Each year, hundreds of people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma. This condition is a deadly condition that could have been prevented. If you or someone you know has it, contacting an asbestos lawyer is in your favor. There are many laws that prohibit the use of and handling of asbestos materials. Unfortunately, this disease is one of the most deadly. It only makes sense to punish those who put you in this situation in the first place. Asbestos lawyers can do just that for you.
Mesothelioma is a disease that is contracted when individuals are exposed to asbestos materials. These materials were used in many of the homes and buildings constructed only a few decades ago. The materials have been banned from use years ago. What makes Mesothelioma so deadly is the fact that it hides within the body for years, decades even. As it slowly worsens, symptoms become apparent. But, when these symptoms begin to show and medical treatment is sought, it is often too late to treat and death is really around the corner.
For those individuals who have been exposed to asbestos materials within their lifetimes, it is important to insure that your doctor knows about it and can monitor you for any symptoms.
Asbestos lawyers can help you get your medical bills paid, help you get your affairs in order, and help you punish the individuals who have allowed this to happen to you in the first place. Asbestos lawyers will listen to your individual case and help you determine the right course of action to take. They are willing to help you fix what has been taken from your life. You can find asbestos lawyers throughout the internet and in your local neighborhoods.
It is important for all individuals who think that they have been exposed to asbestos to contact their doctors immediately. There is simply no time to wait. And, once your doctor confirms your condition, whether you have full blown Mesothelioma or not, contact an asbestos lawyer right away.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Thursday, November 10, 2005
What is a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Asbestos was used as a building material years ago because it was not flammable and did not conduct electricity. However, later studies have shown it can cause some forms of cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the inner lining of the chest, is one of those forms of cancer. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.
The Mesothelioma Lawyer and Asbestos Cases
Before asbestos was found to be a potential cause for cancer, it was seen as a great building material. Therefore it was used a lot, and both workers who installed it and employees who worked in these buildings were unknowingly exposed to a cancerous element. These people are only now seeing the effects of their exposure to asbestos, and are bringing cases against the companies that either installed it or owned the buildings. The cases are increasing, causing a need for a specialized brand of lawyer - the mesothelioma lawyer.
Some types of asbestos that can cause cancer:
Amosite
Anthophyllite
Chrysotile
Crocidolite
Mesothelioma Lawyers and the Courtroom
Though has not yet been definitively proven that asbestos cause Mesothelioma, many studies have been done to prove a link between the two... enough studies to make mesothelioma lawyers very busy. The asbestos is made of loosely bonded fibers, which can easily be separated. These fibers can float in the air and easily get into your respiratory system. Before these studies, when asbestos was used as a common material, no one suggested the need for proper safety procedures - a fact that mesothelioma lawyers point to as a reason their clients now have this form of cancer.
The Mesothelioma Lawyer and Asbestos Cases
Before asbestos was found to be a potential cause for cancer, it was seen as a great building material. Therefore it was used a lot, and both workers who installed it and employees who worked in these buildings were unknowingly exposed to a cancerous element. These people are only now seeing the effects of their exposure to asbestos, and are bringing cases against the companies that either installed it or owned the buildings. The cases are increasing, causing a need for a specialized brand of lawyer - the mesothelioma lawyer.
Some types of asbestos that can cause cancer:
Amosite
Anthophyllite
Chrysotile
Crocidolite
Mesothelioma Lawyers and the Courtroom
Though has not yet been definitively proven that asbestos cause Mesothelioma, many studies have been done to prove a link between the two... enough studies to make mesothelioma lawyers very busy. The asbestos is made of loosely bonded fibers, which can easily be separated. These fibers can float in the air and easily get into your respiratory system. Before these studies, when asbestos was used as a common material, no one suggested the need for proper safety procedures - a fact that mesothelioma lawyers point to as a reason their clients now have this form of cancer.
Protect yourself in the community
The “Armley tragedy” is a classic story of the risk asbestos presents to a ommunity. This case involved a large number of people who lived in this suburb of Leeds, close to a factory which produced asbestos. Many of the people affected did not work, and have never worked,with asbestos. However, they played in the streets around the factory as children and were exposed to asbestos dust in the immediate vicinity.
