Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the lining of the lung or abdomen. Asbestos has been the only known cause of mesothelioma since 1960. In fact, two refinery foreman in Port Arthur, Texas were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1958, and an article about their diagnosies was published in 1960.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you must first and foremost seek medical treatment. For more information about mesothelioma please visit our What is Mesothelioma? page.
Mesothelioma victims and their families may be entitled to compensation. To protect your rights, contact an attorney who focuses on the complex field of asbestos litigation as soon as possible. If you live in the State of Texas, we will come to your home or location of your choice within 24 hours. If you live outside of Texas, we handle cases from all over the nation, or if you prefer we will refer you to an experienced attorney in your area. If you would like to contact us please call (866) 517-9520, or e-mail us.
The Mesothelioma attorneys at Heard Robins Cloud & Lubel have vast experience in prosecuting mesothelioma cases. Our attorneys have won over $125,000,000* in jury verdicts for asbestos victims and their families. See our asbestos verdicts. Our asbestos verdicts and settlements have been reported and commented upon in publications including: The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The National Law Journal, Fortune Magazine, Business Week, The Houston Chronicle, The Beaumont Tribune, and the Port Arthur News.
(www.texas-mesothelioma-lawyers.com)
Thứ ba, ngày 18 tháng chín năm 2007
Asbestos and Mesothelioma Lawyers
Thứ ba, ngày 04 tháng chín năm 2007
Lung Cancer
Cancer begins when cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Lung cancer may start in the lining of the bronchi, the tubes into which the trachea or windpipe divides. It may also begin in other lung areas such as the trachea, bronchioles (small branches of the bronchi), or alveoli (lung air sacs).
The two most common types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer, in which the cancer cells are small and round, and non–small cell lung cancer, in which the cancer cells are larger. Sometimes a cancer has features of both types, and is called mixed small cell/large cell cancer. Non–small cell lung cancer accounts for almost 80% of lung cancers. Small cell lung cancer accounts for about 20% of all lung cancers (American Cancer Society, What Is Lung Cancer?).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer
Many people with early lung cancer do not have symptoms. A persistent cough, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and bloody or rust–colored sputum (spit or phlegm) are early signs of the disease that occur in only about 15% of cases. Sometimes a simple x–ray helps in the detection of lung cancer. Then a pathologist may take a tissue sample or biopsy to confirm whether lung cancer is present (for types of biopsies, see Biopsy for Lung Cancer).
Lung cancer treatments can improve longevity and the quality of life. Options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and photodynamic therapy. The most experimental treatment is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses light to kill cancerous cells. A special chemical is injected into the bloodstream and absorbed by cells. The cancerous cells absorb more of the chemical than normal cells. Laser light activates the chemical, destroying the cancerous cells.
Substances that Lead to Lung Cancer
Tobacco: Cigarette smoking is the major cause of lung cancer mortality in the United States. Nationwide, smoking results in more than 5.6 million years of potential life lost each year. That translates to about 440,000 people per year who die from tobacco use (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tobacco Information and Prevention).
The harm from cigarettes is not limited to smokers. Due to secondhand smoke, an estimated 3,000 nonsmoking Americans die of lung cancer and 300,000 children suffer from lower respiratory tract infections each year, according to the CDC. These are very sad statistics, made even more compelling by the fact that many cigarette companies knew about the results of tobacco use years ago, but hid the truth from the public. For more information about the politics of tobacco, including recent legal cases, see our section about Tobacco and Cigarette Law.
Asbestos: Studies show an increase in lung cancer among workers exposed to asbestos. The substance is now considered a major cause of lung cancer, second only to tobacco. (See Lung Cancers in Workers Exposed to Asbestos for more details about how asbestos lung cancer begins and progresses).
Asbestos exposure combined with smoking greatly multiplies the risk of developing lung cancer. If you inhale both these substances, you run a greater risk of disease than if you were exposed to either substance alone. Because the likelihood of contracting lung cancer is dose–dependent, every exposure to these deadly substances increases your disease potential.
Beryllium: Beryllium is a strong, lightweight element that has been used in nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, aircraft, spacecraft, ceramics for electronics, and in some sports equipment. Workers who labor in a beryllium–tainted environment run the risk of contracting serious respiratory diseases (see Beryllium Diseases).
