Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma- Important Facts for You to Know

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma's rare form of cancer that affects the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen. Every year, around 100-500 early cases are seen in the United States. It is known as abdominal mesothelioma as the peritoneum protects and lines the abdominal cavity and the organs situated in the abdominal cavity. There are two layers of the peritoneal membrane called visceral and parietal layers. The visceral refers to the inner layer covering of the organs and the parietal refers to the outer layer covering of the abdominal cavity.The peritoneal membrane cells attacked by mesothelioma normally secrete lubricating fluids into the peritoneum, this allows for frictionless smooth movements of the organs in the abdominal cavity. However when these cells are transformed into cancerous abnormal cells, they begin to over secrete this fluid leading to a gradual fluid build up in the abdomen.

Abdominal Mesothelioma is usually secondary to a primary source of the malignancy, which is Pleural mesothelioma. It is believed that the asbestos fibers might be ingested when swallowed, where they enter digestive tract or that the fibers are inhaled into the lungs and transported via the lymphatic system to the abdominal cavity. Cancer cells from the primary source able to also become mobile and spread via the lymphatic system to other areas, this process is called metastasis.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

- Abdominal pain,

- Swelling of the abdomen which might be caused by fluid retention (ascites)

- Tumor growth into the intestine making small or large bowel obstruction

- Anemia-low blood level, which causes decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and makes the heart work harder, also causing shortness of breath

- Weight loss, but you may appear bigger around the waist

- Fever.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in your lifetime and you are having any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately.

Relatives of the mesothelioma victim are also at risk of developing the cancer. Spouses who handled dirty clothes to launder them are at risk to having asbestos transferred to them via physical contact with the fibers. Now that more is known about asbestos, workers must bathe and replace clothes before going home. Special concern is taken to limit exposure to the asbestos fibers.

Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is similar to that of pleural mesothelioma. An x-ray will be taken. Mesothelioma cannot be seen on an x-ray, but a tumor may cause pleural effusion (fluid buildup) which could be seen. The doctor may also order a CT scan or an MRI to back up and add to the findings in the x-ray. Once the scans are done, a biopsy must be done to examine to tissue. The doctor will make a cut through the chest wall; this procedure is called a thorascopy. This will be done in the hospital under local anesthesia.

The doctor may also perform a peritoneoscopy, which involves surgically inserting a scope into the abdomen to visualize the tumor cells and take tissue samples for biopsy. The procedure is similar for both thoracic and abdominal examinations. Samples of tissue obtained will be examined by the pathologist under the microscope.

Mesothelioma is quite rare, so if you are diagnosed with it, you should have your doctor help you find a specialist who is well versed and experienced in the treatment of the illness and there are not many of such specialists. There is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, but there are treatment options that include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and others. The life expectancy of someone with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma varies from person to person. The prognosis depends on how vigorously the cancer is treated and how the patient responds. The patient may live for years, or exclusively for a few months.

Tags: malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Read more!

malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma's neoplasm arising from the serosal lining of the peritoneal as well as pericardial cavities. Primary tumors arising from the peritoneal mesothelioma are extremely rare. The accurate diagnosis of the diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma is important due to it almost invariably has a fatal outcome. In numerous cases, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is not diagnosed until after surgery or autopsy. The distinction of the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma from tumors metastatic to the serosal membranes able to often be made based on the happens of histochemical studies.The most frequent symptoms of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are difficulty in breathing, chest pain, or both. Other symptoms include weight loss, fever, night sweats, cough, and a general feeling of not being well, although these symptoms are not as common.

The standard treatment for the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is not curative. Aggressive treatment will enable many patients to experience long-term survival, but it is still unclear whether overall survival rates would be significantly changed by different treatments or combinations of treatments. There are different treatments available for the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, depending upon the state of its diagnosis. For stage one, that is localized malignant peritoneal Mesothelioma, standard treatments are malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, intracavitary mesothelioma, intracavitary chemotherapy following resection.

For stages 2 to 4, that is advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, treatments available are symptomatic treatment to include drainage of effusions, chest tube pleurodesis, or thoracoscopic pleurodesis, palliative surgical resection in selected patients, palliative radiation therapy, single-agent chemotherapy, and multimodality clinical trials.

To date, here are no treatment approaches that have been shown to improve survival or control symptoms for a prolonged period of time. But with the advancement in the field of technology and medicine, there is hope that some day, physicians will be able to defeat the tumor and come out with some life-saving treatment against this dreadful tumor.

Mesotherapy provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.

Tags: malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Read more!

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

And even when the symptoms do become evident, which able to take many decades, the symptoms are so generalized and non-specific that they could be put down to any number of more frequent diseases. This makes it hard for even experienced physicians to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with Mesothelioma patients. The symptoms of this disease can often be confused with pneumonia during its early stages.Some Common Symptoms Some of the most common symptoms of Mesothelioma of all three types are shortness of breath and chest pains. This might be accompanied by a persistent cough, and these entire symptoms stem from the build up of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity, well-known as pleural effusion.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma In pleural effusion, an accumulation of fluid happens between the parietal pleura (the pleura covering the chest wall and diaphragm) and the visceral pleura (the pleura covering the lungs). Both of these membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is absorbed by blood and lymph vessels maintaining a balance. When much fluid forms, the result is an effusion.

This type of the disease starts in the chest cavity and can then spread to other parts of the body. Pleural Mesothelioma sufferers might begin to show severe breathing difficulty, weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a rasping voice and initiate coughing up blood. However, there are other patients that may not show any significant symptoms at all.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma The symptoms for patients who worsen from peritoneal Mesothelioma (a rarer form of the disease) are slightly different. This type of the disease starts in the abdomen and can spread form there. Patients of peritoneal Mesothelioma can display abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. They can also suffer breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal wall. Bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood clotting may also affect peritoneal Mesothelioma patients.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma The rarest form of this disease is pericardial Mesothelioma, which starts in the cavity surrounding the heart. With pericardial Mesothelioma, the tumors grow in the tissues that surround the heart and can spread from there. Pericardial Mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations.

Don't Lose Hope Most people who have worked with asbestos in the past do not begin to show symptoms of Mesothelioma until thirty to forty years later. By this time, the disease is already spreading and with the delay in diagnosis, makes it unachievable to treat in many cases before it is too late. However, the cause, effects and symptoms of Mesothelioma are now becoming more widely known by professionals and lay people. This awareness, coupled with the current clinical trials that are being carried out by a variety of organizations gives patients the hope that an effective treatment'll one day be available for all stages of the disease.

Tags: Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Read more!

how to peritoneal mesothelioma...

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagram
Once asbestos is inhaled it could affect many of the body's different organs such as the throat, lungs, stomach, heart and testicles.
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Of the 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States annually, 10 to 20 percent of the patients are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen, in the mesothelial cells that form a membranous layer called the peritoneum.The peritoneum is a membranous layer that is made up of two 'sub-layers' called the parietal and visceral layers. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds abdominal organs. Together these two layers give back up and protection for abdominal organs and the abdominal cavity as a whole.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, like completely types of mesothelioma, is caused by asbestos exposure. Though it can take many years for a patient to demonstrate symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer develops when the asbestos fibers become lodged in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.

A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis can leave patients and their loved ones confused and questioning what to do next. We offer a complimentary packet for peritoneal mesothelioma patients containing information about their specific diagnosis, treatment options and top doctors. To receive this packet overnight, click there .
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

A patient with peritoneal mesothelioma might not demonstrate symptoms of the cancer for 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure since it often takes years for mesothelioma to manifest. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, asbestos fibers travel into the peritoneal layers where they cause irritation and inflammation and the development of cancerous cells which divide and grow uncontrollably. The cells cause thickening of the peritoneum and fluid build-up in the peritoneal layers. As the cancerous cells continue to divide overtime, tumors takeoff to form. Most peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are caused by this membrane thickening, fluid build-up, and eventual tumor development, all of which put pressure on internal organs.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

* Abdominal pain or swelling
* Changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation)
* Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
* Night sweats or fever
* Unexplained weight loss
* Nausea or vomiting
* Fatigue
* Anemia

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis

X-rays are the most common scans used to support diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma.
A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. The process begins with a thorough examination of a patient's medical history and physical condition, followed by sophisticated diagnostic testing e.g. imaging and fluid and tissue tests.