As a result, many of those children, now adults, have developed asbestos-related diseases (specifically mesothelioma), even though the factory stopped operating as long ago as 1958.Many old buildings still contain asbestos and,as it deteriorates, asbestos dust may be released into the atmosphere. High levels of asbestos dust, for example, have been found in old schools and hospitals. Demolition or repair work can stir up asbestos dust and send it into the atmosphere. Fire damage can do the same. The building in which you work or live may contain asbestos.
How can you protect yourself?
1 Do not touch or interfere with the suspected
asbestos. Asbestos is most harmful when it
is disturbed or when it starts to disintegrate.
It is the dust created by interference which
causes harm. Leave it alone and seek
advice from experts
2 If you are suspicious that you are living in a
building that contains asbestos, speak to
those who control or occupy the building. If
you are not satisfied with their response,
contact the Health and Safety Executive, the
Environmental Health Department or your
local authority housing department for their
advice.
3 The demolition or repair of buildings
containing asbestos is strictly controlled by
law. However, these controls are not always
observed and work may be carried out on
buildings which are not known to contain
asbestos. If you are concerned that
asbestos dust is being created by any such
work or you are concerned about controls
or precautions taken in such work, contact
the Health and Safety Executive or
Environmental Health Department
immediately. They will be able to investigate
and reassure you
As a result, many of those children, now adults, have developed asbestos-related diseases (specifically mesothelioma), even though the factory stopped operating as long ago as 1958.Many old buildings still contain asbestos and,as it deteriorates, asbestos dust may be released into the atmosphere. High levels of asbestos dust, for example, have been found in old schools and hospitals. Demolition or repair work can stir up asbestos dust and send it into the atmosphere. Fire damage can do the same. The building in which you work or live may contain asbestos.
How can you protect yourself?
1 Do not touch or interfere with the suspected
asbestos. Asbestos is most harmful when it
is disturbed or when it starts to disintegrate.
It is the dust created by interference which
causes harm. Leave it alone and seek
advice from experts
2 If you are suspicious that you are living in a
building that contains asbestos, speak to
those who control or occupy the building. If
you are not satisfied with their response,
contact the Health and Safety Executive, the
Environmental Health Department or your
local authority housing department for their
advice.
3 The demolition or repair of buildings
containing asbestos is strictly controlled by
law. However, these controls are not always
observed and work may be carried out on
buildings which are not known to contain
asbestos. If you are concerned that
asbestos dust is being created by any such
work or you are concerned about controls
or precautions taken in such work, contact
the Health and Safety Executive or
Environmental Health Department
immediately. They will be able to investigate
and reassure you
Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma Cancer main factors
Mesothelioma cancer can strike anyone, but appears more often in men than in women. It is a disease mainly linked to asbestos and smoke, since most people who have worked on jobs where they breathed in asbestos particles, have developed this pathology.
Experts believe that smoking does not seem to be a directly related risk for developing the disease only by its own, but its combination with asbestos exposure increases the risk of Mesothelioma, so stop smoking if you are exposed to asbestos in your workplace.
According to statistics eight out of ten of all reported cases were exposed to asbestos, however there are cases of people that have not had any exposure to the fibers of this mineral.
Therefore, the main risk factor for developing Mesothelioma can be found in asbestos, a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals which have an special resistance to fire. Asbestos have been exploited for a variety of purposes, such as industrial products, roof shingles and flooring products.
However, some uses of asbestos are banned in many countries, since it is known that the inhalation of some kinds of asbestos fibers can cause various illnesses, including Mesothelioma, lung, larynx and kidney cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment, but a non cancerous pathology.
Most asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye and the problem increases because just one asbestos fiber can become the source of hundreds of thinner and smaller fibers over time. As they get smaller and lighter, they become more mobile and more easily to be driven and carried by the air.
That is why people who work in asbestos mines and mills or producing asbestos products must wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure, according to acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States.
In order to reduce your chance of getting ill with some of the asbestos-related diseases if you are a asbestos worker, is not only to wear the proper clothes and equipment, but also take a shower and change your clothing before leaving the workplace to diminish the possibility of dust brought home on your clothing or hair.
Experts believe that smoking does not seem to be a directly related risk for developing the disease only by its own, but its combination with asbestos exposure increases the risk of Mesothelioma, so stop smoking if you are exposed to asbestos in your workplace.
According to statistics eight out of ten of all reported cases were exposed to asbestos, however there are cases of people that have not had any exposure to the fibers of this mineral.
