mesothelioma is Deadly Cancer | Content for Reprint

October 18th, 2008 by admin

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure and there are no findings to suggest that this cancer is caused by other sources. Many of the victims who are diagnosed with Mesothelioma were workers who were not forewarned of the dangers of working with asbestos. People who are diagnosed with Mesothelioma should contact a Rhode Island Mesothelioma lawyer to help them with a Mesothelioma lawsuit that can get compensation for them to help with the medical and financial bills that are a result of the diagnosis.Mesothelioma is caused by a person inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers that then become lodged in the body. These fibers are virtually indestructible and the body %26#39;s immune system can’t break them down or get rid of them. Mesothelioma is a progressive disease and many people only live for one or two years after diagnosis. Mesothelioma cancer compromises the immune system as well as the area in which the cancer has set in.In most cases, Mesothelioma is in the membrane that surrounds the lungs, called the pleura. However, Mesothelioma can also attack the lining of the heart or the abdomen. While this type of cancer is rare, approximately 3,000 new cases are reported each year in the United States.Any level of exposure to asbestos can cause Mesothelioma, even infrequent exposure. Para-occupational exposure, which is secondary exposure, can also leave a risk for Mesothelioma to the families of workers who work with asbestos materials. The asbestos fibers easily cling to hair, clothing, shoes and skin and are brought home, dislodged and therefore create exposure in the home.Most cases of Mesothelioma can be traced back to asbestos exposure directly in the work place. Approximatley 20 years ago, the products that contained asbestos and asbestos materials that were used in construction and manufacturing were in high demand and used frequently, even though it was known that asbestos exposure could lead to progressive diseases such as Mesothelioma.Throughout the Second World War, naval ship yards were fabricating many ships for the war, using a lot of asbestos in the manufacturing process. The product was used for construction in buildings and for the manufacturing of automobiles as well. Until just recently, products and processes that use asbestos were unregulated, although the risk factors were known and safety precautions could be taken. Many companies still continued to utilize asbestos in their practices.Many of the companies who used asbestos provided very little education or protection from asbestos exposure for their workers, leaving them now on the hook for compensating the victims of this dreadful and deadly cancer.If you or someone you love has contracted Mesothelioma, it is important to contact a Rhode Island Mesothelioma attorney to find out if you have a case justifiable for a Mesothelioma lawsuit. The biggest problem with the onset of Mesothelioma symptoms and diagnosis and the exposure to asbestos is the long period of time, approximately 20 years, between the two. This makes it difficult to diagnose the cancer as well as find the company responsible for the exposure for your Rhode Island Mesothelioma lawyer.The symptoms of Mesothelioma include fluid in the chest, chest pains, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Because of the nature of these symptoms and the fact that they are so similar to other medical problems, they are easily mistaken for other conditions, which can delay the diagnosis of Mesothelioma cancer. For most people, the diagnosis comes much too late - conventional treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy prove to have little or no effect on the progression of Mesothelioma cancer.The majority of victims of Mesothelioma can blame companies and bosses for whom they worked for their asbestos exposure, and many of the companies knew the dangers of working with asbestos, and still failed to take any safety measures or precautions to reduce the exposure to this toxic material for their workers. Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer to people who have it and to their families, physically, emotionally and certainly financially.A Rhode Island Mesothelioma lawyer can help you with a Mesothelioma lawsuit for yourself or a loved one. A qualified Mesothelioma lawyer can track down those responsible for your exposure and illness and can fight with a Mesothelioma lawsuit to gain financial compensation. While the compensation is no replacement for a life, it can certainly help cover lost wages, funeral expenses, medical costs and pain and suffering that are caused by Mesothelioma.

