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).
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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. |
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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
Philadelphia Asbestos Lawsuit here. . .
To your right you will find links to various
Mesothelioma related pages. There you will find great information about
Philadelphia Asbestos Lawsuit.
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 Philadelphia Asbestos Lawsuit 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
Abdominal Mesothelioma
Asbestos Abatement New Jersey
Asbestos Abatement Supply
Asbestos Attorney Lucerne Valley
Asbestos Certification Removal
Asbestos Claim Legal
Asbestos Danger
Asbestos Lawyer Palm Springs
Asbestos Mesothelioma Legal
Asbestos Mesothelioma Papillary
Asbestos Nj Removal
Asbestos Removal Equipment
Asbestos Removal Texas
Asbestos Removal Training
Asbestos Shingle Siding
Asbestosis Meaning
Austin Symptom Asbestos Mesothelioma
Blown In Insulation Asbestos
Cancer Caused From Asbestos
Cover Asbestos Tile
Delaware Mesothelioma Attorney
Epithelial Malignant Mesothelioma
Iowa Mesothelioma Lawyer
Lawyer Camarillo Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Asbestos Attorney Lawyer
Minnesota Mesothelioma Attorney
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Port Charlotte Mesothelioma Attorney
Port Charlotte Mesothelioma Lawyer
Washington Mesothelioma Attorney
Mesothelioma -
Asbestos Court Bid By Dying Woman - Part 1
A DYING woman is set to take her
case to court for exposure to asbestos during her school days.
Law firm Slater and Gordon is handling the case for the woman, who now lives in
Melbourne. Solicitor Andrew Higgins, who specializes in asbestos cases, says the
woman is an example of how innocently people can be exposed to the deadly
substance. Last month Slater and Gordon advertised in Tasmanian newspapers for
anyone who had been at Devonport High between 1964 and 1968. "We are looking for
people who can assist with our inquiries about that time," Mr. Higgins said.
He said the claim was the woman was exposed to asbestos as a student, which had
led to her contracting Mesothelioma as an adult. "The insidious thing about
asbestos is you can be working in mines or mills or just be a school student,
and you can get an asbestos-related disease," he said. "This is an example of
how innocently people can be exposed because there is no safe level of
exposure." The law firm's investigations centre on the time an assembly hall at
Devonport High was destroyed by fire and subsequent rebuilding.
The case is expected to be before the courts in Tasmania soon because of the
woman's limited life expectancy. Mr. Higgins said there was always a precedent
value in such cases but individuals had to be able to prove their claims. "Just
because there is one case doesn't mean others will follow," he said.
The law firm has been involved in a number of cases in Tasmania, both in Hobart
and the North-West, including people exposed in heavy industry in the area.
Mesothelioma
Who
needs to be examined?
Individuals who have been exposed
(or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos dust on the job or at home via a
family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any
symptoms. A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung
function tests, may be recommended. Interpretation of the chest x-ray may
require the help of a specialist who is experienced in reading x-rays for
asbestos-related diseases. Other tests also may be necessary.
The symptoms of asbestos-related diseases may not become apparent for many
decades after exposure. If any of the following symptoms develop, a physical
examination should be scheduled without delay:
Shortness of breath; A cough or a change in cough pattern; Blood in the sputum
(fluid) coughed up from the lungs; Pain in the chest or abdomen; Difficulty in
swallowing or prolonged hoarseness; and/or Significant weight loss. What are the
treatments for asbestos-related diseases?
The key to successful treatment of asbestos-related diseases lies in early
detection. The health problems caused by asbestosis are due mainly to lung
infections, like pneumonia, that attack weakened lungs. Early medical attention
and prompt, aggressive treatment offer the best chance of success in controlling
such infections. Depending on the situation, doctors may give a vaccine against
influenza or pneumococcal pneumonia as a protective measure.
Treatment of cancer is tailored to the individual patient and may include
surgery, anticancer drugs, radiation, or combinations of these therapies.
Information about cancer treatment is available from the National Cancer
Institute-supported Cancer Information Service, whose toll-free telephone number
is 1-800-4-CANCER.
What is
asbestos?
Why is asbestos still a problem?
Asbestos is still a problem
because a great deal of it has been used in the United States and elsewhere,
because many asbestos-containing products remain in buildings, ships, industrial
facilities and other environments where the fibers can become airborne, and
because of the serious human health hazards of inhaling asbestos fibers. Many
Americans believe that use of asbestos in products was banned years ago. The
fact is that asbestos-containing products are still being imported and sold in
this country, continuing to endanger people who may come in contact with such
products. A majority of these products are imported from Canada and Mexico, two
countries where asbestos is still used; further, not all imported
asbestos-containing products are clearly labeled with proper content
information. (Sources: U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries 2003,
and "Asbestos Strategies")
In an August 2003 report, the EPA's Office of Inspector General reiterates that
asbestos is still a product very much around us: a survey in the mid-1980s found
that, on average, 20% of all buildings in the United States contain asbestos.