Imaging tests such as x-rays or CT scans are used to detect any abnormalities in the body and a biopsy is usually performed to affirm that the cancer involved is indeed mesothelioma. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal of fluid or tissue from the peritoneum.

After the biopsy, the fluid and tissue is tested in a laboratory for the presence of mesothelioma cells. If the biopsy returned reveals that a patient has peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor, together with the patient,'ll detail a treatment plan.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatments

Though treating peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult since the cancer has typically progressed to later stages of development, doctors typically recommend treatment to patients to combat the cancer and aid in pain relief. Common treatments used for patients with mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation . Chemotherapy medications and radiation therapy target and kill cancerous cells that rapidly divide.

While no well-known cure for peritoneal mesothelioma exists, patients may elect to undergo a combination of treatments or participate in clinical trials to alleviate pain and increase the quality of life. Clinical trials are studies that qualifying patients may participate to test up-and-coming medications and treatments. All potential treatment options and medications must go through clinical trials before they are deemed safe and effective.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is just one effective form of peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.
Some peritoneal mesothelioma patients may opt for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, where medications are injected directly into the peritoneum suddenly following surgery. In many cases, patients may first go through radiation therapy to shrink tumors before undergoing surgery.

Many patients, however, are not good candidates for surgery since mesothelioma has often spread too extensively or due to the patient's general health is too poor to cope with the stress of surgery. These patients may elect to participate in palliative treatment options that do not attempt to cure a patient, but work to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.


How Does Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

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

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

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

The exact way in which asbestos fibers cause changes in these mesothelial cells is uncertain. One theory is that asbestos fibers cause long-term inflammation and irritation that eventually causes mesothelial cells to become cancerous. When cells become cancerous, they lose the ability to regulate their own division and growth. Cancerous mesothelial cells divide and grow without restraint, and this uncontrolled cell growth causes thickening of the peritoneum, and the build-up of fluid in the peritoneal layers. Overtime, as cancerous cells continue to divide, tumors form.

Tags: peritoneal mesothelioma

Read more!

How To Proceed With The Mesothelioma Lawsuit

You are the unfortunate victim of a number of conditions? Mesothelioma is? They are really a poor type. It is not your fault because you had to save your life. It is not his fault that were definitely in the dark, these adverse reactions that are in your body, why did you have in a company for asbestos years. With a deep sigh and a heavy heart,the diagnosis was confirmed that there are, for the deadly cancer.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textDon \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 't give up
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThis is expenditure, which was won for the treatment of the disease. But he won \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 't you, that those who are responsible for your state at least punish?
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textYou must notify immediately any form of hitting the door of the court. Mesothelioma is since 1929 is considered a legal case, irrespective of a disease.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textApproach mesothelioma lawyer
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textMake up your mind fast, which takes you where in the world and the fight for law and justice. It is preferable for more information on the rights of enterprises, especially mesothelioma, the work of lawyers. You can use the Internet in this respect and to provide timely information.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textTry to connect to an experience and a little 'older lawyer. Now, there is no hard and fast rule, but lawyers familiar with her breasts and things, and cases of valid and logical reasons.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textYou must complete, and has done all these years. How did you know that finally you have cancer? What was your age, if you are a worker in companies with asbestos? If you are still there? What is the status of cancer? What type of treatment has been so far? What is the chance of survival, at least the prognosis? What is the amount of medical bills, you have already paid? This is the volume of applications, the lawyer is to do and you should be very clear to your lawyer. The family history and family doctors are taken into account.
Unable to perform Translation:invalid textThe event is the record of applications for every aspect of the genesis of the disease, the cause and the current situation that the person is not in any way withdrawn. His life is, for some days. But may be lucky to get out, go back to his family by the earnings. The \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ 's tragic, nor merit.

Tags: Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Read more!

asbestos disease mesothelioma...

The most common forms of asbestos disease are pleural plaques, asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Asbestosis's a chronic, prolonged lung disease that is caused by continuous inhalation of asbestos particles. However, asbestosis is not cancerous. The second form, mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks mesothelium and is most commonly found in the lung.Mesothelioma is rare or nonexistent in non-asbestos exposed populations but is becoming more common among asbestos-exposed individuals. In the United States, there is no other well-known proven caused of mesothelioma other than asbestos. Unlike other forms of lung cancer, mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs and not a cancer that occurs inside the lung. Mesothelioma causes the cells of the mesothelium to become abnormal and infinitely reproduce.

A normal mesothelium cell (or any cell for that matter) able to exclusively reproduce a certain amount of times. This keeps certain cells from invading other cells. Cancer occurs when those cells become mutated and their limits are removed, allowing them to reproduce uncontrollably. These abnormal cells then form a lump that is known as a tumor. In a benign tumor the abnormal cells do not spread into surrounding areas, but malignant tumors do have the ability to spread. If the tumor is left untreated then it may spread and destroy the neighboring tissue. Sometimes cells could even break off the original tumor and spread to other organs and tissue through the bloodstream or the lympathic system. The lympathic system is part of the immune system. It is a complex system that includes the bone marrow, the thymus and the spleen, and lymph nodes throughout the body that are connected by a network of lympathic vessels. When the cancer cells reach a early site they may continue to divide and form a new tumor, which is referred to as a secondary tumor or a metastasis.

Mesothelial cells line the chest cavity, the abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart. They also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue that is formed by these mesothelial cells is called mesothelium. Mesothelium helps prevent the organs by producing a lubricating fluid that lets organs move around. This fluid makes it easier for the lungs to expand and move around inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium in the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium around the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. The mesothelium around the heart (or the pericardial cavity, a sac like space around the heart) is called the pericardium.

The asbestos disease mesothelioma has a long latency period, where it is present but not evident or active. The disease can lie dormant for ten to sixty years after being exposed to asbestos. Because of this, it is often hard to determine the cause of mesothelioma.

Tags: asbestos disease mesothelioma

Read more!

epithelioid mesothelioma

One of the most common forms of mesothelioma's the epithelioid mesothelioma that generally account for 50 to 70 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cancer cells. These are relatively uniform in shape and have a tubular pattern with a distinct cell nucleus. The individual cells are shaped like cubes.Epitheliod mesothelioma makes up between 50% and 70% of all diagnosed cases of mesothelioma, it tends to have the best mesothelioma prognosis. Because of the similarity between adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma cancer cells, they are often confused and mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed. Inspection of the cancer cells under high-powered microscopes and identification of unique characteristics of the chemical properties of the cells can support make the proper diagnosis.

The most common and relatively treatable form of the cancer is epithelioid mesothelioma. Under a microscope this type of the disease is seen as a papillary or tubular growth and generally affects membranes and tissues that cover organs and different internal bodily surfaces. Between 50-70% of mesothelioma cases fall into this category, and this type is most probably to respond to treatment

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the most important form of the disease, as it rarely responds to any treatment whatsoever. Fortunately it is also the rarest, as it exclusively strikes 10-20% of patients with mesothelioma. It appears as spindle-shaped pattern of cells that overlap one another, and generally arises from back up tissues such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and fat. Death usually occurs within six months of diagnosis of sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

Biphasic Mesothelioma
Biphasic mesothelioma is not a condition unto itself, but rather it is a combination of the other two types. It can take on both the good and bad aspects of sarcomatoid and epithelioid mesotheliomas and 20-35% of all mesothelioma cases are mixed or biphasic.

Epithelioid Mesothelioma is truly the deadly scourge of the 21st century. Because it takes decades before the first symptoms appear, many health professionals believe that there will be a mesothelioma epidemic in the decades to come. If you or someone you love was the victim of this deadly disease, you must consult one of our dedicated and experienced mesothelioma attorneys today. You might be entitled to compensation for your discomfort and suffering.

Prognosis and Treatment
Generally, every of the types of mesothelioma including epithelioid mesothelioma are treated the same way, as mesothelioma treatment is based on the location and stage of the cancer, rather than the types of cells involved.

However, there are distinct differences in the way each type of cancer responds to treatment. In general, patients with malignant epithelioid mesothelioma have a better prognosis than patients with either sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma, thus treatment may not be as aggressive.

