Nick Johnson asked:


The per capita ratio for Mesothelioma cases in Louisiana is astoundingly high, the highest in the nation in fact. Louisiana residents will continue to experience higher than national averages of this disease as the combination of momentarily relaxed Mesothelioma legislature (this is already slated to change) and Hurricane Katrina asbestos exposure coupled with the lower than national standards of asbestos protection for employees continues to contribute to the high rate of Mesothelioma cases.

Mesothelioma is developed only by breathing in or ingesting toxic doses of asbestos. When Mesothelioma develops, it often begins as asbestosis, which is a rare but fatal disease that scars the inside of the lungs creating breathing difficulty.

Asbestosis is not the same disease as Mesothelioma, but a great number of asbestosis cases develop into Mesothelioma. Often this development happens so fast that there really isn’t time to spend on the diagnosis of asbestosis.

Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, attacking the protective sac around the lungs, heart, stomach, and occasionally the intestines. Mesothelioma has a remarkably high death rate of nearly 100%, although there is new hope with detection prior to symptoms and cutting edge technological advancements.

It is definitely recommended that individuals who are aware of previous exposure to asbestos, even if the exposure was limited, be tested for Mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. This early detection has saved lives. Mesothelioma doctors have furthered Mesothelioma research over the past ten years, as this emerging health crisis swept across the country.

Mesothelioma research has come a long way in a short time. Since Mesothelioma is considered a rare disease, it has not received large funds for research and treatment options, but what funds have been made available have been put to the best use possible.

Research involves newer medications and surgeries, as well as additional therapies and nutritional support. Mesothelioma researchers suggest that those patients who enter therapy for support, both physical and psychotherapy, have more positive outcomes or longer stages of health and a better quality of life. These findings have naturally been disputed, but the research is clear.

Mesothelioma specialists are continuously attempting to find new and improves methods of treating Mesothelioma and other asbestos related illnesses. Treatment options for Mesothelioma were initially limited due to the complex nature of the disease coupled with the rarity of the disease. Mesothelioma is still very aggressive with a very high mortality rate, but there are more options available to Mesothelioma victims than there were even just ten years ago.

Professionals, whether Mesothelioma lawyers, doctors, or therapists, have a greater understanding of the disease and how it works in the body and mind. While this has yet to lead to longer life spans for Mesothelioma victims, it has led to higher quality of life for those who are stricken with the disease. For those who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, this higher quality of life means everything.

As with any severe illness, Mesothelioma victims feel the longer they are able to put off more drastic measures and still extract significant joy from the life the greater the gift. Nobody wants assistance in the basics of life, and every day that a Mesothelioma victim retains a higher level of health, the greater the chance they have for sound family experiences.

Mesothelioma is a treacherous disease, and the public truly wonders why asbestos, despite its fire resistant qualities, is still in use at all in the United States. It just seems like such a pointless waste to place so many people in jeopardy, even if it is minimal jeopardy.

Mesothelioma lawsuits are a natural part of most Mesothelioma patient agendas. In many cases these lawsuits are necessary in order to gain the appropriate medical coverage necessary. In some cases Mesothelioma lawsuits are used to heighten public awareness and expose companies that have willingly exposed their workers to the dangers of asbestos. In either regard, Mesothelioma lawsuits are typically fought and won, and each victory is another notch in the belts of the American laborer.

The nature of most Mesothelioma lawsuits is based purely on the desire to cover reasonable costs, such as medical expenses, burial, and reasonable income loss coverage for bereaved spouses. Jury awards tend to be much higher than the initial damages sought based on the blatant company ignorance portrayed in most Mesothelioma cases.

