Understandingly, lung cancer starts in the cells of the lungs. It is a disease of uncontrolled cell growth in the tissues of the lung.

Most people know that the lungs are in the chest, one on each side of the heart. The right lung has three main parts, called lobes. The left lung is a bit smaller and has two lobes. The lungs are cushioned and protected by a thin covering called the pleura. The pleura has two layers of tissue: one layer covers the lungs and the other lines the inside wall of the chest. There is a small amount of fluid (pleural fluid) between the two layers of the pleura. So this basically describes what lungs are... but what are they for?

You use your lungs when you breathe. The air you take in through your nose or mouth flows down the trachea (windpipe). The trachea divides into two tubes called the left and right bronchi, which carry air to each lung. Once inside the lung, the bronchi divide into smaller and smaller tubes called bronchioles. Each bronchiole ends in a cluster of tiny air sacs called alveoli. The alveoli take oxygen from the air you breathe in and pass it into the blood for circulation to all parts of your body. The alveoli also remove carbon dioxide from the blood, which is pushed out of the lungs when you exhale. So now you understand the main purpose of your lungs... and now to a closer look at lung cancer.

What most people don't know is that there are two types of lung cancer. The most common type is the non-small cell , also known as (NSCLC). This cancer grows more slowly than the small cell type. While the small-cell grows quickly and often spreads to distant parts of the body.

There is also a rare type of cancer called pleural mesothelioma which is often mistakenly called a lung cancer. But pleural mesothelioma starts in the lining of the lung and is very different from cancer that starts in the lung.

Now for the three types of non-small cancers, which are squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. These account for about 80% of lung cancers, while small-cell (also called oat) accounts for about 20%. The vast majority of all lung cancers are of the carcinoma type.

It's important to understand these three types of cancers because treatment varies accordingly. Non-small cell lung carcinoma for example, is sometimes treated with surgery, while small cell lung carcinoma, usually responds better to chemotherapy and radiation.



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Mesothelioma is a devastating form of cancer caused by long term exposure to asbestos. While workers of various industries are at the greatest risk of developing the disease due to the time they spend near asbestos filled products and buildings, the disease can affect anyone at anytime in their life.

Mesothelioma develops in the membrane, known as the mesothelium, that covers most of the body's vital organs. There are three different forms of the cancer, named for the various organs that they directly affect:

- Pleural mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of the deadly disease affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs. As the cancer develops, fluids may build up between the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, causing pain and shortness of breath.

The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. Over time these fibers enter the body's tissue, spreading the disease throughout the body's membranes. Unfortunately, like many other forms of cancer, mesothelioma is not easily diagnosed until 10 to 50 years of the initial exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This form of mesothelioma affects the abdominal area and is developed in the same manner as the pleural version of the disease. Again, the symptoms of this form of cancer are not usually detected until several decades after the initial exposure. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, weight loss, fever, and anemia.

Pericardial Mesothelioma
Although this form of cancer is rare, it shares many characteristics with the pleural and peritoneal forms of the disease. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the area of the heart and is the result of asbestos exposure. Symptoms may include chest pain, constant cough, shortness of breath, and even palpitations.

A Lawyer Can Help
If you have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos, the person or company responsible for the dangerous source of asbestos may be held legally responsible for your pain and suffering. Contact an attorney immediately to learn more about your legal options.

During your first meeting with your attorney be sure to bring:

- Your medical records
- Possible areas of exposure
- Work history
- Social security records



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Lung cancer is the biggest side effect of smoking cigarettes. Since it's deadly it's important to recognize all the early signs and symptoms of lung cancer.

The first symptom is constant coughing. The lining of the air passages contain sensitive nerves. There purpose is to protect the airways from any foreign substance like dirt, dust, blood or a tumor. By stimulating the cough reflex, these nerves help the body get rid of particles, therefore keeping the airways clean. If a tumor develops near the airways passages, coughing will be the primary symptom. Coughing is usually the primarily symptom in 20-80 percent of cancer cases.

