Allergies can develop at any age, possibly even in the womb. They commonly occur in children but may give rise to symptoms for the first time in adulthood. Asthma may persist in adults while nasal allergies tend to decline in old age.
Why, you may ask, are some people "sensitive" to certain allergens while most are not? Why do allergic persons produce more IgE than those who are non-allergic? The major distinguishing factor appears to be heredity. For some time, it has been known that allergic conditions tend to cluster in families. Your own risk of developing allergies is related to your parents' allergy history. If neither parent is allergic, the chance that you will have allergies is about 15%. If one parent is allergic, your risk increases to 30% and if both are allergic, your risk is greater than 60%.
Although you may inherit the tendency to develop allergies, you may never actually have symptoms. You also do not necessarily inherit the same allergies or the same diseases as your parents. It is unclear what determines which substances will trigger a reaction in an allergic person. Additionally, which diseases might develop or how severe the symptoms might be is unknown.
Another major piece of the allergy puzzle is the environment. It is clear that you must have a genetic tendency and be exposed to an allergen in order to develop an allergy. Additionally, the more intense and repetitive the exposure to an allergen and the earlier in life it occurs, the more likely it is that an allergy will develop.
There are other important influences that may conspire to cause allergic conditions. Some of these include smoking, pollution, infection, and hormones.
Sunday, 17 January 2010
What does an allergy mean?
An allergy refers to an exaggerated reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. It is exaggerated because these foreign substances are usually seen by the body as harmless and no response occurs in non- allergic people. Allergic people's bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune system is turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called "allergens." Examples of allergens include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and foods. To understand the language of allergy it is important to remember that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and can cause an allergic reaction in certain people.
When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic. Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."
Austrian pediatrician Clemens Pirquet (1874-1929) first used the term allergy. He referred to both immunity that was beneficial and to the harmful hypersensitivity as "allergy." The word allergy is derived from the Greek words "allos," meaning different or changed and "ergos," meaning work or action. Allergy roughly refers to an "altered reaction." The word allergy was first used in 1905 to describe the adverse reactions of children who were given repeated shots of horse serum to fight infection. The following year, the term allergy was proposed to explain this unexpected "changed reactivity."
When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in persons who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to other people, you are having an allergic reaction and can be referred to as allergic or atopic. Therefore, people who are prone to allergies are said to be allergic or "atopic."
Austrian pediatrician Clemens Pirquet (1874-1929) first used the term allergy. He referred to both immunity that was beneficial and to the harmful hypersensitivity as "allergy." The word allergy is derived from the Greek words "allos," meaning different or changed and "ergos," meaning work or action. Allergy roughly refers to an "altered reaction." The word allergy was first used in 1905 to describe the adverse reactions of children who were given repeated shots of horse serum to fight infection. The following year, the term allergy was proposed to explain this unexpected "changed reactivity."
What causes allergies?
To help answer this question, let's look at a common household example. A few months after the new cat arrives in the house, dad begins to have itchy eyes and episodes of sneezing. One of the three children develops coughing and wheezing, especially when the cat comes into her bedroom. The mom and the other two children experience no reaction whatsoever to the presence of the cat. How can we explain this?
The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to recognize and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are substances that are capable of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE.
The aim of the immune system is to mobilize its forces at the site of invasion and destroy the enemy. One of the ways it does this is to create protective proteins called antibodies that are specifically targeted against particular foreign substances. These antibodies, or immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD), are protective and help destroy a foreign particle by attaching to its surface, thereby making it easier for other immune cells to destroy it. The allergic person however, develops a specific type of antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, in response to certain normally harmless foreign substances, such as cat dander. To summarize, immunoglobulins are a group of protein molecules that act as antibodies. There are five different types; IgA, IgM, IgG, IgD, and IgE. IgE is the allergy antibody.
(In 1967, the husband and wife team of Kimishige and Teriko Ishizaka detected a previously unrecognized type of immunoglobulin in allergic people. They called it gamma E globulin or IgE.)
In the pet cat example, the dad and the youngest daughter developed IgE antibodies in large amounts that were targeted against the cat allergen, the cat dander. The dad and daughter are now sensitized or prone to develop allergic reactions on subsequent and repeated exposures to cat allergen. Typically, there is a period of "sensitization" ranging from months to years prior to an allergic reaction. Although it might occasionally appear that an allergic reaction has occurred on the first exposure to the allergen, there must have been a prior contact in order for the immune system to be poised to react in this way.
IgE is an antibody that all of us have in small amounts. Allergic persons, however, produce IgE in large quantities. Normally, this antibody is important in protecting us from parasites, but not from cat dander or other allergens. During the sensitization period, cat dander IgE is being overproduced and coats certain potentially explosive cells that contain chemicals. These cells are capable of causing an allergic reaction on subsequent exposures to the dander. This is because the reaction of the cat dander with the dander IgE irritates the cells and leads to the release of various chemicals, including histamine. These chemicals, in turn, cause inflammation and the typical allergic symptoms. This is how the immune system becomes exaggerated and primed to cause an allergic reaction when stimulated by an allergen.
On exposure to cat dander, the mom and the other two children produce other classes of antibodies, none of which cause allergic reactions. In these non-allergic members of the family, the dander particles are eliminated uneventfully by the immune system and the cat has no effect on them.
Figure 1
The Immune System
-
Foreign Substance
alt="-"
(cat dander, pollen, virus, bacteria)
**
Normal Immune Response
IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD and various immune cells respond to attack.
Exaggerated Immune Response
IgE is overproduced in response to cat dander, pollens, and other harmless allergens.
*
*
Foreign substance is eliminated.
Subsequent exposure results in an allergic reaction.
*
*
Non-Allergic Individual
Allergic Individual
The immune system is the body's organized defense mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to recognize and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. Antigens are substances that are capable of causing the production of antibodies. Antigens may or may not lead to an allergic reaction. Allergens are certain antigens that cause an allergic reaction and the production of IgE.
The aim of the immune system is to mobilize its forces at the site of invasion and destroy the enemy. One of the ways it does this is to create protective proteins called antibodies that are specifically targeted against particular foreign substances. These antibodies, or immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD), are protective and help destroy a foreign particle by attaching to its surface, thereby making it easier for other immune cells to destroy it. The allergic person however, develops a specific type of antibody called immunoglobulin E, or IgE, in response to certain normally harmless foreign substances, such as cat dander. To summarize, immunoglobulins are a group of protein molecules that act as antibodies. There are five different types; IgA, IgM, IgG, IgD, and IgE. IgE is the allergy antibody.
(In 1967, the husband and wife team of Kimishige and Teriko Ishizaka detected a previously unrecognized type of immunoglobulin in allergic people. They called it gamma E globulin or IgE.)
In the pet cat example, the dad and the youngest daughter developed IgE antibodies in large amounts that were targeted against the cat allergen, the cat dander. The dad and daughter are now sensitized or prone to develop allergic reactions on subsequent and repeated exposures to cat allergen. Typically, there is a period of "sensitization" ranging from months to years prior to an allergic reaction. Although it might occasionally appear that an allergic reaction has occurred on the first exposure to the allergen, there must have been a prior contact in order for the immune system to be poised to react in this way.
IgE is an antibody that all of us have in small amounts. Allergic persons, however, produce IgE in large quantities. Normally, this antibody is important in protecting us from parasites, but not from cat dander or other allergens. During the sensitization period, cat dander IgE is being overproduced and coats certain potentially explosive cells that contain chemicals. These cells are capable of causing an allergic reaction on subsequent exposures to the dander. This is because the reaction of the cat dander with the dander IgE irritates the cells and leads to the release of various chemicals, including histamine. These chemicals, in turn, cause inflammation and the typical allergic symptoms. This is how the immune system becomes exaggerated and primed to cause an allergic reaction when stimulated by an allergen.
On exposure to cat dander, the mom and the other two children produce other classes of antibodies, none of which cause allergic reactions. In these non-allergic members of the family, the dander particles are eliminated uneventfully by the immune system and the cat has no effect on them.
Figure 1
The Immune System
-
Foreign Substance
alt="-"
(cat dander, pollen, virus, bacteria)
**
Normal Immune Response
IgM, IgG, IgA, IgD and various immune cells respond to attack.
Exaggerated Immune Response
IgE is overproduced in response to cat dander, pollens, and other harmless allergens.
*
*
Foreign substance is eliminated.
Subsequent exposure results in an allergic reaction.
*
*
Non-Allergic Individual
Allergic Individual
Stem Cells At A Glance
* Stem cells are primitive cells that have the potential to differentiate, or develop into, a variety of specific cell types.
* There are different types of stem cells based upon their origin and ability to differentiate.
* Bone marrow transplantation is an example of a stem cell therapy that is in widespread use.
* Research is underway to determine whether stem cell therapy may be useful in treating a wide variety of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury.
* There are different types of stem cells based upon their origin and ability to differentiate.
* Bone marrow transplantation is an example of a stem cell therapy that is in widespread use.
* Research is underway to determine whether stem cell therapy may be useful in treating a wide variety of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury.
Allergy/Allergies
Introduction
In this review you will learn how allergy relates to the immune system. You will begin understanding how and why certain people become allergic. The most common allergic diseases are discussed briefly in this article.
In this review you will learn how allergy relates to the immune system. You will begin understanding how and why certain people become allergic. The most common allergic diseases are discussed briefly in this article.
Why is there controversy surrounding the use of stem cells?
Why is there controversy surrounding the use of stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells and embryonic stem cell lines have received much public attention concerning the ethics of their use or non-use. Clearly, there is hope that a large number of treatment advances could occur as a result of growing and differentiating these embryonic stem cells in the laboratory. It is equally clear that each embryonic stem cell line has been derived from a human embryo created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or through cloning technologies, with all the attendant ethical, religious, and philosophical problems, depending upon one's perspective.
Embryonic stem cells and embryonic stem cell lines have received much public attention concerning the ethics of their use or non-use. Clearly, there is hope that a large number of treatment advances could occur as a result of growing and differentiating these embryonic stem cells in the laboratory. It is equally clear that each embryonic stem cell line has been derived from a human embryo created through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or through cloning technologies, with all the attendant ethical, religious, and philosophical problems, depending upon one's perspective.
What are some stem cell therapies that are currently available?
Routine use of stem cells in therapy has been limited to blood-forming stem cells (hematopoietic stem cells) derived from bone marrow, peripheral blood, or umbilical cord blood. Bone marrow transplantation is the most familiar form of stem cell therapy and the only instance of stem cell therapy in common use. It is used to treat cancers of the blood cells (leukemias) and other disorders of the blood and bone marrow.
In bone marrow transplantation, the patient's existing white blood cells and bone marrow are destroyed using chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Then, a sample of bone marrow (containing stem cells) from a healthy, immunologically matched donor is injected into the patient. The transplanted stem cells populate the recipient's bone marrow and begin producing new, healthy blood cells.
Umbilical cord blood stem cells and peripheral blood stem cells can also be used instead of bone marrow samples to repopulate the bone marrow in the process of bone marrow transplantation.
In 2009, the California-based company Geron received clearance from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin the first human clinical trial of cells derived from human embryonic stem cells in the treatment of patients with acute spinal cord injury
In bone marrow transplantation, the patient's existing white blood cells and bone marrow are destroyed using chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Then, a sample of bone marrow (containing stem cells) from a healthy, immunologically matched donor is injected into the patient. The transplanted stem cells populate the recipient's bone marrow and begin producing new, healthy blood cells.
Umbilical cord blood stem cells and peripheral blood stem cells can also be used instead of bone marrow samples to repopulate the bone marrow in the process of bone marrow transplantation.
In 2009, the California-based company Geron received clearance from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to begin the first human clinical trial of cells derived from human embryonic stem cells in the treatment of patients with acute spinal cord injury
What are experimental treatments using stem cells and possible future directions for stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is an exciting and active field of biomedical research. Scientists and physicians are investigating the use of stem cells in therapies to treat a wide variety of diseases and injuries. For a stem cell therapy to be successful, a number of factors must be considered. The appropriate type of stem cell must be chosen, and the stem cells must be matched to the recipient so that they are not destroyed by the recipient's immune system. It is also critical to develop a system for effective delivery of the stem cells to the desired location in the body. Finally, devising methods to "switch on" and control the differentiation of stem cells and ensure that they develop into the desired tissue type is critical for the success of any stem cell therapy.
Researchers are currently examining the use of stem cells to regenerate damaged or diseased tissue in many conditions, including those listed below.
* Heart disease
* Parkinson's disease
* Spinal cord injury
* Diabetes mellitus
* Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
* Arthritis
* Burns
Researchers are currently examining the use of stem cells to regenerate damaged or diseased tissue in many conditions, including those listed below.
* Heart disease
* Parkinson's disease
* Spinal cord injury
* Diabetes mellitus
* Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
* Arthritis
* Burns
Peripheral blood stem cells
Most blood stem cells are present in the bone marrow, but a few are present in the bloodstream. This means that these so-called peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) can be isolated from a drawn blood sample. The blood stem cell is capable of giving rise to a very large number of very different cells that make up the blood and immune system, including red blood cells, platelets, granulocytes, and lymphocytes.
* Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body and give the blood its color.
* Platelets are cell fragments that stop a person from bleeding and help the body to clot and heal when it is cut.
* Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial infection.
* Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, help fight other infections, and also may be involved in protection against cancer.
All of these very different cells with very different functions are derived from a common, ancestral, committed blood-forming (hematopoietic), stem cell.
* Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body and give the blood its color.
* Platelets are cell fragments that stop a person from bleeding and help the body to clot and heal when it is cut.
* Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial infection.
* Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, help fight other infections, and also may be involved in protection against cancer.
All of these very different cells with very different functions are derived from a common, ancestral, committed blood-forming (hematopoietic), stem cell.
Umbilical cord stem cells
Blood from the umbilical cord contains some stem cells that are genetically identical to the newborn. Like adult stem cells, these are multipotent stem cells that are able to differentiate into certain, but not all, cell types. For this reason, umbilical cord blood is often banked, or stored, for possible future use should the individual require stem cell therapy.
