On the internet, there is a lot of mesothelioma information and reading through various sites will give you so much insight. Mesothelioma is a lung cancer and is also known as asbestos cancer. Even though malignant mesothelioma is uncommon, a certain percentage of people suffer from the disease and this kind is the worse because it responds poorly to therapy. Mesothelioma cells can be found on the lining of the chest, heart and abdominal cavity. Therefore, when these cells are abnormally produced, they will increase the fluid as well as create tumors in the cells. The tumors can be non cancerous or benign and they can be cancerous or malignant. It is especially difficult to diagnose the disease.

There is mesothelioma information that links asbestos to the disease. There has been conclusive study to show that asbestos will cause the illness. J.C Wagner has documented 32 cases of workers in South Africa at asbestos hills. And each worker confirmed that the exposure of asbestos will give rise to symptoms of the disease. The disease will manifest itself in 3 common places and they are the lungs, abdomen and heart. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the disease that affects the abdomen. Mesothelioma information will tell you who is at risk of the disease. Firstly, due to the association of asbestos to the cancer, people who work around the compound will be at a very high risk. It is said that even little contact will play a major role in ensuring the disease starts and continues.

People who inhale the asbestos dust are also at risk and the workers who are more likely to come into contact with the substance are insulators, boilermakers, ship fitters, steel workers, maintenance workers, pipe fitters and brake mechanics. This people can also put their families at risk when they come into contact with cloths or equipment that has been exposed. It is said that most workers do not know they are working with asbestos and it is therefore a responsibility of the company which contracts people to take the necessary precautions including informing the workers to be more careful. There is treatment available and like many other illnesses early detection will ensure that you have a bigger chance of total recovery.

There are several factors that will determine whether the disease will be managed effectively. The first is the age of the person and the older the person is, the more difficult it can be to treat although not in all cases. The appearance of the cells under a microscope will be vital. If the illness is responding well to treatment, then there is more hope for the disease to be totally cured. The other most vital factors are the location of the cancer, size and spread. There is so much much mesothelioma information for you to look at. You can get to know what your legal rights are and get the latest updates on the subject. Information will always empower you to make better decisions and know what to expect. There are very many other resources to read apart from the internet.

Mesothelioma is a unique cancer that's directly associated with asbestos. This cancer grows in the mesothelium which is the lining that encapsulates many of the body's organs but is more common in the lungs and chest cavity.

This particular disease is difficult to discover as you may not suffer symptoms for several decades after having exposure to asbestos. A few of the more common symptoms are breathlessness, fluid surrounding the lungs, tiredness, and an abrasive cough that might have blood in it.

It also has symptoms like several other conditions such as Tuberculosis and different kinds of lung cancer. The only way to make certain is to get X-rays, CAT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging carried out. Delaying this procedure is not wise if you have any reason to believe you may be at risk.

Fortunately, the likelihood of picking up mesothelioma today is uncommon. There is an undertaking to make certain that outlawing the use of asbestos in common construction materials is stopped and exhaustive checking of older constructions is underway, rebuilding them if needed. Winding asbestos around water pipes was common in aged buildings and using it in ceilings was practised as well.

Although it is naturally occurring, it is difficult to just come across asbestos today. Although using it in concrete, brake pads, and in many diverse fireproof materials was common practice for a longtime.

Mineworkers and their kinfolk because of working in the mines, laundering miner's clothing, and experiencing much asbestos in their surroundings, contracted mesothelioma as an outcome. Recognising the long-term dangers of the substance at the time was not known and unfortunately there were little or no safeguards employed when using it.

Asbestos, which is the main cause of mesothelioma, was discovered in the early 20th century. There were many articles written in the 1930's that indicated that asbestos was linked to cancer. The very first to be written suggested that asbestos was the primary cause of lung cancer. That publication was called "Pulmonary Asbestosis."

During 1955 a connection was established between the development of certain forms of lung cancer and the ingestion of asbestos fibers, which confirmed this theory.

Long ago, mine waste, which contained asbestos, was used to cover schoolyards and playgrounds. It was at this time when many people who didn't even work in or around asbestos began to contract mesothelioma.

