Posts Tagged asbestos fibers
Mesothelioma Research and Bridging the Gap
Posted by in Uncategorized on March 12th, 2010
Continued research regarding mesothelioma and the link to asbestos exposure is necessary if we ever hope to find a cure. Imagine someone you love returning home from the second world war. They find a job as an auto mechanic, raise a family, and play by the rules. Decades later, they tragically die from mesothelioma cancer because someone failed to warn them of the dangers of asbestos fibers. Does any reasonable person believe this is fair or just? Of course not. Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time and prevent the asbestos exposure. But what we can do is try to promote public awareness about this deadly disease and highlight some of the great research being done.
One interesting study is called, “Malignant mesothelioma: attributable risk of asbestos exposure.” By R Spirtas, E F Heineman, L Bernstein, G W Beebe, R J Keehn, A Stark, B L Harlow, and J Benichou – Occup Environ Med 1994;51:804-811 doi:10.1136/oem.51.12.804. Here is an excerpt:
“OBJECTIVES–To evaluate a case-control study of malignant mesothelioma through patterns of exposure to asbestos based upon information from telephone interviews with next of kin. METHODS–Potential cases, identified from medical files and death certificates, included all people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and registered during 1975-1980 by the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program, the New York State Cancer Registry (excluding New York City), and 39 large Veterans Administration hospitals. Cases whose diagnosis was confirmed in a special pathology review as definite or probable mesothelioma (n = 208) were included in the analysis. Controls (n = 533) had died of other causes, excluding cancer, respiratory disease, suicide, or violence. Direct exposure to asbestos was determined from responses to three types of questions: specific queries as to any exposure to asbestos; occupational or non-vocational participation in any of nine specific activities thought to entail exposure to asbestos; and analysis of life-time work histories. Indirect exposures were assessed through residential histories and reported contact with family members exposed to asbestos. RESULTS–Among men with pleural mesothelioma the attributable risk (AR) for exposure to asbestos was 88% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 76-95%). For men, the AR of peritoneal cancer was 58% (95% CI 20-89%). For women (both sites combined), the AR was 23% (95% CI 3-72%). The large differences in AR by sex are compatible with the explanations: a lower background incidence rate in women, lower exposure to asbestos, and greater misclassification among women. CONCLUSIONS–Most of the pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas in the men studied were attributable to exposure to asbestos. The situation in women was less definitive.”
Another good study is called, “Chrysotile asbestos is the main cause of pleural mesothelioma” by Allan H. Smith, MD, PhD, Catherine C. Wright, MPH
School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA. Here is an excerpt:
“Abstract – In contrast to amphibole forms of asbestos, chrysotile asbestos is often claimed to be only a minor cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a highly fatal cancer of the lining of the thoracic cavity. In this article we examine the evidence from animal and human studies that relates to this issue. Reported data do not support widely quoted views regarding the relative inertness of chrysotile fibers in mesothelioma causation. In fact, examination of all pertinent studies makes it clear that chrysotile asbestos is similar in potency to amphibole asbestos. Since asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma, and chrysotile constitutes 95% of all asbestos use world wide, it can be concluded that chrysotile asbestos is the main cause of pleural mesothelioma in humans.”
If you found either of these excerpts interesting, I would urge you to read the studies in their entirety. We all owe a debt of gratitude to these researchers, and should do our best to promote public awareness. This article should not be construed as legal or medical advice.”
Montgomery Wrobleski is the author of this article on Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Attorney
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Other Risk Factors
Posted by in Uncategorized on March 9th, 2010
The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) a free digital archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature defines pericardial mesothelioma as a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, a thin wall of cells that surround the body’s organs and internal body structures. Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. Other locales of the disease are malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the abdomen wall. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest of the types of mesothelioma and accounts for only a small percent of the two thousand to three thousand mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed each year.
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Exposure To Asbestos
Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, a naturally type of toxic mineral which was used in many industrial ways. While the exact way that microscopic asbestos fibers get into the pericardial lining is not known, doctors think that inhaled asbestos fibers travel into the bloodstream and become lodged in the heart’s lining as the blood goes through the heart. Mesothelioma takes place in other parts of the body, like in the pleura or peritoneum can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.
Methods Of Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosis By Physicians
Doctor will mostly believe that someone has pericardial mesothelioma if the person has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A comprehensive testing and biopsy process will be done through use of multiple body imaging scans. It usually begins in the mesothelial lining, but quickly travels to other closer organs and tissues, eventually spreading in the bloodstream to the lymph nodes and throughout the body. As the cancer travels, victims will have more symptoms.
Patients May Have Financial Options
Patients of pericardial mesothelioma may be eligible for financial compensation if they were wrongly exposed to asbestos. Anyone who worked with asbestos products is potentially at-risk and should have frequent checkups with your doctor so that you can be diagnosed as soon as possible.
