Mesothelioma Treatments:
There are several types of treatment available for patients with mesothelioma, some recommended more frequently than others. The most commonly used treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In addition, some experimental treatments are becoming more widely used, or are showing some encouraging results in clinical trials. These treatments include photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, among others.
In an effort to help patients understand mesothelioma, Asbestos.com offers a complimentary packet that contains treatment information tailored to your specific diagnosis. The packet also covers the nation's top mesothelioma doctors and cancer centers, as well as financial assistance options to help cover medical costs.
Treatment options for mesothelioma vary from patient-to-patient and may include traditional treatments, alternative treatments, new treatments, or some combination thereof. Since mesothelioma is such a rare disease, patients who have been diagnosed may wish to seek treatment from a specialist or team of specialists. There are dozens of mesothelioma treatment centers across the United States, each with its own unique treatment options and offerings
Monday, April 4, 2011
Mesothelioma Lawyers in San Diego
Mesothelioma Lawyers in San Diego
To understand how to choose a lawyer for this disease, you should first understand the basics of the disease. In the simplest sense, Mesothelioma is a cancer of the protective layers of the body cavities, known as the mesothelium.
These tissues have different names depending on the organs they protect. You have probably heard of the peritoneum–this is the covering around the stomach and intestines. Other organs and cavities have their own membranes as well.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of these tissues. They often do not just affect the tissues–they affect the organs they surround and can spread elsewhere. This cancer is most often contracted by exposure to asbestos, a highly dangerous mineral often found in floors, ceilings, and some products.
Employers and landlords are supposed to protect you from asbestos, but often this does not happen. If you have Mesothelioma you have probably been exposed to asbestos. If so, you should contact mesotheloma attorneys in your area to see if you have a case against the party responsible for your exposure.
How Do I Choose?
San Diego is a big place. The whole area is so large it is almost connected to Los Angeles now with no real division. Choosing a professional in this area is a daunting task for busy people, so here are some steps to take to make the process easier.
asbestos lawyers california Mesolthelioma lawyers get to know the doctors who treat the disease. Over time they develop relationships and form help networks for patients. Often a doctor will have several contacts in the legal field and a lawyer will have several contacts in the medical field. This helps save you time.
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, your oncologist may be your best source of names for attorney contacts. She will likely have already worked with them on cases and can tell you not only who specializes in your type of cancer but who is best and who is within a short distance from your home or work. If she does not have the right kind of specialist, there are other ways to find the right professional for your case.
You can check with other doctors who deal specifically deal with Mesothelioma if your doctor is more of a general oncologist. These doctors may have worked more closely with Mesothelioma lawyers in your area of southern California. You can also call local hospitals, various cancer support groups–area law schools are also excellent for references. Also check your union or professional group if you were exposed on the job.
To understand how to choose a lawyer for this disease, you should first understand the basics of the disease. In the simplest sense, Mesothelioma is a cancer of the protective layers of the body cavities, known as the mesothelium.
These tissues have different names depending on the organs they protect. You have probably heard of the peritoneum–this is the covering around the stomach and intestines. Other organs and cavities have their own membranes as well.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of these tissues. They often do not just affect the tissues–they affect the organs they surround and can spread elsewhere. This cancer is most often contracted by exposure to asbestos, a highly dangerous mineral often found in floors, ceilings, and some products.
Employers and landlords are supposed to protect you from asbestos, but often this does not happen. If you have Mesothelioma you have probably been exposed to asbestos. If so, you should contact mesotheloma attorneys in your area to see if you have a case against the party responsible for your exposure.
How Do I Choose?
San Diego is a big place. The whole area is so large it is almost connected to Los Angeles now with no real division. Choosing a professional in this area is a daunting task for busy people, so here are some steps to take to make the process easier.
asbestos lawyers california Mesolthelioma lawyers get to know the doctors who treat the disease. Over time they develop relationships and form help networks for patients. Often a doctor will have several contacts in the legal field and a lawyer will have several contacts in the medical field. This helps save you time.
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, your oncologist may be your best source of names for attorney contacts. She will likely have already worked with them on cases and can tell you not only who specializes in your type of cancer but who is best and who is within a short distance from your home or work. If she does not have the right kind of specialist, there are other ways to find the right professional for your case.
