CAUSES OF MESOTHELIOMA CANCER

Mesothelioma is the growth of malignant cells in mesothelium, the thin membrane covering the body’s internal organs. This mesothelium lining covers the pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities. Pleura is a membrane covering the lungs and it is the most common location where mesothelioma cancer occurs also known as pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneum, the protective covering that lines the abdominal cavity may also develop malignant tumors and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest cancers in the world that is caused only by exposure to asbestos. Its exposure can be direct, by inhalation of asbestos or indirect exposure in which the asbestos particles are inhaled from the clothing, hair, equipment or other articles that were previously exposed to asbestos.

Causes of Mesothelioma Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined in different parts of the world due to its wide utility in various industries. However, it is a deadly carcinogen too and a mojor cause of mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos fibers are known to cause cancer of the mesothelium. Asbestos is the fibrous form of several minerals and hydrous silicates of magnesium found under ground. There are 3 types of asbestos, the blue one, the while one and the brown one. Of all these 3 types, the blue one also called amphibole, long and thin in structure is more carcinogenic than white or chrysolite asbestos or the brown one known as amosite.

However, in some cases the brown asbestos has also been found to cause mesothelioma. And it is for this reason that people exposed to asbestos even for a short period are vulnerable to the disease.

Pleural Mesothelioma Asbestos fibers are very fine and easily make their way to the lungs where they settle down in the parenchyma of the lung and penetrate the pleura that later develops malignant mesothelial plaques.

Pleura, which anchors lungs to the chest cavity, is itself a double-layered membrane. The inner layer called visceral pleura surrounds the lungs, while the outer one, known as parietal pleura, forms the lining of the pleural or chest cavity. The two pleural layers are filled with a fluid that helps them to slide over each other as we breathe. As the disease progresses, the delicate pleural membranes thicken and press the lungs. A fluid secreted by the malignant cells, pleural effusion, may also collect between visceral and parietal pleurae that causes problem in breathing and other complications.

Peritoneum Mesothelioma The asbestos fibers may also cause cancer in the peritoneum, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. This leads to thickening of the membranes surrounding abdominal organs and collection of a fluid, ascites in the abdominal cavity making it swell.

Though it is yet not clear how peritoneal mesothelioma develops, it is believed that from lungs, the asbestos fibers are transported to abdomen and its organs by the lymphatic system or they may be deposited in the gut through saliva contaminated by the asbestos fibers.

Pericardial Mesothelioma This is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer that comprises of only 5% of all the mesothelioma cases. Like other types of mesothelioma cancer, pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust and fibers. The lining of the chest cavity which protects the heart is known as pericardium. It is provided with a natural fluid or mucous that provide continuous lubrication to the heart so that it can work properly and perform its functions.

As the asbestos particles settle further into the lining of the chest or pericardial, the cancer spreads in the body. It destroys the heart tissues and muscles that is very hazardous to life and proves fatal for the patient.

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENTS FOR MESOTHELIOMA

Symptoms and Treatments for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that don't exhibit symptoms until the cancer reaches the late stage of development and it is at this point that many cases become incurable. It also has non-specific symptoms and thousands of cases each year are misdiagnosed as other, less severe respiratory conditions. Simply put, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of protective tissue around the major organs, most noticeably the lungs, heart and stomach and recently it has been positively linked to the mineral asbestos. This thin layer of tissue, the mesothelium, allows inhaled asbestos fibres to embed themselves, and it is here that they can lay dormant for up to 50 years before becoming cancerous.

The symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma depend on which of the body's organs are affected.

Pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer affects the lungs and causes a number of symptoms including:

· Persistent cough that doesn't improve with medication
· Breathing difficulties
· Shortness of breath
· Fever
· Difficulty swallowing
· Chest pain
· Weight loss

Pericardial mesothelioma. This second type of mesothelioma affects the heart tissue and includes the following symptoms:

· Breathing difficulties
· Chesty cough
· Palpitations

Peritoneal mesothelioma. The third type of mesothelioma affects the stomach and causes the following symptoms:

· Nausea and vomiting
· Abdominal pain
· Weight loss
· Bloating of the stomach
· Bowel obstruction
· Fever

Obviously all of these symptoms can also be due to a number of other conditions however anyone who experiences them should consult a doctor, especially those who have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

Unfortunately for mesothelioma victims, the symptoms only present themselves late in the cancer's development and so in many cases treatment is palliative rather than curative. There are a number of possible types of treatment that can be used against mesothelioma and the course of treatment that is prescribed will depend to a large extent on how developed the cancer is and how far it has spread around the body. This information can be determined using x-rays, CT scans and MRI scans because these imaging techniques can provide a detailed view of the cancer's progression and how many areas of the body are affected. The possible forms of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care and either a single form or a combination will be used.