The majority of companies who are sued for asbestos exposure do prefer to negotiate a Mesothelioma settlement over taking these cases to trial. Mesothelioma settlements typically provide the family with more than they initially really desire, provided the case is clear cut. Not all Mesothelioma cases are as clear cut as one might expect.



mesothelioma

Tim Dillard asked:


Mesothelioma is a tragic disease because it is 100% preventable. The fact that you are looking at this article may mean that you, or a loved one, has been diagnosed with a form of mesothelioma and you have heard that in some cases patients have legal rights that can be upheld.

You are right about legal rights. The reason there is legislation related to mesothelioma is because many persons with mesothelioma are victims of unscrupulous employers who knew about the health risks associated with working around asbestos and asbestos related products but they chose to do nothing to protect their employees.

Mesothelioma takes decades to become obvious and by the time it does, there is little that can be done. The average life span after diagnosis is 242 days but, mortality rates are improving. So, if you have mesothelioma it is a good idea to learn as much as you can and to quickly seek the advice of a qualified mesothelioma attorney because every state has a statute of limitations. What this means is that there is a specifically defined period of time in which a lawsuit has to be filed. If this window of opportunity has passed, you will not be able to seek legal compensation.

If you want to pursue finding out whether you can file a lawsuit, you can look for a mesothelioma attorney in the yellow pages of the phonebook or go on-line and search for mesothelioma attorney. Most of the time the mesothelioma attorney or law firm you contact will gladly share with you the specific limitations for filing in the state in which you reside and you will not be obligated to them.

While you have the mesothelioma attorney on the phone and you found out you are still within the timeframe for your state to file, it would be a good idea to ask a few questions. A good starting question might be to ask about what experience the mesothelioma attorney has had in representing mesothelioma patients.

Even though the phonebook ad and/or internet citation indicates you are contacting a mesothelioma attorney, you may actually find out that the attorney you are talking to does not represent patients but refers contacts to other attorneys for a percentage of the settlement award. Another scenario is that someone in the law firm does have experience representing mesothelioma victims; in which case this is the attorney you need to be talking to.

When you get connected with a practicing mesothelioma attorney, a good second question is about how much he will charge you for investigating your situation to determine whether you have legal case to represent. Most of the time mesothelioma attorneys have no charge for investigating the viability of a possible claim. Typically mesothelioma attorneys work on what is called a contingency fee basis. What this means is that they will only get paid if there is a financial settlement or award.

Another question to be sure to ask the mesothelioma attorney is about the process and the potential length of time before the case reaches completion. You more than likely will hear that the answer to this question is highly dependent on the court where your case will be filed. As an aside, mesothelioma attorneys generally provide services in many states and not just the one in which they reside so, if you are not happy with the local mesothelioma attorney(s), know that you can work with many even those who reside in a state other than yours.

The mesothelioma attorney will be able to tell you where your case could be filed because this depends on where you live and where you were exposed to asbestos. It is not uncommon for persons with mesothelioma to be awarded some settlement monies fairly soon after filing their lawsuit. When deciding where to file, it is important to think about how long it will take for your case to be completely resolved.

At this stage of your inquiry process, responding to the question of where to file is difficult to answer. There are many variables to take into consideration. Some of these include: your age, the type of asbestos disease you have, your medical status, the details of your exposure to asbestos, and the asbestos products you had exposure to.

Be sure and talk with several different mesothelioma attorneys and only select one that you feel you can trust because he has experience and respects your need for resolution.

Lina Smith asked:


Mesothelioma and asbestosis, the scarring diseases caused from asbestos exposure, typically take years to fester within a body before symptoms become visible. Filling your lungs with smoke if you’ve been exposed to asbestos will hasten asbestos disease and expose you to additional medical testing to properly diagnose your disease. It will also take years off of your life.



Asbestos and smoke are a deadly combination that hastens the onset of painful and fatal lung cancers.

