Information for
victims of the lung cancer mesothelioma

 

We provide general mesothelioma data, stages of the cancer, treatment options, treatment by stage, more asbestos related problems, as well as links and information about legal help if needed from an asbestos attorney/mesothelioma lawyer.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs (pleura), or around the abdominal organs (peritoneum).

Mesothelioma

The law limits the amount of time after a patient incurs an injury to file suit.

The amount of time varies based on the theory of liability and the state in which the patient files the suit.

If you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma – or has died as a result of it –  contact us.

We can help you understand your rights and options, and ensure that you have the opportunity to seek compensation for your injuries.

   

 

What does asbestos have to do with mesothelioma?

The only known cause of mesothelioma in the United States is previous exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos manufacturers knew about the hazards of asbestos seventy years ago - but they kept this knowledge to themselves. The first warnings given to workers exposed to asbestos were in the mid-1960s, and they were terribly inadequate. Even today, workers are not always told they are working around asbestos and are at risk for asbestos disease.

What can someone with mesothelioma do?

  • Seek out the best and most up-to-date information.
  • Seek out the best medical care.
  • Early screening for mesothelioma diagnosis.
  • Stay in close contact with your doctor.
  • Consider whether or not you want to bring a lawsuit because of this asbestos-related injury.
  • Remember that resources are available to you through community and medical support groups, asbestos victims' organizations, your place of worship, as well as your family and friends.

How common is mesothelioma?

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

What are the risk factors for mesothelioma?

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

Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung.

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://cancer.gov/publications  on the Internet.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit is the best way to find information about Mesothelioma resources.

This web page takes the legwork out of finding great Mesothelioma resources. We have compiled great links to Mesothelioma information and pages dedicated to Nebraska Mesothelioma Attorney here. . .

To your right you will find links to various
Mesothelioma related pages. There you will find great information about Nebraska Mesothelioma Attorney.

We've taken the time to check out each and every featured Mesothelioma website to make sure they are quality sites, with quality information.

Here you will find some of the best resources on Nebraska Mesothelioma Attorney ever compiled and some incredible resources for Mesothelioma.

In our "Featured Mesothelioma Article" section, you'll find an article related to Mesothelioma.  We will be providing you with updated and new featured articles on a regular basis.

Additional Mesothelioma links

Action Asbestos Class Law Suit
Asbestos Attorney Maryland
Asbestos Awareness Training
Asbestos Bag Disposal
Asbestos Based Disease
Asbestos Bid Job
Asbestos City Litigation New York
Asbestos Exposure Treatment
Asbestos Flooring
Asbestos Jobs
Asbestos Lawyer Hesperia
Asbestos Mesothelioma Resource.com
Asbestos Removal Company
Asbestos Removal Equipment
Asbestos Report Survey
Asbestos Roof Tile
Asbestos Test
Asbestos Vinyl Flooring
Asbestos Vs Cancer
Asbestosis Information
Asbestosis Morning Sickness
Fort Myers Mesothelioma Attorney
Mesothelioma Asbestos Law
Mesothelioma Attorney Maryland
Mesothelioma Cancer Brochure Information
Mesothelioma Law Suit
Mesothelioma Legal Advice
Pennsylvania Asbestos Attorney
Tennessee Mesothelioma Lawyer
Wisconsin Mesothelioma Lawyer

Mesothelioma

Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

Mesothelioma - Ohio Attorney General Tries to Stop Anti-Asbestos Litigation Legislation - Part 2

The law would be the first in the country to require people to prove exposure to asbestos and provide medical evidence of an asbestos-related illness before continuing with their lawsuits. The referendum drive is backed by a group of lawyers specializing in asbestos litigation.

At issue are thousands of cases now pending in Ohio courts filed by people exposed to the white flaky substance that was widely used in building material during the 1950s and 1960s and can cause cancer.

The group would have to collect 193,740 signatures - 6 percent of the vote in the last election for governor - by Sept. 2 to place the referendum on the Nov. 2 ballot.

The last time a referendum was on an Ohio ballot was in 1997, when voters soundly rejected a law making changes to the workers' compensation system.

Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers - Part 7b

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 relieve 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.

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Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

Mesothelioma - Are New Treatments for Mesothelioma Being Studied? - Part 8a

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 new treatments and better ways to use current treatments.

Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with Mesothelioma.

People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1 800 4 CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ ®, NCI's cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own.