The second symptom is wheezing. This is the sound that is produced as air tries to pass through an airway that is partially blocked. Tumors usually produce localized wheezing that's heard on the side of the chest where the tumor is located.

The third symptom is coughing up blood. This is by far the most severe of the three. If the surface of the tumor bleeds, you will cough up blood-tinged mucous. This final symptom should be taken very seriously. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible if this ever happens to you.

After you have been diagnosed with having lung cancer, the next concern is how quickly it my spread. This called the doubling speed and is important in determining which stage you're in. This will determine how much time you have to receive treatment. This is especially important in small cell lung cancer, since it tends to spread more rapidly. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms visit your doctor right away. He'll be able to give you all the information on the best treatment options to fit your individual needs.



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People living and working in New York on that fateful day when the Twin Towers came down are becoming ill in growing numbers. World Trade first responders and others are developing chronic coughs, lung diseases and now other cancers caused by breathing the toxic mix of asbestos, dioxine, benezine, and other carcinogens released at and around the site.

Eventually some are likely to develop mesothelioma-a disease specifically related to exposure to asbestos. And some who were there will also begin to develop potentially lethal blood clots. Patients with cancer of all types tend to have a significantly higher risk of blood clotting then the general population. Because of its severity as a disease, scientists decided to try to find out whether patients with mesothelioma also follow that trend.

In a small study in the state of New Mexico the rate of dangerous (thromboembolism) among mesothelioma patients was significantly higher-close to double the rate-among other cancer patients. This is yet another way this disease can kill or disable its victims. If you know someone who may be at risk for mesothelioma, be sure to let them know they should talk to their doctor about the advisability of taking blood thinners (anticoagulants).

There are similarities between the victims of the Towers tragedy and those who've developed mesothelioma as a result of manufacturers who failed to provide adequate warnings and protective clothing and equipment for people working around asbestos. The difference is there will be a far larger public outcry when the consequences to rescue workers at the 9/11 disaster become common knowledge. When you've been the victim of such failures in the private sector, you have to look harder to find a voice on your behalf.

Be sure to find a doctor who understands the need to keep an open mind about diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. And if you've been diagnosed, please don't hesitate to call if you have any questions about your right to file a lawsuit for compensation or other damages for being exposed to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma is a killer disease and you and your family deserve to understand your legal rights.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or feel you've been exposed to asbestos or other toxic substances on the job, first find the right medical help. Then, understand your legal rights... http://www.mesotheliomaadvice.org/legal/legal-process.asp - If you have questions or need help regarding a potential mesothelioma or asbestos-exposure lawsuit, you can visit our site (link below), call us 800.443.6353, or email us at help@mesotheliomaadvice.org/ We have years of experience helping people just like you and your family face this difficult time in your life.



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Incredible as it may seem - because the dangers of asbestos were already beginning to be known - back in the 50s the P. Lorillard Company was using deadly crocidolite fibers in its Kent cigarette filters. In a review guide on eBay, an asbestos-identifying private consultant writes about the history of the asbestos-laden "micronite" filter used on Kent cigarettes between 1952 and 1956. And the U.S. government website notes that anyone who smoked a pack a day of Kent cigarettes between 1952 and 1956 may have been exposed to as much as 131 million crocidolite structures in a single year.

If you know anyone who was a smoker during this period, you may want to advise them of the danger to which they may have been exposed. Suggest they consult a physician who is an expert at understanding the early signs of asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Early detection can help with treatment and possibly improve quality of life. See below to find information about doctors who understand the complexities of diagnosing and treating mesothelioma.

Perhaps even more interesting was the claim that Kent cigarettes made for the positive health benefits the filter supposedly conferred on smokers. When a large number of workers from the Kent factories making the filters began coming down with those respiratory diseases, the alarm was raised. In 1995 scientists located unopened packages of Kent filter cigarettes date stamped from 1952. They put them through testing with artificial smoking machines that could measure the contents of the smoke. Extensive testing with first puffs and puffs after cigarettes had been put out and relit revealed that crocidolite fibers were present in the filters. They showed that many of the fibers were long enough to be classed as more likely to be carcinogenic and that substantial numbers of those longer fibers were carried directly into the smokers' mouth and lungs.

