Mesothelioma Lawsuit

If you have an asbestos-induced disease, seriously consider contacting a qualified mesothelioma lawyer immediately. These types of cases are time sensitive, and only a lawyer trained in asbestos litigation should help you decide if and when to pursue a lawsuit against a company who may be responsible for exposing you to asbestos.
Each state limits the time you have to file a lawsuit after you are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you file your claim before the statute of limitations expires.
In a mesothelioma lawsuit, the attorney will deal with actual filing of the case and then all aspects of it after that. You should expect a routine that consists of the response to the lawsuit; discovery, depositions, settlement discussions, a possible trial, a verdict and a possible appeal. Most asbestos lawsuits never go to trial because they are settled out of court before a trail can take place.


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Paying For A Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Your attorney will handle each of these steps and explain the process as it goes along. Keep in mind that most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means your attorney only gets paid if you win your lawsuit. When a case is won, a percentage of the settlement will be paid to your lawyer. If a case is not won, you pay no attorney fees.
If you are in poor health, as is often the case in asbestos-related medical situations, the entire legal process can be expedited. If there is no urgency, the process could take several months or longer. In either case, the defendant probably will try to drag out the process. Your attorney will work to resolve your case as quickly as possible. Your mesothelioma attorney will handle each step so you can focus on your health and spend time with your loved ones.

from : http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma-lawyer/lawsuit.php

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How to Hire a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Lawyer

Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims almost always win money damages if they sue, but the cases can be complicated and a mesothelioma lawyer is usually needed to identify the parties who are liable for the asbestos exposure (asbestos manufacturers, insurance companies, or asbestos victims' trust funds) and begin the lawsuit or settlement process. Because mesothelioma cases are a specialized legal niche it's important to understand how mesothelioma lawyers operate and how to hire a good one. Read on to learn more. (For general information about hiring an attorney, check out Nolo's article Finding a Personal Injury Lawyer)

The Legal Background

People who find out that they are suffering from mesothelioma (often as a result of working with asbestos) usually have an excellent chance of recovering substantial money damages -- either from the company that manufactured or installed the asbestos, or from an asbestos victims' trust fund. But these cases can get complex, especially from a medical standpoint, since mesothelioma often shows up 10 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Having an experienced attorney on your side -- especially one with a record of success in mesothelioma cases -- can make all the difference. (To learn more about mesothelioma cases, read Nolo's article Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawsuits: What to Expect.)
Finding the right mesothelioma lawyer can be key to your case, but it can also take time and effort. If you are not feeling well, make sure you get help from a consumer savvy relative or friend. As discussed below, you'll get the best results if you do careful research as to a lawyer's qualifications and track record and then interview several. You also may need to bargain as to the amount of the contingency fee and other costs.

Ways to Find the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer

Ask former colleagues. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, chances are good that people who you worked with at the time of your exposure also suffer from it and may have already hired a lawyer and filed a lawsuit. If they have achieved a good result through a lawyer they like and respect, this is one good place to start.
Check Nolo's online Lawyer Directory. Some attorneys featured in Nolo's lawyer directory handle mesothelioma cases (full disclosure: lawyers pay a fee to list with Nolo). These attorneys have filled out a detailed profile containing valuable information about their schooling, professional background, legal specialties, and personal attitudes. While there are also a number of other legal directories, we believe Nolo's provides the most consumer friendly information. Go to the Mesothelioma - Asbestos section of Nolo's Lawyer Directory to find a mesothelioma attorney in your area.
Investigate lawyers online. Because mesothelioma cases can be so profitable, many law firms spend big dollars on Internet ads and websites. Just Google mesothelioma lawyer and you'll find a long list. Click on a few ads or websites and you'll see that everyone claims to be the best of the best. How do you cut through all this hype to focus on a short list of hopefully excellent mesothelioma lawyers? We recommend that you carefully read the legal information each lawyer provides. In our experience lawyers who provide well-written, in-depth information demonstrate a superior sensitivity to client needs. By the same token, we distrust lawyers who say little more than "I can get you millions pronto -- trust me."

How to Choose the Right Mesothelioma Lawyer

Check a lawyer's references. A good mesothelioma lawyer should be able to provide you with the name and contact information of a few satisfied clients. Of course, the lawyer will have to get the permission of the client, but this can usually be arranged. Although you'll only be given the names of very satisfied clients, it can still be very helpful to talk to someone who has worked with the lawyer you are considering in a mesothelioma case.
Interview the lawyers. Once you develop a short list of mesothelioma lawyers, contact their offices (again, get help if you are very ill). Request a case evaluation and, if possible, arrange a personal interview. Ask who exactly will manage your case (often a case manager, who is a non-lawyer in larger firms). Find out who you can call or email if you have questions, and how long it will take to get back to you. Anticipating these questions, many law firms will give you a written overview of what to expect. Especially if it's detailed and guarantees that all calls and emails will be returned in 24 hours, this is a good sign.
Negotiate fees with the lawyer. Mesothelioma lawyers charge a contingency fee for their legal representation, plus additional costs to prepare your case. One good approach is to contact several lawyers, making it clear that you'll take your time before signing a fee agreement. Your goal is to find a good quality lawyer who will represent you for 25% to 30% of your recovery, instead of 33% to 40%. But keep in mind that mesothelioma cases can be very complex. If you find an attorney who comes well-recommended and has a lot of experience (and a record of success) representing mesothelioma clients, a few percentage points on a contingency fee probably shouldn't dictate whether or not you hire that attorney.
Find out how are costs handled. A good attorney will deduct costs (things like filing fees and expert witnesses' compensation) off the top of any settlement or award, before the money is divided and the attorney takes their agreed-upon percentage. That way you and the attorney share payment of the costs. And a good attorney will give you receipts showing that all costs incurred were specific to your case -- meaning you're not being saddled with part of the bill for the firm's general operating expenses

from : http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/mesothelioma-asbestos-lawyer-hire-30343.html

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Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body's internal organs and structures. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma has three known varieties. They are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, the lung's lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity wall. And pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the hearth, known as the pericardium.