You can check with other doctors who deal specifically deal with Mesothelioma if your doctor is more of a general oncologist. These doctors may have worked more closely with Mesothelioma lawyers in your area of southern California. You can also call local hospitals, various cancer support groups–area law schools are also excellent for references. Also check your union or professional group if you were exposed on the job.
Mesothelioma attorney San Diego
Mesothelioma attorneys San Diego California
and across the United States
We are California Mesothelioma attorneys with years of success recovering millions for San Diego Mesothelioma patients and their families. Because San Diego has been such a hub of activity for the United States Navy, many people who were exposed to asbestos at San Diego ship repair facilities and Naval bases have been afflicted with Mesothelioma.
Our attorneys have been representing Mesothelioma patients for 25 years.
We have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for our clients in asbestos lawsuits.
San Diego sites where our clients have worked include the 32nd Street Naval Base, North Island Naval Air Station, Campbell Industries Shipyard, San Diego Marine Shipyard, Triple A Shipyard, National Steel Shipyard, San Diego County Courthouse, the San Diego County Jail, San Diego Juvenile Courthouse Complex, San Diego County Mental Health Center, University of San Diego Hospital, San Diego Health Services Complex, among many others. We have a vast library of information about these and many other San Diego sites, that includes information about the types and brands of asbestos products used at each location.
We represent Mesothelioma patients and their families. Mesothelioma is a very serious form of cancer, and families who have been touched by Mesothelioma have many challenges ahead. Whatever treatment options a Mesothelioma patient chooses, treatment is expensive. A Mesothelioma diagnosis can often mean financial hardship without some kind of legal assistance. Our experienced asbestos attorneys can help provide fast compensation to San Diego area families impacted by Mesothelioma. The financial resources we make available allow our clients to focus on fighting Mesothelioma, beating the odds, and enjoying time with their loved ones.
and across the United States
We are California Mesothelioma attorneys with years of success recovering millions for San Diego Mesothelioma patients and their families. Because San Diego has been such a hub of activity for the United States Navy, many people who were exposed to asbestos at San Diego ship repair facilities and Naval bases have been afflicted with Mesothelioma.
Our attorneys have been representing Mesothelioma patients for 25 years.
We have obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for our clients in asbestos lawsuits.
San Diego sites where our clients have worked include the 32nd Street Naval Base, North Island Naval Air Station, Campbell Industries Shipyard, San Diego Marine Shipyard, Triple A Shipyard, National Steel Shipyard, San Diego County Courthouse, the San Diego County Jail, San Diego Juvenile Courthouse Complex, San Diego County Mental Health Center, University of San Diego Hospital, San Diego Health Services Complex, among many others. We have a vast library of information about these and many other San Diego sites, that includes information about the types and brands of asbestos products used at each location.
We represent Mesothelioma patients and their families. Mesothelioma is a very serious form of cancer, and families who have been touched by Mesothelioma have many challenges ahead. Whatever treatment options a Mesothelioma patient chooses, treatment is expensive. A Mesothelioma diagnosis can often mean financial hardship without some kind of legal assistance. Our experienced asbestos attorneys can help provide fast compensation to San Diego area families impacted by Mesothelioma. The financial resources we make available allow our clients to focus on fighting Mesothelioma, beating the odds, and enjoying time with their loved ones.
Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon
Spread the word about Mesothelioma with the Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon. Post the ribbon icon on your blog or site. The Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon can be found on the left column of our blog. If you have a Blogger (Blogspot) blog, simply click on the Add to Blogger widget button. If you have a non-Blogger blog or site, simple copy and paste the code underneath the Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon widget button. Tell the world that you are concerned about the effects of Asbestos with the Mesothelioma Awareness Ribbon
CT Scan of Mesothelioma Patient:
The image to the left is a CT scan of a patient that has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. This coronal section shows the follow parts of the body with the mesothelioma indicated by yellow arrows. The collection of fluid (central pleural effusion) is indicated with a yellow *.
- right lung
- spine
- left lung
- ribs
- descending part of the aorta
- spleen
- left kidney
- right kidney
- liver
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Lungs
Mesothelioma of the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for 20 to 40 years after exposure and sometimes longer. Around 3000 people are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma each year. Roughly 2/3 of mesothelioma cases are Pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the lungs called the pleural membrane.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Once the asbestos fibers are brought into the lungs, they find their way to the pleural membrane. Over time, typically 20 years and more, the accumulation of these fibers begins to scare the lining of the lungs. The scaring causes tumor growth on the lungs and ultimately cancer. The cancerous cells prevent the creation of healthy cells and ultimately the pleural member thickens. As a result, lung capacity is reduced and fluid begins to fill between the pleural layers.