Induced pluripotent stem cells
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were first created for human cells in 2007. These are adult cells that have been genetically converted to an embryonic stem cell–like state. In animal studies, iPSCs have been shown to possess characteristics of pluripotent stem cells. Human iPSCs can differentiate and become multiple different fetal cell types. iPSCs are valuable aids in the study of disease development and drug treatment, and they may have future uses in transplantation medicine. Further research is needed regarding the development and use of these cells
What are the different types of stem cells?
What are the different types of stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells
During the early stages of embryonic development the cells remain relatively undifferentiated (immature) and appear to possess the ability to become, or differentiate, into almost any tissue within the body. For example, cells taken from one section of an embryo that might have become part of the eye can be transferred into another section of the embryo and could develop into blood, muscle, nerve, or liver cells.
Cells in the early embryonic stage are totipotent (see above) and can differentiate to become any type of body cell. After about seven days, the zygote forms a structure known as a blastocyst, which contains a mass of cells that eventually become the fetus, as well as trophoblastic tissue that eventually becomes the placenta. If cells are taken from the blastocyst at this stage, they are known as pluripotent, meaning that they have the capacity to become many different types of human cell. Cells at this stage are often referred to as blastocyst embryonic stem cells. When any type of embryonic stem cells are grown in culture in the laboratory, they can divide and grow indefinitely. These cells are then known as embryonic stem cell lines.
Embryonic stem cells
During the early stages of embryonic development the cells remain relatively undifferentiated (immature) and appear to possess the ability to become, or differentiate, into almost any tissue within the body. For example, cells taken from one section of an embryo that might have become part of the eye can be transferred into another section of the embryo and could develop into blood, muscle, nerve, or liver cells.
Cells in the early embryonic stage are totipotent (see above) and can differentiate to become any type of body cell. After about seven days, the zygote forms a structure known as a blastocyst, which contains a mass of cells that eventually become the fetus, as well as trophoblastic tissue that eventually becomes the placenta. If cells are taken from the blastocyst at this stage, they are known as pluripotent, meaning that they have the capacity to become many different types of human cell. Cells at this stage are often referred to as blastocyst embryonic stem cells. When any type of embryonic stem cells are grown in culture in the laboratory, they can divide and grow indefinitely. These cells are then known as embryonic stem cell lines.
Fetal stem cells
The embryo is referred to as a fetus after the eighth week of development. The fetus contains stem cells that are pluripotent and eventually develop into the different body tissues in the fetus.
Adult stem cells
Adult stem cells present in all humans in small numbers. The adult stem cell is one of the class of cells that we have been able to manipulate quite effectively in the bone marrow transplant arena over the past 30 years. These are stem cells that are largely tissue-specific in their location. Rather than typically giving rise to all of the cells of the body, these cells are capable of giving rise only to a few types of cells that develop into a specific tissue or organ. They are therefore known as multipotent stem cells. Adult stem cells are sometimes referred to as somatic stem cells.
The best characterized example of an adult stem cell is the blood stem cell (the hematopoietic stem cell). When we refer to a bone marrow transplant, a stem cell transplant, or a blood transplant, the cell being transplanted is the hematopoietic stem cell, or blood stem cell. This cell is a very rare cell that is found primarily within the bone marrow of the adult.
One of the exciting discoveries of the last years has been the overturning of a long-held scientific belief that an adult stem cell was a completely committed stem cell. It was previously believed that a hematopoietic, or blood-forming stem cell, could only create other blood cells and could never become another type of stem cell. There is now evidence that some of these apparently committed adult stem cells are able to change direction to become a stem cell in a different organ. For example, there are some models of bone marrow transplantation in rats with damaged livers in which the liver partially re-grows with cells that are derived from transplanted bone marrow. Similar studies can be done showing that many different cell types can be derived from each other. It appears that heart cells can be grown from bone marrow stem cells, that bone marrow cells can be grown from stem cells derived from muscle, and that brain stem cells can turn into many types of cells.
The best characterized example of an adult stem cell is the blood stem cell (the hematopoietic stem cell). When we refer to a bone marrow transplant, a stem cell transplant, or a blood transplant, the cell being transplanted is the hematopoietic stem cell, or blood stem cell. This cell is a very rare cell that is found primarily within the bone marrow of the adult.
One of the exciting discoveries of the last years has been the overturning of a long-held scientific belief that an adult stem cell was a completely committed stem cell. It was previously believed that a hematopoietic, or blood-forming stem cell, could only create other blood cells and could never become another type of stem cell. There is now evidence that some of these apparently committed adult stem cells are able to change direction to become a stem cell in a different organ. For example, there are some models of bone marrow transplantation in rats with damaged livers in which the liver partially re-grows with cells that are derived from transplanted bone marrow. Similar studies can be done showing that many different cell types can be derived from each other. It appears that heart cells can be grown from bone marrow stem cells, that bone marrow cells can be grown from stem cells derived from muscle, and that brain stem cells can turn into many types of cells.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are cells that have the potential to develop into many different or specialized cell types. Stem cells can be thought of as primitive, "unspecialized" cells that are able to divide and become specialized cells of the body such as liver cells, muscle cells, blood cells, and other cells with specific functions. Stem cells are referred to as "undifferentiated" cells because they have not yet committed to a developmental path that will form a specific tissue or organ. The process of changing into a specific cell type is known as differentiation. In some areas of the body, stem cells divide regularly to renew and repair the existing tissue. The bone marrow and gastrointestinal tract are examples areas in which stem cells function to renew and repair tissue.
The best and most readily understood example of a stem cell in humans is that of the fertilized egg, or zygote. A zygote is a single cell that is formed by the union of a sperm and ovum. The sperm and the ovum each carry half of the genetic material required to form a new individual. Once that single cell or zygote starts dividing, it is known as an embryo. One cell becomes two, two become four, four become eight, eight to sixteen, and so on; doubling rapidly until it ultimately creates the entire sophisticated organism. That organism, a person, is an immensely complicated structure consisting of many, many, billions of cells with functions as diverse as those of your eyes, your heart, your immune system, the color of your skin, your brain, etc. All of the specialized cells that make up these body systems are descendants of the original zygote, a stem cell with the potential to ultimately develop into all kinds of body cells. The cells of a zygote are totipotent, meaning that they have the capacity to develop into any type of cell in the body.
The process by which stem cells commit to become differentiated, or specialized, cells is complex and involves the regulation of gene expression. Research is ongoing to further understand the molecular events and controls necessary for stem cells to become specialized cell types.
The best and most readily understood example of a stem cell in humans is that of the fertilized egg, or zygote. A zygote is a single cell that is formed by the union of a sperm and ovum. The sperm and the ovum each carry half of the genetic material required to form a new individual. Once that single cell or zygote starts dividing, it is known as an embryo. One cell becomes two, two become four, four become eight, eight to sixteen, and so on; doubling rapidly until it ultimately creates the entire sophisticated organism. That organism, a person, is an immensely complicated structure consisting of many, many, billions of cells with functions as diverse as those of your eyes, your heart, your immune system, the color of your skin, your brain, etc. All of the specialized cells that make up these body systems are descendants of the original zygote, a stem cell with the potential to ultimately develop into all kinds of body cells. The cells of a zygote are totipotent, meaning that they have the capacity to develop into any type of cell in the body.
The process by which stem cells commit to become differentiated, or specialized, cells is complex and involves the regulation of gene expression. Research is ongoing to further understand the molecular events and controls necessary for stem cells to become specialized cell types.
Why are stem cells important?
Stem cells represent an exciting area in medicine because of their potential to regenerate and repair damaged tissue. Some current therapies, such as bone marrow transplantation, already make use of stem cells and their potential for regeneration of damaged tissues. Other therapies are under investigation that involves transplanting stem cells into a damaged body part and directing them to grow and differentiate into healthy tissue.
Stem Cells
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
* What are stem cells?
* Why are stem cells important?
* What are some different types of stem cells?
* Embryonic stem cells
* Fetal stem cells
* Adult stem cells
* Peripheral blood stem cells
* Umbilical cord stem cells
* Induced pluripotent stem cells
* Why is there controversy surrounding the use of stem cells?
* What are some stem cell therapies that are currently available?
* What are experimental treatments using stem cells and possible future directions for stem cell therapy?
* Stem Cells At A Glance
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
* What are stem cells?
* Why are stem cells important?
* What are some different types of stem cells?
* Embryonic stem cells
* Fetal stem cells
* Adult stem cells
* Peripheral blood stem cells
* Umbilical cord stem cells
* Induced pluripotent stem cells
* Why is there controversy surrounding the use of stem cells?
* What are some stem cell therapies that are currently available?
* What are experimental treatments using stem cells and possible future directions for stem cell therapy?
* Stem Cells At A Glance
What other kinds of information is available for people with mesothelioma?
What other kinds of information is available for people with mesothelioma?
There are numerous cancer web sites, some specific to mesothelioma. Because they are often difficult to locate, we have listed some relevant medical web sites that have information about mesothelioma.
American Institute for Cancer Research
(http://www.aicr.org)
American Thoracic Society
(http://www.thoracic.org/)
Canadian Cancer Society
(http://www.bc.cancer.ca)
MesotheliomaWeb
(http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org)
There are numerous cancer web sites, some specific to mesothelioma. Because they are often difficult to locate, we have listed some relevant medical web sites that have information about mesothelioma.
American Institute for Cancer Research
(http://www.aicr.org)
American Thoracic Society
(http://www.thoracic.org/)
Canadian Cancer Society
(http://www.bc.cancer.ca)
MesotheliomaWeb
(http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org)
Mesothelioma At A Glance
* Mesothelioma is a cancer that arises from the cells lining the chest or abdominal cavities.
* Mesothelioma typically results from exposure to asbestos.
* When mesothelioma affects the chest, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope.
* When mesothelioma affects the abdomen, the doctor may look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope.
* Mesothelioma is diagnosed by a biopsy.
* The outlook for patients with mesothelioma depends on how early the disease is detected and how aggressively it is treated.
* Mesothelioma typically results from exposure to asbestos.
* When mesothelioma affects the chest, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope.
* When mesothelioma affects the abdomen, the doctor may look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope.
* Mesothelioma is diagnosed by a biopsy.
* The outlook for patients with mesothelioma depends on how early the disease is detected and how aggressively it is treated.
Additional information
Surgery: There are several types of surgery used in treating mesothelioma.
* A pleurectomy is the removal of part of the chest or abdomen lining and some of the tissue around it.
* Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a lung also may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy.
* In an extrapleural pneumonectomy, the lung is removed along with the lining and diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe) on the affected side. In this surgery, the lining around the heart is also removed.
* Sometimes a pleurectomy/decortication is performed. In this surgery, the lining of the lung is removed along with as much of the tumor as possible.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be administered by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle.
Chemotherapeutic agents can be administered either systemically (through the bloodstream) or intrapleurally (in the pleural cavity). When it is administered intrapleurally, the treatment is localized at the site of the tumor. These drugs are generally very toxic and you should discuss their use very carefully with your physician.
* A pleurectomy is the removal of part of the chest or abdomen lining and some of the tissue around it.
* Depending on how far the cancer has spread, a lung also may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy.
* In an extrapleural pneumonectomy, the lung is removed along with the lining and diaphragm (the muscle that helps you breathe) on the affected side. In this surgery, the lining around the heart is also removed.
* Sometimes a pleurectomy/decortication is performed. In this surgery, the lining of the lung is removed along with as much of the tumor as possible.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external radiation therapy) or from putting materials that produce radiation (radioisotopes) through thin plastic tubes in the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).
If fluid has collected in the chest or abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting in a needle into the chest or abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. If fluid is removed from the chest, this is called thoracentesis. If fluid is removed from the abdomen, this is called paracentesis. Your doctor may also put drugs through a tube into the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be administered by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle.
Chemotherapeutic agents can be administered either systemically (through the bloodstream) or intrapleurally (in the pleural cavity). When it is administered intrapleurally, the treatment is localized at the site of the tumor. These drugs are generally very toxic and you should discuss their use very carefully with your physician.
Is there any promising research or are there promising drugs for mesothelioma?
New approaches being studied
New approaches to treat malignant mesothelioma are currently being tested. They often combine traditional treatments or include something entirely new. They include
* Promising drugs
o L-NDDP (Platar): Intrapleural administration of this platinum product is designed to overcome the toxicity and drug resistance currently limiting the usefulness of platinum drugs like Cisplatin. NOTE: A recent trial produced remission in two patients.
o Endostatin has been shown to work with angiostatin in destroying a tumors' ability to grow blood vessels without harming normal cells.
o Lovastatin is a cholesterol drug shown in a recent study to potentially inhibit mesothelioma cancer cell growth.
o Intrapleural interferon gamma is the direct administration of the anti-cancer drug interferon gamma.
* Photodynamic therapy kills cancer cells using the energy of light.
* Immunotherapy treats cancer by helping the immune system fight the disease.
* Gene therapy treats cancer by correcting the genetic deficits that allow tumors to develop. A September 1999 study found that interferon interleukin prevented the growth of mesothelioma cells in mice.
Research is being conducted at various cancer centers all over the United States.
A recent study involving L-NDDP produced two cases of remission in mesothelioma patients. Another study found that a drug known as Lovastatin may hold promise for mesothelioma patients.
To learn more about mesothelioma clinical studies and journal medical journal articles, visit the Mesothelioma Web (http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org).
Brigham system: variables of tumor resectability and nodal status
* Stage I: resectable mesothelioma and no lymph node involvement
* Stage II: resectable mesothelioma but with lymph node involvement
* Stage III: unresectable mesothelioma extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph-node involvement
* Stage II: resectable mesothelioma but with lymph node involvement
* Stage III: unresectable mesothelioma extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph-node involvement
What is the treatment for mesothelioma?
There are three traditional kinds of treatment for patients with malignant mesothelioma. Often two or more of these are combined in the course of treatment:
* surgery (taking out the cancer),
* radiation therapy (using high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), and
* chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer).
* surgery (taking out the cancer),
* radiation therapy (using high-dose X-rays or other high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), and
* chemotherapy (using drugs to fight the cancer).
Butchart system extent of primary tumor mass
* Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
* Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
The more recent TNM system considers variables of tumor in mass and spread, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
TNM system: variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), and M (metastasis)
* Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
* Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, extended to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extended into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.
The Brigham system is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove the tumor) and lymph node involvement.