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What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a nature, yet toxic mineral that was used commonly in heavy industry. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body through the lung or ingestion. Once inside, the durable fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled by the body, causing a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork for malignant mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.
There is a great deal of latency associated with asbestos exposure and the onset of mesothelioma. Often patients will not encounter mesothelioma symptoms until 30-50 years following exposure to asbestos. In many cases, those diagnosed with mesothelioma are not those who were directly exposed to asbestos in a jobsite setting. Spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos who frequently came into contact with the fibers on the clothing or person of those exposed have also developed malignant mesothelioma as a result.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?

Malignant mesothelioma prognosis is poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are several treatment options for the management of the cancer. Among these are mesothelioma chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy methods are more likely but surgery is often an option for those whose disease is diagnosed early enough.
More aggressive therapies are now possible for patients with mesothelioma diagnosed in its earlier stages. For instance, extrapleural pneumonectomy is now possible in many pleural mesothelioma patients who are deemed eligible for aggressive surgery. Extrapleural pneumonectomy involves the removal of the entire affected lung, the pericardium, the pleura, and the diaphragm. This aggressive surgery is performed frequently in early stage mesothelioma patients by Dr. David Sugarbaker at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA.
Patient's who are eligible to receive an aggressive surgery, like an extrapleural pneumonectomy, will have a far more favorable prognosis than those diagnosed with advanced stage inoperable disease. However, there are treatment options for nearly all mesothelioma patients. Chemotherapy cocktails such as the use of Alimta® in conjunction with Cisplatin, as well as numerous other clinical trial being carried out give mesothelioma patients the ability to slow the advance of the disease and extend survival rates.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and occurs in the mesothelial membrane surrounding the chest cavity and lungs. Pleural mesothelioma, because it is more common than other varieties of the malignancy, has had more research invested in it. Pleural mesothelioma represents approximately 70% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma and represents approximately 15-20% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity in the membrane surrounding the organs of this region. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos.

Malignant Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest of all known malignancies, and represents less than 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Pericardial mesotheliomas occur within the mesothelial lining of the heart. Pericardial mesotheliomas, like those of pleural and peritoneal varieties, are associated with asbestos exposure. Pericardial mesotheliomas differ from the pleural variant in that they are known to occur in younger individuals. While surgery is seen as the preferred method of treatment, mobidity and mortality are almost certain given the region in which the tumor is located.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant Mesothelioma will typically be suspected if the patient complains of chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing. While any of these could indicate mesothelioma, they are also associated with many other respiratory conditions so further diagnostic procedures are typically warranted before an accurate malignant mesothelioma diagnosis can be made. These may include imaging scans, such as computer topography or magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnostic biopsy is also required for cancer specialist to examine the behavior of these cells before a diagnosis is determined.
Misdiagnosis is not uncommon in patients of the malignant mesothelioma, because the disease's symptoms so closely resemble those of other related conditions, including lung cancer, and other respiratory ailments. For this reason those who are at high-risk of mesothelioma (including those with asbestos history) should consult with physicians and cancer centers well versed in the treatment and diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.

What options do patients of Malignant Mesothelioma have?

Unfortunately, many of those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have incurred illness as a result of a negligent exposure to asbestos. It is now clear that many asbestos manufacturers were well aware of the hazards of asbestos and asbestos exposure. Hundreds of thousands of laborers and workers have been exposed in shipyards, power plants, factories, and other jobsites- thousands of which develop malignant mesothelioma each year.
Patients of malignant mesothelioma or any other asbestos related health complications should consult their physician regarding the many mesothelioma treatment options that are available.  Also, patients may be eligible for compensation if they were wrongfully exposed. All those seeking further information should fill out the brief contact form on this page to receive a mesothelioma and asbestos information packet detailing treatment and legal options.

Source

National Cancer Institute - Malignant Mesothelioma
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/malignantmesothelioma

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What Is Mesothelioma? What Is Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, more precisely known as malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelial cells, most commonly those in the lining that covers the lungs (pleura). Mesothelial cells exist in the lining (membrane) that covers the outer surface of our body organs. The majority of people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at some time during their life.

Doctors usually divide mesothelioma into three types:

• Pleural mesothelioma - affects the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs. This is the most common form.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma - the cancer attacks the lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum. This is the second most common form.
• Pericardial mesothelioma - the cancer attacks the protective layer covering the heart. This is the rarest form.

All three forms of mesothelioma are nearly always caused by asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. For the majority of patients there is no cure. Doctors usually focus on improving the quality of life as the disease progresses - making the patient as comfortable as possible.

In the United Kingdom, approximately 2,000 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), mesothelioma kills over 2,700 people in the USA every year. According to the Mesothelioma register, deaths from this type of cancer rose more than tenfold from 1969 to 2009 in the UK. About four-fifths of all deaths are among men.

According to Medilexicon's medical dictionary, mesothelioma is:

"A rare neoplasm derived from the lining cells of the pleura or peritoneum that grows as a thick sheet covering the viscera and is composed of spindle cells or fibrous tissue that may enclose glandlike spaces lined by cuboidal cells."

What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?

A symptom is something the patient feels and describes; while a sign is something other people can see, including doctors and nurses. For example, a symptom may be pain, while a sign could be a rash.

Exposure to asbestos and asbestos dust can take up to thirty years to show symptoms. Often, patients are diagnosed when the disease is already advanced. Outcomes depend on how early the malignancy can be diagnosed.

Mesothelioma signs and symptoms vary, depending on where in the body the cancer is.

