Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, predominantly caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. In fact, mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, the sheath that covers major organs such as the lungs (pleurum), the heart (pericardium) and the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common kind.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they become embedded in the lining of the lungs. Due to their small needle-like size, the normal defenses of the body are unable to detect them. Usually, any foreign bodies such as this would either be coughed up, or be removed through a build-up of mucus around them. But nor asbestos. They cause inflammation of the lungs and tissue damage, leading to scarring and coughing. These are the initial symptoms of asbestosis, though asbestosis is not mesothelioma.

No one knows for sure why cancers develop, but once cancerous cells are formed in the pleura, it gradually becomes thicker, and over time restricts breathing and causes shortness of breath and coughing. What is known as 'pleural effusion' occurs, as the fluid of the pleura, designed to lubricate the movement of the lungs against the other organs nearby, builds up and exerts pressure on the lungs. The thickening of the pleura continues as an increasing number of cells become cancerous, until death eventually occurs.

The Effect of Smoking

Although smoking is known to lead to a number of forms of cancer, it does not in itself promote mesothelioma. However, a patient that has been exposed to asbestos, and who also smokes, will be more liable to contract the disease than a non-smoker will. This is why smokers are generally awarded lower sums in compensation than non-smokers with the same condition. However, it would be wrong to state that smoking is a cause of mesothelioma.

It is, however, the cause of many more lung cancer cases than mesothelioma caused by asbestos, and smoking and asbestos together also increase the risk of the patient developing general lung cancer, just as prolonged exposure to asbestos causes more than just mesothelioma. Asbestos lung cancer and mesothelioma are not the same thing.

Symptoms

The major symptoms are shortness of breath, weight loss, nausea and pain. This is true of all forms of mesothelioma, not only pleural mesothelioma. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdomen becomes very painful and distended, just as the pleural version causes tightening and swelling in the chest due to pleural effusion. The pressure created can also result in pain, apart from that of the cancer itself.

Diagnosis

If the disease is not diagnosed early, then survival is unlikely. Therefore, any person who has previously worked in the asbestos industry, or has used asbestos in their employment, should make their doctor aware of that fact. They can then be placed on a schedule of regular examinations designed to detect the first signs of the disease. If the condition is detected early enough, most treatments available can be used effectively, and surgery is much more likely to be effective if the area affected is able to be isolated.

If you have contracted the disease, stopping smoking is essential, and you must try to avoid all infections of the lungs and airways. It is possible to have the condition treated, but if diagnosed too late then treatment tends to be palliative, and designed to make the patient as comfortable as possible.

It is essential, therefore, that people that have a history of contact with asbestos inform their physician immediately to make sure that if the symptoms do occur, they are spotted before any lasting harm can be done. Only then will there be a hope of a cure and successful recovery from this insidious disease.

Is there anybody alive in the United States today who does NOT know that smoking tobacco is the leading cause of lung cancer? Probably not. To avoid that knowledge, you'd have to live under a rock. There isn't any way to absolutely prevent lung cancer, but never smoking or quitting smoking is one way to significantly lower the risk.

There are, however, other risk factors associated with lung cancer that we have no control over at all. There are environmental causes, that we just can't do anything about. Such things as asbestos, radon, arsenic, chromium, nickel, tar, and soot that are commonly found in the workplace can cause lung cancer in people who have never smoked. The United States and other countries are working to control these substances in the workplace and some progress has been made - not enough, but some.

Just plain old air pollution is another cause of lung cancer. The incidence of lung cancer is higher in cities where air pollution is worse.

Studies have shown that a good diet that is high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in saturated fat, red meat, and preservatives does lower the risk of contracting lung cancer.

Abstaining from alcohol consumption altogether is another way to lower your risk of contracting lung cancer.

Research shows that people who are physically active have at a lower risk for developing lung cancer than those who are sedentary - and this is true even after taking cigarette smoking into account.

Using drugs, vitamins, or other agents to try to reduce the risk of, or delay the development or recurrence of, cancer is called chemoprevention. This is an area that scientists are studying, and there are clinical trials in progress that are testing both natural as well as man-made drugs, but it has not become a standard treatment or therapy.

The use of asbestos for relatively modern industrial purposes dates back over a century, though partial knowledge of its dangers has existed for thousands of years. Despite concerns raised by medical doctors and scientists in the early 20th century, the asbestos industry avoided serious regulation for decades. Though laws like the Clean Air Act of 1970 did help reduce the use of asbestos , obstacles to stricter regulation were present as late as the 1990s, when an appeals court struck down an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation known as the Asbestos Ban and Phase Out rule. As a result, asbestos-containing products are used and produced even today.