Tags: epithelioid mesothelioma

Read more!

Mesothelioma Law Firm with Experienced Asbestos lawyers-Mesothelioma attorneys for your asbestos mesothelioma lawsuits

Mesothelioma is a deadly illness caused most of the time by asbestos, a natural mineral used in industries. This deadliest disease affects the lining of the various organs like lungs, heart, abdomen and other regions. Mesothelioma may take many years to develop in a person who has been exposed to asbestos.If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or asbestos related cancer, you may be entitled to millions of dollars in damages set aside by companies. -- YOU HAVE RIGHTS. GET THE JUSTICE YOU DESERVE AND EASE YOUR FINANCIAL BURDEN

If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, you have probably been exposed to asbestos before and you have the right to make a litigation to have a suitable compensation from the manufacturing company that let him/her to deal with Asbestos. The Mesothelioma settlement able to reach millions of dollars for your asbestos lawsuits

To make good Mesothelioma litigation, then it is always best in these circumstances to talk to a good Mesothelioma asbestos lawyer who will help you in your right to make a claim for a suitable compensation which could reach millions of dollars.

The National Law Firm named MYMesoRights as the plaintiff's hot list. This firm is considered as one of the top most law firms for mesothelioma case types. They give clients and their families the care and respect they deserve. They know that each case is unique, and every Mesothelioma victim is a person whose life has been destroyed by a little of irresponsible company or distributor of asbestos.

Our asbestos mesothelioma law firm has helped thousands of people recover over $1 billion* in settlements to help ease the burden of this tragic disease. Contact us now and we'll have someone working on your case in less than 24 hours.

Headquarters of MYMesoRights are in Pleasanton, California, but they serve the entire United States and have successfully represented clients in almost every state. Make a call to toll-free number 1- 800-916-0765 if you 'd like to consult with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer at no cost.

Tags: mesothelioma law firms, mesothelioma attorney dallas, Dallas mesothelioma lawyer

Read more!

Mesothelioma Law Firms Overview...

Mesothelioma law firms are those with lawyers who have experience handling mesothelioma cases. Experienced mesothelioma law firms can evaluate your case to

* See if you may be entitled to any compensation
* Help you find out if as well as how you were exposed to asbestos
* Find out who may be responsible for your illnessWhen you work with an asbestos or mesothelioma law firm, they may consult you to provide completely the necessary information and a lawyer or team of lawyers'll research, evaluate, and prepare your case as warranted. They are familiar with some statutes of limitations, or time limits and other factors that may affect whether you have a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Mesothelioma law firms can act as an advocate for you so that you do not have to worry about courts and case details. If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, you may be focused on treatments and care giving. Mesothelioma law firms can take care of the leg work of a lawsuit for you so you can focus on spending time with your family.

Knowing you have an experienced mesothelioma law firm working for you to help you receive compensation in your time of need can be very comforting for you and your family. For a free mesothelioma case evaluation by an experienced law firm, contact us today.

The explosion of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses in the United States and abroad as made such litigation a legal career all its own. Over the past thirty years, some unfortunate trends in the U.S. -- the federal government's abdication of regulatory responsibility, unregulated laissez-faire corporate capitalism, inhuman and parasitic greed on the part of corporations, and the refusal and failure of the U.S. government to recognize health care as the right of all citizens -- have converged to make the largest caused of legal action in modern history.

It's worth considering that had the federal government taken its responsibility toward its working citizens more seriously by subjecting industry to stringent safety regulations and provided free health care to all citizens, the amount of litigation would be a small fraction of what actually is today.

Sadly, the damage is done, yet the federal government and courts still exhibit a strong tendency to side with corporate interests. Fortunately, the few conscientious progressives in Congress and a small army of determined litigators committed to principles of justice continue to fight for victims' rights to recover damages caused by corporate disregard for human life and well-being in the name of profits.

A Brief History

The egregiousness of corporate malfeasance becomes horribly clear when it is understood that the toxic properties of asbestos have been known and documented since the days of the Roman Empire. The Romans were fascinated by the "magic mineral" that would not burn, yet could be woven into fabric like cotton or wool. Patricians knew the price of working with the substance, however; what the modern world knows as asbestos-related illness was called "The Slaves' Disease" by the idle rich of Rome (1).

The modern history of asbestos litigation starts in the late 19th Century. After half a century of asbestos manufacture and use as a building material, physicians were starting to look increasing numbers of respiratory illnesses among those who worked with asbestos. By 1897, a medical study by physicians in Italy identified asbestos dust as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory disease in a community of asbestos weavers (2). The same cause and effect was identified in British asbestos factories during the first ten years of the 20th Century.

By the 1920's, studies in the U.S. showed that asbestos workers were dying prematurely at a significantly higher rate than the general population, and by 1940, it was clear that asbestos exposure was the cause behind such deaths. Nonetheless, this information was suppressed by corporations and the federal government for another quarter-century. After a 1977 discovery of what came to be known as "The Asbestos Pentagon Papers" at the corporate headquarters of the Raybestos-Manhattan Company however, the truth could no longer be hidden (3).

Accountability

Since that time, well over six hundred thousand court actions have been taken against asbestos manufacturers as well as companies who used asbestos products. Despite the usual efforts on the part of corporations to abdicate their responsibilities through manipulation of the legislative process, the right of victims to hold them accountable has so far been upheld (4).

While there are many law firms able to competently represent a plaintiff in an asbestos case, it is worthwhile to do some due diligence. Because of the long latency duration of mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related disease, it requires a great deal of specialized knowledge and research in order to build a strong case. Often, gathering supporting evidence is a challenge; for this reason, it is best to select your representation from among a number of mesothelioma law firms. These firms typically have had a great deal of experience in asbestos litigation. To put it in colloquial terms, the attorneys who work for a mesothelioma law firm "know where the bodies are buried."

The fact is, successfully winning a plaintiff judgment in an asbestos case requires meticulous, time consuming research and the testimony of very specific witnesses. As told earlier, mesothelioma has a long latency period -- symptoms typically do not appear for anywhere from twenty to forty years after initial exposure. In that time period, businesses go under or are acquired by other businesses; memories become uncertain; witnesses disappear.

An increasing number of mesothelioma law firms are building and maintaining databases of information related to the asbestos industry, with digital archives of old documents, photographs, depositions and court records, and examples of case law and precedent. If the law firm you are considering has access to such a database, it is a good indication that they will be able to represent you successfully.

The best way to find good mesothelioma law firms is to contact the bar association in your state. They can refer you to a number of qualified firms and individuals.

The next step is to interview attorneys from at least three or four different firms. Before deciding upon legal representation, learn about the attorney's experience. How many asbestos cases has s/he handled? In how many of these cases did the judge find for the plaintiff? Will s/he be handling the case personally, or referring it to someone else? Is s/he or the firm wiling to represent you on a contingency basis? Will your case stand alone, or will it be part of a group action?

Once you've ascertained this information, it is a good idea to log onto martindale.com and check the firm's profile and rating (5).

Remember that monetary awards in mesothelioma can be huge, and thus pose a great attraction to less ethical elements in the legal profession. If someone in a pinstriped three-piece suit and $300 hairstyle hands you a card that says "You May Have Million-Dollar Lungs!," this is not someone you want to have handle your case.

Spending the extra time and effort to find a principled legal professional with your best interests in mind who understands asbestos litigation takes some detective work, but it is well worth the effort.

Tags: mesothelioma law firms, mesothelioma attorney dallas, Dallas mesothelioma lawyer

Read more!

Dallas mesothelioma lawyer : mesothelioma attorney dallas...

Choosing a Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyers to handle any legal dispute or other issue obviously requires important consideration before a decision on the right person or firm is made. The natural inclination will be to go to a known lawyer rather than a stranger. But if that person is not specifically equipped to handle the matter, in spite of the best of intentions it is likely to be mishandled and the case lost. It is better to get advice from known lawyers to acertain who will be the best lawyer to handle that particular case. They able to even give a personal recommendation. The integrity and ethics of the concerned lawyer are the most important factors to be taken into consideration after evaluating their competence. Lawyers or legal firms established in this line and known to get the best for their clients are the best choice for victims of Mesothelioma who are seeking redress.