Symptoms of mesothelioma of the lungs (Pleural Mesothelioma) include:
- Dry or raspy cough
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss (10% or more)
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Fatigue
- Persistent pain in the chest
- Painful breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath (even during rest)
- Lumps under the skin on the chest
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a very difficult to diagnose as it is often detected well into advance stages of the disease. Often 20 to 50 years will go by from the initial asbestos exposure until characteristics of mesothelioma are evident. Typically, patients are often diagnosed with mesothelioma 3 to 6 months of first signs of the diseases which is most often abdomenal and chest pain and breathing problems.
Patients that are suspected to mesothelioma are given a number of tests to determine whether or not the disease is present. These tests include chest X-rays, CT scan, PET scan, and/or and MRI scan. These tests will determine if and where mesothelioma is present and at what stage.
Doctors will also do tissue and fluid tests (also known as biopsy tests) to determine if cancer cells are present. These tests involve small samples of body tissue and fluids. Such tests may include:
Patients that are suspected to mesothelioma are given a number of tests to determine whether or not the disease is present. These tests include chest X-rays, CT scan, PET scan, and/or and MRI scan. These tests will determine if and where mesothelioma is present and at what stage.
Doctors will also do tissue and fluid tests (also known as biopsy tests) to determine if cancer cells are present. These tests involve small samples of body tissue and fluids. Such tests may include:
- Thoracoscopy test- a test that is used when pleural or pericardial mesothelioma is suspected. This test involves producing a small tissue through the chest wall via a small incision.
- Fine Needle Aspiration test - a long, hollow needle is used to extract fluid samples from such places as the pleural membrane of the lungs.
- Bronchoscopy and Laparoscopy test - similar to the thoracoscopy test but done in other areas of the body.
- Mediastinoscopy test - used to to view the lymph nodes in the chest and to see the stage of cancer and whether it has spread
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Abdomen
There are 3,000 cases of mesothelioma a year and of those cases, 10 to 20% of those cases are mesothelioma of the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen that effect the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. The peritoneum is comprised of two layers that surround, support and protect organs in the abdomen.
Like the other forms of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is not complete understood as to how it forms. Many scientist believe that peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by one of two ways. The first theory is that asbestos is ingested and find there way to the digestive organs. The other way is by inhaling the asbestos fibers. The asbestos finds its way to the peritoneal membrane through the lymphatic system.
Regardless of how the asbestos fibers find their way to the abdomen, they can not be expelled. Over time, the peritoneum thickens often resulting in cancerous tumors. Like pericardial mesotheliom (mesothelioma of the heart) or pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs), peritoneal mesothelioma are vague and can often be confused with other non-serious diseases. However, if you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos in the past 20 to 50 years (or ever), and you experience of the following symptoms, it is advised that you seek the consultation of a doctor. Only tests can determine if mesothelioma is present.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the abdomen area include:
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Weight loss that can't be explained
- Unexplained diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Lumps under the skin on the abdomen
- Swelling and/or pain in the abdomen
- Anemia
- Fatigue
Symptoms of Mesothelioma of the Heart
Of the 3,000 cases of mesothelioma each year, the rarest is mesothelioma of the heart called pericardial mesothelioma. The causes of pericardial mesothelioma is still not fully understood by scientists and doctors. Many scientists believe that asbestos is inhaled and ultimately makes its way to the blood stream however this is still very much a theory.