Pleural mesothelioma (tissue surrounding the lungs)

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing, often painful
• Unexpected and unexplained loss of weight
• Pain under the rib cage
• Sometimes lumps may be detectable under the skin in the chest area
• Lower back pain
• Discomfort in the side of the chest
• Exhaustion
• Some people may experience sweating, fever, or difficulty swallowing

Peritoneal mesothelioma (lining in the abdomen)

• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the abdomen
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Lumps in the abdomen
• Nausea, some patients may experience vomiting

Pericardial mesothelioma (lining in the heart area)

• Low blood pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Fluid retention (edema), often in the legs
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue, extreme after light exertion
• Chest pain

What are the causes of mesothelioma?

Experts say that prolonged exposure to asbestos particles is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The risk of developing the disease is closely linked to asbestos particle dosage - i.e. the likelihood of developing mesothelioma is directly proportional to how long a person was exposed, and how much they inhaled.

People in jobs where exposure to asbestos fibers are common have the highest risk of developing the disease. Asbestos was commonly used for insulation, soundproofing, fireproofing, roofing, and ironing board covers.
jobrapido.com/work+australia Industries that may have involved asbestos exposure for some of their workpeople include constructions sites, steel mills, shipyards, oil refineries and power plants.

When the asbestos particles or fibers are inhaled or ingested, they build up in the lining of the abdomen, chest or lungs. This accumulation considerably increases the chances of cancerous cells developing.

When asbestos is damaged and particles or fibers are released into the air, the environment can become hazardous to human health. The fibers can be breathed in or swallowed, they get embedded in tissue, and eventually lead to mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a group of minerals that occur naturally. They exist as fibers or bundles. These fibers may be found in soil or rocks and exist in many parts of the world naturally. Asbestos is made of silicon, oxygen and some other elements.

There are two principle types of asbestos fibers:

• Serpentine asbestos - this is the most common type used in industry. It is known as white asbestos, or chrysotile. The fibers are curly.
• Amphibole asbestos - these include anthophyllite, amosite, actinolite, crocidolite, and tremolite. The fibers are straight, like needles. This type of asbestos, particularly crocidolite, is considered to be more likely to cause cancer. However, even serpentine asbestos has been linked to cancer.

Although asbestos is much less used today than it used to be, exposure is still possible, and continues to be a serious problem. Older materials containing asbestos can break down, releasing a dust composed of tiny particles than can be inhaled or ingested. Exposure can occur when older buildings are demolished or renovated.

Even family members who never set foot in a working environment that contained asbestos can be exposed. The fibers can be carried home in the workers clothing, and then breathed in by other members of the household.

Asbestos can also be swallowed, as may occur when water flows through asbestos cement pipes. Inhaled asbestos can be coughed up, and then swallowed (when the person swallows the saliva).

WHO (World Health Organization) in 2005 said that approximately 125 million people globally were exposed to asbestos at work in that year, despite their employers having known about the link to cancer and other lung diseases for over six decades. Most work-related exposure today occurs in developing nations.

In much rarer cases, mesothelioma may be linked to irradiation, the inhalation of eronite or some other fibrous silicate, and intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast - a suspension containing radioactive particles, used in X-ray diagnostics during the 1930s and 1940s, and even in the 1950s in some nations including the USA). Some experts believe that SV40 (simian virus 40) could be involved in the development of the disease.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Digital chest x-ray of advanced malignant mesothelioma (on left)

After asking certain diagnostic questions, such as the patient's symptoms, where he/she has worked, medical history and family history, and carrying out a physical examination, the doctor may order some imaging scans. This could be a CT scan or X-ray of the abdomen or chest to rule out any abnormalities. Usually, depending on the results of the scans, further testing may be recommended.

Biopsy - some tissue is surgically removed so that it can be examined in the laboratory under a microscope. To determine whether a patient has mesothelioma, this will have to be done. How the biopsy is carried out depends on which part of the body is targeted:

Targeting either the chest or abdominal area

• Fine-needle aspiration - a small needle is inserted into the abdomen and chest and some fluid or piece of tissue is removed

Targeting the chest area

• Thoracoscopy - the surgeon inserts a thoracoscope through a small incision between the patient's ribs. A thoracoscope is an endoscope for examination of the chest cavity - it is a tube with a small camera at the end. The surgeon removes a piece of tissue with special tools.
• Thoracotomy - in this surgical intervention, the chest is opened between the ribs so that the surgeon can see the target area and check for signs of cancer. Some tissue may also be removed and sent to the laboratory for testing.

Targeting the abdominal area

• Laparoscopy - a small incision is made in the abdominal wall, a laparoscope is inserted through the incision into the abdomen, where the surgeon can have a look. The laparoscope is a long tube with a camera at the end. With specialized tools, tissue samples can be removed.
• Laparotomy - the surgeon opens the abdomen and has a look. Sometimes tissue samples may be removed and sent to the lab.

When the tissue or fluid sample is viewed through a microscope, the pathologist can tell whether there is malignancy (e.g. malignant mesothelioma), what types of cells are involved, and how advanced the cancer is. How advanced a cancer is, defining it, is called Staging.

Staging - in medicine, specifically cancer, staging is the process of carrying out tests and examinations to determine the extent of the cancer, how advanced it is, and whether it has metastasized (spread from its original site to other parts of the body).

As soon as mesothelioma has been confirmed (diagnosed), other tests will be ordered to help determine the stage of the cancer. These may include such scans as CT, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography), or a chest X-ray. What type of scan is used depends on several different factors.

When all the data is gathered together, the health care professional will assign the cancer a stage. The staging below is for pleural mesothelioma (lungs):

• Stage 1 - the cancer is localized. It is still inside the lining around the lung. It has not spread out.
• Stage 2 - the cancer may have spread to a lung or the diaphragm.
• Stage 3 - the cancer may have reached the lymph nodes, and possibly other parts of the chest
• Stage 4 - the cancer has either spread more extensively in the chest, or may even have reached other parts of the body far from the original site. It may have reached other lymph nodes, or even the brain.