Today, asbestos use and exposure is regulated by several government agencies, including the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, otherwise known as OSHA.

Though virtually anyone can be exposed to asbestos, workers in industries such as construction, mining, and shipbuilding are particularly at risk. Furthermore, the families of these workers are also at risk from secondary exposure if precautionary measures are not taken.

According to OSHA, steps which can be taken to prevent excessive exposure to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) include:

- Limiting the time that workers spend working with or around ACMs

- Separating asbestos-heavy areas from the majority of the workforce

- Installing effective ventilation systems in and around ACMs

- Providing workers with approved protective gear and clothing

- Providing workers with showers to remove asbestos after work

- Educating workers and administrators about the dangers of ACMs

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Exposure to asbestos, even in small amounts and over a short period of time, can cause a deadly cancer known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer which attacks the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart, chest, and abdominal cavity, and it is almost always associated with ACMs. In some cases, mesothelioma can take years to show up after exposure to asbestos, but can often kill within 6-12 months of diagnosis.

Though OSHA has set a limit of 100,000 fibers per cubic meter of workplace air, some experts contend that there is no such thing as a "safe" threshold of exposure, and advocate that the United States follow the example of other countries that have banned the use of asbestos entirely.

There are very many mesothelioma law firms around and the main reason why they specialize in these particular cases is the huge return the cases can fetch. Others might be genuinely out there for the compassion of mesothelioma victims but, they are limited. Firstly though, mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the protective lining of the heart, lungs and abdomen. The known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. This is a natural mineral that has very many industrial uses mainly because of its heat and fire resistant qualities. It is known to lodge in the system when inhaled where it can stay there for many years where finally it causes the emergence of a disease. It has no scent and its fibers in the air are microscopic. Therefore mesothelioma law firms are relevant in the following way.

Firstly, the companies that employ workers to work exposed to asbestos have a case to answer because they have a moral duty to inform workers. They are therefore directly responsible for the illness in their worker. When a mesothelioma victim decides to file a suit against the company, they need to have the representation of good lawyers who can be found in a good mesothelioma law firm. Some of the workers who might be at risk to asbestos exposure include miners, millers, shipyard workers, building construction workers and others. With the serious realization of the dangers posed by asbestos, strict legislations have been put in place to ban certain types of asbestos and also there are restrictions on the amount of asbestos exposed to workers.

Also, workers who are close to asbestos have protective cloths and equipment to protect then from the substance. When they leave work, most workers take a shower and change cloths to avoid contaminating their families. When you suspect that you might be suffering from mesothelioma, you need to visit a doctor for a diagnosis. If you have the disease, you need to take time and look for a reputable mesothelioma law firm which will have good lawyers. They should have some experience in this kinds of cases. They should not live very far from where you are located so that you can reach them with minimal cost. The mesothelioma law firm should be legal and licensed to practice law in your particular state or country. They should give you more information on the cases they have been able to resolve.

On the internet, you will find very many mesothelioma law firms advertising themselves and you should not just take them at face value. You need to contact them and visit their offices to get a first hand feel of what they are all about. Many firms will be literally fighting for your case and you do not have to hire the ones who are first make a perfect pitch. Firstly, you need to know that they can represent you and win the case. You should discuss on the attorney fee before you hire the lawyer from the law firms. Usually, the most common way of payment is through a contingency basis and this means that they will be paid when you win the case. There is no doubt that with the right lawyers on your side, you are certain to get your deserved justice will be served.

For those that have been suffering due to exposure to asbestos, it can be a long road to recovery. If you have developed cancerous tumors from it you may never recover due to the amount of damage done to your lungs. You have a right to seek financial and medical compensation due to it. This is especially true if the fact that asbestos was in the area was known but never disclosed.

These types of cases can be very long and drawn out in a court of law. It can take years to get the case resolved. To help speed things along you should secure the assistance of an attorney that specializes in asbestos related cases. They can help you get the compensation you deserve. In most cases they will be willing to settle for a percentage of what you get. Therefore if you don't win the case you won't be out thousands of dollars that you had to pay to the attorney.

Depending on the facts of the case, it may be possible to get an out of court settlement. For example if the asbestos was found at a place of employment they may be willing to settle to keep the media attention away from it. With so much information today about the link with asbestos and health issues, most of these businesses also know they will lose in a court of law.

Take your time to find the very best representation for your case. An attorney that specializes in this area will be able to help you get through the process. They will know what medical information you need and what you can expect. This way you can understand what the entire process is going to entail. You don't want a basic attorney that will be learning right along side of you.