* Stage II: Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
* Stage III: Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
* Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, extended to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extended into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.
The Brigham system is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove the tumor) and lymph node involvement.
What is the prognosis for mesothelioma?
Like most cancers, the prognosis for this disease often depends on how early it is diagnosed and how aggressively it is treated. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often found at a stage in which a cure is unobtainable. Many will succumb to the disease within one year of diagnosis.
Mesothelioma treatment options (traditional and new treatments being studied)
Treatment options are determined by the stage of mesothelioma (the extent to which the tumor has spread in the body). There are three staging systems currently in use, and each one measures somewhat different variables.
The oldest staging system and the one most often used is the Butchart system, which is based mainly on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.
The oldest staging system and the one most often used is the Butchart system, which is based mainly on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesotheliomas into four stages.
How long does it take after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to show up?
People exposed in the 1940s, '50s, '60s, and '70s are now being diagnosed with mesothelioma because of the long latency period of asbestos disease.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed by pathological examination from a biopsy. Tissue is removed, placed under the microscope, and a pathologist makes a definitive diagnosis and issues a pathology report. This is the end of a process that usually begins with symptoms that send most people to the doctor: a fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusions), shortness of breath, pain in the chest, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. The doctor may order an X-ray or CT scan of the chest or abdomen. If further examination is warranted, the following tests may be done:
* Thoracoscopy
For pleural mesothelioma, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital using a local anesthetic or painkiller.
If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.
* Peritoneoscopy
For peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.
If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.
* Biopsy
If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.
Unfortunately, in some cases, tumor cells can grow along the tract where the biopsy is taken. This can be minimized with the use of radiation to the area.
* Thoracoscopy
For pleural mesothelioma, the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital using a local anesthetic or painkiller.
If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.
* Peritoneoscopy
For peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor may also look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic.
If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.
* Biopsy
If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery.
Unfortunately, in some cases, tumor cells can grow along the tract where the biopsy is taken. This can be minimized with the use of radiation to the area.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Most people present with complaints of shortness of breath. They also can have complaints of chest pain. Surprisingly, this pain is often not pleuritic; that is, it does not get worse with deep breathing. This is surprising in that the pleura (outer surface of the lung) is often involved in this disease, and most other diseases involving the pleura are often associated with pleuritic pain (pain that worsens with deep breathing). Patients may also be asymptomatic, with the disease discovered by physical exam or an abnormal chest X-ray.
As the disease progresses, shortness of breath increases, and weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats can develop. Local invasion by the tumor can result in changing of voice, loss of function of the diaphragm, and symptoms specific to the area and involvement of adjacent structures.
As the disease progresses, shortness of breath increases, and weight loss, decreased appetite, and night sweats can develop. Local invasion by the tumor can result in changing of voice, loss of function of the diaphragm, and symptoms specific to the area and involvement of adjacent structures.
What causes mesothelioma?
Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Usually, this involves men over 40 years of age. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, often without knowing it. Interestingly, the number of new cases of mesothelioma has been relatively stable since 1983, the same time that the restrictions on asbestos were instituted by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). In Europe, the number of new cases of mesothelioma continues to rise.
How much asbestos exposure does it take to get mesothelioma?
An exposure of as little as one or two months can result in mesothelioma 30 or 40 years later and in some cases, as much as 70 years later.
Asbestos Removal
The use of asbestos has for the most part been halted, and the potential for exposure to asbestos has fallen dramatically. However, a number of older buildings still include insulation and floor/ceiling tiles that contain asbestos. Great care should be taken to limit asbestos exposure during demolition work in older buildings. Respirators should be used to filter the air, and the demolition areas should be sealed so that asbestos dust is not released from the demolition area.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established extensive guidelines to protect construction workers involved in the demolition of buildings containing asbestos.
It is also common for floor tile in older homes to contain asbestos. When remodeling, it is recommended that these asbestos floor coverings not be disturbed and the new floor coverings be placed on top of the older ones. For homeowners, several websites provide information outlining removal procedures that limit asbestos exposure. By taking the proper precautions, workers and homeowners can avoid deadly exposure to asbestos and prevent future cases of mesothelioma asbestos.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established extensive guidelines to protect construction workers involved in the demolition of buildings containing asbestos.
It is also common for floor tile in older homes to contain asbestos. When remodeling, it is recommended that these asbestos floor coverings not be disturbed and the new floor coverings be placed on top of the older ones. For homeowners, several websites provide information outlining removal procedures that limit asbestos exposure. By taking the proper precautions, workers and homeowners can avoid deadly exposure to asbestos and prevent future cases of mesothelioma asbestos.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, often presenting with symptoms in the chest area. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common. This can effect the organs in the abdomen, and its symptoms are related to this area of the body, that is, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, which involves the sac surrounding the heart.
There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases; it portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.
There are two major cell types of mesothelioma, epithelial and sarcomatoid. Sometimes both of these cell types can be present. The sarcomatoid type is rarer and occurs in only about 15% of cases; it portends a poorer prognosis. In very rare cases, mesothelioma can originate from benign, non-malignant cells. This so-called benign mesothelioma can be cured surgically.
Inhalation of Asbestos Can Cause Mesothelioma Asbestos
Inhalation of asbestos dust is the primary means by which asbestos exposure leads to mesothelioma asbestos. The asbestos fibers are so tiny that they are able to bypass the natural filtration system of the human lungs. Once inside the most sensitive areas of the lungs, these fibers become embedded in the lung tissue. The durability and tensile strength of asbestos fibers made asbestos an attractive substance for the production of fire retardants and construction components. However, these same characteristics allow the fibers to stay embedded in lung tissue for many years without being destroyed by the body's natural defense mechanisms. This can lead to mesothelioma in the lung tissue, or pleural mesothelioma. Asbestosis also occurs due to the embedding of asbestos fibers in the lungs.
Pleural Mesothelioma - The Most Common Cancer Linked to Asbestos Exposure
The most common type of mesothelioma asbestos, pleural mesothelioma has affected a wide range of laborers exposed to asbestos. Laborers in the Navy shipyards during and after World War II received heavy doses of asbestos exposure because they used asbestos to insulate piping, boiler rooms and other areas of high heat. In many cases the air was filled with asbestos dust, and without proper respiration systems, these workers inhaled the asbestos particles day after day.
Those who mined asbestos were exposed to heavy doses during the mining process. In mining towns such as Libby, Montana, asbestos dust filled the air of the mines and processing facilities, as well as the town square. This asbestos exposure led many laborers and townspeople to develop "asbestos lung cancer" (a layman’s term for mesothelioma).
Construction workers who installed asbestos insulation were also exposed. Asbestos was widely used in car brake linings; therefore, laborers involved in the automotive manufacturing process were placed in work environments where asbestos fibers were inhaled, potentially leading to pleural mesothelioma. Tragically, a direct line can be drawn from exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma and untimely death.
Those who mined asbestos were exposed to heavy doses during the mining process. In mining towns such as Libby, Montana, asbestos dust filled the air of the mines and processing facilities, as well as the town square. This asbestos exposure led many laborers and townspeople to develop "asbestos lung cancer" (a layman’s term for mesothelioma).
Construction workers who installed asbestos insulation were also exposed. Asbestos was widely used in car brake linings; therefore, laborers involved in the automotive manufacturing process were placed in work environments where asbestos fibers were inhaled, potentially leading to pleural mesothelioma. Tragically, a direct line can be drawn from exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma and untimely death.
Other Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma are also thought to be caused by asbestos exposure. Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart and peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdomen. How the asbestos fibers become imbedded in the lining of these other organs is not well understood. For those laborers who contracted these diseases, food could have become contaminated due to asbestos exposure, leading to asbestos fibers invading the abdominal lining. Asbestos fibers also may have made their way into the blood stream, either through food or inhalation, due to asbestos exposure. Once in the blood stream, these fibers could become lodged virtually anywhere in the body.
Detection of Fibrosis
The fibrosis associated with asbestosis is normally detected with an X-ray. There is no treatment for asbestosis, and once symptoms appear, they rarely subside. A patient’s prognosis depends upon several factors, including the type of asbestos fiber the patient is exposed to, the level and duration of exposure to asbestos and (sometimes) the status of the X-ray at the time of detection. Progression continues even without additional exposure and is thought to accelerate with additional exposure.
Shortness of breath becomes more and more pronounced as the disease progresses. The end result is failure of the lungs and eventual heart failure resulting from the stress placed on the heart. Most patients do not die of asbestosis, but perish due to other ailments of the lungs brought about by asbestosis, such as mesothelioma and other lung cancers.
Shortness of breath becomes more and more pronounced as the disease progresses. The end result is failure of the lungs and eventual heart failure resulting from the stress placed on the heart. Most patients do not die of asbestosis, but perish due to other ailments of the lungs brought about by asbestosis, such as mesothelioma and other lung cancers.
Mesothelioma Asbestos - Mesothelioma Is Caused by Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos can lead to a number of deadly conditions, most notably a form of cancer called mesothelioma, or "mesothelioma asbestos." (Mesothelioma asbestos is technically not a correct term, but is often used for research among patients who have contracted this disease because asbestos exposure is the only known cause of malignant mesothelioma.) Asbestos exposure can also cause a different, non-cancerous form of lung disease called asbestosis.
Asbestos has been mined, processed and used to manufacture goods for at least 2,000 years. However, the more recent heavy use of asbestos, from the late 1880s to the 1960s, caused laborers to be exposed to it in such quantities that cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma from asbestos exposure became widespread.
Thousands of people have died of mesothelioma and asbestosis since the 1930s, and medical specialists expect this epidemic to continue for the next 20 years. The lag time between initial asbestos exposure and the onset of these deadly diseases is typically 30 to 40 years and has been as long as 60 years.
Asbestos has been mined, processed and used to manufacture goods for at least 2,000 years. However, the more recent heavy use of asbestos, from the late 1880s to the 1960s, caused laborers to be exposed to it in such quantities that cases of asbestosis and mesothelioma from asbestos exposure became widespread.
Thousands of people have died of mesothelioma and asbestosis since the 1930s, and medical specialists expect this epidemic to continue for the next 20 years. The lag time between initial asbestos exposure and the onset of these deadly diseases is typically 30 to 40 years and has been as long as 60 years.
Asbestos and the Immune System
Once embedded, the asbestos particles are attacked by the body's immune system. The immune system releases digestive molecules called macrophages, which target and devour foreign objects in the body. Unfortunately, because asbestos is a hard, fibrous mineral, the macrophages are unable to eliminate them from the lungs. As the macrophages attempt to wipe out the asbestos, they create scar tissue in the area where the asbestos is embedded. But since the macrophages are unable to remove the asbestos, the body’s immune system sends more and more macrophages, creating more scar tissue. This creates a chain reaction that cannot be stopped. People who are exposed to airborne asbestos particles inhale hundreds or thousands of asbestos fibers, which means that hundreds or thousands of these chain reactions occur, all of which create scar tissue.
Development of Fibrosis
When scar tissue in the interstitium becomes advanced and there is large-scale injury to tissue in this area of the lung, this is called fibrosis; or, more specifically, interstitial fibrosis or asbestosis. The first onset of asbestosis symptoms sometimes takes place years after asbestos exposure. Manifestations of asbestosis rarely occur less than 10 years following first exposure and are more common after 20 years or more. Anyone who has come in contact with asbestos is at risk for developing asbestosis, not just the workers who directly handled the fibers.
The most common symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath. In fact, asbestosis has been called a monosymptomatic disease because shortness of breath is consistently reported and is the most distressing symptom. Breathing occurs with heavy effort and becomes more difficult as the disease progresses. Asbestosis is also associated with persistent and productive cough, and sometimes with distressing spasms. Chest tightening, chest pain, ill feeling, fitful sleep and appetite loss have also been associated with asbestosis, but not as commonly as shortness of breath.
The most common symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath. In fact, asbestosis has been called a monosymptomatic disease because shortness of breath is consistently reported and is the most distressing symptom. Breathing occurs with heavy effort and becomes more difficult as the disease progresses. Asbestosis is also associated with persistent and productive cough, and sometimes with distressing spasms. Chest tightening, chest pain, ill feeling, fitful sleep and appetite loss have also been associated with asbestosis, but not as commonly as shortness of breath.
Asbestosis Overview
Asbestosis is a serious lung disease that occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become lodged in the inner layers of the lungs. Asbestosis is not a type of cancer, but malignant mesothelioma is; when malignant mesothelioma occurs in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma. Some patients do acquire asbestosis and then develop pleural mesothelioma.
Asbestosis develops over time as the asbestos fibers begin to cause inflammation in the lungs and the development of fibrosis, or scar tissue. The diagnosis of asbestosis occurs when the scar tissue becomes large enough to be identified on an x-ray. As the scar tissue expands throughout the lungs, the lungs become increasingly dysfunctional and breathing becomes labored. Asbestosis can lead to disability and death.
Asbestosis develops over time as the asbestos fibers begin to cause inflammation in the lungs and the development of fibrosis, or scar tissue. The diagnosis of asbestosis occurs when the scar tissue becomes large enough to be identified on an x-ray. As the scar tissue expands throughout the lungs, the lungs become increasingly dysfunctional and breathing becomes labored. Asbestosis can lead to disability and death.
Asbestos and the Lungs
The lungs are the place in the body where air comes in direct contact with blood cells. In order to ensure an efficient transfer of oxygen from the air into the blood, the innermost layers of the lungs must be kept highly sterile. The sterilization of air occurs through a matrix of filtration systems, starting with the nose and the other air passages leading into the lungs. The reason asbestos is hazardous is because asbestos particles are able to bypass the lungs' filtration systems and become imbedded in the innermost layers of the lungs.
Asbestos particles are long, extremely thin, microscopic fibers. When asbestos is in the air, these particles are inhaled by those in close proximity. The fibers are so thin and light that they cannot be properly filtered by the lungs.The asbestos can become embedded in various parts of the lungs, including the interstitium (the area surrounding the alveoli).
Asbestos particles are long, extremely thin, microscopic fibers. When asbestos is in the air, these particles are inhaled by those in close proximity. The fibers are so thin and light that they cannot be properly filtered by the lungs.The asbestos can become embedded in various parts of the lungs, including the interstitium (the area surrounding the alveoli).
Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of asbestos lung cancer that results from asbestos becoming lodged in the lining of the lung. However, unlike asbestosis, which originates in the lungs, mesothelioma occurs in the serous lining, which is the lining surrounding the outside of the lungs. Another thing that distinguishes mesothelioma from asbestosis is that it leads to the growth of tumors that are malignant (asbestosis leads to the growth of scar tissue, which is benign). This means that the growths in the lungs' serous membranes related to mesothelioma are cancerous, can grow rapidly and can spread to other organs. Asbestosis, on the other hand, does not spread to other organs. When cancer tumors grow and then spread to other organs, this is called metastasis.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can affect several different organs in the body, not just the lungs. When mesothelioma occurs in the lungs, it is called pleural mesothelioma; when it occurs in the heart lining it is called pericardial mesothelioma; and when it occurs in the abdomen it is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is thought to be the primary cause of all three types of mesothelioma.
The timeline between asbestos exposure and the onset of pleural mesothelioma is very long (30 to 40 years). Pleural mesothelioma can be detected by x-rays, but the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma has to be confirmed with a biopsy. The treatments for pleural mesothelioma are similar to other cancers. They include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical removal of the cancerous tissues. However, it is important to note that different types of cancers respond differently to different types of treatments. As a result, a patient's treatment plan is based on his or her individual case. Unfortunately, the disease is very aggressive, and most treatments do not slow its progression. The life expectancy of those diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is less than a year.
The timeline between asbestos exposure and the onset of pleural mesothelioma is very long (30 to 40 years). Pleural mesothelioma can be detected by x-rays, but the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma has to be confirmed with a biopsy. The treatments for pleural mesothelioma are similar to other cancers. They include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgical removal of the cancerous tissues. However, it is important to note that different types of cancers respond differently to different types of treatments. As a result, a patient's treatment plan is based on his or her individual case. Unfortunately, the disease is very aggressive, and most treatments do not slow its progression. The life expectancy of those diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is less than a year.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a disease in which asbestos fibers cause scarring of the lungs; however, it is not a type of lung cancer. This disease occurs because asbestos fibers are tiny, yet durable; when they are inhaled, the lungs' natural filtration system is unable to eliminate them from the air. As a result, asbestos is able to enter the very sterile inner reaches of the lung cavities. When asbestos fibers become lodged in the interstitium — the area surrounding the lungs' air sacs (alveoli) — the lungs become inflamed, which eventually leads to scarring. The timeline between the moment asbestos enters the lungs and the eventual onset of scarring can be as long as 10 years. Eventually, if enough scarring occurs in the lungs, it will be classified as fibrosis. Asbestosis is fibrosis that forms in the interstitium.
Fibrosis is defined as the development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ. This connective tissue cripples the areas of the lungs that it invades. Thus, when it spreads across large areas of the lungs over time, the lungs lose their ability to function properly. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, the total timeline between exposure to asbestos and the development of large areas of fibrosis can be as long as 30 or 40 years.
Asbestosis is normally detected with an x-ray showing the large fibrous growths in the lungs. Oftentimes, the initial symptom is difficulty breathing, which may be caused by the fibrous tissue that has formed, or by a pleural effusion (buildup of fluid) caused by the asbestosis. There is no cure for asbestosis, and eventually the fibrous tissue can spread throughout the lungs and make it impossible to breath. A common cause of death related to asbestosis is congestive heart failure, in which the heart becomes overworked in its attempt to push enough blood through the lungs to carry sufficient oxygen to the rest of the body.
Fibrosis is defined as the development of excess fibrous connective tissue in an organ. This connective tissue cripples the areas of the lungs that it invades. Thus, when it spreads across large areas of the lungs over time, the lungs lose their ability to function properly. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, the total timeline between exposure to asbestos and the development of large areas of fibrosis can be as long as 30 or 40 years.
Asbestosis is normally detected with an x-ray showing the large fibrous growths in the lungs. Oftentimes, the initial symptom is difficulty breathing, which may be caused by the fibrous tissue that has formed, or by a pleural effusion (buildup of fluid) caused by the asbestosis. There is no cure for asbestosis, and eventually the fibrous tissue can spread throughout the lungs and make it impossible to breath. A common cause of death related to asbestosis is congestive heart failure, in which the heart becomes overworked in its attempt to push enough blood through the lungs to carry sufficient oxygen to the rest of the body.
New Uses for Asbestos
An explosion of new uses rapidly emerged, with the first asbestos brake linings being manufactured in England in 1896 and with the first patent in Germany for the manufacture of asbestos cement in 1899. Also during this time period the first reports of the health hazards of asbestos emerged from Italy and England.
But the momentum for asbestos use to fuel industry did not stop with these early health warnings. In 1906, the first asbestos brake linings were manufactured in the United States, and many other countries started mining asbestos, including Finland. By the 1920s and 1930s, asbestos brake linings were being manufactured in virtually every country with an automobile industry, and many pipes and corrugated sheet were made of asbestos.
But the momentum for asbestos use to fuel industry did not stop with these early health warnings. In 1906, the first asbestos brake linings were manufactured in the United States, and many other countries started mining asbestos, including Finland. By the 1920s and 1930s, asbestos brake linings were being manufactured in virtually every country with an automobile industry, and many pipes and corrugated sheet were made of asbestos.
20th Century Asbestos Health Warnings
In 1930, the health warnings were raised again, with the asbestos industry in the United Kingdom passing regulations to protect the asbestos workers from the dangers. But the war came, and many post-war construction projects relied on asbestos. By 1960, the health concerns related to asbestos were widely known, even though the first reports of asbestos-related dangers had appeared almost 60 years earlier. The most recent high-profile use of asbestos has been to insulate the boosters of the Space Shuttle. Most asbestos mines have been closed for many years, and few materials include asbestos fibers.
Asbestos Lung Cancer
Asbestos lung cancer is a group of diseases related to asbestos exposure. While the term itself is technically incorrect — only one of the diseases belonging to this group (asbestosis) originates in the lungs (and it is not a form of cancer) — it serves as a way of classifying asbestos-related diseases that affect the lungs.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined, processed, and used for more than 6,000 years. The two most common diseases related to asbestos lung cancer are asbestosis and mesothelioma, with pleural mesothelioma being the most common form of mesothelioma. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are associated with the inhalation of asbestos and subsequent inflammation caused by the lodging of asbestos in the lungs.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been mined, processed, and used for more than 6,000 years. The two most common diseases related to asbestos lung cancer are asbestosis and mesothelioma, with pleural mesothelioma being the most common form of mesothelioma. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are associated with the inhalation of asbestos and subsequent inflammation caused by the lodging of asbestos in the lungs.
Modern Asbestos History
In the early 1800s, a number of patents started to appear for various uses of asbestos, including the first known United States patent for asbestos insulating material. This material was used to insulate steam engines being used to spearhead the transportation and manufacturing industries during the industrial revolution. Also in the early 1800s asbestos was first discovered in Canada (the Thedford mines of Quebec) and in South Africa (the Woolstone mines of Orange). By the 1860s asbestos became an industry, with the Italian asbestos industry based on tremolite and the Canadian and Russian industries based on chrysotile. The American industry got its start about 1880, but at that time the industry was based on the use of Italian asbestos to produce paper and board products.
History of Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral of which there are large deposits on every continent. Due to the relatively recent appearance of asbestos-related lung diseases, such as asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, it is commonly thought that asbestos manufacturing and use is a modern phenomenon. But the usefulness of asbestos for insulation, as a fire retardant and for its tensile strength, has been known for almost 6,000 years. As early as 4000 BC, it is documented that asbestos was used for candle and lamp wicks. The term "asbestos" was coined, meaning inextinguishable or unquenchable.
From 4000 BC to the early 1800s, asbestos was used for a wide variety of purposes, but mostly in small quantities. These uses included cloth, wicks and paper. Marco Polo visited an asbestos mine as early as the 13th century.
From 4000 BC to the early 1800s, asbestos was used for a wide variety of purposes, but mostly in small quantities. These uses included cloth, wicks and paper. Marco Polo visited an asbestos mine as early as the 13th century.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Where is Epithelial Mesothelioma Found?
Epithelial malignant mesothelioma can affect different areas of the body. Mesothelioma is cancer to any of the tissues that surround internal organs. Sixty percent of epithelial malignant mesothelioma occurs in the pleural tissues of the lungs. This develops almost exclusively as a result of asbestos inhalation. The symptoms of epithelial malignant mesothelioma that affect the lungs include:
* Shortness of breath
* Persistent cough
* Pain in the chest
* Viral pneumonia symptoms
Many patients are asymptomatic. The right lung is affected sixty percent of the time, the left lung thirty five percent, and both lungs are affected in five percent of epithelial malignant mesothelioma cases.
Epithelial malignant mesothelioma is also common in the peritoneum of the abdomen. This is caused by the ingestion of asbestos that enters the air. Patients with this type of mesothelioma may also remain asymptomatic for years and years, though the following symptoms may be present: weight loss, nausea, effusion (fluid build-up) in the stomach, bowel difficulties, foot swelling and anemia. Malignant mesothelioma can also affect the reproductive organs, the heart, and other major organs.
A person who has been exposed to asbestos for one or two months has the potential to develop epithelial malignant mesothelioma or other asbestos related illnesses up to fifty years later. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. Once diagnosed the prognosis is often bleak. The average patient has a year left to live after they discover their condition.
* Shortness of breath
* Persistent cough
* Pain in the chest
* Viral pneumonia symptoms
Many patients are asymptomatic. The right lung is affected sixty percent of the time, the left lung thirty five percent, and both lungs are affected in five percent of epithelial malignant mesothelioma cases.
Epithelial malignant mesothelioma is also common in the peritoneum of the abdomen. This is caused by the ingestion of asbestos that enters the air. Patients with this type of mesothelioma may also remain asymptomatic for years and years, though the following symptoms may be present: weight loss, nausea, effusion (fluid build-up) in the stomach, bowel difficulties, foot swelling and anemia. Malignant mesothelioma can also affect the reproductive organs, the heart, and other major organs.
A person who has been exposed to asbestos for one or two months has the potential to develop epithelial malignant mesothelioma or other asbestos related illnesses up to fifty years later. Mesothelioma has a long latency period. Once diagnosed the prognosis is often bleak. The average patient has a year left to live after they discover their condition.
Who Is At Risk of Epithelial Malignant Mesothelioma?
People who are at risk for developing epithelial malignant mesothelioma include employees who work with asbestos containing materials. Construction workers are particularly at risk, though professionals in the building, shipyard, railroad, and automobile industries as well as people with custodial duties may also be at risk. People who were exposed to asbestos as long ago at the 1940s may still be at risk for contracting this life threatening cancer.
What is Epithelial Mesothelioma?
Epithelial malignant mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma that develops as a result of asbestos exposure. Epithelial malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that effects the epithelial or tissue membranes that line the organs. Fifty to seventy percent of malignant mesothelioma is considered epithelial malignant mesothelioma. Epithelial malignant mesothelioma victims often have a better prognosis (chance at increased survival time) than do victims of other mesothelioma types.
The second most common mesothelioma accounts for seven to twenty percent of cancer cases. Sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma involves malignant tumors that develop from affected connective tissues. The third type which occurs twenty to thirty percent of the time is a combination of sarcomatoid and epithelial malignant mesothelioma. treatment options in each of these cases are about the same.
The second most common mesothelioma accounts for seven to twenty percent of cancer cases. Sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma involves malignant tumors that develop from affected connective tissues. The third type which occurs twenty to thirty percent of the time is a combination of sarcomatoid and epithelial malignant mesothelioma. treatment options in each of these cases are about the same.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is based on these and other symptoms, as well as the results of diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans. These are used not only to diagnose the disease itself, but also to discover how far it has advanced. This information will help to determine the best course of mesothelioma treatment. Often a biopsy is also required to confirm a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma. This may take the form of a needle biopsy or tissue biopsy, although in some cases both may be required. A needle biopsy involves using a long needle to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity, while a tissue biopsy requires minor surgery to remove tissue from the area. The fluid or tissue is then tested to determine whether malignant mesothelial cells are present.
Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are non-specific in that they are often associated with other less serious conditions. Diagnosis is therefore often made too late for curative treatment to be an effective option.
For most patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, treatment is palliative, and is designed reduce the rate at which the cancer spreads, and to provide relief from the symptoms of the disease. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, as either treatment alone is much less effective as when they are used in conjunction with each other.
Surgery is not always a practical option for individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma. Surgical procedures involve the removal of diseased sections of the peritoneum, and are often followed up with intravenous or intraperitoneal chemotherapy (where drugs delivered through a vein or directly to the peritoneal cavity) to remove residual cancer cells that were not able to be removed during surgery.
In cases where surgery and chemotherapy are not suitable treatment options, palliative treatment is used to provide symptomatic relief; however, such treatments cannot slow the progression of the cancer. These types of treatments are used simply to manage pain and provide relief from symptoms such as the build up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
For most patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, treatment is palliative, and is designed reduce the rate at which the cancer spreads, and to provide relief from the symptoms of the disease. Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy, as either treatment alone is much less effective as when they are used in conjunction with each other.
Surgery is not always a practical option for individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma. Surgical procedures involve the removal of diseased sections of the peritoneum, and are often followed up with intravenous or intraperitoneal chemotherapy (where drugs delivered through a vein or directly to the peritoneal cavity) to remove residual cancer cells that were not able to be removed during surgery.
In cases where surgery and chemotherapy are not suitable treatment options, palliative treatment is used to provide symptomatic relief; however, such treatments cannot slow the progression of the cancer. These types of treatments are used simply to manage pain and provide relief from symptoms such as the build up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
Asbestos and Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos may cause peritoneal mesothelioma in one of two ways. One theory suggests that asbestos fibers are ingested and eventually work their way into the peritoneum, while another suggests that asbestos fibers that are inhaled are transported to the peritoneum via the lymphatic system.
Once in the peritoneum, asbestos fibers cause changes in peritoneal cells that cause them to divide without restraint, causing the peritoneal layers to thicken. The growth of cancer cells puts pressure on internal organs, and this pressure is increased by fluid that builds up in the area as a result of cancer growth.