What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?

The treatment the doctor will recommend depends on several factors, including:

• Where the cancer is
• The stage of the cancer (how advanced it is)
• The patient's general health and age

Sadly, this type of cancer is usually spotted when it has been progressing for a while. Add to this the fact that mesothelioma is usually an aggressive type of cancer, and you have two reasons why so few patients are cured.

If the cancer is very advanced, the tumor(s) can no longer be surgically removed. The only option left, in many cases, is to control the cancer, try to slow down its progress, and focus on making the patient as comfortable as possible.

It is vital that the medical team explains all the options to the patient - including their pros and cons - and if necessary, to his/her loved ones and/or caregivers. Fighting the cancer aggressively may mean enduring very unpleasant side effects, while just focusing on pain and quality of life for the remaining time, might be a better option. This is something the patient needs to discuss thoroughly with the medical team, and perhaps family members or close friends.

Surgery - this means removing tumors by surgery. Surgery is usually only an option during the early stages of the cancer. It may remove the whole cancer, or at least reduce some symptoms and slow it down.

• Fluid accumulation in the lung area - surgery may be recommended if there is fluid accumulation in the chest, resulting in breathing difficulties. The fluid is drained with a tube or catheter. A drug may be injected into the chest to stop a recurrence of fluid build-up. Drugs, such as tetracycline, talc powder, or bleomycin are instilled inside the space between the two layers of tissue lining the lungs (pleura); this causes inflammation, making the two pleura tack together, leaving no space for fluid build-up. Treatment for preventing this type of fluid build-up is called pleurodesis.
• Pleurectomy or peritonectomy - the lining around the lungs or abdominal cavity may be surgically removed. The aim is to relieve mesothelioma symptoms.
• Debulking - removing as much of the tumor as possible, if it is not possible to remove all of it.
• Removing a lung - signs and symptoms may be relieved if the surgeon removes the affected lung and its surrounding tissue. This will be followed by radiotherapy.

Chemotherapy - if tumors cannot be surgically removed, chemotherapy may help shrink them, as well as to slow down their progress. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may also be recommended - administering chemotherapy before surgery which can make it easier to remove a tumor. Chemotherapy used after surgery to try to prevent recurrence is called adjuvant chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy - also known as radiation therapy. For those with pleural mesothelioma, it may help relieve symptoms. Radiotherapy is sometimes administered to prevent metastasis after biopsy or surgery.


Radiation therapy can help relieve symptoms

Clinical trials - human studies using novel treatment methods. The patient should discuss what the trial is about, as well as what to expect realistically, thoroughly with the doctor.

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?

Cancer is a very unpredictable disease, and providing an accurate prognosis is not easy.

In general, prognoses for patients with mesothelioma are not encouraging. Malignant mesothelioma is a very aggressive type of cancer; it also has a long latency period. In the majority of cases, the disease is only detected when it is already in an advanced stage.

In most cases, survival for pleural malignant mesothelioma after diagnosis is no more than one or two years. The patient needs to bear in mind that there are exceptions, and new treatments are being researched and appear all the time.

Written by Christian Nordqvist

from : http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/140859.php

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Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer

Cancer / asbestos cancer diagram of heart mesothelioma >> health, Human health education is a web about diagram of a human heart-mesothelioma-asbestos cancer-prostate cancer-breast cancer-vascular system,cancer-vascular. Mesothelioma & asbestos cancer attorneys at michigan, < today, it is widely understood that asbestos is an extremely harmful substance. however, this was not always the case.. Cancer, Of the many injuries and perform relevant illnesses, mesothelioma is perhaps the one that draws much attention. every other day a case is revealed or a declare is.

Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma is a somewhat rare cancer, with only about 2,000 new cases diagnosed in the united states each year — but its incidence is increasing worldwide.. Article-categories, Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (aids) is a illness of the immune process caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (hiv). hiv is transmitted from. All kinds of diseases, Cancer begins in your cells, which are the building blocks of your body. normally, your body forms new cells as you need them, replacing old cells that die..



Laboratory medicine, Laboratory medicine clinical laboratory science collection & disciplines as resource to healthcare professionals, students and other interested individuals..

Pleural mesothelioma is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers which lodge
Mesothelioma namely malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer
2008 Early Info About Mesothelioma Asbestosis Lung Cancer
Lung cancer from asbestos exposure can be separated into 3 primary
The majority of breast cancer patients have vitamin D levels are low
Mesothelioma is a malignant growth of cells in the mesothelium a thin 

 

from : http://affiliate-mistakes.com/2013/02/20/mesothelioma-asbestos-cancer-2/

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Mesothelioma Lawyers Tennessee

According to the Environmental Working Group, at least 671 people were killed from asbestos exposure in Tennessee from 1979 to 2001. These deaths primarily centered around Davidson, Knox and Shelby Counties and covered the metropolitan areas of Nashville, Knoxville and Memphis.
If you or someone you love has mesothelioma (asbestos cancer) due to asbestos exposure while working in Tennessee, attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason can help. Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason understand the stressful and complicated mesothelioma legal process. We are mesothelioma lawyers with over 30 years of success. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlement compensation for mesothelioma patients and their families. Our attorneys provide a free mesothelioma case evaluation, and there is no up front cost to you for our services.