Important Information For Those Who Have Been Exposed To Risk Factors
Now there is no way to stop pericardial mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is so rare, and pericardial mesothelioma is even rarer, it can take months for the disease to be diagnosed. Detection as soon as possible is very important because it will offer the victims more treatment options and may help them survive longer and have a better quality of life. The prognosis for the patient diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma is not good. Some people die a short time of being diagnosed. Most do not live longer than one year, although a small number have lived longer than four years after diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Other Risk Factors
Article Source: Pericardial Mesothelioma and Other Risk Factors
Mesothelioma – Symptoms & Treatments
Posted by in Uncategorized on December 28th, 2009
The mesothelioma is the thin lining on the surface of the body cavities and the organs that are contained within them. Most mesothelioma begin as one or more nodules that progressively grow to form a solid coating of tumor surrounding the lung, abdominal organs or heart.
Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the chest cavity and is associated with exposure to asbestos in up to 90% of cases. It has been shown that some asbestos fibers that are inhaled quickly work their way through the lung tissue and into the chest cavity.
There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, Epithelial and Sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases. It portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.
There are four known types of mesothelioma :
1. Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma with around 70 percent of cases being pleural in origin.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity known as the peritoneal membrane.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma
This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart known as the pericardium.
4. Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles and is the rarest form of the cancer.
Usually, this mesothelioma involves men over 40 years of age. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment often without knowing it. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous substance that was widely used in the 20th century in a number of different industries.
Mesothelioma symptoms often resemble less-serious conditions which can make diagnosis difficult. Below is a list of several common cancer symptoms patients may experience.
1. Pleural Symptoms
Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, fatigue, lumps under the skin on the chest, swelling of the face and arms
2. Peritoneal Symptoms
Weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling, bowel obstruction, nausea, fever
3. Pericardial Symptoms
Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats
4. Testicular Symptoms
Painful or painless testicular lumps
Treatment depends on the location of the tumor, how far it has spread, and your age and general health. Whatever the stage of mesothelioma, there are several cancer treatments that can be used.
There are three traditional kinds of treatment for patients with malignant mesothelioma.
1. Surgery
Surgery has traditionally referred to the cutting out or reconstruction of physical parts of the body
2. Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors
3. Chemotherapy
Application of the beneficial effects of drugs to control or cure diseases or abnormal states in living organisms or tissues
Experimental treatments are also available to patients who participate in a clinical trial, conducted to test up-and-coming procedures and medications.
http://treatments-for-cancer.blogspot.com/2009/11/mesothelioma-symptoms-treatments.html
Article Source: Mesothelioma – Symptoms & Treatments
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Is A Mesothelioma – Asbestos Case a Wrongful Death Action?
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 18th, 2009
The law is often described as being an area where there are a lot of black and white situations. The truth is this is rarely the case. One such issue arises with an asbestos-Mesothelioma lawsuit which faces the possibility of being a wrongful death action.
Asbestos is a miracle material. It is extremely heat resistant, which makes it a perfect insulator wherever heat is an issue. From the 1940s through the 1970s, this meant it was used heavily in everything from naval ships to roofing shingles to insulation in schools to the brake pads on your car. There was only one small little problem. It turns out breathing in asbestos fibers can lead to asbestosis [scarring of the lungs], lung cancer or Mesothelioma.
The classic Mesothelioma case is one where the plaintiff argues that they have picked up the cancer because they worked in an area where they were exposed to asbestos. The claims against manufacturers of the asbestos would be based on the legal theory of product liability. Claims against the companies that hired the employees, however, would more often be based on negligence or willful misconduct. Both theories could be brought in the same lawsuit and, in most areas, must be.
A legal issue that often arises is whether the action can be considered a wrongful death lawsuit. The issue arises because Mesothelioma is a very hard form of cancer to diagnose. This means that it usually is only discovered at a very late stage, one in which the patient may not have much time to live. In such a situation, the idea of filing a lawsuit is often the last thing on the mind of family members and things drag out. Once filed, however, the victim may ultimately expire during the case.
So, what happens? The courts in most jurisdictions tend to view the issue as splitting hairs. While they each handle it a bit differently, what is clear is the lawsuit is allowed to proceed and, if proven, the estate or surviving members of the family are allowed too recover against the defendants. Put another way, the defendants are not able to escape responsibility simply because the victim dies.
Thomas Ajava is with GeorgiaMesotheliomaSideEffects.com – where you can learn more about Mesothelioma side effects and legal developments reported in Georgia.
Article Source: Is A Mesothelioma – Asbestos Case a Wrongful Death Action?