Criteria to be considered in choosing a lawyer In sensitive issues like mesothelioma, it is important for the client to be completely at ease with the lawyer. The latter should be able to make the former feel totally free to discuss the problem in detail and at length. The client should feel fully confident in the lawyer and should not experience even the slightest doubt concerning commitment or competence. The client should make detailed enquiries about the character of the lawyer, and directly ask for certain information concerning the lawyers capability to handle mesothelioma cases. The first question to be asked is the number of years that the lawyer has been handling similar cases and how numerous such cases are being handled at that time. The method of charging legal fees and other expenses should be clarified.

The next step is to find out how many similar cases the lawyer has handled altogether and the percentage of successful cases. Details of all cases that were lost should be sought, and reasons for their inability to win those cases should be obtained. Details of cases that have gone into appeals and the

manner in which they were handles should be studied. Details of cases tried in court and those settled out of court should be studied. The client should ascertain whether the cases won were handled by this particular lawyer or whether they were handed over to another lawyer (or one from another firm) to be conducted. While the credit for successful cases will be taken personally, the accountability for unsuccessful cases may be concealed. At this point the client will have a reasonably good idea concerning the efficiency of the lawyer, and could decide whether to proceed further or not. If the details up to that point have been favorable, the next question to be asked is whether the case will be handled directly or whether it will be handed over to some other lawyer. If there is any possibility that the case may must be handled by another Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyers or firm either from the beginning or during the process, details of the concerned lawyer or firm should be obtained. If possible, they should be met and consulted.

Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyers There are many good lawyers in Dallas who handle mesothelioma cases. They generally handle cases related to sicknesses arising out of consumption, inhalation or contact with different toxic substances. Some of the better legal firms offer a team of lawyers who handle the case from beginning to end, even if it goes into appeal or out of court settlement. All the team members interact with the client personally to build up morale and confidence. They are trained to be sensitive to the emotional and psychological stress and strain that the client is likely to be experiencing. Residents of Dallas who need to file their cases in other areas could get the services of firms that have branches or associates in those areas. Some firms will consider the merits of a good case and conclude the trial in court rather than go for an out of court settlement.

The following is a record of a couple of Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyers who will handle mesothelioma cases. Though it is not exhaustive, it contains some of the more reputed names: FindLaw Legal Connection, Simmons Cooper LLC, Bailey Gaylen, Baron Budd, Law Office of John Couch, Cooney Conway, Roger G. Worthington. The following link will be useful: lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/firm/ Asbestos-Mesothelioma/Dallas/Texas Conclusion Residents of Dallas who are in the need of the services of a lawyer to handle mesothelioma cases will find it more comfortable to deal with a person known to them, preferably one who is nearby. There are several good lawyers located all over the city. Those from outside Dallas, who need the services of a lawyer to conduct the case in Dallas, can readily find good lawyers in their own area who have branches or associates in this city. Clients should get clear information on legal and other expenses involved, on the probable duration of time required to conclude the case, and a realistic idea on what will be the final amount in their hand after deducting expenses. Getting the opinion of other persons who have been through the same process will be a very good idea.

Tags: mesothelioma attorney dallas

Read more!

Mesothelioma Prognosis and Placenta Growth Factor...

Mesothelioma, like other cancers, grows as well as spreads through a process of angiogenesis, the growth of early blood vessels. Without a blood supply a mesothelioma tumor would starve and die. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a protein made by cells that stimulates new blood vessel formation. Therefore, treatments that slow down or interrupt VEGF in tumors could slow or stop the formation of blood vessels ("anti-angiogenesis") and thereby stop the growth and spread of cancer.
One type of VEGF is placenta growth factor (P1GF). A recent study investigated whether P1GF is over expressed in mesothelioma.1 If it is this could present a new therapeutic target. Specimens from twenty-seven patients with mesothelioma were compared with specimens from ten fit patients. The researchers found that P1GF was not expressed in the normal mesothelium of the healthy subjects. However, it was over expressed in eleven (41%) of the patients with mesothelioma.

In this study, the mean survival of the mesothelioma patients after extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) was 17 months, but the patients with the least P1GF expression survived the longest. In fact, no relationship was found between tumor stage and survival or between tumor stage and PIGF expression. This would suggest that P1GF plays a "pivotal role" in the recurrence and progression of mesothelioma after EPP.

There are many anti-VEGF therapies being tested in other cancers e.g. bevacizumab (Avastin), ranibizumab (Lucentis), sunitinib (Sutent), sorafenib (Nexavar), axitinib, and pazopanib. However, according to a study published in 2008 while anti-VEGF drugs can show therapeutic efficacy in animals and in some human cancers, "the benefits are at best transitory and are followed by a restoration of tumour growth and progression."2 Nonetheless, more recent studies suggest that P1GF is a promising target and might support alleviate therapeutic resistance for treatments that focus only on VEGF.3 In fact, in one recent study, "the administration of an anti-PlGF antibody was found to lead to a significant reduction of malignant mesothelioma cell survival."4
Although the science is just now developing, the understanding of the role of P1GF in mesothelioma and its achievable therapeutic targeting holds promise for mesothelioma sufferers.

Endnotes:
1. Pompeo E, et al., Placenta growth factor expression has prognostic value in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Aug;88(2):426-31.

2. Bergers and Hanahan, Modes of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy. Nature Reviews Cancer 8, 592-603 (August 2008).

3. Loges S, et al., "Antimyeloangiogenic" treatment for cancer by inhibiting PlGF. Clin Cancer Res. 2009 Jun 1;15(11):3648-53. Epub 2009 May 26.

4. Albonici L, et al., Placenta growth factor is a survival factor for human malignant mesothelioma cells. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2009 Apr-Jun;22(2):389-401.

Tags: mesothelioma treatment, mesothelioma treatment options, of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma News

Read more!

Mesothelioma Doctors List...

This is a record of physicians who reportedly treat mesothelioma patients. Their appearance on this website is not a recommendation. You should treat these doctors as you would any unknown physician and consult many questions about their experience with different mesothelioma patients.
ArizonaLinda Garland, M.D.
Arizona Cancer Center - Hematology/Oncology
Tucson, Arizona
Tel. 520-694-CURE (2873)

Dr. Garland is an oncologist and the Director of the Arizona Cancer Center Clinical Lung Program where one of her specialties includes Mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
Helen J. Ross, M.D.
Mayo Clinic, Hematology/Oncology
Scottsdale, Arizona
Tel. 1-800-446-2279

Dr. Ross is a Thoracic Oncologist and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic. For more information, click here.
California
Robert B. Cameron, M.D.
UCLA Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
Tel. 310-794-7333

Dr. Cameron is the Director of Thoracic Oncology at UCLA Medical Center. He is board-certified in general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery. His research interests include lung cancer, esophageal cancer and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
David Jablons, M.D.
UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center
San Francisco, California
Tel. 1-800-888-8664 or 415-885-7777

Dr. Jablons is the Professor and Chief of the Section of General Thoracic Surgery at UCSF. He is Board Certified in General Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. For more information, click here.
Theirry Jahan, M.D.
UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center
San Francisco, California
Tel. 415-567-5581

Dr. Jahan is an relate clinical professor of medicine at UCSF. He specializes in the treatment of lung cancer, mesothelioma, sarcomas and endocrine tumors and the use of multiple treatments. For more information, click here.
Connecticut
Graeme L. Hammond, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Surgery
New Haven, Connecticut
Tel. 203-785-2704

Dr. Hammond is a professor with the Department of Surgery at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. He is board-certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. For more information, click here.
Florida
Lary A. Robinson, M.D.
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute at The University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Tel. 813-745-8412

Dr. Robinson is the Director of the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. For more information, click here.
Massachusetts
Raphael Bueno, M.D.
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Boston, Massachusetts
Tel. 617-732-6824

Dr. Bueno is the Associate Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery for Brigham and Women's Hospital. He is board certified in Surgery, Surgical Critical Care and Thoracic Surgery. His clinical interests include tracheal surgery, lung cancer and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
David J. Sugarbaker, M.D.
Brigham and Women's Hospital, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Boston, Massachusetts
Tel. 617-732-6824