Therefore, the main risk factor for developing Mesothelioma can be found in asbestos, a group of fibrous metamorphic minerals which have an special resistance to fire. Asbestos have been exploited for a variety of purposes, such as industrial products, roof shingles and flooring products.
However, some uses of asbestos are banned in many countries, since it is known that the inhalation of some kinds of asbestos fibers can cause various illnesses, including Mesothelioma, lung, larynx and kidney cancer and asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment, but a non cancerous pathology.
Most asbestos fibers are invisible to the unaided human eye and the problem increases because just one asbestos fiber can become the source of hundreds of thinner and smaller fibers over time. As they get smaller and lighter, they become more mobile and more easily to be driven and carried by the air.
That is why people who work in asbestos mines and mills or producing asbestos products must wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure, according to acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States.
In order to reduce your chance of getting ill with some of the asbestos-related diseases if you are a asbestos worker, is not only to wear the proper clothes and equipment, but also take a shower and change your clothing before leaving the workplace to diminish the possibility of dust brought home on your clothing or hair.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
What are peritonea-mesothelioma Cancers?
peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are the cancers that spread in the mesothelium tissues. Mesothelium in general is the name of tissue that forms lining of different body organs such as heart, lungs, abdomen and reproductive organs. The lining around abdominal organs is known as peritoneal membrane. Lining around lungs is called pleural membrane while the lining around heart is called pericardium.
These linings perform two functions. They protect the internal organs by producing a lubricating fluid and to allow the smooth movement of the internal organs. peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are the cancers affecting these membranes. The names of the cancers depend on the tissue or linings they affect. Peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma, pleural peritonea-mesothelioma and pericardial peritonea-mesothelioma are the names of cancers of linings of abdomen, lungs and heart, respectively. Pleural peritonea-mesothelioma is the most common of all peritonea-mesothelioma cancers and is found in 70 % of the peritonea-mesothelioma patients. Peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma constitutes 10% to 20% of the peritonea-mesothelioma patients while third type pericardial peritonea-mesothelioma, is rare.
Symptoms of peritonea-mesothelioma Cancers
Symptoms of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are same as of other common diseases. It makes diagnosis peritonea-mesothelioma cancers a difficult task. Pain and swelling in abdomen, weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite and nausea are some symptoms of peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma. Symptoms of pleural peritonea-mesothelioma are persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, chest pains, lower back pains and difficulty in swallowing.
History
History of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers goes back to as far back as 1900s. It took about 60 years to gather sufficient information about these peritonea-mesothelioma cancers. By the end of sixth decade of last century, experts could conclude that exposure to asbestos particles is the reason behind the disease. J. C. Wagner was first researcher to report 32 cases of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers and confirmed its association with asbestos exposure.
One alarming fact about the peritonea-mesothelioma cancers is its extended latency period. These cancers may remain asymptomatic in the body for even up to 50 years. Chances of survival for peritonea-mesothelioma patients are rare and the average survival period after diagnosis is not more than 12-24 months. Surgery if diagnosed early, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some common treatments for all types of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers. People suffering from peritonea-mesothelioma cancers can file lawsuits to recover damages for medical expenses and other damages. They can file the lawsuits against the persons and companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure. About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and peritonea-mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org for information on asbestos reform,peritonea-mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.Copyright Kirsten Hawkins - http://www.asbestosblog.orgperitoneal-mesothelioma
peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are the cancers that spread in the mesothelium tissues. Mesothelium in general is the name of tissue that forms lining of different body organs such as heart, lungs, abdomen and reproductive organs. The lining around abdominal organs is known as peritoneal membrane. Lining around lungs is called pleural membrane while the lining around heart is called pericardium.
These linings perform two functions. They protect the internal organs by producing a lubricating fluid and to allow the smooth movement of the internal organs. peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are the cancers affecting these membranes. The names of the cancers depend on the tissue or linings they affect. Peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma, pleural peritonea-mesothelioma and pericardial peritonea-mesothelioma are the names of cancers of linings of abdomen, lungs and heart, respectively. Pleural peritonea-mesothelioma is the most common of all peritonea-mesothelioma cancers and is found in 70 % of the peritonea-mesothelioma patients. Peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma constitutes 10% to 20% of the peritonea-mesothelioma patients while third type pericardial peritonea-mesothelioma, is rare.