It became a risk to those who just lived in the neighborhoods of asbestos factories. A person no longer had to work with it to be at risk. It was affecting many others as well.

The last asbestos mining was stopped in 1966. It was rumored that officials knew of the hazards for years prior to it's closure, but continued to conduct business as usual, despite the deadly consequences.

It is unknown why the mine was allowed to operate without any risk control and why the place wasn't forced to shut down before that time. They were never even enforced to adopt safer work practices to make it a safer work environment for their workers. Every year there were more and more cases of mesothelioma reported and it was just getting worse.

The first diagnosed case of mesothelioma was of an Australian mine and mill worker who worked in the asbestos mining industry for three years. It was getting to the point where people who lived in the town where the asbestos mining was being conducted were developing mesothelioma as well.

This caused many problems with the people in the community until 1978, when the Australian Government phased out the town completely. The asbestos exposure was so great, that shutting down the mine just wasn't enough. The town had been exposed to this deadly substance for so long, that the entire town has to be closed and condemned!

While doctors and scientists have made some exciting medical advances over the last couple of decades, we still struggle to understand and control one of the deadliest diseases out there - cancer. Cancer develops in various ways, sometimes showing obvious symptoms and sometimes appearing with no warning at all. The development of mesothelioma, for example, has been directly linked to exposure to dangerous asbestos fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers begin to scar the healthy tissue inside, causing a build up of scar-tissue and other problems over time. Although the outward symptoms take decades to show, the cancer growing inside of the body is not nearly as slow.

The development of cancer involves the rapid and uncontrolled growth of cancer cells within the body. Over time, these cells may develop into cancerous growths known as tumors, creating an even greater threat to the health of the body. Doctors and scientists alike have been searching for a cure for this deadly disease for many years and have only been able to treat the symptoms, rather than the cancer itself. Recent studies have shown that there may be a drug in development that has the ability to fight the cancer cells directly.

While researching drugs to help prevent radiation damage from possible nuclear warfare, scientists have created a drug that not only helps those exposed to radiation, but also those suffering from the damaging effects of cancer cells. Andrei Gudkov, a scientist at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, has been working on the newest drug to fight cancer, currently known as CBLB502. After working for years to develop a drug to help destroy cancer, Gudkov had the idea to use cancer's own tactics to fight against it.

When our cells are exposed to damaging radiation, they commit cellular suicide, also known as apoptosis. Cancer cells, however, block this process and allow dangerous tumors to form as unhealthy cells multiple uncontrollably. Gudkov and a team of scientists use the drug, CBLB502, to block apoptosis in the same manner as cancer, however, they block the suicide of healthy cells. This causes healthy cells to regenerate rather than deadly cancerous cells that develop from radiation and other forms of exposure to cancer-causing materials.

This new drug remains in development for the moment, however, the scientists at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute are optimistic that the drug will allow us to better fight the deadly disease of cancer in the future.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer? You should be suspicious if you have a nagging cough that brings up blood-streaked sputum, more so if you smoke and have a family history of the disease. Other warning signs are shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain, arm or shoulder pain, loss of appetite and weight.

"Generally, lung cancer is first suspected because of your physical symptoms or because an abnormal mass appears on a routine chest X-ray. Loss of appetite and weight may be the first signs of a lung cancer. In this case, the first step is to determine with certainty whether or not cancer is present. In addition to a regular chest X-ray, tomograms (special chest X-rays that give a highly localized view of the lung) or other special studies such as a CT scan may be obtained," according to Dr. David E. Larson, editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book."

Unfortunately, lung cancer happens to be one of the hardest cancers to detect since it can be present for 10 to 20 years without causing any noticeable symptom. Five to 10 percent of cases are discovered accidentally during a routine X-ray exam.

Common symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and aches are often ignored or mistaken by the patient for something else. By the time symptoms appear, the disease may have reached an incurable stage. This explains the poor prognosis of most patients with the disease.

The easiest way to avoid lung cancer is to stop smoking. It may be difficult to quit but it is not impossible. Millions of people have done it and those who quit lessen their chances of developing lung cancer by two-thirds.