The U.S. Agency for Toxic Control and Disease Registry lists long–term beryllium exposure as a risk factor for lung cancer, based on studies by the Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labels beryllium a “probable” cause of cancer. The agency has estimated that lifetime exposure to 0.04 µg/m3 beryllium can result in a one in a thousand chance of developing cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with lung cancer and were exposed to beryllium in your workplace, you should be evaluated by a physician to determine if beryllium played a role in causing the cancer. To learn more about beryllium, see our web site, Beryllium Network. Also see Legal Help for Beryllium Victims.
(www.braytonlaw.com)
Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. In mesothelioma patients, cancer cells grow without control or order and spread along the surface of internal organs. The most frequently targeted areas are: the pleura or membranes surrounding the lungs and chest, the lining of the peritoneum or abdominal cavity, and the membranes surrounding the pericardium or heart.
When the pleura is infected by cancer cells, it is called pleural mesothelioma. This is the most common type of mesothelioma. This disease causes severe respiratory problems and is almost always fatal. However, various treatments for pleural mesothelioma may improve longevity and the quality of life.
Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma
An asbestos victim generally does not develop pleural mesothelioma until decades after the first asbestos exposure. The initial symptoms are difficulty in breathing and chest pain. Other signs of pleural mesothelioma include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and coughing up blood (hemoptysis). Over half of the patients with pleural mesothelioma have pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest.
A physician may use x–rays, computed tomography or CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or positron emission tomography (PET) scans to diagnose pleural mesothelioma. Tissue and fluid sampling is also helpful in determining the presence of this disease.
Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment
Choosing a mesothelioma treatment depends upon how advanced the disease is, and the patient’s preferences. If you have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you should consult a cancer specialists with expertise in mesothelioma. Ask about treatment side-effects, clinical trials, the stage of pleural mesothelioma you are in and how to handle the physical aspects of everyday living. Make sure your concerns and questions are addressed, including pain management.
Surgery may be used in some cases of pleural mesothelioma. If surgery is “palliative,” it provides relief, but not a cure. This might involve draining accumulated fluid from the chest, or lungs, for example. A “pleurectomy” is a more radical surgery in which the chest is opened and the tumor is removed from the surface of the lung. An “extrapleural pneumonectomy” involves the removal of diseased portions of the lung.
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the chemotherapy drug pemetrexed (Alimta®), combined with a standard chemotherapy compound, cisplatin, to treat pleural mesothlioma. Although it cannot cure pleural mesothelioma, pemetrexed or Alimta® may prolong survival and reduce pain.
Other techniques, which may be used with or without surgery and chemotherapy to help pleural mesothelioma patients, are radiation, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which uses light to kill cancer cells, is an experimental treatment. Cancer cells readily absorb chemicals that are injected into the blood at a much faster rate than normal cells. Therefore, a laser light activates the chemical in the cancer cells, destroying them and not the normal cells.
Clinical Trials
A clinical trial is a research study to answer specific questions about new treatments, including their safety and effectiveness. Some pleural mesothelioma patients choose to participate in clinical trials in order to have a greater sense of control over their health, and renewed hope for an improved quality of life. The helpful chemotherapy drug, pemetrexed, was originally tested in clinical trials.
On the other hand, medicines given in clinical trials may involve serious side–effects or not be effective. You will need to ask critical questions before participating in any clinical trial, and talk with your physician about whether this is the right course for you to take. To learn more about how clinical trials are conducted, see the National Institute of Health web site under Resource Information. You can also search their list of clinical trials (type “mesothelioma” or “pleural mesothelioma” in the Search Box). 
Illnesses Caused by Toxic Substances and Unsafe Medical Drugs
Harmful chemicals, known as toxic substances, are becoming more and more of a problem in our homes and workplaces. A recent study traced the U.S. population’s exposure to 116 chemicals that may cause serious illnesses or even cancer (Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Survey, 1999–2000). The exposure rate was alarming.
The effects of toxic substances are not always immediately apparent. Many diseases that are closely linked to exposure to toxic substances take decades to develop. At Brayton Purcell, we have worked extensively with clients who contracted diseases related to exposure to asbestos, beryllium, and tobacco. Many of our clients had been heavily exposed to these substances 30 or 40 years ago, yet were first developing symptoms. Sometimes, they did not realize the connection between their exposure and their health problems until it was discovered by an alert physician.