Dr. Sugarbaker is Chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Malignant pleural mesothelioma has been a central focus of Dr. Sugarbaker's clinical and laboratory research. For more information, click here.
Scott J. Swanson, M.D.
Brigham and Women's Hospital/Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts
Tel. 617-732-6824

Dr. Swanson is board certified in Surgery and Thoracic Oncology and Thoracic Surgery. For more information, click here.
Nebraska
Dr. Brian Loggie
Creighton University School of Medicine
Omaha, Nebraska
Tel. 402-280-3273

Dr. Loggie is a Professor of Surgery, Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology, and Director of the Cancer Biology Program at Creighton University School of Medicine. His special interest include: Peritoneal carcinomatosis and malignant ascites, and peritoneal mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
New York
Manjit Bains, M.D., F.A.C.S
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York
Tel. 212-639-7450

Dr. Bains is board certified in Surgery and Thoracic Surgery and has clinical expertise in mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
Lee M. Krug, M.D.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York
Tel. 212-639-8420

Dr. Krug is a medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of thoracic cancers. He is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology. His research is focused primarily on small cell lung cancer and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
Valerie Rusch, M.D., F.A.C.S
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York
Phone: 212-639-5873

Dr. Rusch is a surgeon who treats patients with cancers of the lung, esophagus, mediastinum, and chest wall, including those with mesothelioma. She is board certified in surgery and thoracic surgery. For more information, click here.
Harvey I. Pass, M.D.
New York University Medical Center
New York, New York
Tel. 212-731-5414

Dr. Harvey Pass is the Director of the New York University Medical Center Division of Thoracic Surgery and is Chief of Thoracic Oncology. He is one of the world's leading authorities on mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
Robert N. Taub, M.D.
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia
New York, New York
Tel. 212-659-6815

Dr. Taub is Board Certified in Hematology, Allergy and Immunology, Internal Medicine and Oncology. Dr. Taub is involved in developing combined chemotherapeutic and surgical techniques to combat mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
North Carolina
David H. Harpole, Jr., M.D.
Duke University Health System
Durham, North Carolina
Tel. 919-668-8413

Dr. Harpole is Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs and a member of the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery in the Department of Surgery of the Duke University Health System. His clinical interests include thoracic oncology, and mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
Pennsylvania
Daniel Sterman, M.D.
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center
Philadelphia, PA 19104-4283
Tel. 215-614-0984

Dr. Sterman is Associate Professor of Medicine, Associate Professor of Medicine in Surgery, Director of Interventional Pulmonology, and Clinical Director, Thoracic Oncology Gene Therapy Program at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. He is involved in various studies involving mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
Texas
W. Roy Smythe, M.D.
Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center
Temple, Texas
Tel. 254-724-2595

Dr. Smythe is involved in the surgical diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma patients at the Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center. For more information, click here.
Washington, D.C.
Paul H. Sugarbaker, M.D.
Washington Cancer Institute
Washington DC
Tel. 202-877-3627

Dr. Sugarbaker is the Director of the Program in Peritoneal Surface Malignancy at the Washington Cancer Institute. His clinical interests include mesothelioma. For more information, click here.
Washington State
Eric Vallieres, M.D.
Swedish Medical Center
Seattle, Washington
Tel. 206-215-6800

Dr. Vallieres is a thoracic surgeon with the Swedish Medical Center. He is board-certified in general surgery and thoracic surgery. His areas of interest and expertise include mesothelioma and pleural diseases. For more information, click here.

Tags: mesothelioma treatment, mesothelioma treatment options, of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Doctors List

Read more!

Overview of Mesothelioma

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need all the information you could get about the illness and treatment options. This mesothelioma information will give you a better understanding of what the disease is, what causes it and how it is treated.What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, or cancer of the mesothelium, is diagnosed in about 2,000 to 3,000 individuals in the United States each year, and is becoming more common over time.

The mesothelium is a type of tissue formed by cells that surround the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and heart cavity. It protects the organs of the body by producing a fluid that allows the organs to move, as the lungs must do during breathing.

The most common form of mesothelioma is well-known as pleural mesothelioma, which starts in the chest cavity. About 75 percent of all mesothelioma is of this type, while 10 percent to 20 percent starts in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It is rare but not unknown to have a mesothelioma start in the heart cavity (pericardial mesothelioma) (1).

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Most people who develop mesothelioma get it caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a general name given to groups of minerals that could be separated into durable threads. Asbestos is resistant to heat, fire and chemicals and does not conduct electricity, so it has been used in many construction projects and in different uses through the years (2).

A person's risk of developing mesothelioma varies depending on how much asbestos that person has been exposed to and for how long. Many people who develop mesothelioma do so later in life, but it has been diagnosed in younger people and even in children.

Between 70 percent and 80 percent of all mesothelioma cases can be definitively traced back to asbestos exposure, and it is thought that the remainder are asbestos-caused, but without an evidence trail to prove it. Many studies have looked at the links between mesothelioma and asbestos workers.

The death rate from mesothelioma in people who worked with asbestos insulation was 344 times higher than the death rate in the general population. Research indicates that inside 15 years of initial exposure, about 6 percent of all asbestos workers over the age of 35 will die of the disease (3).

It is estimated that about 8 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos, either through occupational hazards, picking it up from the clothing of a family member or going to school or work in a building that contained asbestos. Its estimated that 10 percent to 15 percent of all public schools in America have asbestos in them - as many as 733,000 buildings (4).

Occupational exposure can come from working in the insulation, plumbing, electrical and construction industries, as well as from working with automotive brakes, boilers and in shipyards. People who do demolition work can also be exposed to asbestos, as well as people who live near asbestos factories or work in buildings where asbestos is present (5).

Most people don't contract mesothelioma until 30 to 45 years after their first exposure to asbestos, though the time between exposure and diagnosis can range from 10 to 65 years (6). This long latency period makes diagnosis more difficult, and also accounts for the continued incidence of mesothelioma even after asbestos became known as a threat; several patients who were exposed in 1960 are only now developing the disease. However, the incubation period is not always lengthy; particularly for children, it is possible to be exposed and become ill very quickly thereafter.

How does Asbestos Lead to Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is made of large numbers of tiny fibers that are easily inhaled by a person working with them. The body wants to break down and remove these foreign particles from the lungs, which causes inflammation.

The tiny asbestos particles can get into the smallest and most remote parts of the lungs and they can't be coughed out unless they stick to mucus in the air passages. They can also settle in the tissue around the chest cavity (pleura) or the stomach cavity (peritoneum), where they cause inflammation and lead to mesothelioma (7).

Asbestos fibers in the lungs can damage the organs by forming scar tissue, and the risk of lung cancer is seven times greater for people who have had asbestos exposure compared to people who have not had such exposure. In fact, the three main causes of death for people with intense asbestos exposure are this scarring of the lungs (also known as asbestosis), lung cancer and mesothelioma (8).

How is Mesothelioma Treated?

There are various factors that can impact how mesothelioma is treated, with what stage the cancer is in, the size of the tumor and whether it could be completely removed through surgery, the amount of fluid in the chest cavity, the type and location of the mesothelioma and the age and state of health of the patient (9).

Depending on all these factors, treatment can range from surgery to remove the tumor and a little of of the surrounding tissue, radiation treatment or chemotherapy, drug therapy or removal of part of the lung. There are many different combinations of treatments that are being used as part of clinical trials, including biologic therapy, which attempts to boost the immune system to preclude recurrences (10).

What are the Odds of Surviving Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a very severe disease, with an average survival time of about one year after diagnosis. That's because it is often in a late stage by the time it is diagnosed. The rate of people with mesothelioma who are still alive five years after diagnosis is about 10 percent, but the rate is steadily increasing. Most doctors say the outlook is more favorable for people who are diagnosed today (11).

Working with a doctor who has experience treating mesothelioma, as well as getting as much mesothelioma information as you can, will go a long way toward giving you or your loved one the best possible prognosis.

Tags: mesothelioma treatment, mesothelioma treatment options, of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma

Read more!