Ninety percent of people who stop smoking do it on their own so start now before it's too late. If you find that hard to do, you can join smoking cessation classes or enroll in a clinic that offers the same service. Choose the program that makes the most sense to you and enlist the help of friends or loved ones to make things easier for you.

For those with cancer who can still be helped, surgery is the preferred treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation are recommended depending on the type of cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and the extent of the disease.

"A cancerous tumor in the lung is usually removed surgically. It is sometimes necessary to remove an entire lobe of the lung. Because lung cancers are usually not detected until they are well advanced, surgery alone may not be able to eliminate them, and radiation and chemotherapy may be used in combination with or in place of surgery," explained the editors of Consumer Guide's "Family Health & Medical Guide."

Which treatment is best for you? Only your doctor can answer that. But here are some suggestions from Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld of the New York Hospital - Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in "The Best Treatment":

"Here is what I recommend to my own patients with lung cancer. If the cancer, regardless of its cell type, appears not to have spread and lung function is good, then surgery should be done without delay, and in all age groups, even in the elderly who are otherwise in good health. Oat cell cancers are treated with chemotherapy and radiation, as recommended by an oncologist.

"If CT scans and other tests indicate that it's too late for surgery (because the cancer has already spread to the glands in the opposite side of the chest or elsewhere), I leave it alone if it's not causing any symptoms. I prescribe radiation, surgery, or chemotherapy only if the incurable cancer is causing symptoms. The purpose of intervention at this point is to make the person feel better. When a patient with advanced lung cancer has no complaints, I have them do nothing. This approach is not shared by all or even most doctors. The majority of my colleagues go full-blast with radiation, surgery, and toxic chemotherapy in the hope of obtaining a cure, which rarely, if ever, happens at that stage. Such treatment, in my experience, often accelerates or prolongs suffering," Rosenfeld concluded. (Next: Breast cancer.)

Lung cancer of asbestos workers has increased greatly over the years. This is obviously due to the fact that the workers are exposed to the asbestos and breathe it in on a daily basis. This lung cancer (mesothelioma) is even more significant among the asbestos workers who smoke cigarettes.

Most lung cancer caused by excessive exposure to asbestos starts in the lining of the bronchi. The bronchi are the tubes in which the trachea or windpipe divide. It can also begin in other areas such as the alveoli, trachea, or bronchioles. The cancer usually develops slowly but once it occurs the cancer cells break away and then it spreads throughout various other body parts.

The most common places for people to breathe in asbestos is in mines, mills, factories, homes with asbestos, construction sites, during automotive repair, and pipefitting.

There are two major lung cancer types and they are:

- small cell lung cancer - The cancer cells are small and round.
- non-small cell lung cancer - The cancer cells are larger.

There have even been times when the cancer has a feature of both types. With small sell lung cancer the cells can multiply quickly and form large tumors. The tumors can then spread to the lymph nodes and to other various parts of the body.

There is treatment for asbestos lung cancer but it usually depends on the patient's health and the type of lung cancer that they have. It also depends on the size, location, and the extent of the tumor.

The different types of treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and photodynamic therapy.

The surgery is done to remove a part of the lung but it all depends on where the tumor is. It is a very serious procedure!

By using Chemotherapy, the cancerous cells are killed with drugs. Radiation works by destroying the cancer cells in the treated area. And lastly, the photodynamic therapy uses light to kill the cancerous cells. It is done by injecting a chemical into the bloodstream and is absorbed by the cells. The light then activates the chemical, destroying and killing off the cancerous cells.

Due to the generic nature of mesothelioma symptoms they are usually ignored in most cases. Symptoms of mesothelioma are akin to those of other common diseases. Moreover, studies have concluded that patients would not develop symptoms of mesothelioma till much later in their life, ranging from about 20 to 40 years and thus not that many patients associate the symptoms to something that happened to them that long ago.

Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the protective linings of internal organs. These linings include:

• Pericardium: a sac holding the heart;

• Peritoneum: the lining of the abdominal cavity; and

• Pleura: the outer lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity.