Here are some Additional
Mesothelioma Resources

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Nebraska Mesothelioma Attorney - Hotline 800.291.0963 - Mesothelioma Help ... Asbestos Lung Cancer Attorney Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestos Legal Assistance ...
Mesothelioma Attorney Alliance Nebraska lawyer Information. Free asbestos and ... Your Mesothelioma Attorney Alliance local counsel is available to go to court to ...
... have aquired mesothelioma and the Nebraska mesothelioma attorney lawsuit success rate. ... Mesothelioma in Different Regions >> Nebraska Mesothelioma ...
Laurel, NE Asbestos Mesothelioma Lawyers and Attorneys - This free lawyer search can help you find Asbestos Mesothelioma lawyers/attorneys in Laurel, NE (Nebraska)
Mesothelioma Attorneys in Nebraska City, NE (Nebraska) at Local.com - Search for Nebraska City businesses, products and services at the web's leading Local Search Engine
 

Today's News Related To Mesothelioma


      

       
     

    Featured Mesothelioma Articles

    Mesothelioma Treatment

    The treatment options for people with mesothelioma have improved significantly, especially for those whose cancer is diagnosed early and treated vigorously. Many people are treated with a combination of therapies, sometimes known as multimodal therapy.

    Specific types of treatment include:

    Chemotherapy and other drug-based therapies Radiation therapy Surgery and Intra-operative photodynamic therapy. There are also experimental treatments like gene therapy and immunotherapy, angiogenesis inhibitors, and clinical trials for various new treatments and combinations of treatments.

    Treatments that reduce pain and improve lung function, are becoming more successful (although they cannot cure mesothelioma.) Pain control medications have become easier to administer. Debulking is a surgical process of removing a substantial part of the tumor and reducing the pleural thickening; this can provide significant relief. X-ray therapy has also been successfully used to control the tumor and the pain associated with it for a while.

    Mesothelioma - Big Payout Too Late

    WORKING in clouds of asbestos dust came back to haunt former builder Stewart Beckworth decades later.

    Mr. Beckworth, 63, who has asbestos-related lung cancer, has just won a large compensation payout from the James Hardie company but it provides little comfort for the father of nine. Mr. Beckworth, of Mt Martha, knows Mesothelioma will kill him but he is more worried about other problems confronting his devastated family.

    His wife Ginny, 61, has much more than her husband's illness to cope with. She has a heartbreaking wait hoping for the green light to donate one of her kidneys to accountant son Nathan. Nathan Beckworth, 34, was born with cystic fibrosis and had a heart-lung transplant 14 years ago. He is one of the longest survivors of the operation but he suffered another blow when stricken with kidney failure. Only a transplant can now save his life but he must build up lung capacity for the operation.

    The couple also care for Mrs. Beckworth's mother, 96, who has recently been seriously ill. "I'm angry this happened to me," Mr. Beckworth said. "But I'm also angry what it has done to my family. "I've got a lovely family and we love one another to death. I see those kids hysterical that dad's not going to be around to walk them down the aisle or to see the grandkids born. It's a terrible thing."

    Mr. Beckworth sued James Hardie, claiming that although it knew its asbestos products were dangerous it did not to warn builders. Hardie's settled the case before it got to court but continued to deny liability. Mrs. Beckworth said waiting for the kidney transplant operation, coping with her sick mother and dealing with her husband's cancer was taking its toll. "It's awful. I thought to myself, 'please, I don't want three funerals'," she said. Mr. Beckworth had nothing but contempt for Hardie's.

    "I'm a normal working man. I don't deserve to be poisoned by people like that," he said. Mr. Beckworth was a builder on the Mornington Peninsula for more than 40 years. All of his constructions until the late '70s contained asbestos cement sheeting. "I had no idea this dust was deadly," he said.

    He was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in January and told he had six to 12 months to live. "I thought what am I going to do? I've got kids crying, I've got my wife crying, I'm a bit upset myself," he said. Mr. Beckworth's solicitor, Peter Gordon, a partner at Slater and Gordon, said his case was sadly not unusual.

    He said more builders would develop Mesothelioma but another danger was to home renovators. "Stewart is one of a generation of Australians who have been exposed this way by Hardies but it could be any one of us in the future," he said.

    Diagnosis for Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer: Screening

    Explore the American Cancer Society's Cancer Resource Center

    This community-based organization claims its mission is "eliminating cancer as a major health problem...through research, education, advocacy, and service." As a non-governmental organization, the American Cancer Society is the largest source of private funds earmarked for cancer research. The ACS website is a very good place for you to investigate ongoing research and treatment options, as well as find extensive links to help further direct your medical research.

    The American Cancer Society provides a useful fact sheet that describes the asbestos - mesothelioma link. If you suspect that you might have mesothelioma, there are several methods which can help to detect the presence of this disease.

    While you may find some answers on this particular site, the ACS advises you to remember that as you cope with cancer and cancer treatment, you need to have honest, open discussions with your doctor. You should feel free to ask any question that's on your mind, no matter how small it might seem.