Lung diseases such as asbestosis, pulmonary fibrosis, pleural disease, lung cancer and mesothelioma are caused by asbestos. The symptoms of these asbestos caused diseases are so similar to the lung diseases and cancers caused by smoking, that proper diagnosis is difficult. Treatment for mesothelioma or other asbestos caused diseases begin too late because of earlier misdiagnosis. With most cancers, and mesothelioma treatment in particular, early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to survival. A late diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma because an asbestos caused disease was mistaken for a smoking-related disease can take years off of your life, and lead to harsh and painful living during your last few years.

Medical research has also shown that smoking will hasten the attack of mesothelioma because of the internal damage caused by the toxic elements of cigarettes. Cigarette toxins eat away at your lungs. Asbestos fibers can then gain early entry into your vulnerable lungs and quickly take over or assist the cigarette toxins in creating your lung disease or cancer. Not smoking will not protect you from asbestos disease or mesothelioma, but it can reduce the severity and pain of mesothelioma and other asbestos caused diseases - and add years on to your life. If you don’t smoke and you have had exposure to asbestos, diagnosis will be swifter and you will be subject to less medical testing. Your chances of developing secondary lung diseases are substantially reduced.

Mesothelioma symptoms and lung disease symptoms from smoking typically both start with shortness of breath and trouble breathing. A productive cough typically follows, and the shortness of breath and the productive cough slowly worsen and persist. Because mesothelioma symptoms progress slowly, there is time to make a proper diagnosis if early treatment is sought. If the symptoms are ignored and are merely accepted as a side-effect of smoking, the disease has more time to become uncontrollable, and the asbestos disease will soon have control over you.

Mesothelioma affects the lining of internal organs, in a membrane called the mesothelium – hence the cancer name mesothelioma. This membrane does not affect just your lungs, it can affect most of your internal organs. Once mesothelioma symptoms of the lungs surface, such as breathing difficulties and productive coughs, the next step is typically an attack around the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms will then include chest pain, along with respiratory problems. This too can be misinterpreted as a sign of a smoking related disease, or a sign of old age or other heart and lung ailments. Mesothelioma is rare, and doctors will test according to the most likely disease to occur based on the symptoms. Because of that, it is very important to mention to your doctor your exposure to asbestos at your first visit.

Mesothelioma symptoms are slow to surface, and difficult to diagnose. Smoking while being exposed to asbestos will make proper diagnosis of mesothelioma difficult, and proper treatment may come too late to be of any benefit other than pain reduction and respiratory control. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos, not cigarettes – but cigarettes will make your mesothelioma worse. Don’t let the fibers of asbestos and the toxins of cigarettes team up on your lungs. Quit smoking and stay away from asbestos. If you must be exposed to asbestos, wear proper protection and don’t smoke. Don’t rush the disease, diagnose it. And you can’t diagnose the disease fast enough unless you quit smoking.



mesothelioma

Lina Smith asked:


Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, but both of these typically malignant mesotheliomas can be just as tragic. Peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the abdominal cavity, as opposed to the lungs and pleural areas of pleural mesothelioma. “Peritoneal” means it has to do with the peritoneum, which is a membrane that surrounds the abdominal area. “Pleural” refers to the pleura which is a membrane that surrounds the lungs. There is also a “pericardial” mesothelioma which targets the heart membrane first.

The lungs, abdominal area and heart all have a membrane made up of mesothelial cells, named the mesothelium. A cancerous attack of these membrane areas are mesotheliomas. Asbestos is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma in well over 90% of the cases. There are a few rare recorded cases of malignant mesothelioma when asbestos exposure was not identified. If you have been exposed to asbestos, there is a high chance you will suffer from an asbestos-caused disease such as asbestosis or pleural plaques. However, not all asbestos-caused diseases are fatal.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma can be fatal malignant mesotheliomas which spread uncontrollably, or they can be benign, when the tumor stays where it is and can likely be removed. Unexplainable weight loss is a mesothelioma symptom which may occur in as many as 90% of benign and malignant mesothelioma. Generally, benign mesothelioma tends to show less symptoms than malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma almost always includes abdominal pain. This is because there is excess fluid between the peritoneal membrane and the abdomen walls. Pleural mesothelioma has excess fluid in the pleural area and this causes shortness of breath and chest pain.