Surgery. Surgery can be used in cases where there is an obvious large tumour however it will only become an option if the tumour is causing chronic pain or if it is causing an obstruction e.g. in one or both of the lungs. Because mesothelioma can take between 30 and 50 years to develop many sufferers are elderly when they are diagnosed and so the option of surgery will also depend on age and general state of health. Occasionally it is considered safer to live with the tumour than to risk the rigors of surgery.

Radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is most effective when the mesothelioma is confined to a single site, such as the lungs. It can and often is used in conjunction with chemotherapy as an extra defence against any small pockets of cancerous cells that might survive drug therapy. Radiotherapy can produce some side effects however they are easily treated and rarely cause problems.

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy for mesothelioma will more often than not involve a stay in hospital while a specific drug concoction is introduced to the body intravenously. Chemotherapy is used when the cancer has spread to other areas and so the treatment needs to attack multiple sites.

Palliative care. Palliative care can include any of the above treatments however they will be aimed at improving and extending the quality of life rather than providing a cure. Palliative care will also include pain relief as in many cases the mesothelioma is well advanced and causing chronic chest and abdominal discomfort.

Mesothelioma is considered a rare form of cancer however in the last decade the number of cases diagnosed each year has steadily risen. Since becoming associated with asbestos many victims have successfully sued their former employers and many more are starting proceedings each and every year. Today workers have to wear protective clothing and breathing apparatus while working with asbestos and so it may be that the presence of mesothelioma dies along with the current generation.

MESOTHELIOMA FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesothelioma is one of the most devasating and dangerous diseases of the modern day, but few people understand the nature of the condition until they have first hand experience. These frequently asked questions should help illuminate some common concerns about this disease.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral traditionally used for insulation in construction, engineering, and scientific industries. Asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air that when inhaled, can cause a number of health hazards.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and the heart.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

Symptoms for mesothelioma include shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with many different conditions, or natural signs of aging. Also, different types of mesothelioma cause different symptoms.

What are the types of mesothelioma?

The most common form of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. This condition affects the lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity. The second most common form is called peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the cell membrane around the inside of the abdomen. The rarest form is called pericardial mesothelioma, which damages the cells in the sac around the heart. Each form is terminal.

Who is at risk of asbestos exposure?

Those at greatest risk for asbestos exposure are people who worked in the asbestos, construction, and shipbuilding industries. Millions of people have suffered exposure to asbestos due the proliferation of the over 3000 products know to contain asbestos.

Why is this material dangerous?

The small size of the asbestos particle is especially dangerous because they linger in the air, accumulate on clothing, and are easily inhaled. Once inhaled, they begin to damage the cellular structure of many internal organs, most frequently the lungs.

Does exposure to asbestos only lead to mesothelioma?

While mesothelioma is sadly a common consequence of asbestos exposure, it is not the only deadly condition caused by this deadly material. Another condition called asbestosis is often caused by inhaling asbestos particles.

What is asbestosis?

Asbestosis is the accumulation of scar tissue in the lungs caused by asbestos particles. Over time, this scar tissue will overwhelm the lung and cause lung and heart failure.

What treatments are available for victims of asbestos-related illnesses?

While the there are no cures for mesothelioma or asbestosis, medical science makes advances every day in diagnosing and treating these devastating conditions.

Does cigarette smoking cause this disease?

Cigarettes do not cause mesothelioma by themselves, but people exposed to asbestos are encouraged to not smoke. Smoking can exacerbate damaged lungs, and it increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma by 50-90%.

What should people do if diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease?

Victims should follow all the directions of their doctors, but they should also contact an attorney to see if they have reason to pursue legal action against the party responsible for their injuries.

Does the law limit how long victims can pursue justice?

Yes, individual states have laws called statues of limitations, which limit how much time victims can initiate legal action.

I don’t have much money, how can I afford a lawyer?

Most mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you do. This ensures they will devote all their energy to winning your case.

No attorney’s fees, court costs, or expenses (except unpaid medical bills) unless you recover.

THE STAGES OF MESOTHELIOMA

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms are chronologically far apart. This creates a lot of confusion among some doctors because some symptoms could be attributed to other common diseases. Well-timed diagnosis can be extremely difficult due to the dormant period between getting infected and manifestation of indications. This could take up to 40 years to fully show itself and the damage it has caused. When symptoms are apparent, this cancer is already in the advanced state. By that time, treatment can do little for the patient. Treatment choices differ according to the stages of the cancer. Pleural mesothelomia has around four stages while peritoneal mesothelomia is not staged.

Stage I shows the presence of mesothelomia either on the right or on the left pleura or the stomach. Stage II assaults the chest wall or the esophagus, heart or pleura on both sides. At stage III, lymph nodes can be found further and may involve the chest. This is also the stage when mesothelioma has penetrated the abdomen down to the lining of the abdominal cavity. Stages II to IV is categorized as the advanced state of cancer. Stage IV is considered advanced mesothelioma and most of the time it is an open/close surgery, as it is no longer helpful. The cancer of mesothelioma is difficult to the point of being impossible to treat. Initially tumors can be seen in the membranes that enclose the chest cavity and abdominal cavity. It then metastasizes to the organs nearby.