Always take advantage of free consultations that are offered out there. This way you can take some time to talk to an asbestos attorney. You want to find out if they think you have a case, fees, and how well they communicate with you. If you aren't sold on what they have to offer then keep looking for better representation.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the membranes surrounding the internal organs of humans. When not detected until it has progressed to a late stage, it is often difficult, if not impossible to control. Adding to the particular danger of this cancer is that the symptoms are very general and non-specific. Because of this, it is often not diagnosed early enough. Exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma, documented in nearly all cases.

Because of its aggressive spread, you should contact your doctor as soon as you begin to suspect mesothelioma, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos at some point. You can first expect a screening from your doctor, which can include a variety of tests like X-Rays or CT scans. If these preliminary tests show any sign of mesothelioma, you can expect a long series of additional tests to rule out any other diseases.

The only definitive test for mesothelioma is a moderately invasive procedure called a biopsy. If your previous screenings come back positive, a small sample of tissue will be removed from the affected area and examined by a specialist. There are many different types and techniques of biopsy at your doctor's disposal, and he/she will select the right one depending on where the cancerous growth is located. Depending on which stage your cancer has advanced to, your Mesothelioma therapy options may be many. Mesothelioma can be classified as being in one of four stages of development.

Stage I is the earliest and very localized. If found at this stage, the prognosis can be quite good. Therapy options at this point can include surgical removal of the tumor, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Clinical trials may also be used on a limited basis to determine the usefulness of new cancer fighting compounds.

Stage II refers to mesothelioma that has spread to other areas near the tumor. Once the cancer begins to spread, the prognosis rapidly deteriorates, however with the right treatment and mindset, hope for recovery still remains. Many of the same therapies for stage I are used for Stage II. Quite often with an individual who has stage I or stage II mesothelioma, the doctor will employ several therapies in conjunction with one another. While very effective, this can leave the patient in a very weakened state, and thus is not recommended for more advanced stages.

Stage III indicates the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. At this point, techniques such as surgery are limited in their effectiveness, simply because of the volume of cancer in the patient. If surgery is elected during stage III or IV, it is usually to increase the quality of life for the patient. Radiation and chemotherapy can still be used at this stage as a mesothelioma therapy, however their ability to control the cancer is diminished significantly.

Stage IV is the most advanced type and is applied to cases where the cancer has spread to parts of the body far removed from the tumor. Usually, when stage IV is reached, the mesothelioma spreads to the brain and the prognosis is very low. Mesothelioma therapy options at this point are usually used to improve the patient's quality of life, although there have been cases where a patient has been responsive enough to treatment that remission is achieved.

The number one asset you have in beating this cancer has little to do with choosing your mesothelioma therapy, but is catching your disease early. More than the different techniques used to combat the cancer, the early discovery of it can determine your prognosis.

Mesothelioma has received much publicity in recent years, due to the high number of lawsuits against companies involved with the use asbestos. Virtually all documented cases of mesothelioma stem from inhaling large amounts of asbestos material, and due to the prevalence of asbestos in many different applications, total compensation numbers have been staggering. So extensive were the number of lawsuits, the U.S. government has limited the amount of compensation one can receive, and also the conditions under which one can file a lawsuit.

Before the U.S. government passed The Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act in 1999, one did not need to develop any signs of mesothelioma to begin litigation. One only needed to have worked in an environment where asbestos exposure occurred. Over 200,000 cases in the Federal Courts during that year alone prompted the government action. As a result, there must be a diagnosis of mesothelioma in order to file for compensation, and punitive damages are no longer awarded.

While it may seem that The Fairness in Asbestos Compensation Act was a blow to the rights of workers exposed to asbestos, in reality, it proved to be a positive for those legitimately filing to obtain compensation for mesothelioma. Because so many people were filing lawsuits where they had not actually developed mesothelioma (and therefore did not require compensation), insurance companies began to file for bankruptcy. This left those who had legitimate claims to compensation for mesothelioma without the necessary resources to fund their treatment.

The reasons why mesothelioma litigation can be difficult are twofold. First, the symptoms of this particular cancer are very non-specific, and therefore many times to not prompt those afflicted to seek medical attention as soon as they should. It can take decades to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos, but after the onset of the disease, the patient's condition can deteriorate rapidly. Second, in most states, there is a specific deadline by which you must initiate litigation involving compensation for mesothelioma that begins on the day of diagnosis.