Asbestos Exposure in Tennessee

Tennessee has many older, heavy industries, including the paper and pulp industry, the electrical power industry and chemical processing. All are known high-risk industries for asbestos exposure and asbestos-related diseases. The state has many older buildings as well. Most buildings constructed prior to 1980 incorporated asbestos-containing materials for insulation and fire prevention. Before its dangers were widely known, asbestos was commonly used in shingles, flooring, pipefittings and even HVAC systems.
Tennessee is home to the International Paper Company, one of the largest paper and pulp powerhouses in the world, as well as several other large paper mills. Prior to the 1980’s, asbestos was commonly used in paper mills to insulate and protect machinery during the paper making process. Maintenance workers in paper mills were particularly at risk of inhaling loose asbestos fibers from the insulation and heating element holders when they opened up the machinery to check that passageways were clear and the heating elements were working properly.
In addition to being a center for the paper and pulp industry, Tennessee is also home to the largest public utilities company in the United States. The Tennessee Valley Authority, in operation since 1933, employs thousands and has more than 8.5 million customers. Because even the smallest fire at a power plant can be a disaster, asbestos was heavily used in power stations because of its ability to resist heat, flame and electricity. Asbestos insulated boilers, generators, turbines and other machinery. It was also used in wires and electrical panels. When power plant equipment or facilities were repaired, dangerous asbestos fibers were released into the air. Utility and maintenance workers in these facilities were particularly vulnerable, since they were more likely to come in close contact with potential sources of asbestos exposure.


Another source of asbestos exposure in Tennessee was vermiculite processing. From 1940 – 1990, asbestos-contaminated vermiculite mined in Libby, Montana was shipped to processing plants throughout the United States. According to the Environmental Working Group, at least 260 shipments, representing more than 24,000 tons of vermiculite, was shipped from Libby to 3 locations in Tennessee, including Nashville, Memphis and Jackson. The vermiculite was made into attic insulation and other products and sold for construction purposes around the state and across the country. Many people across the nation were placed at risk of asbestos exposure. As a result of their negligence, eight executives of W.R. Grace & Company, the owner of the Libby, Montana mine, were indicted on criminal charges for conspiracy and violations of the Clean Air Act.
Tennesee has many older homes, schools, hospitals and commercial buildings that might have used this insulation, along with other asbestos-containing materials.  Until the 1980's, asbestos was commonly used for building  insulation, roofing materials, floor tiles and millboard.  Construction workers, even today, can be exposed to asbestos while building, upgrading and demolishing buildigns that used asbestos products, unless proper safety measures are taken.

Our Attorneys Can Help Victims of Mesothelioma in Tennessee

If you or a member of your family has been affected by asbestos cancer in Tennessee or any state in the U.S., contact Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason. Whether your asbestos exposure was due to working at a contaminated jobsite or because you used asbestos-containing products, our mesothelioma attorneys can give you sound, legal advice. We have over thirty years of experience providing mesothelioma legal representation to clients across the United States. We offer a free case evaluation and can fly to Tennessee to meet with you in person.
If you are in need of mesothelioma medical information or treatment, visit our list of Tennessee mesothelioma doctors.   Mesothelioma attorneys Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason are here to help.
Call Clapper, Patti, Schweizer & Mason for a free consultation.

From : http://www.mesothelioma-attorney.com/locations/tennessee

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Asbestos Exposure

 

1. What is asbestos?

“Asbestos” is the name given to a group of minerals that occur naturally as bundles of fibers which can be separated into thin threads. These fibers are not affected by heat or chemicals and do not conduct electricity. For these reasons, asbestos has been widely used in many industries. Four types of asbestos have been used commercially:

* Chrysotile, or white asbestos;
* Crocidolite, or blue asbestos;
* Amosite, which usually has brown fibers; and
* Anthophyllite, which usually has gray fibers.

Chrysotile asbestos, with its curly fibers, is in the serpentine family of minerals. The other types of asbestos, which all have rod-like fibers, are known as amphiboles.

Asbestos fiber masses tend to break easily into a dust composed of tiny particles that can float in the air and stick to clothes. The fibers may be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems.

2. How is asbestos used?

Asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America beginning in the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II. Since then, it has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industry has used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos. Some of them are listed below:

* Asbestos cement sheet and pipe products used for water supply and sewage piping, roofing and siding, casings for electrical wires, fire protection material, electrical switchboards and components, and residential and industrial building materials;

* Friction products, such as clutch facings, brake linings for automobiles, gaskets, and industrial friction materials;

* Products containing asbestos paper, such as table pads and heat-protective mats, heat and electrical wire insulation, industrial filters for beverages, and underlying material for sheet flooring;

* Asbestos textile products, such as packing components, roofing materials, and heat- and fire-resistant fabrics (including blankets and curtains); and

* Other products, including ceiling and floor tile; gaskets and packings; paints, coatings, and adhesives; caulking and patching tape; artificial ashes and embers for use in gas-fired fireplaces; plastics; vermiculite-containing consumer garden products; and some talc-containing crayons.

In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. Additionally, asbestos was voluntarily withdrawn by manufacturers of electric hair dryers. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still allowed. The EPA has established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it. In June 2000, the CPSC concluded that the risk of children’s exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low. However, the U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to reformulate their products within a year. In August 2000, the EPA recommended that consumers reduce possible asbestos exposure from vermiculite-containing garden products by limiting the amount of dust produced during use. The EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it; avoid bringing dust from vermiculite use into the home on clothing; and use premixed potting soil, which is less likely to generate dust.

The regulations described above and other actions, coupled with widespread public concern about the hazards of asbestos, have resulted in a significant annual decline in U.S. use of asbestos: Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 719,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 9,000 metric tons by 2002. Asbestos is currently used most frequently in gaskets and in roofing and friction products.

3. What are the health hazards of exposure to asbestos?

Exposure to asbestos may increase the risk of several serious diseases:

* Asbestosis; a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage;

* Lung cancer;

* Mesothelioma; a relatively rare cancer of the thin membranes that line the chest and abdomen; and

* Other cancers, such as those of the larynx, oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney.

4. Who is at risk?

Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. However, most people do not become ill from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos. Health hazards from asbestos fibers have been recognized in workers exposed in shipbuilding trades, asbestos mining and milling, manufacturing of asbestos textiles and other asbestos products, insulation work in the construction and building trades, brake repair, and a variety of other trades. Demolition workers, drywall removers, and firefighters also may be exposed to asbestos fibers. As a result of Government regulations and improved work practices, today’s workers (those without previous exposure) are likely to face smaller risks than did those exposed in the past.