5 Steps to Selecting the Right Mesothelioma Attorney
Posted by in Uncategorized on November 5th, 2009
If getting a Mesothelioma diagnosis, you need to find a qualified and experienced Mesothelioma attorney to fight your case in the court. If you are a Mesothelioma victim, you can get some monetary compensation from the company that is responsible for exposing you to the harmful effects of asbestos fibers.
With so many attorneys handling Mesothelioma cases, selecting the right Mesothelioma attorney is not easy. You can lose monetary benefits if you are not able to find the right attorney as the outcome of your Mesothelioma lawsuit is pretty much decided by your attorney. Before hiring services of an attorney, it is better that you interact with them and take a close look at their success rate and academic qualifications.
1. Experience
Only go for an attorney that has experience of more than five years in dealing specifically with Mesothelioma cases. If possible, check their records and you will get an idea of how beneficial they are going to be in handling your case. Do not sign any agreement until the attorney is willing to provide you documented evidence in support of their claims.
2. Costs
Before hiring any Mesothelioma attorney, make sure that you ask about the lawsuit costs and the fees that you need to pay them. Normally, the attorney will ask for some amount upfront but there are a few attorneys that charge contingency fees. Contingency fees are a percentage of the compensation that you are going to get. If you do not receive any compensation, you do not need to pay any money to your Mesothelioma attorney. Before signing agreement, tell your attorney that you can only afford a contingency as fee commission. Attorneys ask for 30 to 35% commission.
3. Passing the Case On
Stay away from Mesothelioma attorneys that plan to pass your case on to another attorney. These kinds of attorneys act as a broker between you and the attorney that is going to plead your case. There is no need to give extra money to these individuals when you can find an attorney on your own. Attorneys that pass case to another attorney are just worried about their commission; they have no interest in your case.
4. Internet
The internet is the best place to find a Mesothelioma attorney. The main thing about using internet as a medium is that you can get quotes from the attorneys without going to their office. You can get all the information related to your attorney online. There are plenty of websites that give review of various Mesothelioma attorneys operating in various states. You can search these attorneys on the basis of success rate, experience and the state in which they are operating.
5. Mesothelioma Law Firm
The whole concept of the Mesothelioma law firm is quite vague as one law firm can deal with a wide variety of cases. To give yourself a much better chance, it is advisable that you find an attorney or law firm that has a record of handling Mesothelioma cases. Similar to any other case, a Mesothelioma case needs a disciplined and responsible approach on the part of your attorney. Your friends and family members can play a prominent part in selecting the right Mesothelioma attorney.
If you do not have the time to do an in-depth search and are looking to find Mesothelioma attorney quickly, contact your state’s bar association. Further, there is Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory where you can find contact details of various top Mesothelioma attorneys.
Check this out
http://mesoblog.org/blog/choose-right-mesothelioma-attorney/
Article Source: 5 Steps to Selecting the Right Mesothelioma Attorney
How Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?
Posted by in Uncategorized on October 9th, 2009
The main way by which asbestos fibers get into the body is through the respiratory system. Fibers released into the air are inhaled by the exposed individuals and are transported into the deep parts of the lungs.
Asbestos fibers that have been lumped into heavier particles of plaster, concrete or paint are often expelled through coughing and rarely get to the deep parts of the lungs. Post- mortem examinations of lungs of dead victims of mesothelioma have revealed that asbestos fibers tend to accumulate near the bottom lobes of the lungs, in the gutter of the thoracic cavity and on the surface of the diaphragm.
These asbestos fibers migrate from the lung spaces called the alveoli into the intra- pleural space, within the mesothelial layer of the space. This was described by many physicians as a “clearing” of the lungs. It has also been hypothesized that asbestos fibers can be swallowed or may enter directly by piercing the skin. It is not known why some patients develop peritoneal mesothelioma rather than the more common pleural based disease.
The clearing of the lungs is directly connected to the two primary theories about how injury is caused by asbestos.
The first theory postulates that the asbestos fibers pierce the tissue walls of the pleural space (and sometimes the peritoneal space via the stomach or the diaphragm) and cause tissue damage which creates an inflammatory immune response.
The second theory states that the asbestos fibers are so small that they begin to interact with mesothelial cells at a molecular level, interrupting cell replication and/or damaging the cellular DNA during mitosis, or cell division.
The migration of the asbestos fibers out of the alveoli is possible because of the small size of the asbestos fibers. This allows them to pierce the cell walls and migrate between cell boundaries into the mesothelial lining of the pleural cavity or even into the intrapleural space. There, they sometimes penetrate the diaphragm and make their way into the abdomen or the testes leading to abdominal and testicular mesothelioma.
Whenever these fibers migrate, they leave a trail of damaged or compromised cells behind. They usually elicit an inflammatory response which leads to the formation of malignant tumor cells of mesothelioma. The response to this damage varies by individual and invariably involves the immune system. Evidence for the response is found in the irritation and destruction of cells and the creation of scar tissue at the site of the injury.