As time has passed and more and more people are growing sick 30, 40, and 50 years later because of negligent behaviors by corporate entities long ago, our society has begun to realize that advertising can be manipulated to say anything that serves to boost sales, regardless of whether it's based on facts. This is a good thing for public health--though too late for many. We are dedicated to helping assist those who may be suffering from mesothelioma from any cause.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or feel you've been exposed to asbestos or other toxic substances on the job, first find the right medical help. Then, understand your legal rights...http://www.mesotheliomaadvice.org/legal/legal-process.asp If you have questions or need help regarding a potential mesothelioma or asbestos-exposure lawsuit, you can visit our site (link below), call us 800.443.6353, or email us at help@mesotheliomaadvice.org. We have years of experience helping people just like you and your family face this difficult time in your life.



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Usually in the early of lung cancer, there are no special symptoms. Only when lung cancer is developed to a certain stage, there will be some symptoms, including cough, blood in sputum, fever, chest pain, chest tightness and some other respiratory symptoms. Lung cancer may easily be overlooked or be treated as pneumonia, so to cause the delay condition. People above 40 years old especially have a long history of smoking or passive smoking, must have a regular physical examination annually. People should also be vigilant immediately for medical treatment when the following performance appears, which is helpful to find lung cancer in time.

1. Chronic Cough

Tumour stimulates the trachea, will often lead to irritating cough. This cough has nothing to do with the season, time or medication. This is the most common symptoms of lung cancer, and about 2/3 of the patients have this symptom. People must be prudent when there is a cough of unknown causes. Some people who has a long-term chronic cough must go to see a doctor when he feels that the cough situation has changed.

2. Blood In Sputum

Tumour causes cell necrosis and broken of capillaries, a small amount of bleeding mixed with sputum and so this Intermittent or persistent symptom appears. About 50% of the patients with lung cancer have this symptom.

3. Chest Pain

About 30%-40% of lung cancer patients will appear chest pain, generally not keen intermittent chest pain, mainly shown as stuffy pain or vague pain with uncertain location, may continue from several minutes to several hours.

4. Repeated Fever

Bronchial cavity was blocked by tumor, poor drainage may lead to fever. The body temperature is generally under 38 degrees. Treat early with antibiotic, the body temperature can return to normal, but easy to relapse.

5. Chest Tightness And Shortness Of Breath

Tumor will affect the normal lung function, and will lead to chest tightness and shortness of breath when people are tired, which is the most obvious in central lung cancer.



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Lung cancer, not only in the primary site continue to grow and spread, but also often through the lymphatic and Xuelu transferred to the local lymph nodes and other body organs. The incidence of lung cancer more often concealed, early often no obvious symptoms, easily overlooked, and even some long-distance transfer of patients has occurred, is still not confirmed, the understanding of the characteristics of the transfer of lung cancer, lung cancer diagnosis and treatment will also be Helpful.

Direct spread

Lung cancer from bronchial occurred along the infiltration of bronchial wall, directly to the proliferation of proximal or distal end, to be invaded trachea eminence plane, or air to the lungs through bronchial wall infiltration growth in real terms, and further up to mediastinal pleura . The latter can lead to the cultivation of the two pleural proliferation, pleural thickening, as if the corpus callosum. Could be worse transgression and chest wall and diaphragmatic, or to the esophagus and the pericardium.

Lymphatic metastasis

Lung cancer at an early stage is likely to occur lymphatic metastasis. General small cell carcinoma of the transfer earlier than squamous cell carcinoma and. First found in lymphatic metastasis of the lung lymph nodes, hilar lymph nodes, trachea and bronchi adjacent lymph nodes. This may be to mediastinal lymph nodes (which is the guideline for long-distance transfer) autopsy cases of lung cancer about half that peritoneal metastasis.