Symptoms of peritonea-mesothelioma Cancers
Symptoms of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers are same as of other common diseases. It makes diagnosis peritonea-mesothelioma cancers a difficult task. Pain and swelling in abdomen, weakness, loss of weight, loss of appetite and nausea are some symptoms of peritoneal peritonea-mesothelioma. Symptoms of pleural peritonea-mesothelioma are persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, chest pains, lower back pains and difficulty in swallowing.
History
History of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers goes back to as far back as 1900s. It took about 60 years to gather sufficient information about these peritonea-mesothelioma cancers. By the end of sixth decade of last century, experts could conclude that exposure to asbestos particles is the reason behind the disease. J. C. Wagner was first researcher to report 32 cases of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers and confirmed its association with asbestos exposure.
One alarming fact about the peritonea-mesothelioma cancers is its extended latency period. These cancers may remain asymptomatic in the body for even up to 50 years. Chances of survival for peritonea-mesothelioma patients are rare and the average survival period after diagnosis is not more than 12-24 months. Surgery if diagnosed early, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some common treatments for all types of peritonea-mesothelioma cancers. People suffering from peritonea-mesothelioma cancers can file lawsuits to recover damages for medical expenses and other damages. They can file the lawsuits against the persons and companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure. About The Author: Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and peritonea-mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org for information on asbestos reform,peritonea-mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.Copyright Kirsten Hawkins - http://www.asbestosblog.orgperitoneal-mesothelioma
Monday, October 10, 2005
Mesothelioma - Cancer That Strikes 40 Years Later
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.
In his article called "Knee Deep in Asbestos", freelance writer Phil Jones relates how when he was a teenager he worked for a brief time in an asbestos mine in the Yukon. One of the features of daily life was the constant presence of asbestos dust in the air. As Jones writes,
"There were employees that worked in the mill whose sole job was to sweep up the dust that fell on the floor. There was so much of it that this was a constant ongoing job. The asbestos dust in the mill actually fell almost like snow and covered the floor completely. Without sweepers there would probably have been several inches of asbestos dust on the floor within an hour or so. In fact, I remember seeing sweepers go by pushing their wide brooms and the new dust settling onto the floor behind them as they walked."
This story illustrates a number of the more sinister aspects of the whole mesothelioma story.
First, over the course of many decades, countless workers were placed in work environments where they were exposed to high levels of asbestos fibre with little protection. Their exposure to asbestos fibres was constant and often took place over a very long period of time - in most cases, over many years.
Second, the owners and managers of these work places were often either unaware of the risk of mesothelioma, or they actively attempted to hide or cover up those risks.
Third, since the effects of exposure to asbestos fibre often do not become apparent for 30 or 40 years after prolonged exposure, there often appeared to be no immediate health risk in these work environments. This made it very difficult for workers or their representatives to make a convincing case that worker health was being sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed.
For more information about mesothelioma, the causes of mesothelioma, the effects of mesothelioma, and the legal courses of action open to mesothelioma victims, see the link below.
In his article called "Knee Deep in Asbestos", freelance writer Phil Jones relates how when he was a teenager he worked for a brief time in an asbestos mine in the Yukon. One of the features of daily life was the constant presence of asbestos dust in the air. As Jones writes,
"There were employees that worked in the mill whose sole job was to sweep up the dust that fell on the floor. There was so much of it that this was a constant ongoing job. The asbestos dust in the mill actually fell almost like snow and covered the floor completely. Without sweepers there would probably have been several inches of asbestos dust on the floor within an hour or so. In fact, I remember seeing sweepers go by pushing their wide brooms and the new dust settling onto the floor behind them as they walked."
This story illustrates a number of the more sinister aspects of the whole mesothelioma story.
First, over the course of many decades, countless workers were placed in work environments where they were exposed to high levels of asbestos fibre with little protection. Their exposure to asbestos fibres was constant and often took place over a very long period of time - in most cases, over many years.
Second, the owners and managers of these work places were often either unaware of the risk of mesothelioma, or they actively attempted to hide or cover up those risks.