Although it is known that the risk to workers increases with heavier exposure and longer exposure time, investigators have found asbestos-related diseases in individuals with only brief exposures. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their first exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear.

There is some evidence that family members of workers heavily exposed to asbestos face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. This risk is thought to result from exposure to asbestos fibers brought into the home on the shoes, clothing, skin, and hair of workers. This type of exposure is called paraoccupational exposure. To decrease these exposures, people exposed to asbestos at work are required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

5. How great is the risk?

Not all workers exposed to asbestos will develop diseases related to their exposure. The risk of developing asbestos-related diseases varies with the type of industry in which the exposure occurred and with the extent of the exposure. Asbestos that is bonded into finished products such as walls and tiles poses no risk to health as long as it is not damaged or disturbed (for example, by sawing or drilling) in such a way as to release fibers into the air. When asbestos fibers are set free and inhaled, however, exposed individuals are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.

In addition, different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile, particularly for mesothelioma. Even so, no fiber type can be considered harmless, and people working with asbestos should always take proper safety precautions to limit exposure.

6. How does smoking affect risk?

Many studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.

There is evidence that quitting smoking will reduce the risk of lung cancer among asbestos-exposed workers. People who were exposed to asbestos on the job at any time during their life or who suspect they may have been exposed should not smoke. If they smoke, they should stop.

7. Who needs to be examined?

Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended. It is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure. Interpretation of the chest x-ray may require the help of a specialist who is experienced in reading x-rays for asbestos-related diseases. Other tests also may be necessary.

As noted earlier, the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. If any of the following symptoms develop, a physical examination should be scheduled without delay:

* Shortness of breath;
* A cough or a change in cough pattern;
* Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs;
* Pain in the chest or abdomen;
* Difficulty in swallowing or prolonged hoarseness; and/or
* Significant weight loss.

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Mesothelioma Lawyers in San Diego

Mesothelioma Lawyers in San Diego
To understand how to choose a lawyer for this disease, you should first understand the basics of the disease. In the simplest sense, mesothelioma is a cancer of the protective layers of the body cavities, known as the mesothelium.
These tissues have different names depending on the organs they protect. You have probably heard of the peritoneum–this is the covering around the stomach and intestines. Other organs and cavities have their own membranes as well.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of these tissues. They often do not just affect the tissues–they affect the organs they surround and can spread elsewhere. This cancer is most often contracted by exposure to asbestos, a highly dangerous mineral often found in floors, ceilings, and some products.

Employers and landlords are supposed to protect you from asbestos, but often this does not happen. If you have mesothelioma you have probably been exposed to asbestos. If so, you should contact mesotheloma attorneys in your area to see if you have a case against the party responsible for your exposure.
How Do I Choose?
San Diego is a big place. The whole area is so large it is almost connected to Los Angeles now with no real division. Choosing a professional in this area is a daunting task for busy people, so here are some steps to take to make the process easier.
Mesolthelioma lawyers get to know the doctors who treat the disease. Over time they develop relationships and form help networks for patients. Often a doctor will have several contacts in the legal field and a lawyer will have several contacts in the medical field. This helps save you time.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, your oncologist may be your best source of names for attorney contacts. She will likely have already worked with them on cases and can tell you not only who specializes in your type of cancer but who is best and who is within a short distance from your home or work. If she does not have the right kind of specialist, there are other ways to find the right professional for your case.
You can check with other doctors who deal specifically deal with mesothelioma if your doctor is more of a general oncologist. These doctors may have worked more closely with mesothelioma lawyers in your area of southern California. You can also call local hospitals, various cancer support groups–area law schools are also excellent for references. Also check your union or professional group if you were exposed on the job.
Regardless of where you find your contacts, interview the lawyer, check on his or her background, and get references if you can. If you are ill, the last thing you need is more trouble.

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Mesothelioma Attorneys San Diego

Mesothelioma Attorneys San Diego - If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and you have lived in the area of San Diego, because you need a lawyer, and whether, if there are important issues. This applies also, if you like Texas or Oklahoma mesothelioma lawyers mesothelioma lawyers in California. The first course, to do what is tested and diagnosed by a licensed physician and make sure that you are really suffering from this condition.



Why do you need a Mesothelioma lawyer? So they can ensure that the cost just for this condition you the sales contract may be due to the negligence of the employer. Employers should be treated, in the health of the employees are not in danger. Instead, the company employees, offers so much risk even after the discovery that the material was dangerous asbestos. If they ignore it, will be forgiven, but the fact that it was said, it is dangerous, and it does nothing, they are the blame.

Mesothelioma Attorneys San Diego - If you are exposed to asbestos dust, then to settle in the lungs and to get or the surrounding organs. He attacks the protective substances and leads to cancer. Carcinogenic is responsible for the death of in over the years, and if a Mesothelioma Attorney San Diego California is found in this area the opportunity to go for Justice, when in fact their condition by deliberate negligence of the employer.

How do you get mesothelioma lawyers in San Diego? There are so many lawyers in this field, and you may need in a long list to look before you decide may be right for you. One way would be the doctor who diagnosed his condition or treatment that you asked for recommendations. Since this condition means that the lawyers and doctors work together, the doctor will govern a lawyer handling the case.

The cancer specialist Mesothelioma Attorneys San Diego certainly helpful list. Another area which would support groups, where lawyers are aggressive and can recommend a special offer for you or the Hospital where they can treat mesothelioma patients. Can find some lawyers before deciding on one. Consider attention to history and figures monitor your comfort level, if you choose.

If you are a victim of mesothelioma, please aware that you have the right Mesothelioma lawyer and assist in the exercise of the rights and benefits. You need sit not down and without you, what you need to go.