Once in the peritoneum, asbestos fibers cause changes in peritoneal cells that cause them to divide without restraint, causing the peritoneal layers to thicken. The growth of cancer cells puts pressure on internal organs, and this pressure is increased by fluid that builds up in the area as a result of cancer growth.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a very late onset form of cancer. After initial asbestos exposure has occurred, it is common for two or three decades to elapse before symptoms begin to appear. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include the following:
* Weight loss
* Fever or night sweats
* Pain or swelling in the abdominal area
* Obstruction of the small or large intestine
* Anemia
* Weight loss
* Fever or night sweats
* Pain or swelling in the abdominal area
* Obstruction of the small or large intestine
* Anemia
Symptoms of Abdominal Mesothelioma
Symptoms of abdominal mesothelioma include:
* Abdominal pains
* Abdominal weakness
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea
* Abdominal swelling
Patients exhibiting these mesothelioma symptoms are usually scheduled for further examinations to search for other abdominal mesothelioma signs. If an X-ray or CT scan indicates signs that the patient indeed may have abdominal mesothelioma, a biopsy is conducted, allowing the physician to determine the malignancy level. Any abdominal mesothelioma treatment will be determined by the physician and patient, taking into account factors such as:
* the stage of the abdominal mesothelioma
* the location and sizes of any tumors
* the age and health of the patient
Abdominal mesothelioma has a very high mortality rate, and in many cases, mesothelioma diagnosis occurs when the abdominal mesothelioma has already progressed too far. In such cases, all actions focus on making the abdominal mesothelioma as comfortable as possible, often removing portions of the tumor to relieve pressure.
* Abdominal pains
* Abdominal weakness
* Weight loss
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea
* Abdominal swelling
Patients exhibiting these mesothelioma symptoms are usually scheduled for further examinations to search for other abdominal mesothelioma signs. If an X-ray or CT scan indicates signs that the patient indeed may have abdominal mesothelioma, a biopsy is conducted, allowing the physician to determine the malignancy level. Any abdominal mesothelioma treatment will be determined by the physician and patient, taking into account factors such as:
* the stage of the abdominal mesothelioma
* the location and sizes of any tumors
* the age and health of the patient
Abdominal mesothelioma has a very high mortality rate, and in many cases, mesothelioma diagnosis occurs when the abdominal mesothelioma has already progressed too far. In such cases, all actions focus on making the abdominal mesothelioma as comfortable as possible, often removing portions of the tumor to relieve pressure.
What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of malignant mesothelioma, making up slightly less than 30% of diagnosed mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma affects the cells of the abdominal lining, also known as the peritoneum, which supports and protects organs in the abdomen.
The peritoneum is made up of two layers, called the visceral and parietal layers. The parietal layer is an outer layer that covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer covers internal organs and the intestinal tract.
The peritoneum is made up of two layers, called the visceral and parietal layers. The parietal layer is an outer layer that covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer covers internal organs and the intestinal tract.
Abdominal Mesothelioma
Abdominal mesothelioma, also known as peritoneal mesothelioma, is one form of a rare asbestos-linked cancer, mesothelioma. The abdominal mesothelioma, as the name suggests, is a cancer of the tissues in the abdominal cavity. Abdominal mesothelioma generally affects men ages 50-70, although women make up about one-fifth of all abdominal mesothelioma cases.
Types of malignant mesothelioma
There are two primary types of malignant mesothelioma:
1. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the cancer, grows in the lining covering the lungs.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue lining the abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma is also broken down into cell types, which depend on what the cells look like under a microscope. The cell types include epithelial (50 to 70 percent are diagnosed with this type), sarcomatoid (seven to 20 percent have this type), or mixed (20 to 35 percent have both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells).
1. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the cancer, grows in the lining covering the lungs.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue lining the abdominal cavity.
Mesothelioma is also broken down into cell types, which depend on what the cells look like under a microscope. The cell types include epithelial (50 to 70 percent are diagnosed with this type), sarcomatoid (seven to 20 percent have this type), or mixed (20 to 35 percent have both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells).
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma has an extremely long latency period that can take anywhere between 20 to 50 years from the initial exposure to the diagnosis of the disease. Some common mesothelioma symptoms of the malignant type include:
* chest pains
* cough
* shortness of breath
* severe weight loss
If the disease is discovered early, surgery may be able to remove most of the cancerous tissue. However, malignant mesothelioma spreads rapidly and can affect other organs. During advanced stages of the cancer, mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment and radiation can help to minimize symptoms. Complete recovery may not be possible.
* chest pains
* cough
* shortness of breath
* severe weight loss
If the disease is discovered early, surgery may be able to remove most of the cancerous tissue. However, malignant mesothelioma spreads rapidly and can affect other organs. During advanced stages of the cancer, mesothelioma chemotherapy treatment and radiation can help to minimize symptoms. Complete recovery may not be possible.
Who is at risk for malignant mesothelioma?
The most common cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Workers in the steel, mining, plumbing, milling, insulation, and electric industries, among hundreds of others who handle or manufacture asbestos products, are at the highest risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
While the risks of the disease increase depending on the frequency and intensity of asbestos exposure, there have been a number of malignant mesothelioma cases among people who have had only one or two months of exposure.
Asbestos fibers are sharp and easily cling to various surfaces such as hair, skin, clothes, and shoes of workers who may track the toxic fibers into their homes subjecting innocent family members to serious illnesses and disease. Family members of those who are regularly exposed to high levels of asbestos also have a high risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
While the risks of the disease increase depending on the frequency and intensity of asbestos exposure, there have been a number of malignant mesothelioma cases among people who have had only one or two months of exposure.
Asbestos fibers are sharp and easily cling to various surfaces such as hair, skin, clothes, and shoes of workers who may track the toxic fibers into their homes subjecting innocent family members to serious illnesses and disease. Family members of those who are regularly exposed to high levels of asbestos also have a high risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Mesothelioma Treatment Research
The treatment of mesothelioma is usually palliative in nature. Mesothelioma cancer is not in the form of a tumor that can be removed. Only in the case of pleural mesothelioma is surgery a viable choice, and then only if the disease is still in its earlier stages. In this instance the surgeon will remove some or all of the pleural membranes, possibly with a portion of the chest wall and also possibly a lung.
Even if surgery is an option, usually it is combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In recent years medical researchers have focused their efforts on extending the survival time for patients who have been diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma – by far the most common condition when diagnosis is completed.
The use of targeted chemotherapy is an example of how researchers are approaching mesothelioma today along with a number of other cancer types. Cells that can be programmed to attack or compromise cancer cells and then introduced into the afflicted area have become a common strategy for cancer treatment. Methods of targeting radiotherapy have also been introduced, in order to minimize the destruction of healthy cells adjacent to cancerous cells.
In general, researchers are looking for combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy that work best with certain types of mesothelioma cells (there are several) and in certain stages of the disease. Many choices for research are based on patients that have inoperable cases of the disease.
The treatment of mesothelioma is usually palliative in nature. Mesothelioma cancer is not in the form of a tumor that can be removed. Only in the case of pleural mesothelioma is surgery a viable choice, and then only if the disease is still in its earlier stages. In this instance the surgeon will remove some or all of the pleural membranes, possibly with a portion of the chest wall and also possibly a lung.
Even if surgery is an option, usually it is combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. In recent years medical researchers have focused their efforts on extending the survival time for patients who have been diagnosed with advanced mesothelioma – by far the most common condition when diagnosis is completed.
The use of targeted chemotherapy is an example of how researchers are approaching mesothelioma today along with a number of other cancer types. Cells that can be programmed to attack or compromise cancer cells and then introduced into the afflicted area have become a common strategy for cancer treatment. Methods of targeting radiotherapy have also been introduced, in order to minimize the destruction of healthy cells adjacent to cancerous cells.
In general, researchers are looking for combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy that work best with certain types of mesothelioma cells (there are several) and in certain stages of the disease. Many choices for research are based on patients that have inoperable cases of the disease.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Doctors and Lawyers
Asbestos has affected the health of tens of thousands of people that we are aware of; there is a massive additional population of individuals who were never diagnosed or were exposed and died at a time when asbestos-related industries were in the throes of professional denial.
The courts have slowly come to the realization that this has been a national tragedy of sorts and that there is a large class of people who worked around asbestos, and their families that also suffered as a result, who are entitled to compensation. Asbestos companies have been forced to take financial responsibility to a degree uncommon in product liability law. Today there are trust funds established by these companies that hold billions of dollars to pay for claims against those companies for lives damaged or ruined by asbestos.
There are still many thousands of claims to be filed because of the fact that mesothelioma has such a long latency period. Workers who were exposed to asbestos products on the job site daily during the 1970s may only now be showing the symptoms of asbestos toxicity. If you or a family member may be one of those individuals, it is important to both your health and your financial well being to confirm any potential asbestos health problems with your doctor.
If your physician detects asbestos damage, an attorney with expertise in the field can obtain fiscal damages for you. If you’d like to discuss this possibility, fill out our simple form or give us a call and we’ll put you in touch with an experienced professional who can talk you through the details of your case and go over your options. There will be no financial obligation on your part; that will fall to the asbestos companies if yours is a viable case.
Asbestos has affected the health of tens of thousands of people that we are aware of; there is a massive additional population of individuals who were never diagnosed or were exposed and died at a time when asbestos-related industries were in the throes of professional denial.
The courts have slowly come to the realization that this has been a national tragedy of sorts and that there is a large class of people who worked around asbestos, and their families that also suffered as a result, who are entitled to compensation. Asbestos companies have been forced to take financial responsibility to a degree uncommon in product liability law. Today there are trust funds established by these companies that hold billions of dollars to pay for claims against those companies for lives damaged or ruined by asbestos.
There are still many thousands of claims to be filed because of the fact that mesothelioma has such a long latency period. Workers who were exposed to asbestos products on the job site daily during the 1970s may only now be showing the symptoms of asbestos toxicity. If you or a family member may be one of those individuals, it is important to both your health and your financial well being to confirm any potential asbestos health problems with your doctor.
If your physician detects asbestos damage, an attorney with expertise in the field can obtain fiscal damages for you. If you’d like to discuss this possibility, fill out our simple form or give us a call and we’ll put you in touch with an experienced professional who can talk you through the details of your case and go over your options. There will be no financial obligation on your part; that will fall to the asbestos companies if yours is a viable case.
Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lung, chest cavity, or abdominal cavity. If a tumor formed in the mesothelium—special cells that protect the organs—are cancerous, the disease is called malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is almost always caused by workplace or non-occupational exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Developing Mesothelioma Treatment Options
Mesothelioma is not a form of cancer that lends itself to surgical resection. In addition, most diagnoses don’t occur until the disease is in its latter stages. For that reason medical researchers have focused their efforts on extending the period of patient survival after the diagnosis has been made.
These efforts generally focus on slowing or stopping the growth of the cancerous cells. There are a number of approaches to this concept. One chemotherapy drug called cisplatin that is used for mesothelioma treatment has at its core molecules of platinum, which has proven to damage the DNA in certain types of cancer cells, resulting in their inability to reproduce. This sort of targeted chemotherapy does less damage to surrounding healthy cells than some more general formulations of anti-cancer cell agents.
Another chemotherapy drug approved by the FDA for mesothelioma treatment is pemetrexed, a medication that targets enzymes vital to certain types of cancer cells. This is another successful approach to narrowing the focus of chemotherapy and limiting collateral damage; however some mesothelioma cancer cells have shown resistance to pemetrexed.
For that reason, mesothelioma clinical trials have recently been completed that utilize cisplatin and pemetrexed in combination. The result was a significant extension of survival time for many of the participants. Unfortunately, the extension was a period of months rather than years.
Early Diagnosis: the Key to Mesothelioma Survival
Practitioners working on mesothelioma cancer are faced with the difficult combination of a disease that is usually fully developed when diagnosed and that is a diffuse spread of cancer cells that are not gathered in the form of a tumor, often creating a situation where surgery isn’t a viable option. In addition, its initial symptoms are often readily assumed to be the result of some more common problem such as a pulmonary illness or heart problems.
In order to achieve some pattern of early diagnosis, people who know they have been exposed to asbestos must consult with their doctors and seek some preliminary tests to ensure that there are no signs of the disease. CT and MRI scans can today detect thickening of the mesothelium membrane in some cases. If diagnosis can be made before the physical symptoms appear, the doctor may have some chance of bringing growth of the cell mass to a halt before it is too late.
Mesothelioma is not a form of cancer that lends itself to surgical resection. In addition, most diagnoses don’t occur until the disease is in its latter stages. For that reason medical researchers have focused their efforts on extending the period of patient survival after the diagnosis has been made.
These efforts generally focus on slowing or stopping the growth of the cancerous cells. There are a number of approaches to this concept. One chemotherapy drug called cisplatin that is used for mesothelioma treatment has at its core molecules of platinum, which has proven to damage the DNA in certain types of cancer cells, resulting in their inability to reproduce. This sort of targeted chemotherapy does less damage to surrounding healthy cells than some more general formulations of anti-cancer cell agents.
Another chemotherapy drug approved by the FDA for mesothelioma treatment is pemetrexed, a medication that targets enzymes vital to certain types of cancer cells. This is another successful approach to narrowing the focus of chemotherapy and limiting collateral damage; however some mesothelioma cancer cells have shown resistance to pemetrexed.
For that reason, mesothelioma clinical trials have recently been completed that utilize cisplatin and pemetrexed in combination. The result was a significant extension of survival time for many of the participants. Unfortunately, the extension was a period of months rather than years.
Early Diagnosis: the Key to Mesothelioma Survival
Practitioners working on mesothelioma cancer are faced with the difficult combination of a disease that is usually fully developed when diagnosed and that is a diffuse spread of cancer cells that are not gathered in the form of a tumor, often creating a situation where surgery isn’t a viable option. In addition, its initial symptoms are often readily assumed to be the result of some more common problem such as a pulmonary illness or heart problems.