Xuelu transfer

Xuelu transfer of common lung cancer, often caused systemic result of extensive transfer of death, the mortality rate was 92%. Especially those that are not differentiated small cell lung cancer such as cancer, the cancer cells may occur early Xuelu transfer, and then later adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Lung cancer transferred to remote organs, not from lung cancer is often the primary site Xuelu transfer, but through the mediastinum into the metastasis venous circulation Yan returned to the lungs. Therefore, in general there is no transfer of early lung cancer, lung metastasis is not uncommon. According to the autopsy materials and lung cancer of the lung metastases found only 10 percent of the cases, but to make sure it is transferred from the Xuelu mediastinal lymph nodes from, or from the more common internal organs to shift from the Xuelu, it is difficult.

Cultivation of transfer

Body cavity of the organ tumors spread to the organ surface, the tumor cells can be exfoliated and, like sowing, planting in the body cavity and body cavity of the organ on the surface, forming the majority of the transfer. This method known as the transfer of duty of the transfer or sowing, more than occurred in the abdominal or thoracic organ cancer. Organs of cancer, such as the invasion of gastric cancer and gastric damage serosa, Ke Zhongzhi to the omentum, peritoneal, abdominal organs in the face of even the surface of ovarian, etc.. Lung cancer is often in the chest with a wide range of cultivation of the transfer. Serous cavity of the cultivation of each shift with serous bloody fluid, it is because subserosal lymphatic or vascular thrombosis was resistance, resistance to cancer or serous stimulus to the permeability of capillary A result of increased leakage increased, and because blood vessels were small cell carcinoma of the destruction it caused bleeding. Suction fluid for cytology see often available on the cancer cells. It is worth noting that surgery could also result in cultivation.



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Mesothelioma is an occupationsl disease. Exposure to asbestos at the workplace is the single most important risk factor for developing mesothelioma. In the era when safety measures were often deficient, workers were constantly exposed to asbestos fibers and many of them developed the disease. Mesothelioma develops some 40-60 years after exposure and is thus common in the senior citizens who have worked in places known to have asbestos in the ambient environment. Compensations and lawsuits are common and are justified where there were gross violations in safety measures. The manufacturers and even distributors knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, but they did not warn people of those hazards. As a result, a patient has the right of recovery against those manufacturers who can help pay the costs of treatment and provide compensation for the resultant pain and suffering.

No amount of monetary benefits can compensate the suffering but at least the compensation can take care of the medical expenses involved. Any person affected directly or indirectly is eligible for compensation.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is a long and tedious process. As soon as a diagnosis has been made, it is critical to get hold of a qualified mesothelioma attorney to file claims. It is better to file a suit with the help of attorneys who are experienced in these issues. They have done the hard legwork and groundwork and as such can help speedier processing of the claims. All said and done choosing a mesothelioma attorney is a personal decision and best left to the patient and his or her relatives.

The following questions can help make a good decision regarding mesothelioma lawyers and firms.

1. How long has the firm been handling these type of cases?
2. How many cases are being handled currently?
3. How many cases have been handles successfully in the recent past?
4. Will a law firm work on your case or refer it to another law firm? If referred what are the credentials of the referred law firm?
5. How many cases have been taken to trial and what have been the nature of the verdicts?
6. In the event of an appeal are there qualified lawyers in the firm who handle appellate and related legal issues?
7. What is the track record for the firm in handling appealed cases successfully?

The Martindale-Hubbell Legal network is a good point to begin search for mesothelioma lawyers and firms. A simple search on a search engine will give further details. The Oklahoma Bar Association has put out excellent guidelines regarding choosing an attorney. They state that "Selecting a lawyer is a personal matter. You must judge which particular attorney will be best for you. Before making a decision, however, you may want to contact several lawyers or law firms to gather some comparative information."

It is extremely important to trust the lawyer or firm one hires. No lawyer can be expected to win every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be exactly what you want to hear."



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