Third, since the effects of exposure to asbestos fibre often do not become apparent for 30 or 40 years after prolonged exposure, there often appeared to be no immediate health risk in these work environments. This made it very difficult for workers or their representatives to make a convincing case that worker health was being sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed.
For more information about mesothelioma, the causes of mesothelioma, the effects of mesothelioma, and the legal courses of action open to mesothelioma victims, see the link below.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Who Is At Increased Risk For Developing Mesothelioma?
Since the late 1800's Asbestos has been mined and used commercially. The use of Asbestos dramatically increased during World War II and since the early 1940's millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust working within industries where initally the risks were not known. There has been widespread exposure to Asbestos by workers within shipyards, mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople and an increase risk of deveolping mesothelioma has been the result. .
Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. By contrast, the British Government's Health and Safety executive (HSE) states formally that any threshold for mesothelioma must be at a very low level and it is widely agreed that if any such threshold does exists at all, then it cannot currently be quantified. For practical purposes, therefore, HSE does not assume that any such threshold exists. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.
The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.
To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. The Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of mesothelioma have resulted. Smoking current cigarettes does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.
There is no curative treatment. Close monitoring (routine X-rays or even pleural biopsy) for mesothelioma is mandated. Oxygen therapy at home is often necessary to relieve the shortness of breath. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes respiratory treatments to remove secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Aerosol medications to thin secretions may be prescribed
About The Author
Linda Woodhouse
Looking for information about Mesothelioma?
Go to: http://www.mesotheliomalegalreview.com
'Mesothelioma Legal Review' is published by Linda Woodhouse -
The complete resource directory for Mesothelioma related information, legal services, and products
Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. By contrast, the British Government's Health and Safety executive (HSE) states formally that any threshold for mesothelioma must be at a very low level and it is widely agreed that if any such threshold does exists at all, then it cannot currently be quantified. For practical purposes, therefore, HSE does not assume that any such threshold exists. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.
The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers.
To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. The Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of mesothelioma have resulted. Smoking current cigarettes does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.
There is no curative treatment. Close monitoring (routine X-rays or even pleural biopsy) for mesothelioma is mandated. Oxygen therapy at home is often necessary to relieve the shortness of breath. Supportive treatment of symptoms includes respiratory treatments to remove secretions from the lungs by postural drainage, chest percussion, and vibration. Aerosol medications to thin secretions may be prescribed
About The Author
Linda Woodhouse
Looking for information about Mesothelioma?
Go to: http://www.mesotheliomalegalreview.com
'Mesothelioma Legal Review' is published by Linda Woodhouse -
The complete resource directory for Mesothelioma related information, legal services, and products
General Information for Asbestos Cancer and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition of the serous membrane covering the body cavities viz. pleura, pericardium or peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is an occupational disease. It primarily occurs in the workers who come in close contact with asbestos.
PR9.NET September 20, 2005 - Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition of the serous membrane covering the body cavities viz.
pleura, pericardium or peritoneum. Mesothelioma is an occupational disease. It primarily occurs in the workers who come in closecontact with asbestos. i.e. workers in manufacturing units of asbestos or carpenters who inhale the dust coming out of asbestossheets while cutting the sheets. Primarily, Mesothelioma occurs in the pleura i.e. the membranous covering on the lungs. From herethrough blood vessels it may reach the pericardium, the serous covering on heart or to peritoneum, the serous layer on the inside ofthe abdomen.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma comes in two types, benign type which does not spread and malignant type which spreads to other parts of the body.
The spread of Mesothelioma may occur by continuity i.e. direct spread to the other parts of pleura thus involving a greater part of pleural membrane or it may spread by contiguity i.e. direct spread to the adjoining parts of lung & trachea i.e. windpipe.