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MESOTHELIOMA CLAIMS

1-Scope
This Practice Direction applies to claims for compensation for mesothelioma.



2-Definitions
In this Practice Direction –
‘show cause procedure’ means (without prejudice to the court’s general case management powers in Part 3 of the CPR) the procedure set out in paragraph 6;
‘outline submissions showing cause’ means an outline or skeleton argument of the defendant's case within the show cause procedure; and
‘standard interim payment’ means the standard payment in respect of interim damages, and (if appropriate) interim costs and disbursements as determined from time to time by the Head of Civil Justice. The amount of this payment is currently £50,000.



Starting proceedings




3.1
The claim form and every statement of case must be marked with the title ‘Living Mesothelioma Claim’ or ‘Fatal Mesothelioma Claim’ as appropriate.

3.2
In order for the court to adopt the show cause procedure in the first case management conference, the claimant must file and serve any witness statements about liability (as are available) –

(1) either –

(a) at the same time as filing and serving the claim form and (where appropriate) the particulars of claim; or

(b) as soon as possible after filing and serving the claim form and (where appropriate) the particulars of claim; and

(2) in any event not less than 7 days before the case management conference.

3.3
Any witness statement about liability must identify as far as is possible –

(1) the alleged victim's employment history and history of exposure to asbestos;

(2) the identity of any employer where exposure to asbestos of the alleged victim is alleged;

(3) details of any self employment in which the alleged victim may have been exposed; and

(4) details of all claims made and payments received under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers' Compensation) Act 1979.

3.4
The claimant must also attach to the claim form –

(1) a work history from H M Revenue and Customs (where available); and

(2) any pre-action letter of claim.



Claimants with severely limited life expectancy


4.1
Where the claimant believes that the claim is particularly urgent then on issue of the claim form, the claimant –

(1) may request in writing that the court file is placed immediately before a judge nominated to manage such cases in order to fix a case management conference; and

(2) must explain in writing to the court why the claim is urgent.

4.2
Where the court decides that the claim is urgent (and notwithstanding that a claim has not yet been served or a defence has not yet been filed) it will –

(1) fix the date for the case management conference to take place within a short period of time; and

(2) give directions as to the date by which the claimant must serve the claim form if it has not been served already.



Fixing the case management conference for other claims


5.1
Where paragraph 4 does not apply and –

(1) a defence is filed by the defendant or one of the defendants (where there is more than one); or

(2) the claimant has obtained a default judgment,
the court file will be referred to a judge nominated to manage such cases and the judge will give directions for the date of the case management conference.

5.2
Claims marked ‘Living Mesothelioma Claim’ will be given priority when fixing a case management conference.



The show cause procedure


6.1
The show cause procedure is a requirement by the court, of its own initiative and usually on a ‘costs in the case’ basis, for the defendant to identify the evidence and legal arguments that give the defendant a real prospect of success on any or all issues of liability. The court will use this procedure for the resolution of mesothelioma claims.

6.2
At the first case management conference, unless there is good reason not to do so, the defendant should be prepared to show cause why –

(1) a judgment on liability should not be entered against the defendant; and

(2) a standard interim payment on account of damages and (if appropriate) costs and disbursements should not be made by the defendant by a specified date.

6.3
At the first case management conference if liability remains in issue the court will normally order that the defendant show cause within a further given period.

6.4
The order requiring the defendant to show cause within a further given period will direct –

(1) that the defendant file and serve on the claimant by a specified date outline submissions showing cause and –

(a) if the outline submissions are not filed and served by a specified date, judgment, for a sum to be determined by the court, will be entered against the defendant without the need for any further order and the defendant will be ordered to make a standard interim payment by a specified date; or

(b) if the outline submissions are filed and served by the specified date, the claim will be listed for a show cause hearing; or

(2) that the defendant show cause at a hearing on a date fixed by the court.

6.5
At the first case management conference the court will –

(1) fix the date or trial window for the determination of damages and give any other case management directions as appropriate where the defendant admits liability or judgment is entered;

(2) fix the date or trial window for the determination of damages and give any other case management directions as appropriate where an order to show cause under paragraph 6.3 has been made (if the defendant subsequently shows cause then the determination date or trial window may be utilised for the trial of any issue); or

(3) in cases in which there is to be a trial on liability, give directions including the date or window for the trial.

6.6
Where the defendant fails to show cause on some issues, the court will normally enter judgment on those issues.

6.7
Where the defendant fails to show cause on all issues, the court will enter judgment for a sum to be determined and will normally order that a standard interim payment be made.

6.8
Where the defendant succeeds in showing cause on some or all issues, the court will order a trial of those issues. The court may also require the issue of quantum or apportionment (as appropriate) to be dealt with at the trial provided that it does not delay the date for the fixing of the trial.



Setting the trial date


7.1
In Living Mesothelioma Claims the date of the determination of damages or the trial will generally not be more than 16 weeks following service of the claim form.

7.2
In Fatal Mesothelioma Claims the hearing date may be more than 16 weeks following service of the claim form.



Taking evidence by deposition


8.
Any party who for good reason wishes evidence to be taken by deposition may apply to the court at any time for such an order. However, the court will normally expect that such a request is made at a case management conference. The order will include a direction for the recording of such evidence on DVD and for the provision of a transcript. The parties must also be prepared to arrange for the provision of equipment to view the DVD by the court.
(Part 34 contains provisions for evidence to be taken by deposition.)


Compliance with pre-action protocols


9.
In Living Mesothelioma Claims the court may decide not to require strict adherence to
Practice Direction (Pre-Action Conduct) and
any relevant pre-action protocol.

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Mesothelioma and Asbestos

While a rare disorder in the general population, mesothelioma is not rare among individuals exposed to asbestos. There are two to three thousand new diagnoses of the cancer every year.