The mesothelioma symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma are not as outwardly visible as the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. In peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdomen can appear larger. Tumor masses may be visible, but external tumor visibility only occurs in a minority of peritoneal mesothelioma cases. Nausea is a common mesothelioma symptom with peritoneal mesothelioma, and the abdominal area will also be very tender.

In a healthy peritoneal area between the membrane and the wall, the peritoneal fluid helps the intestines move food. In peritoneal mesothelioma however, excess fluid causes bowel obstruction. The mesothelioma symptoms of extra fluid and bowel obstruction both contribute to abdominal pain. The bowel obstruction can also produce mesothelioma symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Many peritoneal malignant mesothelioma patients have reported mesothelioma symptoms of a burning sensation in the abdomen. Mesothelioma symptoms for peritoneal malignant mesothelioma may not surface for 20-30 years after asbestos exposure, but it generally surfaces sooner than pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is fortunately rare, however its rarity sometimes makes it harder to diagnose. The symptoms are similar to hernias and gall bladder problems, and identifying peritoneal mesothelioma in a CT scan is difficult. The medical industry is aware that asbestos-related diseases will be escalating over the upcoming years, and treatment for peritoneal malignant mesothelioma is undergoing many clinical trials. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have unexplainable abdominal pain and are experiencing unexplained weight loss, begin preliminary testing for peritoneal mesothelioma. The sooner the testing begins, the higher the chances for symptomatic relief, and hopefully today’s mesothelioma clinical trials will lead to a mesothelioma cure in the future.



mesothelioma

Nick Johnson asked:


Mesothelioma is a deadly disease which in most cases is preventable. It is precisely this preventability that has raised the visibility of this disease. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is a good idea to acquire the assistance of a mesothelioma lawyer or attorney to discuss the feasibility of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit as you may be eligible to receive a mesothelioma settlement. Also, if someone you know has mesothelioma or has died of the disease, talk with them or their family and recommend that they follow-up with a mesothelioma lawyer.

Within the family of asbestos related diseases called mesothelioma, there is a particular form of cancer which attacks the abdominal lining known as peritoneal mesothelioma. The cause of peritoneal mesothelioma has been identified as exposure to asbestos and asbestos products. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneal and because of this, when an individual is diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, they may also have medical issues related to other organs surrounding the abdomen as well.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the body’s ability to protect the organs in this region by compromising the ability to keep the organs lubricated which enables them shift around and function appropriately. If you research peritoneal mesothelioma, you will discover that it can also be described as diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma. When you hear this term it simply means that the cancer has left the peritoneal lining of the abdomen and has affected other organs nearby. Peritoneal mesothelioma is credited to be the cause of almost ten percent of all mesothelioma cases and, because of this, it ranks second as the most common form of asbestos related mesothelioma.

The most common form is called pleural mesothelioma.

The greatest problem with any form of mesothelioma is that it is infamous for having a long incubation or latency. During this period it is in the body growing unbeknownst to the individual and not affecting health and functioning.

More often than not, peritoneal mesothelioma cells lie dormant for years before they become active and create obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear it regrettably indicates that the disease has advanced to a late stage. In most cases the delay in the appearance of symptoms and subsequent diagnosis of the disease adversely affects the prospects for the individual.

One reason for the late diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been given to the fact that the first or earliest symptoms of the disease are so similar to other less traumatic diseases and ailments that an individual spends a great deal of time being treated for the wrong ailment. It is a general approach for all medical situations to rule out the less virulent causes of an illness before jumping to the conclusion that a more serious situation is present.

So a physician most likely will take the approach to rule out more common reasons for symptoms and only when these don’t pan out will he begin considering more serious roots for the illness. When this stage of diagnosing is reached, a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma will be considered.