If you have been diagnosed with any of the diseases discussed below, you should consider your past toxic exposure history. This would include exposure on the job as well as at home. You will also need to recall whether you were exposed to these substances through a secondhand source, such as washing or handling the tainted clothes of a family member who worked with a toxic substance. Sometimes this recall process can be tricky. For example, you may have been exposed to asbestos through doing extensive automotive or home repairs, activities that you probably would not normally associate with any dangers. Asking and answering the appropriate questions is important. An attorney who is experienced with toxic substance cases will know what questions to ask to help you ferret out your toxic exposure history and pursue your legal options.
Some Diseases Caused by Toxic Substances
Asbestosis and Mesothelioma: Asbestosis is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is a debilitating disease that results in reduced lung capacity and restricted breathing. Asbestosis progresses slowly by scarring and inflaming lung tissue. The disease can be treated, but not cured.
Asbestosis victims have a high risk of developing lung cancer or even mesothelioma, which is a fatal form of cancer. Mesothelioma affects specialized cells that line the membranes surrounding the chest and abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma causes severe respiratory problems.
Lung Cancer: Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer is the United States. Asbestos exposure is among other major causes.
The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung cancer, in which the cancer cells are small and round (almost 20% of lung cancers), and non–small cell lung cancer, in which the cancer cells are larger (almost 80% of lung cancers). Small cell lung cancer tends to spread more rapidly throughout the body than other types of lung cancer. For a discussion of how lung cancer progresses, and its treatment and diagnosis, see Lung Cancer.
Chronic Beryllium Disease or Berylliosis: Chronic beryllium disease or berylliosis is always caused by beryllium exposure. It is a painful scarring of the lung tissue that results in fatigue and shortness of breath. Physicians may prescribe steroids to reduce the pain, but chronic beryllium disease is not curable.
Health Problems Due to Toxic Mold
Another often–overlooked toxic substance is mold. People may be injured through exposure to toxic mold, which may be found in poorly built or maintained homes, apartments, or buildings. Toxic mold health problems include respiratory illness, emotional distress, nausea, and in some cases, even brain injuries.
Medical Drugs
Unfortunately, some prescription and over–the–counter drugs that we knowingly take to cure us of our ailments can be as dangerous as various toxic substances. This can be quite a shock, as certain drug manufacturers have failed to warned consumers and physicians of the serious health problems associated with the use of their products. For a discussion and list of common prescription or over–the–counter medical drugs associated with health problems, see Injuries from Medical Drugs.
Getting Legal Help
We have represented many clients who had serious medical conditions due to exposure to toxic substances or to taking unsafe medical drugs. Our legal team has extensive medical, legal and technical background, and we fight hard for our clients’ rights against large companies and drug manufacturers. If you have been injured through exposure to a toxic substance or an unsafe medical drug, please feel free to contact us to learn about your legal rights.
(www.braytonlaw.com)
Missouri mesothelioma lawyers
f you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should contact a Missouri mesothelioma lawyer before time runs out on your health and the time allotted to file a claim. We have dealt with this disease from beginning to end and the companies that caused this disease. We not only know what it takes to win your case but also know the compassion that it takes to see it through to the end with a positive result. The Missouri mesothelioma lawyers of The Maune Raichle Law Firm are not just here for legal advice; we also want to assist you with other issues related to this disease. You'll find that a Missouri mesothelioma lawyer from The Maune Raichle Law Firm is not only here for your legal counsel but also someone whom you can consult for mesothelioma treatment.
(www.mesotheliomamedicine.com)
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Chủ nhật, ngày 02 tháng chín năm 2007
Attorney mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a severe lung cancer that crops up in persons who stays in the contact of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma patients working in the industries like construction, building, railroad, shipbuilding are great potential of risk of this disease. The risk of Mesothelioma also increases in the families of the workers. Several legal cases are handled each year regarding mesothelioma. In order to mesothelioma compensation, the actual amount may diverse from several hundreds to thousands or millions.
Due to this, it is vital that the mesothelioma patient discover the best attorney of mesothelioma. From several years several to several legal cases and legal firms have started to appoint expert attorney to deal with mesothelioma cases. Known as a mesothelioma lawyer or mesothelioma attorney, this person creates a point of knowledge all about this illness in addition to the possessions obtainable to fatalities, and this person is completely trained to contract with compensation asserts and court case filed by mesothelioma victims and their families.The advantages of having a mesothelioma attorney are many. A mesothelioma attorney is able to supply both assistance and advice to any victim wishing to file a claim for reimbursement beside ex-employers of asbestos producers that were accountable for the disclosure. With the increase in the several cases of mesothelioma, there has also been a theatrical boost in the counting of mesothelioma attorneys in maneuver.