Symptoms of Mesothelioma...

of Mesothelioma
About 15% of Mesothelioma cases are found in the early stages, before the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or elsewhere. The 5 year survival rate for people with Mesothelioma is 50% if there is no evidence of cancer in lymph nodes at the time of surgery. Unfortunately, in most cases, the spread of cancer has already occurred even if not detected by current medical tests.When all Mesothelioma stages are considered together, the 5 year survival rate is only about 14%. Many early Mesothelioma are diagnosed incidentally - they are found as a because of tests that are done for an unrelated medical condition. Although Mesothelioma does not cause any symptoms until it has spread far to be cured, symptoms do happen in many patients with early Mesothelioma . Prompt attention to symptoms, heading to early diagnosis and treatment able to result in a cure for many patients. For others, prompt attention to symptoms can improve the likelihood that treatment can extend their life and relieve many of their symptoms.

Common signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma include:

* A cough that does not go away
* Chest pain, often aggravated by deep breathing
* Hoarseness
* Weight loss and loss of appetite
* Bloody or rust-colored sputum (spit or phlegm)
* Shortness of breath
* Fever without a known reason
* Recurring infections e.g. bronchitis and pneumonia
* New onset of wheezing
* When Mesothelioma spreads to distant organs, it may cause:
* Bone pain
* Neurologic changes (such as weakness or numbness of a limb, dizziness)
* Jaundice (yellow coloring of the skin and eyes)
* Masses near the surface of the body, due to cancer spreading to the skin or to lymph nodes (collection of immune system cells) in the neck or above the collarbone.

A. Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma cancer of the lung lining) include:
pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
shortness of breath
a persistent cough
difficulty swallowing food
fever and sweating
fatigue
weight loss.

These symptoms are common to many minor ailments and, therefore, may not cause a doctor to suspect mesothelioma.
Pleural Effusion-fluid in the Lungs
One of the most common and specific symptoms of pleural mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest cavity. This generally causes shortness of breath, and requires a doctor to drain the fluid, called fine-needle aspiration, to make breathing easier and relieve chest pain. This symptom is more unique to mesothelioma, producing it more likely that you may have the disease.

B. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal mesothelioma - mesothelioma of the lining of the stomach) include:
stomach pain
nausea and vomiting
weight loss.

Like pleural mesothelioma, these symptoms are also common to many minor ailments and, therefore, may not cause a doctor to suspect mesothelioma.

If you are curious in reading more about specific mesothelioma symptoms from different medical authorities, please visit the following links

Search Mesothelioma Medical's Arcive of Medical Journals
#6 Symptoms - National Cancer Institute Government Website
EPA.gov about midway down the page talks about Mesothelioma
OSHA.gov on Mesothelioma Symptoms

Tags: mesothelioma treatment, mesothelioma treatment options, of Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma

Read more!

mesothelioma treatment options...

How is Mesothelioma Cancer Treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma cancer depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined. * Surgery's a frequent treatment for mesothelioma cancer. The doctor might remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is removed.

* Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation treatment affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy).

* Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To improve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.

Are New Treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer Being Studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find early treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, physicians conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is risk less for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an essential treatment option for numerous patients with mesothelioma.

Tags: mesothelioma treatment, mesothelioma treatment options

Read more!

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Survival Rate...

Malignant pleural mesothelioma's the most common type of malignant mesothelioma. Many factors may be involved in determining the survival rate for this aggressive cancer; a little of are better understood than others. Estimates of median survival time range from one to two years; survival depends on underlying factors such as the type and extent of spread of the mesothelioma. Only seven percent of individuals with this cancer survive to five years after diagnosis, but this outlook is gradually improving with some promising experimental treatments. Some people live well beyond five years from the time of diagnosis.In general, younger age at diagnosis, absence of weight loss as well as limited loss of lung operate are associated with chances for increased survival. Stage I mesotheliomas, which have not spread to the lymph nodes or adjacent tissues and organs, carry the best prognosis. The type of cell the cancer is comprised of able to also affect survival. The epithelioid cell type has the best prognosis, the mixed or biphasic cell type the next best prognosis, and the sarcomatoid cell type the worst prognosis. The majority of malignant pleural mesotheliomas are of the epithelioid cell type.

Because this cancer takes so long to manifest, people are usually diagnosed at an older age and with more advanced disease, potentially worsening the prognosis and the treatment options available. The more aggressive the treatment, the better the outcome might be, but in cases with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy may be the only alternative. New drugs, such as the combination of Alimta with Platinol, have been shown to improve survival in malignant mesothelioma patients whose only option is chemotherapy. A number of experimental treatments, such as immunotherapy and biotherapy, are currently being evaluated in clinical trials.

Malignant Mesothelioma provides detailed information about malignant mesothelioma, diffuse malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, malignant mesothelioma lawyer and more. Malignant Mesothelioma is the sister site of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawyers.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers, survival mesothelioma

Read more!

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation achieves Federal appropriations for asbestos-cancer research...

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) has announced two historic victories in federal research funding to combat the deadly asbestos-related cancer.

Meso was just included as an eligible disease in the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, enabling meso investigators from across the nation to compete for research funding under the program's $45 million budget for 2007. At the same time, the National Mesothelioma Registry, which is being created through a 2006 year-end appropriation to the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), was just awarded another $1 million for 2007. The inclusion of meso in the DOD Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, and the allocation to NIOSH for the National Mesothelioma Registry, represent the first federal appropriations for meso research ever. They resulted from an intense advocacy effort by the Foundation. In May, Meso Foundation Executive Director Chris Hahn testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcomittee on the high proportion of military veterans who develop mesothelioma. He, the Foundation's government affairs representatives, the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Chairman Harvey Pass, M.D., and different scientific representatives met extensively with Senators and their staffs, educating them on the illness and the exciting potential for treatment breakthroughs if research funding were available. The Foundation organized a large grass-roots campaign, and many meso investigators, patients, families and volunteers contacted their states' Senators to urge their support.

"The meso community is incredibly excited about these research opportunities. Meso has been an orphan disease for far long. But, the growing energy and help by public leaders, committed investigators, and your patient community is helping to shine a spotlight on this deadly cancer. The commitment of these new federal dollars to support meso research is a reflection of the significant progress we've made," Hahn said.

The DOD Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program was established to provide funding opportunities for medical research projects of clear scientific merit and direct relevance to military health. "The connection between mesothelioma and military service makes it an appropriate and deserving area of research to include in the program," said Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, Meso Foundation Board Chairman. "We are also thrilled that in addition to the research opportunities through the DOD, the newly established National Mesothelioma Registry continues to receive considerable support."

The National Mesothelioma Registry was established as a pilot project through the FY 2006 LHHS appropriations legislation. Ultimately, the registry and associated tissue bank'll provide vital tools necessary to understand the disease better and advance meso research. NIOSH is expected to announce its initial grant award to commence the registry in the next two months.

"Our research community, physicians, patients and families are grateful to the continued support and leadership of our champions in the United States Senate. Together, we will continue to make strides against this deadly cancer," said Hahn.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers

Read more!

Mesothelioma may be caused by exposure to ultramafic rock...

Everyday exposure to naturally occurring asbestos increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma, according to a study by UC Davis researchers.

The study - the largest to examine the question - will be published this fall in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace, particularly in shipyards, has long been recognized as a risk factor for mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer affecting the lining of the lung. But in the new study, researchers found a consistent and dose-dependent association between mesothelioma and residential proximity to ultramafic rock, the predominant source of naturally occurring asbestos. "Our findings indicate that the risks from exposure to naturally occurring asbestos, while low, are real and should be taken seriously," said Marc Schenker, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences and the study's senior author. "This study provides important supportive evidence that naturally occurring asbestos causes mesothelioma - and public efforts should now shift to understanding the risk and how we could protect individuals from this preventable malignancy."

To put the mesothelioma risk in perspective, the disease kills about the same number of Americans every year as passive smoking. About 2,500 people a year die from mesothelioma in the United States, according to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health statistics. About 3,000 deaths a year are attributed to exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency statistics.

Ultramafic rock is distributed throughout the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges and Klamath Mountains in Northern and Central California, and has been a source of increasing interest as new housing developments cut through these areas. Of most concern are the areas of ultramafic rock associated with tremolite asbestos.