Mesothelioma is rare, even though it may not feel that way if you or a loved one has been stricken by it. It is exactly this rareness that makes it a diagnosis made by ruling our more common potential illnesses. If the physician takes a comprehensive medical history and discovers an individual has worked in an occupation where they have likely been around or exposed to asbestos or related products, he will know to investigate meosthelioma as a potential cause of the illness. If an individual is aware that they have worked around asbestos, it is a good idea to bring this information up with a physician as soon as there is an illness where the cause is not known.

It is well known that all cancers, as well as other illnesses, present with a variety of symptoms that may be peculiar to that disease and/or to many other diseases. Generally speaking, though someone suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma will complain of abdominal pain, they will become frail or weak, have a loss in weight, be nauseated and vomit, have a loss of appetite, exhibit swelling of the abdomen and may have an obstruction in the bowel.

Because peritoneal mesothelioma spreads to adjoining organs, symptoms other than abdominal may be exhibited such as difficulty breathing and extreme pain.

Contact a mesothelioma attorney if you have mesothelioma.



mesothelioma

Mesothelioma stages are categorized in the medical community for evaluative benefit for the physician, the medical institution, participation in clinical trials, and advancements in mesothelioma treatment options. Staging systems are used to define mesothelioma stages; however, mesothelioma stages are far more descriptive for pleural mesothelioma than for peritoneal mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma staging systems have changed over time. As medical knowledge increases, mesothelioma staging systems advance.

Lina Smith asked:


Mesothelioma stages are categorized in the medical community for evaluative benefit for the physician, the medical institution, participation in clinical trials, and advancements in mesothelioma treatment options. Staging systems are used to define mesothelioma stages; however, mesothelioma stages are far more descriptive for pleural mesothelioma than for peritoneal mesothelioma or pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma staging systems have changed over time. As medical knowledge increases, mesothelioma staging systems advance.

By sectioning a progressive disease into stages, doctors can evaluate mesothelioma treatment options that have been proven successful. By defining mesothelioma stages in a universal staging system, international mesothelioma life expectancy statistics can be gathered. When a staging system gains international acceptance, it contributes greatly to the advancement of mesothelioma treatment options. Grouping similar variables for evaluation is beneficial to developing mesothelioma treatment options for different mesothelioma stages.

In 1976 the Butchart staging system identified four mesothelioma stages for diffuse pleural malignant mesothelioma by location. At stage one, the tumor is in one side of the pleural lining. At stage two, the tumor is malignant and has entered both lungs, and has the potential to spread. In stage three of Butchart’s mesothelioma stages, the tumor has entered the peritoneum (abdomen region), and at stage four, the cancer has spread through the blood stream.

It was simple, thus gained acceptance. However, it fails to address crucial issues. Medical experts suggest it fails to make survival correlations with mesothelioma stages. The Butchart mesothelioma staging system in its originality is obsolete for mesothelioma life expectancy statistics, however other mesothelioma stages have been developed from it, and many cancer institutions modify it for their evaluative purposes.

In the 1980s Chahinian added detailed tumor stages, lymph node stages and metastases stages to the pleural mesothelioma staging system. This staging system is referred to as TNM and is used within elaborative staging systems. In 1990 the UICC (Union Internationale Contre le Cancer) expounded on Chahinian’s mesothelioma stages. The Butchart, Chahinian and UICC mesothelioma staging systems were based on specific institution experience.

In 1999 the Bingham Hospital introduced a pleural mesothelioma surgical staging system in the Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. The IMIG (International Mesothelioma Interest Group) in a 1995 Journal of Chest from the American College of Chest Physicians proposed international acceptance for a detailed universal staging system. This staging system demands precise tumor location, and is based on TNM and the International Lung Cancer Staging System.