In order to achieve some pattern of early diagnosis, people who know they have been exposed to asbestos must consult with their doctors and seek some preliminary tests to ensure that there are no signs of the disease. CT and MRI scans can today detect thickening of the mesothelium membrane in some cases. If diagnosis can be made before the physical symptoms appear, the doctor may have some chance of bringing growth of the cell mass to a halt before it is too late.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Mesothelioma in the Courts
The toxic nature of asbestos has been evident to some since the 1930s. By 1985 enough people had become sick from asbestos exposure that the relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma was incontrovertibly established. For years, asbestos companies and industrial giants that manufactured products using asbestos denied the health problems associated with it.
By the end of the 1990s the courts had ruled that people who suffered from an asbestos-related disease were entitled to liability compensation from asbestos companies who mined the material and corporations that used it to make consumer and construction products. The result has been several bankruptcies and the establishment of several trusts holding billions of dollars to compensate people who can prove personal damage or damage to a deceased family member as the result of asbestos exposure.
The toxic nature of asbestos has been evident to some since the 1930s. By 1985 enough people had become sick from asbestos exposure that the relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma was incontrovertibly established. For years, asbestos companies and industrial giants that manufactured products using asbestos denied the health problems associated with it.
By the end of the 1990s the courts had ruled that people who suffered from an asbestos-related disease were entitled to liability compensation from asbestos companies who mined the material and corporations that used it to make consumer and construction products. The result has been several bankruptcies and the establishment of several trusts holding billions of dollars to compensate people who can prove personal damage or damage to a deceased family member as the result of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Asbestos is the Cause of Many Illnesses
While the lethal nature of mesothelioma cancer has drawn a lot of the attention given to asbestos toxicity, there are several other afflictions that can be attributed to the material. One of the most common and most harmful is asbestosis. This disease is the result of scarred lung tissue that has been damaged by asbestos fibers. It is a permanent, progressive, restrictive lung illness also known as pulmonary fibrosis. Asbestosis causes shortness of breath, reduced lung capacity and chest pain.
The most common affect of asbestos exposure is pleural plaques. These are smooth, raised strips of fibrous tissue that develop on the pleura. One third to one half of individuals with significant asbestos exposure will develop this condition. They are not pre-malignant and are not believed to lead to further health problems. They will calcify however, and show up on X-rays as an indication of asbestos exposure.
Asthma is also commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are a potent pulmonary irritant and are capable of creating the usual reactions to inhaled toxins along with the more serious asbestosis and the lethal development of mesothelioma.
While the lethal nature of mesothelioma cancer has drawn a lot of the attention given to asbestos toxicity, there are several other afflictions that can be attributed to the material. One of the most common and most harmful is asbestosis. This disease is the result of scarred lung tissue that has been damaged by asbestos fibers. It is a permanent, progressive, restrictive lung illness also known as pulmonary fibrosis. Asbestosis causes shortness of breath, reduced lung capacity and chest pain.
The most common affect of asbestos exposure is pleural plaques. These are smooth, raised strips of fibrous tissue that develop on the pleura. One third to one half of individuals with significant asbestos exposure will develop this condition. They are not pre-malignant and are not believed to lead to further health problems. They will calcify however, and show up on X-rays as an indication of asbestos exposure.
Asthma is also commonly associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers are a potent pulmonary irritant and are capable of creating the usual reactions to inhaled toxins along with the more serious asbestosis and the lethal development of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma impacts the lining of the chest cavity around the lungs. When both the inner and outer membrane layers (the mesothelium) thicken and retain fluid in the area between, pressure is put on the lungs and shortness of breath develops. Other symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness and perhaps trouble swallowing. The more general symptoms for mesothelioma are fever, weight loss and fatigue, which explains why the initial appearance of mesothelioma symptoms are often misdiagnosed as pneumonia or some other common pulmonary problem.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form of the disease, accounting for about 75% of all cases. It is, however, a disease of the membranes surrounding the lungs. If the rogue cells are malignant and pass into the lungs, the lung cancer that results is secondary to mesothelioma. Nevertheless, lung cancer that develops as a result of mesothelioma is often referred to as asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma lung cancer.
Pleural mesothelioma impacts the lining of the chest cavity around the lungs. When both the inner and outer membrane layers (the mesothelium) thicken and retain fluid in the area between, pressure is put on the lungs and shortness of breath develops. Other symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness and perhaps trouble swallowing. The more general symptoms for mesothelioma are fever, weight loss and fatigue, which explains why the initial appearance of mesothelioma symptoms are often misdiagnosed as pneumonia or some other common pulmonary problem.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form of the disease, accounting for about 75% of all cases. It is, however, a disease of the membranes surrounding the lungs. If the rogue cells are malignant and pass into the lungs, the lung cancer that results is secondary to mesothelioma. Nevertheless, lung cancer that develops as a result of mesothelioma is often referred to as asbestos lung cancer or mesothelioma lung cancer.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma impacts the membrane that surrounds the heart. This form of the disease is the rarest: less that 10% mesothelioma diagnoses are for the pericardial variant. One of the issues with pericardial mesothelioma is that medical researchers are unsure how asbestos fibers get into the tissue around the heart. In the case of pleural mesothelioma they are inhaled. How they migrate to the pericardial area is something of a mystery. One theory holds that they break up into smaller pieces after inhalation and somehow are carried to the pericardial area in the bloodstream.
In any case, the impact of asbestos fibers on the pericardial mesothelium is the same as in the pleural area. They cause inflammation which eventually leads to the uncontrolled growth of cells – cancerous cells. As the membrane thickens, fluid buildup occurs and pressure is put on the heart. The symptoms can include an irregular heartbeat and little or no stamina, along with chest pain. Because these characteristics are also symptomatic of heart disease, the diagnosis for mesothelioma is often overlooked initially.
Pericardial mesothelioma impacts the membrane that surrounds the heart. This form of the disease is the rarest: less that 10% mesothelioma diagnoses are for the pericardial variant. One of the issues with pericardial mesothelioma is that medical researchers are unsure how asbestos fibers get into the tissue around the heart. In the case of pleural mesothelioma they are inhaled. How they migrate to the pericardial area is something of a mystery. One theory holds that they break up into smaller pieces after inhalation and somehow are carried to the pericardial area in the bloodstream.
In any case, the impact of asbestos fibers on the pericardial mesothelium is the same as in the pleural area. They cause inflammation which eventually leads to the uncontrolled growth of cells – cancerous cells. As the membrane thickens, fluid buildup occurs and pressure is put on the heart. The symptoms can include an irregular heartbeat and little or no stamina, along with chest pain. Because these characteristics are also symptomatic of heart disease, the diagnosis for mesothelioma is often overlooked initially.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This form of the disease impacts the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum. It is also unclear how this form of the disease develops. The theory for pericardial mesothelioma that tiny asbestos fibers travel through the bloodstream is also applicable for the peritoneal variety. It is also quite possible that asbestos fibers work their way to the abdominal wall through the digestive tract and that they are introduced to the body through eating or drinking.
Asbestos fibers travel through the air like dust and pollen. They could certainly find their way to consumable items on a jobsite. Regardless of the source, the impact of asbestos on the peritoneal membrane is the same. Over time they act as an irritant which results in prolonged inflammation, eventually leading to the development of uncontrolled cancerous cell growth.
Fifteen to twenty percent of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal. The fact that it is more common than pericardial mesothelioma would suggest that the causal theory based on ingestion makes sense. Lung cancer can also be a secondary development of peritoneal mesothelioma; in addition one of the rare forms of peritoneal mesothelioma can impact the testicles. The membrane within the scrotum is an extension of the peritoneal mesothelium.
Symptoms usually begin with abdominal pain as the fluid buildup caused by the mesothelioma cells begins to impact the abdominal cavity. It can also be accompanied by shortness of breath and a cough, although these symptoms are less common. What peritoneal mesothelioma does share with other types of the disease is a lag of some months between manifestation of the symptoms and a diagnosis.
Years between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and there are a number of reasons for it. One is that the symptoms mimic those of much more common diseases. Another is that mesothelioma cancer itself does not result in tumor development; that occurs only after the disease has fully developed and metastasized into a nearby organ. But perhaps the most difficult factor is the reality that it takes years and often decades for those asbestos fibers to do their work.
In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the fibers are inhaled and slowly work their way through the lung wall into the mesothelium as the body tries to rid itself of this irritant. Once lodged in the membrane around the lungs, the fibers slowly create a situation where they trigger the development of malformed cancerous cells that begin the process of thickening the membranes which in turn begins the fluid accumulation process.
The result is a remarkably lengthy period of latency for the disease. By the time the symptoms appear – the shortness of breath, fatigue and fever – many years will have elapsed since the asbestos exposure. The patient may be a Navy veteran that spent four years on a ship three decades ago. The asbestos exposure will be long forgotten and the symptoms mirror indications of other more common diseases. The fact that mesothelioma is most often shrouded in a lengthy latency period means that it usually isn’t diagnosed until it has had time to fully develop as a malignant threat.
This form of the disease impacts the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, the peritoneum. It is also unclear how this form of the disease develops. The theory for pericardial mesothelioma that tiny asbestos fibers travel through the bloodstream is also applicable for the peritoneal variety. It is also quite possible that asbestos fibers work their way to the abdominal wall through the digestive tract and that they are introduced to the body through eating or drinking.
Asbestos fibers travel through the air like dust and pollen. They could certainly find their way to consumable items on a jobsite. Regardless of the source, the impact of asbestos on the peritoneal membrane is the same. Over time they act as an irritant which results in prolonged inflammation, eventually leading to the development of uncontrolled cancerous cell growth.
Fifteen to twenty percent of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal. The fact that it is more common than pericardial mesothelioma would suggest that the causal theory based on ingestion makes sense. Lung cancer can also be a secondary development of peritoneal mesothelioma; in addition one of the rare forms of peritoneal mesothelioma can impact the testicles. The membrane within the scrotum is an extension of the peritoneal mesothelium.
Symptoms usually begin with abdominal pain as the fluid buildup caused by the mesothelioma cells begins to impact the abdominal cavity. It can also be accompanied by shortness of breath and a cough, although these symptoms are less common. What peritoneal mesothelioma does share with other types of the disease is a lag of some months between manifestation of the symptoms and a diagnosis.
Years between Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and there are a number of reasons for it. One is that the symptoms mimic those of much more common diseases. Another is that mesothelioma cancer itself does not result in tumor development; that occurs only after the disease has fully developed and metastasized into a nearby organ. But perhaps the most difficult factor is the reality that it takes years and often decades for those asbestos fibers to do their work.
In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the fibers are inhaled and slowly work their way through the lung wall into the mesothelium as the body tries to rid itself of this irritant. Once lodged in the membrane around the lungs, the fibers slowly create a situation where they trigger the development of malformed cancerous cells that begin the process of thickening the membranes which in turn begins the fluid accumulation process.
The result is a remarkably lengthy period of latency for the disease. By the time the symptoms appear – the shortness of breath, fatigue and fever – many years will have elapsed since the asbestos exposure. The patient may be a Navy veteran that spent four years on a ship three decades ago. The asbestos exposure will be long forgotten and the symptoms mirror indications of other more common diseases. The fact that mesothelioma is most often shrouded in a lengthy latency period means that it usually isn’t diagnosed until it has had time to fully develop as a malignant threat.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is not just lung cancer. It begins in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities and can impact the organs contained in or near those places: lungs, heart, reproductive organs. The mesothelium is a tissue lining for cavities in the upper body. In the pleural area, the area around the lungs, it is a double tissue with the inner portion (the visceral layer) lining the lungs themselves and the outer portion (the parietal layer) lining the chest wall.
There are three types of mesothelioma: as with the pleural area the disease can impact the lining around the heart and in the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is a condition of uncontrolled cell growth that causes the mesothelium layers to thicken and often results in fluid accumulating between the two layers. These cancer cells can be either malignant or benign.
Mesothelioma is not just lung cancer. It begins in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities and can impact the organs contained in or near those places: lungs, heart, reproductive organs. The mesothelium is a tissue lining for cavities in the upper body. In the pleural area, the area around the lungs, it is a double tissue with the inner portion (the visceral layer) lining the lungs themselves and the outer portion (the parietal layer) lining the chest wall.
There are three types of mesothelioma: as with the pleural area the disease can impact the lining around the heart and in the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is a condition of uncontrolled cell growth that causes the mesothelium layers to thicken and often results in fluid accumulating between the two layers. These cancer cells can be either malignant or benign.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
The Asbestos – Mesothelioma Link
For most of the twentieth century, asbestos was heavily used in the manufacture of all types of insulation, flooring, ceiling tiles, pipe fittings, plaster, caulking, roofing, and other construction products. Any industrial facility or power plant (including naval engine rooms) that generated heat probably had pipes, tanks and other fixtures insulated with asbestos. Some sort of asbestos product was at virtually all construction job sites up to 1985 or so.
Asbestos is a fibrous material that when disturbed, emits fibers into the air which can be inhaled by any nearby worker: a miner, a construction worker, a ship’s crewman working around the ship’s pipes and boilers, plumbers, carpenters, auto mechanics, workers in the oil business, in power plants, in chemical plants – the list goes on. The list also includes family members of workers that brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing and shoes from the job site.
Mesothelioma Cancer: 12 Essential Facts
Mesothelioma has become a household word to tens of thousands of U.S. citizens. It is a form of cancer associated with asbestos, and with the lawsuits that forced many asbestos companies into bankruptcy. Asbestos was an enormously popular material for construction products and insulation for industrial plants, commercial buildings and homes. By 1985 it was a proven carcinogen, after more than fifty years of suspicion from the medical community and denials from asbestos companies.
Protect Against Mesothelioma by Avoiding Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial cells around the
organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal
organs and allows moving organs (i.e. the heart and the lungs) to glide easily
against adjacent structures. The names of the three regions of mesothelial cells that
provide protective coating are 1) pleura, the sac which surrounds the lungs; 2)
peritoneum, the lining which protects the abdominal cavity; and 3) pericardium, the
sac which surrounds the heart. Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack
these three different regions.
Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks the pleura surrounding
the lungs, this is the most common type of mesothelioma, affecting approximately
two-thirds of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include horseness, fever, blood
in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, loss of weight, difficulty breathing,
chest pain, weak muscles, and reduced tactile sensitivity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: A cancer of the abdomen which attacks the peritoneum
lining the abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one-third of all
mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl
function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.
Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium
surrounding the heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea,
cough, and palpitations.
Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of building
material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. In the United States,
asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s. During the late 1960s, concerns
over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby
decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured in next two decades. By the
1980s, a new industry of asbestos abatement began to flourish. But according to
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as many as 733,000
schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended
in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic.
There are three types of asbestos exposure.
Occupational asbestos exposure: People working in factories that manufacure
asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of
developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Paraoccupational asbestos exposure: Family members of workers exposed to
asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought
home by the worker on his clothes or skin.
Neighborhood asbestos exposure: Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos
manufacturing plant are also at risk.
Mesothelioma is still a relatively rare form of cancer. There are an estimated 2,000 -
3,000 new cases per year in the United States. Approximately 7-13 per one million
male patients with a history of asbestos exposure contract mesothelioma. Diagnosis
usually occurs 20-40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.
Jimmy Atkinson writes for the Mesothelioma Reporter at http://www.mesotheliomareporter.org .
organs. The mesothelium provides a protective membranous lining for the internal
organs and allows moving organs (i.e. the heart and the lungs) to glide easily
against adjacent structures. The names of the three regions of mesothelial cells that
provide protective coating are 1) pleura, the sac which surrounds the lungs; 2)
peritoneum, the lining which protects the abdominal cavity; and 3) pericardium, the
sac which surrounds the heart. Three different types of mesothelioma cancer attack
these three different regions.
Pleural mesothelioma: A type of lung cancer which attacks the pleura surrounding
the lungs, this is the most common type of mesothelioma, affecting approximately
two-thirds of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include horseness, fever, blood
in sputum, swollen arms and face, coughing, loss of weight, difficulty breathing,
chest pain, weak muscles, and reduced tactile sensitivity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: A cancer of the abdomen which attacks the peritoneum
lining the abdominal cavity. This affects approximately one-third of all
mesothelioma patients. Symptoms include abdominal bloating, impaired bowl
function, fever, swollen feet, and nausea.
Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium
surrounding the heart is extremely rare. Symptoms include chest pain, dyspnea,
cough, and palpitations.
Mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a type of building
material used in thermal insulation products and ceiling tiles. In the United States,
asbestos usage peaked during the 1950s - 1970s. During the late 1960s, concerns
over the health consequences of asbestos exposure began to arise, thereby
decreasing the amount of asbestos manufactured in next two decades. By the
1980s, a new industry of asbestos abatement began to flourish. But according to
the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as many as 733,000
schools and public buildings still contain asbestos.
Small asbestos fibers that enter the air do not evaporate and can remain suspended
in the air for a long time. These fibers, when breathed into the body, are toxic.
There are three types of asbestos exposure.
Occupational asbestos exposure: People working in factories that manufacure
asbestos are likely to have a high exposure to asbestos and are most at risk of
developing asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Paraoccupational asbestos exposure: Family members of workers exposed to
asbestos in the workplace are susceptible to exposure from asbestos dust brought
home by the worker on his clothes or skin.
Neighborhood asbestos exposure: Those who live in the vicinity of an asbestos
manufacturing plant are also at risk.
Mesothelioma is still a relatively rare form of cancer. There are an estimated 2,000 -
3,000 new cases per year in the United States. Approximately 7-13 per one million
male patients with a history of asbestos exposure contract mesothelioma. Diagnosis
usually occurs 20-40 years after initial exposure to asbestos.
Jimmy Atkinson writes for the Mesothelioma Reporter at http://www.mesotheliomareporter.org .
Mesothelioma Treatment
Like all other types of cancer, mesothelioma is incurable. Although doctors and scientists have made a great deal of progress for diagnosing and treating these malignancies, there is still no current way to completely get rid of it.
When a group of cells mutates uncontrollably and starts invading and killing healthy cells, this is called cancer. In certain areas of the body where cells reproduce rapidly there tends to be a greater chance of risk because one cancer cell can multiply exponentially in a very quick period of time. Most cancers are caused by external stimuli and mesothelioma is no different. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos.
The affected areas from mesothelioma cancer are the lining of the internal organs in the body. Because of the location of the infected cells, mesothelioma does not respond well to conventional treatments unlike most other forms of cancer. In addition, there are no blatant symptoms of the disease, so doctors cannot properly diagnose the illness until it's significantly advanced. Because of these factors, the effectiveness of many conventional treatments are limited.
When treating mesothelioma, doctors use several treatment options. Surgery, radiation treatments and chemotherapy have been traditional options for slowing the growth of cancerous cells. Doctors dealing with mesothelioma have to plan an innovative method of attack to combat this condition. New treatments like angiogenesis, photodynamic and gene therapy hold new hope for victims of mesothelioma everywhere. Depending on the state and location of the cancer, doctors will choose the best course of action for the circumstances. If it's discovered early enough, doctors can prolong the life of the victim, but sadly cannot cure the disease.
This article can be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay in-tact as hyper links. For more information on Mesothelioma cancer please visit http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com
When a group of cells mutates uncontrollably and starts invading and killing healthy cells, this is called cancer. In certain areas of the body where cells reproduce rapidly there tends to be a greater chance of risk because one cancer cell can multiply exponentially in a very quick period of time. Most cancers are caused by external stimuli and mesothelioma is no different. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to carcinogens such as asbestos.
The affected areas from mesothelioma cancer are the lining of the internal organs in the body. Because of the location of the infected cells, mesothelioma does not respond well to conventional treatments unlike most other forms of cancer. In addition, there are no blatant symptoms of the disease, so doctors cannot properly diagnose the illness until it's significantly advanced. Because of these factors, the effectiveness of many conventional treatments are limited.
When treating mesothelioma, doctors use several treatment options. Surgery, radiation treatments and chemotherapy have been traditional options for slowing the growth of cancerous cells. Doctors dealing with mesothelioma have to plan an innovative method of attack to combat this condition. New treatments like angiogenesis, photodynamic and gene therapy hold new hope for victims of mesothelioma everywhere. Depending on the state and location of the cancer, doctors will choose the best course of action for the circumstances. If it's discovered early enough, doctors can prolong the life of the victim, but sadly cannot cure the disease.
This article can be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay in-tact as hyper links. For more information on Mesothelioma cancer please visit http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum. It helps to protect the contents of the abdomen. It also produces a lubricating fluid. This helps the organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen as we move around. Mesothelioma of the tissues lining the abdominal cavity in known as peritoneal mesothelioma.
A thin membrane of mesothellial cells, known as the peritoneum develops many of the organs in the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor that is on this membrane. Its only known cause is exposure to asbestos, and it is not detected until the tumor has begun to grow. The large tumor mass that results late in the disease might resemble many different subtypes of mesothelioma pressed together in the peritoneal space of a single patient. However, some patients with primary peritoneal surface malignancy do show a wide divergence of histological types of peritoneal surface cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer accounts for about one-fifth of all mesothelioma cases.
Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be either benign or malignant. This discussion is only about malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Histologically, four types of malignant mesotheliomas are recognized: epithelial, sarcomatous, mixed and poorly differentiated. 75% of peritoneal mesotheliomas are of the epithelial form in which the mesothelial cells are arranged in tubulopapillary or trabecular formations.
There are at least two explanations for how asbestos fibers can get into the peritoneum. The first is that fibers caught by the mucus of the trachea and bronchi end up being swallowed. Some of them lodge in the intestinal tract and from there they can move through the intestinal wall into the peritoneum. The second explanation is that fibers that lodge in the lungs can move into the lymphatic system and be transported to the peritoneum.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma typically include weight loss, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space, a condition known as ascites. Over time the peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can become more and more severe.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment
There are some treatment methods in use, but there is no known cure for peritoneal mesothelioma. The prognosis depends on various factors including the size and stage of the tumor, its extent, the cell type, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment. However, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment has been improved as the time goes by. The peritoneal mesothelioma treatment includes; chemotherapy and other drug-based therapies, radiation therapy, and surgery.
For more free legal information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits, please visit Free Legal Information.
A thin membrane of mesothellial cells, known as the peritoneum develops many of the organs in the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor that is on this membrane. Its only known cause is exposure to asbestos, and it is not detected until the tumor has begun to grow. The large tumor mass that results late in the disease might resemble many different subtypes of mesothelioma pressed together in the peritoneal space of a single patient. However, some patients with primary peritoneal surface malignancy do show a wide divergence of histological types of peritoneal surface cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer accounts for about one-fifth of all mesothelioma cases.
Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be either benign or malignant. This discussion is only about malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Histologically, four types of malignant mesotheliomas are recognized: epithelial, sarcomatous, mixed and poorly differentiated. 75% of peritoneal mesotheliomas are of the epithelial form in which the mesothelial cells are arranged in tubulopapillary or trabecular formations.
There are at least two explanations for how asbestos fibers can get into the peritoneum. The first is that fibers caught by the mucus of the trachea and bronchi end up being swallowed. Some of them lodge in the intestinal tract and from there they can move through the intestinal wall into the peritoneum. The second explanation is that fibers that lodge in the lungs can move into the lymphatic system and be transported to the peritoneum.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma typically include weight loss, abdominal pains, loss of appetite, weakness, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space, a condition known as ascites. Over time the peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can become more and more severe.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment
There are some treatment methods in use, but there is no known cure for peritoneal mesothelioma. The prognosis depends on various factors including the size and stage of the tumor, its extent, the cell type, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment. However, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment has been improved as the time goes by. The peritoneal mesothelioma treatment includes; chemotherapy and other drug-based therapies, radiation therapy, and surgery.
For more free legal information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits, please visit Free Legal Information.
Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer
Mesothelioma: What is it?
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of the cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is thought to be associated with exposure to asbestos, and this asbestos association has been documented in 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is very difficult to assess and diagnose consistently. The time between exposure and the onset of the disease, and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma, make diagnosis very difficult.
It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even patient's homes can result in mesothelioma. In many cases mesothelioma does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing asbestos. 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are currently being diagnosed. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also contract this disease through exposure to the worker's clothing. Like many other cancers, smoking greatly increases the risk of contracting mesothelioma.
Some of the earliest symptoms of mesothelioma are commonly over looked due there similarity to symptoms of less serious diseases. Some patients do not show any signs of sickness in the early stages of development of the disease. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include dyspnoea, pleuritic pain, lasting cough, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms may not be attributed to mesothelioma unless the patient is examined by a competent and knowledgeable health care provider who orders the appropriate tests. Test for mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, may include CT scans, x-rays scans, or MRI. Surgery can be one of the treatment options; however, the recurrence rate of cancerous cells is high. It is very important that the disease is diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
This disease is not more prevalent in any particular race or ethic group; however it is more common in men. Most cases of mesothelioma occur 30-45 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Once it develops, this cancer will continue to grow until it is treated or the victim expires.
Mesothelioma: Treatment
Although science is not certain as to the exact mechanism which causes mesothelioma, it is thought that the asbestos fibers puncture the parenchyma, become lodged in the pleura, and by process of irritation create the change in the cells which causes the mesothelioma.
The chance of recovery for a person with mesothelioma depends on several factors, including:
Size of the cancer
Location of the cancer
Spread of the cancer throughout the body
Response to treatment
Appearance of the cells under a microscope
Age of the patient
Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure.
If you have mesothelioma or you know someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, remember that time matters. The sooner you consult your doctor and get professional care the better your chances will be of dealing with this dangerous asbestos cancer. There are three traditional methods of fighting cancerous mesothelioma:
Surgery
Chemotherapy drugs
Radiation therapy.
Please contact your doctor as soon as possible to get more information.
Mesothelioma: Phenomenon
The nature of Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer and the length of time before symptoms may occur has made conventional claims for compensation difficult. This has opened the door and presented a great opportunity for personal injury lawyers and personal injury and class action lawsuits.
An indication of the part that the Internet has played, or is playing in this, can be determined by the amount of money personal injury lawyers and law firms are spending to advertise their services on the Internet. Many of these Law Firms have entire websites dedicated to this subject. In fact much of the information in this article was culled from these law firms' websites.
The punch line on all these websites of course is that the mesothelioma victim should hire this law firm to represent them in a personal injury or class action lawsuit.
Most reader know that it is possible to buy ads that will be displayed on Search Engine results pages when certain keywords are searched on. The current record high payment for keyword advertising of this type is held by "mesothelioma" and "asbestos cancer". These law firms are currently paying more than any other seller of goods or services to attract visitors to their websites.
Is this good or is this bad? Obviously the law firms feel that there is a great deal of money to be made in these personal injury suits, but what about the mesothelioma victim? For him/her these lawyers, and law firms, may represent the only chance for adequate medical care and the means to support their families and live their lives with this debilitating disease.
Mesothelioma: The Summary
Mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, is a terrible disease. The length of time between exposure and the onset of the symptoms hangs over the heads of many people like a life sentence. Personal injury lawyers and attorneys are often derided and condemned, however for the victims of Mesothelioma they may represent the only means of securing the funds to treat the disease or cope with the disabling impact of malignant mesothelioma.
For more information on Asbestos, Radon, Lead-based paint etc.
Please visit us at http://www.americanhomeinspectordirectory.com/
Article submitted by the American Home Inspector Directory
American Home Inspector Directory - Home Inspectors NationwideNational Directory of Home Inspectors. Search our database of Home Inspectors Free - Information on Home Inspections, Home Loans and Home Inspection Organizations.
Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer
Radon Testing and Information
Lead-Based Paint - Testing
Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of the cells lining the patient's body cavities such as chest, abdominal region or the area surrounding the heart. It is thought to be associated with exposure to asbestos, and this asbestos association has been documented in 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases. Asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is very difficult to assess and diagnose consistently. The time between exposure and the onset of the disease, and the rate of progression of malignant mesothelioma, make diagnosis very difficult.
It is believed that even insignificant exposure to asbestos in environments such as asbestos mills, mines, shipping yards, some older Navy ships or even patient's homes can result in mesothelioma. In many cases mesothelioma does not occur for decades after initial exposure to this cancer-causing asbestos. 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma per year are currently being diagnosed. Family members of workers exposed to asbestos can also contract this disease through exposure to the worker's clothing. Like many other cancers, smoking greatly increases the risk of contracting mesothelioma.