In their ambitious study, Schenker and his colleagues used California Cancer Registry data to identify 2,908 cases of malignant mesothelioma diagnosed between 1988 and 1997 in adults ages 35 and older. In most cases, the registry provided occupational history. As a control group, an equal number of age- and gender-matched pancreatic cancer cases was selected (since pancreatic cancer has no well-known association to asbestos exposure). For both the mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer cases, the researchers employed sophisticated geographic information system mapping to pinpoint home or street addresses for every diagnosed individual. A map from the California Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, served as the reference for ultramafic rock deposits. Finally, statistical adjustments were made for sex, occupational asbestos exposure and age at diagnosis.

The researchers found that the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma was directly related to residential proximity to a source of ultramafic rock. Specifically, the odds of having mesothelioma fell by 6.3 percent for every 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) farther a person lived from the nearest asbestos source. The association was strongest in men, but was seen in women. No such association showed up in the pancreatic cancer group. The study was not designed to determine the "ground zero" risk for those living closest to an asbestos source - exclusively to test for a relationship between proximity and risk.

"This is creative, painstaking epidemiology," said Jerrold L. Abraham, professor and director of environmental and occupational pathology at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, and a leading authority on mesothelioma. "The UC Davis researchers have shown a significant association between living near deposits of naturally occurring asbestos and mesothelioma. This is the strongest evidence possible without conducting one-on-one interviews with each diagnosed mesothelioma patient or his or her family."

Laurel Beckett, professor and vice chair of the UC Davis Department of Public Health Sciences and a study co-author, said the findings are important. "We showed that breathing asbestos in your community is not magically different from breathing asbestos in an industrial setting. It would have been a surprise to find otherwise."

Similarly, she said, it was no real surprise to scientists when passive smoking was found to cause lung cancer. "Like smoking, exposure to asbestos appears to be very dose-dependent," Beckett said. "Day-in, day-out occupational exposures are more dangerous than intermittent exposures in the community. But the more you can do to reduce your personal exposure, the safer you will be."

While the overall mesothelioma rate was about one case per 100,000 people per year in the California study, the rate varied markedly by gender and age. For white males, the rate was 2.29 cases per 100,000. For white females, it was 0.49. People over age 60 had ten times the rate of those ages 40 to 59.

Worldwide, epidemiological studies of mesothelioma have found occupational causes for most but not all cases of the disease. In a little of undeveloped areas of the world, including parts of Greece and Turkey, mesothelioma cases have been linked to use of naturally occurring asbestos in household materials e.g. whitewash. The UC Davis study suggests naturally occurring asbestos also causes mesothelioma in developed countries, through incidental, non-occupational exposures.

California has required statewide cancer reporting since 1985 and established the California Cancer Registry in 1988. One of the largest cancer databases in the world, the registry is responsible for collecting cancer incidence and mortality statistics for more than one tenth of the United States population. An estimated 98.9 percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed in California are reported to the registry.

The registry's size enabled researchers to identify an association that might not have been apparent in a smaller study.

Needed now are field studies to more accurately characterize determinants of exposure to asbestos fibers among residents in areas with naturally occurring asbestos, Schenker said. In addition, he said more must be learned about the types and size of fibers in asbestos deposits, the types of human activities that disturb asbestos fibers and the determinants of cancer risk in exposed populations.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers

Read more!

A Missouri Mesothelioma Lawyer Can Get Your Finances Solved...

If you have mesothelioma then a Missouri mesothelioma lawyer may be able to get you the financial help you need. There are more than 20 million people that have suffered from this terrible disease. If you ever worked in the construction, or shipping industry you may have been exposed to asbestos and these fibers are known to cause mesothelioma. A qualified Missouri mesothelioma lawyer can present your situation in a favorable light and get you the compensation you need.Many ex employees may not know what kind of compensation they may qualify for from a mesothelioma lawsuit. Several mesothelioma attorneys will get you the right kind of compensation to pay bills, or use for whatever your needs are.

You might ask, what is mesothelioma? Medical research has show that people that were severely exposed to asbestos nearly always develop this cancer. It is estimated that it affects almost 90% of people that had close exposure to this disease. If you are a mesothelioma victim get the financial compensation you deserve.

Get the financial security you and your family need through a mesothelioma lawsuit, and create awareness of asbestos and the dangers it causes, and help eliminate other mesothelioma victims. Let's not let our children have to ask, what is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is deadly, and when you inhale asbestos you will probably acquire the cancer. When the body breathes this dust into the lungs, it sticks to the lungs and cant be removed. The particles cause cancer cells to grow in the lung lining also known as mesothelia. That is why it is essential you get a good Missouri mesothelioma lawyer, one who knows what your life is worth.

Lots of mesothelioma attorneys can take on your mesothelioma lawsuit, but you need a qualified attorney because there are so many factors to deal with in this type of case. This type of case is not simple, and your attorney will need to present things favorably for you and prove that you are a mesothelioma victim, because many symptoms are similar to other diseases. Be sure you ask the Missouri mesothelioma lawyer you are thinking of choosing about his credentials and other cases he has had, and what awards he has been able to get for them.

If you or a family member has been affected by Mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos, you need to know your medical and legal options. Taking care of yourself is the #1 priority when you've been exposed to cancer causing materials. Finding a Missouri mesothelioma lawyer who can represent you and your family is an important choice.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers

Read more!

Advanced Malignant Mesothelioma And Its Treatment .....

Although chemotherapy and surgery are the most common forms of treatment, participating in clinical trials can provide you with alternative mesothelioma treatment options. Increased awareness of mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases has led to an increase on medical research to cure and control asbestos-caused cancers and related asbestos heart and respiratory diseases. Mesothelioma treatment and treatment options for advanced malignant mesothelioma are not limited to surgery and chemotherapy.Advanced malignant mesothelioma clinical studies with Cisplatin, now often used with chemotherapy, proved Cisplatin to be effective. Drugs produce a medical benefit by themselves, and they can produce a different benefit when combined with other drugs – a chemical reaction that produces a third result. Mesothelioma clinical trials with Gemcitabine proved Gemcitabine to be ineffective. Perhaps the most common clinical trials and mesothelioma treatment options for advanced malignant mesothelioma involve chemotherapy and drug combinations. However, mesothelioma clinical trials using Cisplatin and Gemcitabine together are proving to be even more promising. Finding the right drug combinations to slow tumor growth and contribute to improved pain management is one of the fastest paths to wide-spread availability of new mesothelioma treatment options.

Anti-angiogenic therapies focus on natural body substances that affect the mesothelioma cancer’s growth, including the use of drugs made of these substances to inhibit cancer growth factors. Advanced malignant mesothelioma patients have a higher vascular endothelial growth factor than patients with other cancers.Anti-angiogenic therapy are a biological therapy based on interfering with the blood vessels that the cancer needs to survive.

Immunotherapy is also classified as a biological therapy. It concentrates on building immunity to the cancer cells. Immunotherapy can involve vaccines, and in cases of mesothelioma, these are likely to be injected in the pleural region. IL-2 is made naturally by the body, and clinical trials have demonstrated its success at treating mesotheliomas in the early stages, mesothelioma stages one and two, but not effective in treating advanced malignant mesothelioma.

Photodynamic therapy has gained increase attention in many medical fields for various treatment options, including mesothelioma treatment. Photodynamic therapy uses light and heat to kill cancer cells. It has been successful in treating other cancers.

Gene therapy is also a biological therapy and explores using the body’s natural substances to treat mesothelioma stages. The medical premise is to replace the genes in cancer cells with healthy genes. Oncogenes contribute to the fast spreading of the cancer cells and tumor suppressor genes stop cells from spreading.

Mesothelioma treatment for advanced malignant mesothelioma is slowly finding new mesothelioma treatment options. It takes years to evaluate the clinical significance of a clinical trial and medical research to prove that a mesothelioma treatment option is a promising and viable alternative. Thorough medical research on mesothelioma treatment contributes to safe medical treatment options being widely-available to the public. Mesothelioma in any of its stages is dangerous, but with researchers working together, mesothelioma treatment options will be safer and mesothelioma research will someday find a cure.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers

Read more!

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Tests for Mesothelioma.....