Due to the special nature and functions of each of these organs the symptoms of mesothelioma affecting them can vary. Some of these symptoms are very rare where as others may be severe. Therefore, it is suggested to visit a doctor if any of the symptoms exist.

Furthermore, if mesothelioma is detected at an early stage the chances of curing it are high.

The following are mesothelioma symptoms categorized by type.

Pericardium Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Irregular breathing patterns

• Chest pain

• Unusual heart beating

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Vomiting

• Weight Loss

• Abdominal pain

• Fever

• Bowel obstruction

• Hernia

• Swelling or mass accumulation in the abdomen

• Blood clots

• Nausea

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Fever

• Pleural effusions (accumulation of fluid in the lung lining)

• Coughing up blood

• Pain in chest

• Excessive coughing

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Paralysis

• Hoarseness

• Shortness of breath

• Back pain

• Weight loss

• Swelling

• Problems in swallowing

A pleural mesothelioma may result in lung cancer or pneumothorax but only in severe cases and on the other hand some patients might not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Other minor diseases have similar symptoms as mesothelioma but if identified soon enough these can help cure mesothelioma cancer at an early stage. You need to remember that the existence of mesothelioma can only be confirmed by a doctor and he does so by examining asbestos exposure history, medical reports, MRI and/or CT scan and in some cases a needle biopsy.

If you feel that you may have mesothelioma, you need to see your doctor or health professional as soon as possible. Any delay may hurt your chances of survival and making a full recovery. The sooner you go to your doctor and get checked out, the sooner the doctors can start to help you recover or feel more comfortable.

When you or a loved one receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, you should contact a mesothelioma attorney right away. Since the primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for the damages and the medical bills that you will soon be receiving - or have already received. Here is some information that will help you to understand what mesothelioma is and why you should not procrastinate in calling your mesothelioma lawyer.

Asbestos has been known for many decades to produce harmful effects on those who breathed it. The problem, though, is that the major industries that used asbestos, as a whole did nothing to protect their employees. Even though steps could have been taken - they were not. This is definite negligence, and in a court of law, it is often enough to be able to win a mesothelioma lawsuit.

The industries that were the main users of asbestos are the building materials industry, the shipping industry, the railroad industry, and the automotive industry. It needs to be pointed out that those who were exposed in the shipbuilding industry include both the shipbuilding laborers and the Navy and Marine personnel that were assigned to those ships for months at a time. Very little was done to ensure the continued health of the employees or servicemen until the mid-70´s. At that time, the industries began to be forced to provide protection for their employees. It was, however, too late for those already exposed.

Those people, who had already been exposed to the asbestos, would years later fall ill. No one really knew of mesothelioma cancer and everyone was about to find out. Mesothelioma is a cancer that lays low for a number of years. It isn't until years after the first exposure that the person would start to see symptoms of mesothelioma cancer appear.

Your mesothelioma lawyer will be able to talk you through what exactly is the process of taking the company or business to court for your exposure to the asbestos that has now caused mesothelioma cancer.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma, you are entitled to be compensated. This also extends to family members who have contacted the disease through contaminated clothing. Though amounts awarded vary from one case to another, you could be looking at an amount with six or seven figures.

Types of Information Needed

You will need to document the following in order for a mesothelioma claim to have a chance of being successful.

- Work history.

- Work locations

- Brands and types of asbestos that the victim was exposed to.

- Where and when exposure occurred.

- Co-workers names and contact information.

Let's see if we can determine whether or not there is a mesothelioma cure. In this day and age it can seem absurd that there are no cures for cancer let alone a mesothelioma cure. Mesothelioma is a cancer, and as such, there is no true "cure" for it yet. However, if the disease is caught early, various treatment options can not only extend a patient's life, but also their quality of life. While the traditional survival rate for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is often set at eight to 12 months, more recently, a five year survival rate of some has increased substantially. This goes to show that treatment and drugs to battle mesothelioma cancer has increased and improved dramatically in the last few years. This may be due to the fact that more is known about mesothelioma cancer now than it ever was before.