Prevention Care for Mesothelioma
As is true with any disease prevention is better than cure. It holds true especially with Mesothelioma as chances of survival are not significant after Mesothelioma especially malignant type. All the workers should be provided with protective gear which covers their noses & filters air of asbestos particles before it enters the nose.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma generally presents with symptoms pertaining to respiratory system. Chest pain, persistent cough, excessive sputum which may be blood stained are the symptoms patients have. The doctor that treats Mesothelioma is a thoracic surgeon who has had specialty training in chest surgery after basic graduate degree in medicine. For the diagnosis of Mesothelioma x ray chest is the baseline investigation which rules out other respiratory diseases having similar presentation. HRCT i.e. high resolution CT scan of the chest shows the involved part of the pleura and the lung with the spread to the adjoining structures. Histopathology in which a very small part of the suspected lesion i.e. diseased part is removed surgically, stained with special dyes and subjected to microscopic
examination helps in grading i.e. knowing the severity of the disease.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
The treatment of the disease is essentially surgical. The surgeon opens the thorax i.e. the chest cavity through thoracotomy incision,
verifies the extent of the spread of disease and then he may choose to remove the involved part by local resection or pleurectomy by removing the pleura or pulmonectomy which involves removing the affected part of the lung with pleura. After the patient recuperates from the surgery and surgical wounds heal the patient may be subjected to radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending upon the
severity of the disease. In radiotherapy, the affected part of the patient is subjected to high energy x ray radiation which kills the leftover microscopic cells of the Mesothelioma. In chemotherapy, anticancer medication is given through intravenous injections to kill those microscopic cells of cancer which have reached other pars of the body through blood. Sometimes radiotherapy & chemotherapy
is used pre-operatively i.e. before surgery to reduce inadvertent spread of the tumor cells during the surgery.
Choosing a right thoracic surgeon who will chalk out a proper treatment plan insures a positive outcome with maximum benefit.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper
medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein
Mesothelioma is an occupational disease. It primarily occurs in the workers who come in close contact with asbestos.
PR9.NET September 20, 2005 - Mesothelioma is a cancerous condition of the serous membrane covering the body cavities viz.
pleura, pericardium or peritoneum. Mesothelioma is an occupational disease. It primarily occurs in the workers who come in closecontact with asbestos. i.e. workers in manufacturing units of asbestos or carpenters who inhale the dust coming out of asbestossheets while cutting the sheets. Primarily, Mesothelioma occurs in the pleura i.e. the membranous covering on the lungs. From herethrough blood vessels it may reach the pericardium, the serous covering on heart or to peritoneum, the serous layer on the inside ofthe abdomen.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma comes in two types, benign type which does not spread and malignant type which spreads to other parts of the body.
The spread of Mesothelioma may occur by continuity i.e. direct spread to the other parts of pleura thus involving a greater part of pleural membrane or it may spread by contiguity i.e. direct spread to the adjoining parts of lung & trachea i.e. windpipe.
Prevention Care for Mesothelioma
As is true with any disease prevention is better than cure. It holds true especially with Mesothelioma as chances of survival are not significant after Mesothelioma especially malignant type. All the workers should be provided with protective gear which covers their noses & filters air of asbestos particles before it enters the nose.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma generally presents with symptoms pertaining to respiratory system. Chest pain, persistent cough, excessive sputum which may be blood stained are the symptoms patients have. The doctor that treats Mesothelioma is a thoracic surgeon who has had specialty training in chest surgery after basic graduate degree in medicine. For the diagnosis of Mesothelioma x ray chest is the baseline investigation which rules out other respiratory diseases having similar presentation. HRCT i.e. high resolution CT scan of the chest shows the involved part of the pleura and the lung with the spread to the adjoining structures. Histopathology in which a very small part of the suspected lesion i.e. diseased part is removed surgically, stained with special dyes and subjected to microscopic
examination helps in grading i.e. knowing the severity of the disease.
Treatment for Mesothelioma
The treatment of the disease is essentially surgical. The surgeon opens the thorax i.e. the chest cavity through thoracotomy incision,
verifies the extent of the spread of disease and then he may choose to remove the involved part by local resection or pleurectomy by removing the pleura or pulmonectomy which involves removing the affected part of the lung with pleura. After the patient recuperates from the surgery and surgical wounds heal the patient may be subjected to radiotherapy and chemotherapy depending upon the
severity of the disease. In radiotherapy, the affected part of the patient is subjected to high energy x ray radiation which kills the leftover microscopic cells of the Mesothelioma. In chemotherapy, anticancer medication is given through intravenous injections to kill those microscopic cells of cancer which have reached other pars of the body through blood. Sometimes radiotherapy & chemotherapy
is used pre-operatively i.e. before surgery to reduce inadvertent spread of the tumor cells during the surgery.
Choosing a right thoracic surgeon who will chalk out a proper treatment plan insures a positive outcome with maximum benefit.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper
medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein
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