Further, this latest report confirms that asbestos containing material is still
allowed in pipeline wrap, asbestos-cement corrugated sheet, asbestos-cement flat
sheet, roofing felt, millboard, vinyl-asbestos floor tile, asbestos-cement
shingle, and roof coatings. (Rept. #2003-P-00012).
A 2004 report by the Environmental Working Group provides a timely evalution of
the asbestos-related disease epidemic in America - a "public health tragedy
caused by asbestos." This report documents the history of asbestos use and
provides analysis and statistics to inform the political debate currently being
waged to resolve the problem.
Here are some
Additional
Mesothelioma Resources
-
Do you have an asbestos-related disease? We can help you receive the full amount ... We work to make pursuing an asbestos lawsuit as easy as possible. ... |
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Attorney. Asbestos Exposure? PA Lawyers filing Mesothelioma Lawsuits. ... Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers / PA Asbestos Lawsuits ... |
... with asbestos disease may be entitled to bring a asbestos lawsuit against the ... Philadelphia. PA 19102. tel: (215) 940-4000. Park Building. 355 Fifth ... |
" For help with asbestos and Mesothelioma cases contact the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania lawyers of Howard, Brenner & Nass attorneys at law. |
Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma in Prior Asbestos Workers. ... Asbestos Lawsuit Filed By Former Railway Worker On October 31st a lawsuit was ... |
Today's News Related To
Mesothelioma
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Featured
Mesothelioma Articles |
Mesothelioma -
Lung Cancer Link - Part 3
Konstantin Chumakov of the FDA
Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, says that Carbone's findings leave
many unanswered questions. For example, he said it is not clear from the
labeling of the samples found at the NIBSC exactly when they were used in the
Soviet Union or for how long. Chumakov, whose father was director of the Soviet
Institute of Poliomyelitis Research during the time of the contamination, says
he was told that at one point the Soviet Union was supplying more than 100
countries with its vaccine.
He traveled to Moscow in April 2004 to try to learn more about the production
and testing of the Soviet vaccine. But he found no more vaccine samples from
that era, and very little surviving documentation about specific batches and why
they might have been contaminated. "It's hard to explain how it happened," he
says, "but it obviously did."
Diagnosis for
Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer: Screening
Explore OncoLink
The University of Pennsylvania maintains OncoLink, an outstanding resource on
the web for information about all types of cancer and related topics. The
homepage is
http://www.oncolink.com/ and has information about clinical trials, symptom
management, cancer support services, financial issues, book reviews, and many
other topics. OncoLink has mesothelioma patient information found under Patient
Statement: Malignant Mesothelioma. For a more personal perspective, there is
also an article entitled "Thoughts from a Mesothelioma Patient".
If you have questions, need more information, or experience difficulty accessing
these sites, please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to help.
Diagnosis for
Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer: Screening
Screening Methods to Identify
Asbestos-Related Disease:
After a preliminary physical
examination, the doctor may need to look inside your chest cavity with a
thorascope for accurate diagnosis. During this thoracoscopy procedure, a cut
will be made in your chest and a small piece of tissue (biopsy) may removed for
examination. While you may feel some pressure, there is usually no pain.
Another special tool that may be used is the peritoneoscope, which allows for
examination inside your abdomen. This instrument is inserted into an opening
made in the abdomen, and a biopsy specimen may also be taken.
If the presence of fluid is indicated by either of these procedures, the doctor
may drain it by inserting a needle into the affected areaa. Removal of chest
fluid is called thoracentesis; removal of abdominal fluid is call paracentesis.
Other screening methods for diagnosis of asbestos-related disease include
various imaging tests. In addition to X-rays, methods include magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET). A more recent and promising
screening method is the computed tomography (CT) scan.
Computed Tomagraphy / CT Scan:
Computed tomagraphy, or spiral CT
scan, is a special radiographic technique that produces a clear cross-sectional
image that allows a radiologist to see distinct aspects of the lung or pleura
that are not readily apparent from the standard X-ray image. Recent studies
(CHEST 2002;122:15-20 and MAYO CLIN PROC 2002;77:329-333) support the use of
annual chest computed tomography (CT scans) exams as a valuable screening tool
for people with a high risk of developing lung cancer, including mesothelioma
cancer. There does appear to be conflicting assessment as to the
cost-effectiveness of CT screening. A 2003 study by Johns Hopkins raises this
concern about the cost-effectiveness of CT scans and states, "There is a
downside to this, including high costs and possible harm to individuals who may
unnecessarily get invasive procedures if the scan detects a benign lung nodule."
A more recent study in Chest, 2003:124:614-621 comes to a different conclusion:
"A baseline low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening is potentially highly
cost-effective and compares favorably to the cost-effectiveness ratios of other
screening programs."
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