Mesothelioma symptoms are progressively slow and take years to surface. Early medical testing to confirm the etymology of mesothelioma symptoms can add years on to your life, and can even offer you salvation from a normally fatal disease. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing mesothelioma symptoms, notify your doctor of any asbestos exposure and monitor your symptoms from their onset. Even short term asbestos exposure can result in non-fatal pleural diseases. Keeping a journal of your mesothelioma symptoms can assist you and your physician in medical diagnosis, and it may contribute to an asbestos claim.The symptoms of mesothelioma will differ based on their origin. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the lung area, peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the abdomen area, and pericardial mesothelioma starts dangerously close to the heart. Benign and malignant mesothelioma have similar symptoms, and similar tests. Weight loss
is a well-documented symptom in the majority of mesothelioma cases. Abdominal pain is a primary symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma. Both pleural mesothelioma symptoms and peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath.

Pleural mesothelioma medical tests look at the pleural lining, lung fluid, inflammatory conditions, tissue, blood counts and cells to help determine what type of pleural activity is going on inside your lungs. The tests will help diagnose whether your mesothelioma symptoms might be due to pleural effusion, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis or other asbestos caused diseases that aren’t necessarily as dangerous as pleural mesothelioma, but can be due to their respiratory nature.

A CT scan will identify pleural thickening better than a chest X-ray. MRI and PET scans can then determine whether the pleural disease is diffuse pleural thickening or if it is malignant pleural mesothelioma. Blood tests can also give an indication of the possibility of cancer. Once cancer is the suspected cause of your mesothelioma symptoms, a biopsy will take place. Thoracentesis removes pleural fluid for diagnosis. Thoracoscopy uses a “camera” (endoscope) inserted into the chest for diagnose and a sample of tissue is taken at that time. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the pleural region, but it will progress to attach other major body organs, such as the heart or abdominal area.

Abdominal pain and bowel restrictions are common peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms. If peritoneal mesothelioma is suspected after the traditional CT, MRI and PET scans, a peritoneoscopy or paracentesis is likely. Peritoneoscopy is done in the hospital with a camera-like instrument called a peritoneoscope. Peritoneal mesothelioma has also been incidentally discovered while performing similar procedures involving infertility examinations on women. A fluid sample is obtained in a process called paracentesis. This involves a needle going into your abdomen to get a sample of the fluid.

Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms always involve severe chest pain. This is a cancer invading the sac over the heart. The pericardial mesothelioma patient may even experience heart failure. Blood tests, CT scans, MRIs and PETs are just the beginning of pericardial mesothelioma medical tests. There will be pulmonary tests and potentially dangerous biopsies. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. The cancer is very rare, and many well-known diseases display the same symptoms as pericardial mesothelioma. It is often during surgery that pericardial mesothelioma is discovered, and then it is usually too late.

Mesothelioma symptoms can be suggestive of many cancers or diseases. Medical testing for mesothelioma symptoms requires a long battery of tests to discover symptom origins. Medical tests for mesothelioma symptoms can expedite mesothelioma treatment. Symptoms take decades to surface. Start recording your mesothelioma symptoms and start your tests early. It’s better to test for mesothelioma symptoms early, before it’s too late.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers Read more!

Read more!

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy...

Mesothelioma life expectancy at the time of diagnosis will traditionally be announced at being somewhere between a few months to only a year or two. Statistically speaking, mesothelioma life expectancy is frighteningly short. However, the mesothelioma life expectancy rate is a mere average, mean or median of mesothelioma patients with wildly different independent variables. Many of these mesothelioma patients have lived years past their expected “date of death” estimate.Mesothelioma treatment and mesothelioma treatment options for these patients differed. Physicians for some patients may have been more experienced than physicians for the less fortunate. Not all patients follow through with chemotherapy or cancer treatment plans upon hearing the low mesothelioma life expectancy statistics, and many are not in shape to handle surgery. Others fight to live for just one more day.

Survival stories that can affect mesothelioma life expectancy rates range from the rarer cases of a young woman being “cured” – or having no remittance for decades, to the extremes on the other side, an 80+ year old gentleman with lifetime asbestos exposure, smoking heavily and suffering from numerous pre-existing diseases who dies a month after diagnosis. Others die during surgery. Most mesothelioma patient circumstances are somewhere in between. Many mesothelioma sufferers and their life expectancy statistics go unrecorded. Mesothelioma life expectancy will depend on your individual variables, your medical treatment, and your perseverance and outlook.

Mesothelioma life expectancy diagnosis will always depend on how early or late the disease was discovered. Because mesothelioma has been largely unrecognized in the past, the bulk of mesothelioma life expectancy statistics are mesothelioma patients who were diagnosed late in the disease. A greater awareness of the disease exists in the medical community, and although the majority of physicians do not have experience treating mesothelioma, most are aware of the potential presence of mesothelioma if a patient has been exposed to asbestos, and can refer a potential mesothelioma patient to a specialist.

Early detection and early treatment leads to longer life expectancy. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos can be pro-active in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma and other asbestos-caused diseases. Patients can monitor their health and mesothelioma symptoms and begin early detection X-ray and CT scan tests. Mesothelioma patients can research mesothelioma treatment options available in clinical trials and discuss these with their physician. A physician can not be aware of every clinical trial that exists, and a mesothelioma patient’s own research could add years on to mesothelioma life expectancy.

Statistics for mesothelioma life expectancy will logically improve rather than become worse. Clinical trials on mesothelioma treatment options are increasing with an urgency to halt the disease. Many clinical trial participants live years past the initial diagnosis due to innovative mesothelioma treatment. Others may have participated in a mesothelioma clinical trial that was not as successful, but their participation has cleared the way to successful mesothelioma treatment for others. Chemotherapy and drug combinations have been proven to lengthen mesothelioma life expectancy. Imaging and radiation technology has made significant advances.

Mesothelioma life expectancy can pass the low mesothelioma life expectancy rates of the past. Nobody in the statistics of mesothelioma has the identical combination of the physical, emotional, and environmental variables that you do. Medicine advances, it does not go backwards. Mesothelioma treatment and mesothelioma treatment options for your early stage or advanced malignant stage mesothelioma will be up to you. There is a strong chance that you can defy mesothelioma life expectancy statistics. Research. Stay alert to new mesothelioma treatment options. And look at yourself, not statistics.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers

Read more!

Peritoneal Mesothelioma.....

There is a lot of depressing information on the internet about peritoneal mesothelioma and the survival associated with this cancer. Reading it you would think that no one has ever survived peritoneal mesothelioma beyond a year or so. This information is far from comprehensive. To help balance some of the negative information that is so prevalent on the Web, we present some case histories of long-term peritoneal mesothelioma survival as published in the peer reviewed medical literature. 9 Years +

In November 1979, a 73 year-old man had abdominal pain and distension and was found to have an abdominal mass. A laparotomy was performed that revealed peritoneal malignancy with ascites. A biopsy demonstrated that the tumor was malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. No special treatment was recommended other than draining of the ascites. In spite of the continuing ascites and the gradually-enlarging abdominal masses, the patient enjoys good health, and lives independently at home. How many more years (in excess of 9) this patient lived with peritoneal mesothelioma is not known.

See: Norman, P.E. and Whitaker, D., Nine-Year Survival in a Case of Untreated Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Med J Aust 1989; 150: 43-44.

15 Years +

A woman was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. She had surgery (“total excision”). Seven years later the peritoneal mesothelioma recurred and she had another surgery (“reexcision”). She remains well 15 years after the initial diagnosis. The patient did not receive chemotherapy.

See: Asensio, J.A., et al., Primary Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Report of Seven Cases and a Review of the Literature, Arch Surg; Nov 1990, 125, 1477-1480.

17 + Years

In 1962, a 31 year-old woman had abdominal pain for several months and a mass was detected. She underwent exploratory laparotomy which found tumor nodules spread throughout her abdomen. The diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma was made. Complete surgical removal of the tumor was not possible. She was treated with radioactive phosphorus, radiation, and oral chemotherapy (cytoxan). She remained well for 17 years. In 1979 she had recurrent peritoneal mesothelioma. She was treated with cytoxan again and continued to live as of the writing of the published medical report.

Tags: Mesothelioma, mesothelioma lawyers houston, mesothelioma lawyers

Read more!