Some of the earliest symptoms of mesothelioma are commonly over looked due there similarity to symptoms of less serious diseases. Some patients do not show any signs of sickness in the early stages of development of the disease. The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include dyspnoea, pleuritic pain, lasting cough, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms may not be attributed to mesothelioma unless the patient is examined by a competent and knowledgeable health care provider who orders the appropriate tests. Test for mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, may include CT scans, x-rays scans, or MRI. Surgery can be one of the treatment options; however, the recurrence rate of cancerous cells is high. It is very important that the disease is diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
This disease is not more prevalent in any particular race or ethic group; however it is more common in men. Most cases of mesothelioma occur 30-45 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Once it develops, this cancer will continue to grow until it is treated or the victim expires.
Mesothelioma: Treatment
Although science is not certain as to the exact mechanism which causes mesothelioma, it is thought that the asbestos fibers puncture the parenchyma, become lodged in the pleura, and by process of irritation create the change in the cells which causes the mesothelioma.
The chance of recovery for a person with mesothelioma depends on several factors, including:
Size of the cancer
Location of the cancer
Spread of the cancer throughout the body
Response to treatment
Appearance of the cells under a microscope
Age of the patient
Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure.
If you have mesothelioma or you know someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, remember that time matters. The sooner you consult your doctor and get professional care the better your chances will be of dealing with this dangerous asbestos cancer. There are three traditional methods of fighting cancerous mesothelioma:
Surgery
Chemotherapy drugs
Radiation therapy.
Please contact your doctor as soon as possible to get more information.
Mesothelioma: Phenomenon
The nature of Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer and the length of time before symptoms may occur has made conventional claims for compensation difficult. This has opened the door and presented a great opportunity for personal injury lawyers and personal injury and class action lawsuits.
An indication of the part that the Internet has played, or is playing in this, can be determined by the amount of money personal injury lawyers and law firms are spending to advertise their services on the Internet. Many of these Law Firms have entire websites dedicated to this subject. In fact much of the information in this article was culled from these law firms' websites.
The punch line on all these websites of course is that the mesothelioma victim should hire this law firm to represent them in a personal injury or class action lawsuit.
Most reader know that it is possible to buy ads that will be displayed on Search Engine results pages when certain keywords are searched on. The current record high payment for keyword advertising of this type is held by "mesothelioma" and "asbestos cancer". These law firms are currently paying more than any other seller of goods or services to attract visitors to their websites.
Is this good or is this bad? Obviously the law firms feel that there is a great deal of money to be made in these personal injury suits, but what about the mesothelioma victim? For him/her these lawyers, and law firms, may represent the only chance for adequate medical care and the means to support their families and live their lives with this debilitating disease.
Mesothelioma: The Summary
Mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, is a terrible disease. The length of time between exposure and the onset of the symptoms hangs over the heads of many people like a life sentence. Personal injury lawyers and attorneys are often derided and condemned, however for the victims of Mesothelioma they may represent the only means of securing the funds to treat the disease or cope with the disabling impact of malignant mesothelioma.
For more information on Asbestos, Radon, Lead-based paint etc.
Please visit us at http://www.americanhomeinspectordirectory.com/
Article submitted by the American Home Inspector Directory
American Home Inspector Directory - Home Inspectors NationwideNational Directory of Home Inspectors. Search our database of Home Inspectors Free - Information on Home Inspections, Home Loans and Home Inspection Organizations.
Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer
Radon Testing and Information
Lead-Based Paint - Testing
Mesothelioma Research
Research offers hope of cure for mesothelioma. A laboratory mouse fully recovered from mesothelioma and built up immunity to further tumors during trials of a new mesothelioma research & treatment regime being tested by West Australian researchers.
Mesothelioma cells were transplanted into Mouse 5 before it was given a chemotherapy drug called coramsine, which is still in development, in combination with drugs to stimulate the immune system.
University of Western Australian researcher Richard Lake said Mouse 5 not only recovered from mesothelioma, which is presently regarded as incurable in humans, but rejected subsequent attempts to grow another tumor. Dr Lake said the principle of combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy was a relatively new one that was providing "extremely promising" results that could be applied to other human cancers.
"Combining the right sort of chemotherapy with the right sort of immunotherapy - this has been our strategy to try and understand how we might best develop useful combinations and therapies," Dr Lake said. In the trial, which is in its "very preliminary" stages, Mouse 5 was the only survivor, with two others dying of a coramsine overdose and another two put down after their tumors returned.
Full Story: Research offers hope of cure for mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Research & Foundations
See the list below for mesothelioma researches and foundations. Don't forget to do your homework for more information on each mesothelioma research and foundation and consult your doctor for more information.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Provides detail information on mesothelioma and all type of cancers. Visit NCI website for more information on mesothelioma research by NCI.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
To Protect America's Health from Toxic Exposures. The ATSDR provides information about asbestos and where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Visit ATSDR website for more information on mesothelioma research by ATSDR.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA regulates the general public's exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and the environment. Visit EPA website for more information on mesothelioma research by EPA.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
CPSC responsibilities for the regulation of asbestos in consumer products. You can either call their toll-free number or visit CPSC website for more information on mesothelioma research by CPSC.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is concerned with asbestos contamination of foods, drugs, and cosmetics and will answer questions on these topics. For more information, visit mesothelioma research by FDA.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Also provides information on asbestos mesothelioma which available here: HHS.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
A national nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease. For more information, visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation for mesothelioma research by MARF.org.
Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MESORFA)
The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America has a mission: fund research that will lead to the quickest cure for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure, has very few treatment options at this time. Since the year 2001, the foundation has funded the opening of the Mesothelioma Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Gill at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles.
For more free legal information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits, please visit Free Legal Information.
Mesothelioma cells were transplanted into Mouse 5 before it was given a chemotherapy drug called coramsine, which is still in development, in combination with drugs to stimulate the immune system.
University of Western Australian researcher Richard Lake said Mouse 5 not only recovered from mesothelioma, which is presently regarded as incurable in humans, but rejected subsequent attempts to grow another tumor. Dr Lake said the principle of combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy was a relatively new one that was providing "extremely promising" results that could be applied to other human cancers.
"Combining the right sort of chemotherapy with the right sort of immunotherapy - this has been our strategy to try and understand how we might best develop useful combinations and therapies," Dr Lake said. In the trial, which is in its "very preliminary" stages, Mouse 5 was the only survivor, with two others dying of a coramsine overdose and another two put down after their tumors returned.
Full Story: Research offers hope of cure for mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Research & Foundations
See the list below for mesothelioma researches and foundations. Don't forget to do your homework for more information on each mesothelioma research and foundation and consult your doctor for more information.
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Provides detail information on mesothelioma and all type of cancers. Visit NCI website for more information on mesothelioma research by NCI.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
To Protect America's Health from Toxic Exposures. The ATSDR provides information about asbestos and where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Visit ATSDR website for more information on mesothelioma research by ATSDR.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA regulates the general public's exposure to asbestos in buildings, drinking water, and the environment. Visit EPA website for more information on mesothelioma research by EPA.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
CPSC responsibilities for the regulation of asbestos in consumer products. You can either call their toll-free number or visit CPSC website for more information on mesothelioma research by CPSC.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is concerned with asbestos contamination of foods, drugs, and cosmetics and will answer questions on these topics. For more information, visit mesothelioma research by FDA.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Also provides information on asbestos mesothelioma which available here: HHS.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
A national nonprofit organization dedicated to eradicating mesothelioma as a life-ending disease. For more information, visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation for mesothelioma research by MARF.org.
Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MESORFA)
The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America has a mission: fund research that will lead to the quickest cure for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure, has very few treatment options at this time. Since the year 2001, the foundation has funded the opening of the Mesothelioma Laboratory under the supervision of Dr. Gill at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles.
For more free legal information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos Lawsuits, please visit Free Legal Information.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the linings of the heart, chest and abdominal cavity and is caused by exposure to asbestos, either first hand from working in (usually industrial) sites which used asbestos or second hand from coming into contact with the clothes of a family member who worked on one of these sites. It is a dangerous cancer because of its long latency period, 20 to 50 years, and because its initial symptoms are similar to normal colds or pneumonia. It is an expensive and hard-to-cure cancer, but a mesothelioma lawyer can help you win the compensation owed to you by the business that put you in contact with the deadly asbestos.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help you to get the compensation you deserve so that you and your loved ones don't have to suffer the burden of the expense of treatment on top of the burden of having the cancer. On average, mesothelioma cases that go to trial result in the awarding of $6 million. Isn't it worth it to take a chance and see how much you can get? Also, most mesothelioma lawyers are on a contingency fee, so they only receive payment if they win your case, so even if you do lose, you won't have the obligation to pay for the legal proceedings.
Victims of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure should find legal aid in order to get financial compensation. If your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure, you are entitled to take your case to trial. Also, you can claim financial compensation from the asbestos industry. You can claim social security disability or disability insurance or worker's compensation since employers are responsible for the safety of their employees.
Eligibility to take your case to trial will depend upon the statue of limitations, your ability to identify your exposure to the asbestos, and the company(ies) responsible. If you are the family member of someone who died from asbestos related mesothelioma, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit. With the statue of limitations, it is important to file your suit as soon as possible after your diagnosis. You should find a good lawyer trained in mesothelioma lawsuits soon to help you recover financial compensation.
Contact an experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer today.
Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer associated with a major Mesothelioma Lawfirm today at hugesettlements.
A mesothelioma lawyer can help you to get the compensation you deserve so that you and your loved ones don't have to suffer the burden of the expense of treatment on top of the burden of having the cancer. On average, mesothelioma cases that go to trial result in the awarding of $6 million. Isn't it worth it to take a chance and see how much you can get? Also, most mesothelioma lawyers are on a contingency fee, so they only receive payment if they win your case, so even if you do lose, you won't have the obligation to pay for the legal proceedings.
Victims of mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure should find legal aid in order to get financial compensation. If your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure, you are entitled to take your case to trial. Also, you can claim financial compensation from the asbestos industry. You can claim social security disability or disability insurance or worker's compensation since employers are responsible for the safety of their employees.
Eligibility to take your case to trial will depend upon the statue of limitations, your ability to identify your exposure to the asbestos, and the company(ies) responsible. If you are the family member of someone who died from asbestos related mesothelioma, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit. With the statue of limitations, it is important to file your suit as soon as possible after your diagnosis. You should find a good lawyer trained in mesothelioma lawsuits soon to help you recover financial compensation.
Contact an experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer today.
Find a Mesothelioma Lawyer associated with a major Mesothelioma Lawfirm today at hugesettlements.
Mesothelioma in the UK
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the external lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). The disease has been linked to exposure with asbestos dust. Cancer of this kind is uncommon and rarely is a result of anything other than asbestos exposure. It is also very difficult to diagnose. Tumors of the mesothelieum can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Most mesothelial tumors are malignant. However this disease is not very responsive to therapy.
Between a person's first exposure to asbestos and the onset of this disease can be anywhere from 15- 60 years. By the time symptoms first appear and the cancer is diagnosed, the disease is often in its advanced stage. The average survival time is one to two years. If found early enough almost half of the patients reach the two year mark and approximately twenty percent survive five years.
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath, abdominal pain, a persistent cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, muscle weakness, pain in the lower back or side of the chest and sensory loss. Many people mistake the symptoms of this disease for other common everyday ailments and do not seek treatment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published statistics regarding work related mesothelioma deaths in the UK, spanning the years 1981- 2000. The study was published in 2003. The statistics showed that the highest rates of mesothelioma deaths in men were in West Dumbartonshire, Barrow-in-Furness, Plymouth, Portsmouth and South Tyneside, which were areas that were involved in shipbuilding, thus the high incidence of asbestos.
Other areas, which were considered high risk, were areas that were situated close to, or contained railway engineering sites. These areas included Crewe, Eastleigh and Nantwich. Also high risk was Barking, Dagenham and Newham, which housed factories that made asbestos products.
The mortality rate for mesothelioma related deaths showed higher in men than in women. The average for women was approximately fifteen percent of the annual deaths due to this disease. The results for women were considered less reliable but showed the following: the areas with the greatest incidence of death for women included Barking and Dagenham (because of asbestos factories), Sunderland (manufacturing and shipbuilding) and Blackburn with Darwen (gas masks were manufactured in this region during the war).
* The statistics for this study are available on the HSE website which can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/area8100.pdf.
Anika Logan is a freelance writer and librarian who writes on a variety of topics including fashion and beauty, food and dining, entertainment, weddings, writing, home improvements and alternative medicine. She is new contributor to http://www.mesothelioma-24-7.com.
Between a person's first exposure to asbestos and the onset of this disease can be anywhere from 15- 60 years. By the time symptoms first appear and the cancer is diagnosed, the disease is often in its advanced stage. The average survival time is one to two years. If found early enough almost half of the patients reach the two year mark and approximately twenty percent survive five years.
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath, abdominal pain, a persistent cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, weight loss, nausea, muscle weakness, pain in the lower back or side of the chest and sensory loss. Many people mistake the symptoms of this disease for other common everyday ailments and do not seek treatment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published statistics regarding work related mesothelioma deaths in the UK, spanning the years 1981- 2000. The study was published in 2003. The statistics showed that the highest rates of mesothelioma deaths in men were in West Dumbartonshire, Barrow-in-Furness, Plymouth, Portsmouth and South Tyneside, which were areas that were involved in shipbuilding, thus the high incidence of asbestos.
Other areas, which were considered high risk, were areas that were situated close to, or contained railway engineering sites. These areas included Crewe, Eastleigh and Nantwich. Also high risk was Barking, Dagenham and Newham, which housed factories that made asbestos products.
The mortality rate for mesothelioma related deaths showed higher in men than in women. The average for women was approximately fifteen percent of the annual deaths due to this disease. The results for women were considered less reliable but showed the following: the areas with the greatest incidence of death for women included Barking and Dagenham (because of asbestos factories), Sunderland (manufacturing and shipbuilding) and Blackburn with Darwen (gas masks were manufactured in this region during the war).
* The statistics for this study are available on the HSE website which can be found at http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/area8100.pdf.
Anika Logan is a freelance writer and librarian who writes on a variety of topics including fashion and beauty, food and dining, entertainment, weddings, writing, home improvements and alternative medicine. She is new contributor to http://www.mesothelioma-24-7.com.
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