However, there is still much to be understood about this aggressive disease. While the common diagnosis for mesothelioma is that it is indeed a form of cancer, not all researchers are in agreement. So as of yet there are no mesothelioma cure that has been developed; however there are things that people can do to ease any symptoms that they have. Your doctor or health professional will be able to help ease the symptoms and make the last few years or months a lot easier.

Some people think that mesothelioma cancer is a viral infection that has turned malignant. Thus, their prognosis is that the asbestos fibers which cause the disease could possibly activate an already present common virus infection, and eventually cause a variety of clinical conditions for the patient. While many of these clinical conditions may appear to not be harmful, in benign pleural effusions researchers don't typically find what is known as a pleural cavity that is then full of asbestos needles. Consequently, researchers either aren't culturing for the right agent, or they need more time to conduct broader research about the true nature of Mesothelioma.

Finally, here are some known medical facts that are not particularly common about Mesothelioma cancer:

• It is extremely rare for the Serosal membranes to be malignant other than with Mesothelioma cancer.

• It is not asbestos dependent.

• It is not smoking related.

• It only really happens when there is evidence of pleurisy.

• The latency period is longer than any other known malignancy.

While these facts contain specific, medical, terminology which some may be unfamiliar with, it is important to present the terminology as it known; scientifically. While the personal diagnosis, or that of a loved one, with mesothelioma can already seem like a devastating occurrence, it is important for people to educate themselves more specifically about such terms. This will assist both the patient, and their loved ones, to better understand the disease they are battling, and to more effectively communicate with their physicians regarding mesothelioma.

If you are a cancer sufferer and you are not sure whether to take part in a clinical trial or not; it can be a very difficult and frustrating decision.
Basically clinical trials are studies based around people and how they react to certain medical treatments. The doctors will be making sure that any new mesothelioma treatment is totally safe for human use and is actually effective. These mesothelioma trials are vitally important to determining whether or not a treatment or a procedure can actually help sufferers or maybe even cure.
It can be difficult to determine whether or not to actually take part in any clinical trial as you nor the doctors know what is going to happen and how it's going to turn out; this is the whole point to the trials. If you already knew what was going to happen there would be no need for trials and the treatment would just be administered.
Many people do not bother paying any attention to clinical trials until the day they are diagnosed with something that is included in trials. There are instances where trials do go wrong and people suffer more; this is rare; the media do not report on good clinical trials only the negative ones. Of course this is par for course in certain clinical trials as that is what they are designed for; no one knows the outcome of the trials.
Thousands upon thousands of people are helped every year through mesothelioma clinical trials however, and millions more benefit from the successful outcomes to any clinical trial not just the mesothelioma clinical trials. That is why it is important that people do get involved in the medical trials, as without them there would not be any advances in science and in treatment. However, it is an extremely personal choice to make, and you should never feel pressured at any time to undertake a trial.
The decision is an extremely personal decision when it comes to clinical trials; talk it over with your friends and families and see if you can gain any support and help from them as well. You will need to think about your choices and always make sure you are 100% in whatever your decision may be! Your family and your friends will be a good point of comfort and care when you undertake the mesothelioma cancer treatment trials, so always keep them close and fully informed.
If you are considering taking part in a mesothelioma clinical trial then get as much information as you can about what it will entail, what may happen, any known dangers or side effects and the such like.
You need to speak to your doctor before embarking on any clinical trial. Find out as much as you can before starting any trial. You need to have all the information at your fingertips; that way you can be sure when you are making your decision