Medical institutions will use the mesothelioma stages and staging system practical for their internal evaluative purposes. But the mesothelioma patient should be aware when discussing mesothelioma life expectancy and prognosis that mesothelioma staging systems differ, and staging systems still undergo scrutiny. No staging system includes all variables for treatment and prognosis. Factors such as tumor subtypes can make a significant difference in prognosis.

In its basic form, mesothelioma has two stages – localized and advanced. In most staging systems, localized mesothelioma is considered stage one. Stages two through four are advanced mesothelioma stages. Mesothelioma stages are generally defined by location, the severity of the tumor, or surgical needs. The stages of mesothelioma are dependent on the staging system used.

Mesothelioma stages are important considerations in treatment and prognosis. An accepted universal mesothelioma staging system can expedite medical research to find effective mesothelioma treatment options. Advances in clinical research will continue to contribute to the development of defining mesothelioma stages until precise correlations can be made. Until then, staging systems are a universal answer to evaluating mesothelioma treatment.

Len2209 asked:


I am quite skeptical about a friend ’s (supposedly a stage 2 ovarian cancer/diabetes patient) opting not to undergo chemo and/or hysterectomy. Her ovarian cancer was diagnosed more than a year ago and since, her doctors had just removed an ovarian cyst. She was advised chemotherapy with insulin (?) but she refused, upon learning the possible complications/reactions accompanying the treatment. Right now, aside from her diabetes medications, she actually gets NO TREATMENT for the cancer at all, but is up and about, and is even working.

I just couldnt believe that someone (supposedly) with such condition would refuse chemo and/or hysterectomy. Sometimes I wonder if she really has such condition at all. Her diabetes complications have worsened, having survived two strokes and being in comatose in a span of 2 months in 2005. I kinda believe that part of her story … but the cancer thing, it sounds incredible to me.

Pls enlighten me on this … Thanks!

cancer treatment

Nick Johnson asked:


The search for a highly qualified California mesothelioma lawyer has become more intense over the past few years. The dreadful disease known as Mesothelioma has been proven beyond a doubt to be cause by exposure to asbestos, and only by exposure to asbestos.

The asbestos exposure that leads to Mesothelioma can be caused by direct or indirect contact with this toxic material. Family members who were exposed to asbestos through the close contact they had with someone who worked in an asbestos contaminated work environment have been known to be afflicted with Mesothelioma later in life.

California mesothelioma victims should find a mesothelioma lawyer immediately upon diagnosis. While not all Mesothelioma cases are fightable in court, most of them are depending on various factors. Because of the relation between asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma, victims of Mesothelioma are encouraged to seek out legal advice as quickly as possible.

Many California mesothelioma lawsuits rapidly turn into settlements as companies are well aware that while the present ownership or management may not be liable for the Mesothelioma, the company as it was run only ten to forty years ago most likely was responsible for the onset of the victims; Mesothelioma. Coupled with jury tendencies to award very high Mesothelioma awards, a Mesothelioma settlement is usually in everyone’s best interest.

Not all California mesothelioma settlements and awards are phenomenally high. There are circumstances where the victims of Mesothelioma receive very little to no compensation. This is a very rare occurrence, but it has been known to happen, and again it depends on the circumstances surrounding the asbestos exposure, the laws at the time, and the current legislation which was certainly not written in favor of California mesothelioma victims.

California mesothelioma lawyers who have ample experience and are well versed in current state laws and who have adequate research assistance available to them, are the best equipped to handle questions on a case by case basis. Despite the fact that Mesothelioma cases are being diagnosed slightly less annually, the rate of individuals retaining California mesothelioma counsel has once again started in increase.

This is a new phenomenon known as premature retention, whereas those who have evidence of being exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos are now able to sue those responsible for the asbestos exposure despite showing no signs of illness and having no Mesothelioma diagnosis. In fact, a good number of these claimants are perfectly healthy, yet their Mesothelioma lawsuits are being taken seriously and they are winning their suits.

These Mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed under the guidance of top notch California mesothelioma lawyers, who are simply making the claim that the dangers of asbestos are so well known that there is no excuse for exposing someone to asbestos. Once a Mesothelioma lawyer educates the jury on how incredibly irresponsible it is to expose a person to asbestos and how devastating Mesothelioma actually is, juries are awarding claimants with exposure claims large sums of money should they ever be afflicted with Mesothelioma.

There are a number of these premature California mesothelioma lawsuits that are filed based on the fact that the company has already been forced to pay out to Mesothelioma victims, and if more come forward, there is a likelihood that the company will run out of resources to pay out to all its California claimants. Thus, they file their Mesothelioma lawsuit based on their assessed risk from exposure, and many of those premature Mesothelioma lawsuits are being awarded in favor of the potential Mesothelioma victim.

The undisputed sole cause of Mesothelioma, asbestos, was used perpetually in nearly every building manufactured before the year 1975. All buildings that were built previous to 1975 should have a thorough and complete asbestos inspection assessed to determine if it is exposing those who are likely to be at risk to asbestos, which will lead to more California mesothelioma lawsuits.

Asbestos was a key material in fireproofing sprays, building insulation, insulation which was used for boilers and pipes, firebrick, gunite, and construction materials that were commonly used for flooring, roofs, and ceiling tiles. Asbestos use has been limited since the 1980s, but exposure threat still occurs on a regular basis.

A group of homeowners in one state successfully sued the contractor they bought their fill dirt from because it was contaminated with high levels of asbestos. Situation like this are certainly not uncommon. Asbestos truly needs to be outlawed and there needs to be greater consequences for those who violate the trust factor and allow innocent people to be exposed to asbestos.

Lina Smith asked:


Pericardial Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that is found in the lining of the heart. Doctors agree that it is exposure to asbestos that causes Pericardial Mesothelioma. Those who suffer from it tend to have been involved in the building and construction industry at some point in their lives as asbestos was used in great quantities up until a few years ago. Today the use of asbestos is banned as experts now realise the damaging effects that it can have on people who are exposed to it. Unfortunately however this does not help the thousands of people who used asbestos on a daily basis for much of their adult working lives. As Pericardial Mesothelioma is so rare, it is thought to be responsible for just 10% of all the cases of diagnosed mesothelioma each year.

Although it is recognised that it is exposure to asbestos that causes Pericardial Mesothelioma it is unknown as to exactly how the fibres of asbestos get into the pericardial lining. It is assumed by many doctors that when the microscopic fibres of asbestos are inhaled they go into the bloodstream and are absorbed. When this contaminated blood reaches the heart some of the fibres will adhere to the lining and remain there causing Pericardial Mesothelioma over time. As it can take time for this to happen and so it can take years and years before a person even realises that they have something wrong with them and often by this time it is too late. Statistics show that a great number of people will live with these kind of symptoms for an average of six months before they will seek the advice of a healthcare professional.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma are problems with breathing which include being short of breath. Chest pains are also another sign of Pericardial Mesothelioma although this can be a symptom of other illnesses so further diagnostic testing has to be performed. These tests will usually take the form of biopsies of internal tissue and comprehensive scans of the patient’s body. From this an accurate diagnosis can be made as to whether a patient has Pericardial Mesothelioma or not.

As all the types of mesotheliona are so severe the outcome for a person who has Pericardial Mesothelioma is not good. Surgery is a no go area as this can significantly damage the area surrounding the tumour and cause even more problems. Instead it is important to attempt to maintain the quality of life for the patient and help them to be as comfortable as possible. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy programs can be used on some patients who have had an early diagnosis but this will not eliminate Pericardial Mesothelioma it will merely extend the life of a sufferer. In short Pericardial Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that results in fatalities and it is directly linked to exposure to asbestos in earlier life. Even with a prompt and accurate diagnosis, because of the nature of the disease, a patient will never recover from it.