Exposure to asbestos is the only confirmed cause of mesothelioma, and most people diagnosed with the disease were exposed to asbestos in the workplace and were never told of its dangers or given proper protective gear. Others were exposed through family members who brought asbestos home on their clothes or through home renovation projects. Unlike many other predominantly pulmonary-related cancers, cigarette smoking has no known causative effect on its incidence, although asbestos workers who smoke do have a much greater likelihood to develop lung cancer, even more so than regular smokers who don’t work with asbestos.

One of the most difficult aspects of the disease to come to terms with is its long latency period, which is the period of time between first exposure to asbestos and the onset of the disease. Mesothelioma can develop anywhere between 10 to 70 years after the initial exposure.

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Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum

The peritoneum is a membranous layer that is made up of two sub-layers called the parietal and visceral layers. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds abdominal organs. Together these two layers provide support and protection for abdominal organs and the abdominal cavity as a whole.

There are two main theories regarding how asbestos exposure leads to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma:

Asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane.
Asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.



Regardless of how asbestos fibers actually enter the peritoneal layers, once they do enter the membrane, the body experiences difficulty in expelling them. The fibers become trapped in the peritoneal membrane, and over a period of two or more decades, cause certain changes in the mesothelial cells of the peritoneum.

The exact way in which asbestos fibers cause changes in these mesothelial cells is uncertain. However, some researchers believe asbestos fibers cause long-term inflammation and irritation that eventually causes mesothelial cells to become cancerous. Cancerous mesothelial cells divide and grow without restraint, and this uncontrolled cell growth causes thickening of the peritoneum, and the build-up of fluid in the peritoneal layers.

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Pleural Mesothelioma

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Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer often diagnosed in people who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos. The malignancy affects the pleura, a thin membrane of lubricating cells that lines the lungs and chest wall. It sometimes takes 10 years or more for changes to appear that are indicative of pleural disease, and even long for symptoms to manifest. These differences can include a thickening or calcification of the pleural lining, a condition commonly diagnosed as pleural plaques. Conditions like pleural calcification or the development of pleural plaques often serve as pre-cursor to mesothelioma.
Pleural MesotheliomaGet This Image For Your Site

In most instances, pleural disease is not considered fatal but it can cause diminished lung function and may confirm that a person has sustained significant asbestos exposure. Those diagnosed with pleural conditions are generally considered to be at a higher risk for developing the more severe pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma originates in the pleura but can quickly spread to the outer chest wall, abdomen, and heart. Pleural mesothelioma is typically fatal within 1 year of diagnosis. However, understanding and recognizing key risk factors, like asbestos exposure, will typically lead to early detection of the cancer. Those who are fortunate to receive an early diagnosis are likely to be more eligible for life-sustaining treatments such as surgical resection of the cancer. This type of treatment can extend a patient’s life years beyond that of a typical mesothelioma patient.

While there is no cure for pleural mesothelioma, treatment options do exist for the cancer. There are ways for patients to manage the disease through tumor management including traditional radiation and chemotherapy methods, which can ease symptoms of the disease and make a patient more comfortable. In patients where a diagnosis is made of early stage disease, mesothelioma surgery can extend the survival rate far beyond previous levels in untreated disease.

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Mesothelioma Symptoms

When cancer begins in the membrane that surrounds the lungs, mesothelioma symptoms may include shortness of breath and pain in the chest or under the ribcage. If the cancer starts in the mesothelial tissue covering the organs in the abdominal cavity, symptoms such as weight loss and abdominal pain may develop. Sometimes, signs and symptoms will not appear until 30 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins within the mesothelium, a protective lining surrounding most of the organs in the body. Most mesotheliomas begin within the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity) or the peritoneum (the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity). Mesothelioma symptoms will vary, depending on where the tumor is located.

Pleural Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms are usually due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. These symptoms often include:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or under the ribcage.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

• Weight loss
• Lumps in the abdomen
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Abdominal swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (stomach).

Other symptoms may also include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Blood-clotting abnormalities
• Anemia
• Fever.

Metastatic Mesothelioma Symptoms

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of the neck or face.

Asbestos Exposure and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Up to 90 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The risk for developing mesothelioma in those with heavy asbestos exposure is 7 to 10 percent. However, symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Symptoms: Final Thoughts

The possible symptoms of mesothelioma described in this article are not sure signs of the disease. Other more common, less serious conditions can cause similar symptoms. If you are experiencing any possible mesothelioma symptoms, visit your healthcare provider so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.

Source : http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-symptoms.html

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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. In most cases, it begins in the pleura (the lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen). The cancer is typically caused by asbestos exposure. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases of the disease. Standard treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

 

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura (lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).

Benign mesothelioma can also be called a fibroma, and cancerous mesothelioma is also known as malignant mesothelioma. A mesothelioma can further be named based on where it occurs. For example, malignant pleural mesothelioma is cancer that begins in the lining around the lungs.

Most people who develop malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. A benign mesothelioma does not appear to have any relationship to asbestos exposure.

Understanding the Mesothelium

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: one layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity, while the pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis, and the tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

There is some evidence that 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.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing lung cancer (see Causes of Lung Cancer).

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s; its use greatly increased during World War II. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust.

If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were unknown. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among:

• Shipyard workers
• People who work in asbestos mines and mills
• Producers of asbestos products
• Workers in the heating and construction industries
• Other tradespeople.

Today, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. 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.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

For more about mesothelioma symptoms, click on the full eMedTV article about Mesothelioma Symptoms.

To find out more about making a mesothelioma diagnosis, click on the full eMedTV article about Mesothelioma Diagnosis.

How Is It Treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on:

• The location of the cancer
• The stage of the disease
• The patient's age and general health.

Standard mesothelioma treatment options include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy.

Sometimes, all three treatment methods are combined.

Statistics on Mesothelioma

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can appear in either men or women at any age.

 Source : http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma.html

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