Another aspect of mesothelioma compensation is often more difficult to face. When a relative of someone diagnosed with mesothelioma dies as a result of the cancer, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed. Generally, the primary action that an attorney will perform to prove wrongful death will be interviewing fellow employees of the deceased, as well as supervisors and other people affiliated with the company that exposed him/her to asbestos.

Actual figures can vary wildly, depending on factors such as length and severity of exposure to asbestos, the stage of the mesothelioma, applicable state laws, and of course the goals of the person filing the lawsuit. Generally speaking, however, compensation for mesothelioma ranges between one and three million dollars, minus a contingency fee for the attorney. This fee can, of course, vary also, but usually falls between 30% and 40% of the total compensation.

Pleural mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive and dangerous type of cancer. It is defined as a cancer of the lining that surrounds the lungs or chest cavity. There are two main reasons why it is so dangerous. It has a very long time between initial exposure to the causative agent, almost always asbestos, and the development of symptoms. This time span can often be decades long, and many times, a diagnosis is made too late for effective treatment. Additionally, once symptoms are present in such severity that a diagnosis is sought, the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, but shares the primary cause of all other types. Asbestos is inhaled and collects inside the lungs. While most asbestos particles are eliminated by natural functions of the human body, individual fibers can migrate to the pleural lining, and initiate cancerous growth over the years. The full effects of pleural mesothelioma on society will take some time to figure, as the use of asbestos has been so widespread in preceding years.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are many, but are usually caused by one of three complications. The rapid growth of a malignant tumor on the pleural lining can put tremendous pressure on the lungs. In addition, fluid can often build up in between the pleural lining and the lungs as a result of tumor growth.

Symptoms specific to the above causes can include, but are certainly not limited to dry coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath. The least significant of these symptoms, dry coughing has many causes and should generally only be considered specific to mesothelioma when other symptoms are present, or exposure to asbestos has been documented. Both chest pain and shortness of breath, however, can be indicative of many serious conditions, and should be assessed by a doctor promptly.

The third common cause for some of the more general symptoms is the body's attempt to fight the disease. These can include fever, inability to regulate the body's temperature and weight loss.

A number of screening options are available to your doctor in order to determine whether or not pleural mesothelioma is the cause of symptoms. These can include CAT scans, MRI and X-Rays. After the initial screening, if mesothelioma is still suspected, a biopsy will be performed to analyze the tissue in question. Again, there are different techniques the doctor can use in order to sample the tissue, depending on the circumstances. Generally, however, a biopsy is relatively non-invasive procedure where a piece of the tumor is removed from the patient and sent to lab. Specialists at the lab can then perform a number of different tests in order to determine the nature of the tissue.

Finally, with a positive identification as pleural mesothelioma, the doctor can then begin treatment. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, surgical removal of the cancerous areas, and clinical trials can all be utilized. The specific treatment option will generally be determined by the stage, or level of advancement, of the cancer.

While pleural mesothelioma is very treatable if caught at the earliest stages, this is often not the case due to the very general symptoms it produces. As the cancer advances into the later stages, treatment will primarily be focused on improving the patient's quality of life.

Asbestos is a type of material found in many buildings. It has been linked to causing very serious health problems for people. Even though it is a good material for keeping heat in it is rarely used in the construction industry anymore due to the ill effects it can have on people that are continually exposed to it. In fact it has been deemed illegal to use in many countries for about 20 years now. Efforts have to be taken to remove it from facilities that already exist.

It really does depend on the type of asbestos that was used though. The one that seems to be the most dangerous to both humans and animals is chrysotile. Those that work in areas with this type of asbestos or that live by factories that have it have been linked to lung problems and to tumors. The fibers in the asbestos are breathed in without a person knowing and therefore they may be exposed to it without ever finding out until they become ill.

Yet many in the construction industry aren't happy with the image that asbestos has gotten in society. They feel it is a very good material to use for many projects. They want to be able to use a less concentrate of it so there with be fewer fibers in place. They believe it can be a cheaper way to get the same benefits for their projects. However, with the health risks that have been identified it simply isn't going to happen.

As a result of the controversial issues with asbestos, fiberglass has replaced it for construction purposes. They also use organic fibers instead of the harmful asbestos to get the same results. Removing asbestos from buildings and replacing it with the new materials is very costly and time consuming. Those involved in the process have to wear a mask to help prevent the harmful fibers from getting into their bodies.

Some people have become so ill due to the exposure from asbestos that they are unable to go about their normal life. They have filed lawsuits against the companies in an effort to at least get their medical expenses covered. These types of cases can draw out in the courts for a very long time if the parties can't agree on a settlement.