It makes very easier for those looking for legal help to discover a skilled attorney of mesothelioma in front of where they live. Mesothelioma attorneys are in the great demand to check out all conditions around the patients claim in the most favorable and the clearest light. After passing time in discussion with the patient of mesothelioma, they can stand in for the mesothelioma patient lawfully and articulate the mesothelioma knowledge.
Generally, the mesothelioma attorney who represents the patient precedes these early costs that are connected with the research and test. On the other hand, since on behalf of mesothelioma can be so gainful to attorneys, it is significant that people who have mesothelioma be particularly cautious selecting attorneys who are actually qualified to symbolize them.
Those people who are looking for a mesothelioma attorney, should chooser somebody that has confirmed knowledge in the field. Most trustworthy attorney s will be pleased to offer facts and figures on preceding cases that they have switched. Nevertheless, these lawyers frequently do not offer private knowledge that might be matter to privacy. They can, nevertheless, offer you with facts on how rapidly cases were resolute, how much reimbursement was productively attained and how several mesothelioma complaints they have contracted with.
If anybody in your family/relation or your loved one is suffered from mesothelioma consequently exposure of asbestos, you do not have to experience fruitlessly. Mesotheliomas attorneys have prosperity of experience take proceedings asbestos-related cases and can assist you bring answerable parties to impartiality. As well, mesothelioma attorney job on an "emergency fee" basis that means that these types of attorneys work for free if not your case is productively determined.
(aawebmasters.com)
Malignant Mesothelioma
Paul Kraus is not the only long-term survivor of malignant mesothelioma. There are others. We have heard about them and spoken to some over the years. What is fascinating is that many of these malignant mesothelioma survivors have something in common - they have all taken steps to improve or enhance their immune system. Some used alternative or complimentary therapies (with guidance from licensed clinicians) while others participated in clinical trials of immune therapy.
This raises the question - does the immune system play a role in controlling malignant mesothelioma? Paul Kraus' experience and those of other long-term malignant mesothelioma survivors suggests that such a role may be possible. In other sections of this website we present case histories of malignant mesothelioma survivors who were diagnosed with either pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma. In some of the pleural mesothelioma case histories, doctors discuss the role that the patient's immune system may have played in their extremely long survival.
In 1986, an article appeared in a medical journal that discussed this very issue of malignant mesothelioma and immunity.(1) This research focused on the immune responses of 118 healthy people compared to 20 patients with malignant mesothelioma and 375 long-term asbestos workers who were cancer-free. The researchers wanted to know if there were any measurable differences in the immune responses of the mesothelioma patients. Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the immune system and malignant mesothelioma. For example:
· The number of total T (T11+) and T-helper (T4+) cells were normal in asbestos workers with cancer, but were significantly reduced in patients with mesothelioma. T cells orchestrate, regulate and coordinate the overall immune response.
· Most patients with mesothelioma had a profound deficiency in Natural Killer cell (NK) activity which is suggestive of the role the immune system plays in the control of malignant mesothelioma. NK cells are a type of lethal lymphocyte that target tumor cells and protect against a wide variety of infectious microbes.
In the discussion section of the report, the researchers stated:
“These findings led us to speculate that biological phenomena generally categorized as chronic immunosuppression associated with the presence of asbestos fibers in the exposed workers may have caused the eventual breakdown of the host’s surveillance system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma].”
In other words, the researchers are suggesting that malignant mesothelioma may result from immune suppression. If this is true it would provide the biological basis for the role that the immune system and immune boosting approaches may play in the management of malignant mesothelioma.
Endnotes
(1) Lew, F., et al., High Frequency of Immune Dysfunctions in Asbestos Workers and in Patients with Malignant Mesothelioma, Journal of Clinical Immunology; 1986, 6:3, 225-232.
Remember to sign up for the free teleconference with 10 year malignant mesothelioma survivor Paul Kraus. Paul wrote the critically acclaimed book Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide and is dedicated to inspiring other mesothelioma patients. Listen to how he handled his diagnosis, what he learned about the cancer, and the steps he took to heal his mesothelioma. Call 1-619-261-7922 to register. (Space is limited.)
