Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that affects the pleural membranes (coverings of the lungs), the peritoneal membranes (coverings of the abdominal organs) or the pericardium (covering of the heart). Mesothelioma is generally seen in people exposed to asbestos. The tumor often takes years to develop and screening people exposed to asbestos remains the only option for early intervention against this disease. People who have held jobs in the construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing industry need to be screened routinely. The following screening tests can be useful to diagnose mesothelioma.

Imaging:

Imaging tests like a simple chest X-Ray, CT Scans, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are often very useful and they may show thick, nodular masses on the pleural surface.

Needle Biopsies:

Under a local anaesthetic, the doctor will insert a large, hollow needle into the chest cavity. The needle is rotated and withdrawn to collect a sample of the tissue in the process. The sample is then examined in the laboratory for malignant cells. The needle biopsy is only about 40% accurate.

Open Biopsy:

This is one of the most accurate methods to diagnose mesothelioma. A larger tissue sample is often obtained with an open biopsy. However the procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.

Cytology:

Cytology of the pleural fluid has little value in diagnosing mesothelioma and is not routinely performed. Almost 85% of the times cytology is negative or inconclusive despite the presence of mesothelioma. Cytology can be performed in conjunction with a biopsy.

Even with the best screening techniques available today, mesothelioma escapes detection. Early screening and routine screening are crucial in people exposed to asbestos in order to prevent serious consequences. Whilst there are no definite cures yet, the speed at which medicine is making progress a cure for mesothelioma should definitely be around the corner. Till then early detection remains the best possible weapon against this disease. Victims of mesothelioma should take appropriate action against their former employers and should get in touch with lawyers who have experience handling these issues.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rajgopal_Venkataraman

Q. What is Mesothelioma?

A. Mesothelioma is a rare but potentially fatal cancer that affects a layer of the body called as mesothelium. Typically mesothelioma develops in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity. There are three forms of mesothelioma:

1. Pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that affects the coverings of the lungs.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioms. Mesothelioma that affects the covering of the abdominal organs.
3. Pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that affects the covering of the heart.

Pleural is the most common followed by peritoneal and lastly pericardial.

Q. What are the causes of mesothelioma?

A. Asbestos is the number one cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fine fiber material that is resistant to heat. These fibers when inhaled get into the air passages and then reach the pleural cells. The asbestos injures the pleural cells and this injury leads to either benign or malignant transformation. Asbestos is found in many types of industrial supplies and equipments. Asbestos exposure does not lead to mesothelioma immediately. Often it takes decades before the person manifests the symptoms of the disease. Smoking does not lead to mesothelioma though the risk is more for a smoker exposed to asbestos.

Q. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

A. Often mistaken for pneumonia, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. The most common symptoms include:

Persistent cough.
Shortness of breath.
Chest pains.
Swelling up of face and neck.
Coughing up blood.
Nausea and vomiting.
Weight loss.
Loss of appetite.

Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. However keep in mind the risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and speaking to a doctor will help in screening and early detection of the disease.

Q. What treatment options are available for mesothelioma?

A. Mesothelioma is often a very difficult disease to diagnose and treat. The various treatment options include:

Surgery in early stages to reduce tumor burden.
Chemotherapy with agents like Cisplatin.
Radiotherapy.
Gene therapy.
Immunotherapy.
Photodynamic therapy.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rajgopal_Venkataraman

Mesothelioma is a particularly nasty form of lung cancer, and mesothelioma litigation is increasingly being used as a means of getting cash for asbestos lung cancer palliative care. Without it, many families would not be able to afford professional care for their loved ones, and would have to tend for them themselves at the worst possible time for them and for the patient.

Incidences of mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer are steadily increasing, which indicates just how insidious this disease is. Caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers, the symptoms can take upwards of 40 years after exposure to appear, and may people who suffer do not even remember being exposed to the substance. It does not take much exposure, and many cannot understand the diagnosis when it is available because they cannot remember ever being exposed to asbestos.

There are no known 100% effective conventional medical treatments for mesothelioma, and the prognosis is generally bad. However, there are several things that can be done to alleviate pain and make the patient's life more comfortable. While drugs can help, hospice care is an option that takes pressure of the family and provides a comfortable environment for the patient. However, these alternatives can be expensive and if responsibility can be placed on an employer for the exposure that ultimately led to the disease, then compensation can pay for the palliative care.

This is not seeking charity, but rather making those responsible pay for the treatment. A high level of compensation will be needed to pay for the treatment and care needed, and in order to achieve this result you will require the services of a good mesothelioma attorney. Any lawyer will not do due to the specialized knowledge needed to persuade judges and juries that there very few causes of asbestos lung cancer other than exposure to the fibrous silicates that make up asbestos.

The compensation awarded can be very large, although smokers will receive less since their habit can be construed as contributing to the disease. Mesothelioma is not just another word for asbestos cancer, but is in fact a cancer of the mesothelium, a membrane that lines many body cavities, including the thoracic, or chest cavity. The lining of the lungs is called the pleura, so mesothelioma refers to any form of lung cancer involving that membrane. In fact 80% of mesothelioma cases are caused by smoking.

It is therefore very difficult for smokers to blame asbestos exposure for mesothelioma unless they have been working with asbestos. However, a good asbestos attorney should be able to secure a reasonable level of compensation, even for a smoker. It will be a fight though, since the asbestos companies and employers that required employees to work with the substance are aware of the high levels of compensation being awarded, and now actively fight such cases.

When you consult a law firm with a view to instructing them to fight your mesothelioma case, you should insist on talking with the attorney that will be handling your case. You can then discuss your strategy, and you can make sure that your attorney has had previous success with such cases. You don't want to retain a loser!

Ask questions, and determine the success rate of your prospective attorney in such cases. He or she must also appreciate your condition and understand how you feel, so that they can fight your case properly. Nothing can beat experience in a mesothelioma asbestos cancer lawsuit, so make sure that you get the best you can afford. Better still: tell them their fee depends upon them winning!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ruth_Jones