8/26/2009

What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

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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.

how to peritoneal mesothelioma...

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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.

8/13/2009

How To Proceed With The Mesothelioma Lawsuit

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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.

8/08/2009

asbestos disease mesothelioma...

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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.

epithelioid mesothelioma

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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.

8/04/2009

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

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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.

Mesothelioma Law Firms Overview...

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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.

Dallas mesothelioma lawyer : mesothelioma attorney dallas...

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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.

8/03/2009

Mesothelioma Prognosis and Placenta Growth Factor...

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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.



Mesothelioma Doctors List...

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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.

 

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