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Choosing A Mesothelioma Attorney In New York | Content for Reprint

October 18th, 2008 by admin

Hearing news from a doctor that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma is never good. It may be time, though, to choose your mesothelioma attorney in New York because you may be able to recover some of the costs of your medical bills. Asbestos-related illnesses have been known to cause health problems for many years. Here are some details as to why you may be entitled to money with the help of a mesothelioma attorney. If you have ever been exposed to asbestos at any time in your life, especially if for a prolonged time, then you may have a risk of getting mesothelioma. Researchers and doctors have known for some time - since the 70 %26#39;s - that exposure can lead to mesothelioma and cancer. Not every mesothelioma, however, is asbestos related. In a mesothelioma lawsuit, there would have to be evidence given that you were definitely exposed at some time in your life to asbestos. Your mesothelioma attorney would be able to determine if there was a real case for it, or not. Certain industries in the past - mostly prior to the early 70 %26#39;s - regularly exposed their employees to asbestos fibers in the air. Asbestos was used openly and without precautions being taken - even though it was known to cause mesothelioma. It was not until the late 1970 %26#39;s , though, just how much of a problem it actually was - when much testing was done. Besides asbestos, however, there are other materials that could also be implicated in causing mesothelioma. Radiation can cause it, and so can other forms of fiber-like materials - if breathed in, such as erionite. Once you have been exposed to asbestos, there can be a very long time before any mesothelioma may develop. It may be that more than 30 to 50 years will pass before you start having any mesothelioma symptoms. Because the numbers are still rather low, with only about 1 person in one million people actually getting it, it is quite possible that you may not get it at all. When you compare this number to about 1,000 per one million who get cancer from smoking cigarettes, it is still very low. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you select a New York mesothelioma attorney to discuss your options. Some of the laws concerning mesothelioma are in the process of changing, and you will need to be informed of the latest legal decisions and how they could influence your case.Your mesothelioma attorney may even be able to help you to remember or discover just when and how you were exposed to asbestos, or other materials. Mesothelioma is not at all limited to men, but women also can get it as a result of asbestos exposure. Men, however, are the primary candidates - apparently because of workplace conditions where the exposure might take place. Your mesothelioma attorney knows of various industries that regularly used asbestos at that time. Some of these could include companies that made the following products: car brake pads, roofing tiles or siding, insulation, some textiles, cement, the car industry, and more. Altogether, there were about 5,000 products that had asbestos in them. Servicemen were also exposed to asbestos - on a much wider scale. The ships were insulated with asbestos in many of the rooms. As it was being installed, and then out at sea, asbestos particles may have been constantly in the air. If you served on board of one of Uncle Sam %26#39;s ships and have mesothelioma, then you definitely should talk to your New York mesothelioma attorney.Smoking could also enter into the picture if you used a specific brand at one time. Apparently the Kent cigarette brand had used some asbestos to make their filters. Although this was in the 1950 %26#39;s when this took place, some people did get mesothelioma from it. If you have mesothelioma and used this brand, then you may be entitled to recover money to help you pay for the cost of treating the mesothelioma. One of the best ways to select your mesothelioma attorney is to look for one that has experience in this type of case. Because of the experience of the attorney, the more familiar he or she would be of the current laws and decisions that apply to your case. This would enable your mesothelioma attorney to be able to present your case better and you can probably expect better - and more desirable results.

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Why Asbestos is Killing American Workers | Content for Reprint