This process can be quite significant in the case of heavy asbestos exposure and can lead to major impairment of the lungs as a crust or plaque of fibrous scar tissue forms over the affected areas. Microscopic examination of this material has often found asbestos fibers entombed in the nodules and layers of tissue and has been used as undeniable evidence for the asbestos connection as a cause for the injury in asbestos related diseases like mesothelioma.
Bello kamorudeen.For more information about mesothelioma visit http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Mesothelioma – Dealing with Shortness of Breath
Posted by in Uncategorized on September 21st, 2009
Mesothelioma is a fairly rare cancer that is associated with exposure to asbestos. The cancer manifests with many different symptoms depending on the stage it is in and the location of the body. In many cases, shortness of breath is one problem, but there are a number of ways to deal with it.
Mesothelioma is somewhat of a catch phrase for a certain type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It refers to a cancer of the Mesothelioma lining in the upper body. The problem is this lining is found everywhere from the sac surrounding the heart down to the organs in the lower abdomen. As a result, a diagnosis of Mesothelioma around the lower, far right lung is much different then the same diagnosis for the heart.
The vast number of Mesothelioma cases deal with cancer around the lung area. As a result, the lungs are often impacted in a couple of ways. The practical function many be disturbed, but the bigger problem is usually the embedding of small asbestos fibers in the alveoli where the air in the lungs is transferred into the blood. This can lead to shortness of breath for many patients.
Is there anything that can be done for shortness of breath in these situations? Yes. The first is to tell your doctor! He or she may prescribe medication or oxygen assisted breathing sessions to give you relief. You can take some practical steps as well. Meditation and yoga are excellent ideas as they help a person relax, which will reduce the taxation on your lungs. You should also consider sleeping on multiple pillows in an effort to get your head above the plain of your body. This will ease your breathing as well.
There is no cure per se to Mesothelioma, but early discovery can make the difference between living and dying. While the disease is deadly, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer from some of the symptoms. Shortness of breath is one that can be dealt with if you make an effort.
Thomas Ajava writes for AsbestosLitigationMaryland.com – where you can learn more about asbestos litigation in Maryland and find an attorney to represent you.
Article Source: Mesothelioma – Dealing with Shortness of Breath
Mesothelioma – New Treatment Approaches
Posted by in Uncategorized on September 19th, 2009
A determination that you or someone close to you has Mesothelioma is very unfortunate. This form of cancer is usually discovered very late in its growth, which makes treatment extremely difficult and often renders it a terminal disease. There are, however, some new treatment approaches being researched.
Mesothelioma is a fairly rare cancer. It is general term that refers to cancer growths in the area of the Mesothelium. This is a lining found throughout the chest and abdomen area. The lining creates support for organs such as the lungs and heart while also creating a lubricated surface that allows them some movement. Mesothelioma is associated most closely with exposure to asbestos fibers that get into the lungs and then into the chest cavity.
The standard treatments for Mesothelioma are similar to other cancers. Radiation and chemotherapy are definite musts. Surgical procedures are also very common. Still, these three more often than not fail to overcome the cancer and death often occurs within one year of diagnosis. All is not lost. There are a number of new therapies being researched. Let’s take a closer look.
Cancer is the mutation of the DNA in cells. Given this, Gene Therapy is a very new treatment being considered for use with Mesothelioma and most cancers. There are two approaches being investigated. The first is to replace the genetic structure of the cancerous cells and thus wipe out the cancer. The second approach is to use a knockout approach where genetic manipulation removes the genes that give rise to tumor growth. In theory, this would terminate tumor and cell growth and stop the cancer in its tracks.
Photodynamic therapy is as unique as it is hard to explain. There are certain chemicals that are very light sensitive. The body can absorb some of these chemicals into cells and then expel them. Cancerous cells, however, cannot expel the chemicals. A patient is given a dose and then the cells are exposed to a laser light. The chemicals kick out an active form of oxygen that destroys the cancerous cells. There is a downside, however. The patient becomes very light sensitive and often must stay out of the light for as long as six weeks.
Anti-angiogenesis treatment is another interesting area of treatment. It works by attacking the tumors created by Mesothelioma. It does this by eliminating the ability of the tumors to create blood vessels. Without such vessels, the tumors cannot get blood and cannot grow. Drugs such as Cisplatin, Pemetrexed and Bevacizumab are in clinical trials to determine if they can be used on Mesothelioma tumors.
Mesothelioma is a rare, but very serious form of cancer. While past treatment methodologies produced disappointing results, the new treatments being tried show some major promise. Make sure to discuss them with your oncologist and physician.
Thomas Ajava writes for AsbestosLawsuitsTexas.com – your online resource for information on asbestos lawsuits in Texas.