Understanding the terminology commonly associated with mesothelioma and asbestos while holding a conversation with your doctor or other specialist will help you to relate to what they're saying and make more informed decisions about how to proceed.
Below are some of the most common terms used when describing, diagnosing or treating mesothelioma.
1. Asbestos
A natural mineral that is commonly used in construction materials or similar products due to its high level of heat resistance and durability. It is a fibrous silicate mineral, and exposure to asbestos over an extended period of time can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis.
2. Asbestosis
A serious health condition in which there is scar tissue present in the lungs as a result of inhaling asbestos dust and fibers.
3. Mesothelioma
A rare, cancerous condition most often caused by exposure to asbestos. This is a malignant cancer tumor found in the mesothelium of the abdomen or lungs.
4. Mesothelium
Tissue which forms a lining around several organs such as the abdomen, and also the chest area. The fluid produced by this tissue helps to protect and mobilize organs.
5. Invasive cancer
A cancer that spreads from one point to another in the body.
6. Epidemiology
Statistics of diseases and their causes among a population.
7. Carcinoma
Tissue that is diagnosed malignant. This is normally a tumor.
8. Tremolite
A type of asbestos which has flexible fibers.
9. Serpentine Asbestos
A type of asbestos which has curly fibers that is of a tiered structure. The most commonly used form of asbestos in the U.S., called "Chrysotile", and is a type of serpentine asbestos.
10. Pneumoconiosis
Also known as fibrosis of the lungs, where the lungs have been scarred due to frequent inhalation of asbestos.
If you are up to date with the terms and the words when dealing with mesothelioma, it allows you to be better prepared when and if you have to deal with it. If you need to speak to a mesothelioma attorney or lawyer, you will be able to understand some of the terms they use when talking about your case.
Again if you have to see your doctor, you will be able to understand what they are talking about to a certain extent. Mesothelioma can be very complex and confusing for anyone. Throw in the emotions of being involved or at having mesothelioma and everything can become very confusing. This guide will hopefully help to clear up any confusion you may have.

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the body. These are the cells that make up the outer lining for the body's major organs, such as the heart, lungs and stomach. These linings are referred to as the mesothelium and this is how the cancer got its name.
The Peritoneum
The peritoneum is the tissue lining the abdomen. Its job is to protect the abdomens contents. It produces a fluid that acts as a lubricant so organs within the abdomen may move freely. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. This form of mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma
the pleura is the tissue that covers and lines the lungs. These are referred to by the medical community as pleural membranes. The pleura are fibrous membranes and the space between them is the pleural space. The pleural protect the lungs by producing a lubricant that fills the pleural space. This lubric

You may have been recently diagnosed with the terrible and life shattering disease mesothelioma cancer. After you have spoken to your doctor and received your test results and your prognosis and diagnosis, there is another step to take that may change your life and your family's life forever. The next crucial step to take is that you hire a mesothelioma lawyer immediately. It may even be beneficial to speak to a mesothelioma lawyer before you get confirmation from your doctor. At least you will have the groundwork in place and the mesothelioma lawyer can start to find more information about when and where you were exposed to asbestos.
Most lawyers that specialize in mesothelioma work on a contingency basis. This means that there is no costly retainer fee and that the attorney works for a percentage of the settlement. If the mesothelioma lawyer does not manage to win you any compensation, he doesn't get paid. This is what is more commonly known as a no win, no fee court case. Always read the small print when accepting the help of a mesothelioma lawyer on a no win no fee basis. You may have to pay court fees if you are on the losing side. If this is the case, you may have to find court costs and lawyer costs for the other side. This is something that rules in your favor because an attorney that works on contingency will do the best possible job when presenting your case. Many companies have been set up especially to deal with mesothelioma cancer cases. This is simply because the cases are long and drawn out and can take years to resolve. This means you need someone who is not only qualified to handle your case, but someone who is also dedicated and genuinely caring for your cause.
Meeting with Prospective Mesothelioma Lawyers
When you consult with mesothelioma attorneys, describe your issues in depth, and then ask if they are able to take your case. If they agree, ask about fees and if they're willing to work on a contingency basis. You will need to provide your mesothelioma lawyer with lots of information about when and where you came into contact with asbestos. Who you were working for at the time, how long you were unknowingly or knowingly in contact with it and if any safety measures were put into place.
The Final Decision
You need to meet with at least 3 to 5 mesothelioma lawyers to make sure you are dealing with someone you can trust and someone that you like. When you've met with three to five mesothelioma attorneys, it is then time to make a decision based on what you have discovered speaking to all the mesothelioma lawyers. Use the notes you have made previously and then you need to ask yourself the following very important questions.
- Did the attorney seem genuinely interested in my case?
- Did he listen to me and respond appropriately?
- Did the attorney explain alternate courses of action if there were any?