The gauge of the stages is done through CAT scans, MRI testing, and other use of mechanisms like x-rays. By way of these tools the physician can see how far the cancer has has spread. Through theses measures the physician will be able to translate what level and type treatment is appropriate for which stage. Once stage and treatment has been defined, the doctor then talks it over with the patient and his family. By the time mesothelioma is diagnosed, most of the treatment is pain management and control, drug therapy, and psychological methods to help the patient deal better with the effect of pain.

Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery are not sufficient without supplementary medications. But when conventional methods are no longer an option, experimental methods might be considered. Clinical trials are being done on humans to see how effective new drugs are with human beings. If a patient will agree to participate in a clinical trial the patient benefits in return for helping scientists analyze its efficacy of the research.

By and large, treatment would always depend on the location of tumor, what stage the cancer is in, its spread and how mesothelomia cancer metastasized. Factors like age and the overall health condition of the patient may well be considered during treatment.

Management and handling of mesothelomia cancer is a very difficult procedure. The patient needs to be physically and emotionally ready for the consequences of having mesothelioma cancer. Whatever the doctors' prognosis will be, the patient needs to be able to prepare for what will happen next.

VICTIMS OF PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA

Many victims of mesothelioma take comfort in knowing that the asbestos industry will no longer injure innocent people through deception and blatant lies. Another source of comfort many victims discover is through the law. Thousands of people are taking action against the asbestos industry in order to recover financial restitution for their pain and suffering, and you could be next. Let our dedicated and experienced peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys help you get the compensation you may deserve

COMMON TREATMENTS FOR PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA

Chemotherapy:
Strong drugs are used to shrink the size and kill tumors, but these drugs are extremely potent and often cause significant damage to other healthy cells. These drugs can be taken orally, or in some cases the drugs are directly introduced into the tumors if they are resistant to other treatment

Radiation therapy:

Radiation is one of the ways to treat peritoneal mesothelioma. Powerful X-rays can kill diseased cells, but they also can kill healthy cells, and many people undergoing radiation treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer hair loss and other side effects.

Surgery: This most drastic option often involves the removal of the tumor or cancerous tissue in the abdomen or gastrointestinal tract. The necessity of surgery is generally based on the extent and progression of the cancer.

Vigorous treatment and early diagnosis are often the keys to long term survival. Unfortunately, mesothelioma lies dormant for years, so most victims do not experience any side effects until the cancer is extremely advanced. After the cancer has overwhelmed the stomach, it is rare for patients to survive longer than five years.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA

Stomach pain
Lower abdominal pain
Difficulty with bowel movements
Weight lost
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Weakness
Abdominal swelling

When asbestos is ingested, minute fibers enter the stomach and penetrate the stomach lining. As more and more fibers penetrate this delicate organ, the cells on the exterior lining begin to mutate into cancerous mesothelioma cells. These cells accumulate into tumors, and eventually overwhelm the peritoneum, killing off healthy stomach cells in the process. Furthermore, these tumors prevent the peritoneum from making the protective lining that aids the stomach in movement. In less drastic instances, the tumors on the stomach lining grow and exert increasing pressure on surrounding organs causing agonizing pain.

There is no cure for any type of mesothelioma, but certain conditions can aid in treatment. Age, type of cell affected, size and stage of the tumor, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment greatly affect what course of action doctors can take.

WHAT IS PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin cell membrane called the peritoneum. This collection of cells surrounds the gastrointestinal tract and provides lubrication for the stomach and intestines to move so that they may function properly. These organs must be able to move properly in order to properly digest and process food, and a failure in the peritoneum can result in severe and debilitating consequences. Unfortunately, the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can be so subtle that it can be confused with other, less dangerous diseases, and this aspect of the disease significantly contributes to its already staggering mortality rate.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is one of the deadliest and most painful forms of cancer. Fortunately it is also one of the rarer forms of a relatively uncommon cancer, though that is small comfort to the thousands of people that must endure it every day. This terminal condition begins when a person ingests the microscopic jagged asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, fibrous mineral that has been used in fireproofing and insulation for millennia, and even since these ancient times those that worked with asbestos tended to die even earlier than other people did.

During the manufacturing process asbestos fibers are often released into the air, where their light weight and small size allows them to settle in the mouths and throats of anyone nearby, and they can even be carried home where they can contaminate the friends and family of the original worker.

Peritoneal mesothelioma begins when asbestos fibers enter the digestive track and slice through the tissues of the stomach and intestines. These fibers shred through these organs and protrude through them and puncture the peritoneal mesothelium, the delicate membrane that secretes the lubrication that allows them to move during digestion. Without this vital lubrication the organs could not process food properly