October 18th, 2008 by admin

We all heard of Absestos and the horrible consequences it has in our health. Asbestosis is “a form of lung disease (pneumoconiosis)” which causes interstitial fibrosis or scarring of the lungs.Asbestosis is progressive and, for the most part, irreversible. Respiratory impairment worsens with time, even if exposure to asbestos has ceased. Asbestosis is usually found in asbestos workers and not in the general public. People with asbestosis have shortness of breath, often along with a cough. Asbestos cretes Mesothelioma, and Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which affects mesothelial tissue in the lungs, peritoneum or pericardium. The biggest concern mesothelioma is that can arise both from visceral and parietal peritoneum. It is diagnosed in advanced stages in most cases, and it often takes considerable time to arrive at the correct diagnosis, as the mean symptoms-to-diagnosis time reported is 122 days. The most frequently reported initial symptoms are abdominal pain (35%), abdominal swelling (31%), anorexia, marked weight loss, and ascites ; less frequently night sweats and hypercoagulability. Clinical presentation with fever of unknown origin, intestinal obstruction, or surgical emergency (due to acute inflammatory lesions) have been reported. Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Mesothelioma is defined as an ICD-O histology code of 9050-9053. Data are presented for a five-year time period. Mesothelioma cell viability was decreased in a dose-dependent manner by lovastatin (5 to 30 microM). These effects were not reversed by exogenous growth factors or cholesterol, but were reversed by addition of doses of micro mevalonate, confirming that lovastatin affected mesothelioma viability by inhibiting mevalonate synthesis. This is based on the fact that Mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin lining surrounding the lung. That %26#39;s whythis disease is almost always fatal, often within a few months of diagnosis.The scary part about this ilness: is that mesothelioma has a much longer latency period compared with lung cancer (40 years versus 15-20 years). Understanding this, mesothelioma is therefore likely to be found among workers who were first exposed to asbestos at an early age. Mesothelioma is always fatal. Mesothelioma has also been found in individuals who were exposed to asbestos only once decades earlier. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. As we mentioned before, mesothelioma has a much longer latency period compared with lung cancer (40 years versus 15-20 years), and that is why mesothelioma is always fatal. Once you found out that you have mesothelioma, it is usually to late.Exposure to asbestos has also been associated with an increased incidence of esophageal, kidney, laryngeal, pharyngeal, and buccal cavity cancers. As with other known chronic occupational diseases, disease associated with asbestos generally appears about twenty years following the first occurrence of exposure: There are no known acute effects associated with exposure to asbestos. Exposure to ozone for several hours, at relatively low concentrations, has been found to significantly reduce lung function. Also this sort of exposure induce respiratory inflammation in normal, healthy people during exercise. This decrease in lung function generally is accompanied by symptoms including chest pain, coughing, sneezing, and pulmonary congestion. Also it is vital to remind readers, that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is a significant cause of lung cancers in people who themselves do not use tobacco. Let %26#39;s don’t forget that between 3000 and 6000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States are caused by exposure to ETS.

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Asbestos Symptoms: Late Indicators

October 18th, 2008 by admin

Asbestos Symptoms: Late Indicators

Asbestos symptoms refer to the changes in the body that indicate some type of serious diseases caused by exposure to asbestos particles. Awareness about asbestos symptoms is important because danger of asbestos exposure affects about 1.3 million people every year. Individuals employed in the railroad, factory, shipyard, automobile, construction and building industries in last six decades are at the risk of developing asbestos symptoms. Most unfortunate aspect of the asbestos related diseases is that the asbestos symptoms may lie dormant in the body for decades. This long latency period does not let the victim or his family knows about the existence of the disease. Asbestos symptoms might appear after 20-50 years of exposure. No study so far has come out with convincing evidence to show the effects of different amount and different duration of exposure to asbestos particles. Although individuals who have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time are more susceptible to asbestos related diseases, yet there are instances when patients developed serious disease with only a few months exposure. When exposed to asbestos, individuals either inhale or ingest the asbestos fibers. Natural destination of these fibers after inhalation is lungs while the ingested asbestos fibers take the route of digestive system. Therefore, asbestos symptoms start appearing in either lungs or digestive system. However, in some cases asbestos symptoms may appear in other organs also. Asbestos symptoms may be the indicators of cancerous and non- cancerous type of asbestos diseases. Asbestosis is a non-cancerous type of asbestos disease. This disease has asbestos symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent cough. Ignorance of these symptoms may lead to serious disability or even death. Mesothelioma is cancerous type of asbestos disease. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of lungs known as pleural membrane. Peritoneal mesothelioma shows its affect on the lining of organs of abdomen known as peritoneal membrane. Shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain and building up of fluids in the lungs are some symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss, nausea, difficulty in bowel movements, foot swelling, anemia and building up of fluid in abdomen. In rare cases, fever and night sweating may also appear as asbestos symptoms. People suffering from asbestos symptoms can file lawsuits against the persons and organizations for causing asbestos exposure. These Asbestos lawsuits can help the victims of asbestos symptoms to recover the damages for medical expenses, loss of income, lost earning capacity, pain and psychological sufferings.

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