What is known is that asbestos fibers get stuck in the pericardial membranes of the heart. Over time, the accumalation of these asbestos fibers cause changes in the cells of the pericardium often resulting in cancer. Once these cells become cancerous, the divide and multiply rapidly. As these mesothelioma cells increase in quantity, the pericardial membranes thicken resulting in tumors. This build up puts pressure on the heart.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, it has been difficult for doctors to create a list of recognizable symptoms. The problem is that symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other heart diseases. If any of the following symptoms are occuring, it is advised that one should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a number of specific tests can determine whether mesothelioma of the heart is apparent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma (pericardial mesothelioma) of the heart include:
What is known is that asbestos fibers get stuck in the pericardial membranes of the heart. Over time, the accumalation of these asbestos fibers cause changes in the cells of the pericardium often resulting in cancer. Once these cells become cancerous, the divide and multiply rapidly. As these mesothelioma cells increase in quantity, the pericardial membranes thicken resulting in tumors. This build up puts pressure on the heart.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, it has been difficult for doctors to create a list of recognizable symptoms. The problem is that symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other heart diseases. If any of the following symptoms are occuring, it is advised that one should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a number of specific tests can determine whether mesothelioma of the heart is apparent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma (pericardial mesothelioma) of the heart include:
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing (event at rest)
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
Mesothelioma Basics
Mesothelioma is rare type of cancer that is caused by the exposure of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been and is still used in various building and construction applications due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Asbestos exposure is often caused by inhalation or digestion of microscopic fibers. When the microscopic asbestos brought into the body (most typically through inhalation), the particles attach themselves to the mesothelial lining of the lungs and can also attach themselves to the lining of the heart and abdomen. Many construction workers, shipyard workers, Naval vessel crew, asbestos manufacturing plant workers, power plant workers and chemical plant workers (to name just a few) are typically the ones who develop Mesothelioma due to their exposure to the toxic asbestos.
People can develop Mesothelioma at any age, however, many do not see aparent symptoms until their 70's and 80's. Common therapies for Mesothelioma include radiation therapy, surgery, anticancer drugs, and chemotherapy. Though the effects of asbestos exposure are quite apparent, the United States has yet to ban the manufacture of cancer causing agent.
People can develop Mesothelioma at any age, however, many do not see aparent symptoms until their 70's and 80's. Common therapies for Mesothelioma include radiation therapy, surgery, anticancer drugs, and chemotherapy. Though the effects of asbestos exposure are quite apparent, the United States has yet to ban the manufacture of cancer causing agent.
Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis
The most critical form of mesothelioma is the malignant form. Known as malignant mesothelioma, the primary causal factor is asbestos infection. According to the US National Cancer Institute, "Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium)."
Mesothelioma can be classified into three types - pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura), peritoneal mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) lining, and pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining that surrounds the heart (pericardium). The subtypes of mesothelioma are of three basic types, one very aggressive, one least aggressive, and one lying between the two extremes.
Malignant mesothelioma can be diagnosed through several imaging techniques. These imaging techniques enable physicians to assess mesothelioma. Once mesothelioma is suspected, patients are advised to undergo several tests, like X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. The physician may also like to undertake special mesothelioma tests like thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy and biopsy.
Learning about the stage of mesothelioma is a critical factor that helps physicians to decide the treatment plan. If the cancer is confined to the pleura, mesothelioma is considered localized. If the cancer spreads beyond the pleura and to other parts of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity, lymph nodes and the chest wall, mesothelioma is considered to be in an advanced stage.
The oft used and the oldest system for determining the stages of mesothelioma is the Butchart System. The Butchart System is based on the extent of the primary tumor mass available in a patient. This system divides mesothelioma into four stages. The TNM system, a slightly advanced system over the Butchart System, determines staging through variables of tumor in mass and the spread, the lymph node involvement and metastasis. However, the latest system is known as the Brigham System, where staging is done as per the respectability and lymph node involvement. In spite of such modern techniques, a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma still remains possible through fluid diagnosis and tissue biopsy.
Mesothelioma can be classified into three types - pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura), peritoneal mesothelioma refers to a cancer of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) lining, and pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the lining that surrounds the heart (pericardium). The subtypes of mesothelioma are of three basic types, one very aggressive, one least aggressive, and one lying between the two extremes.
Malignant mesothelioma can be diagnosed through several imaging techniques. These imaging techniques enable physicians to assess mesothelioma. Once mesothelioma is suspected, patients are advised to undergo several tests, like X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. The physician may also like to undertake special mesothelioma tests like thoracoscopy, peritoneoscopy and biopsy.
Learning about the stage of mesothelioma is a critical factor that helps physicians to decide the treatment plan. If the cancer is confined to the pleura, mesothelioma is considered localized. If the cancer spreads beyond the pleura and to other parts of the body such as the lungs, abdominal cavity, lymph nodes and the chest wall, mesothelioma is considered to be in an advanced stage.
The oft used and the oldest system for determining the stages of mesothelioma is the Butchart System. The Butchart System is based on the extent of the primary tumor mass available in a patient. This system divides mesothelioma into four stages. The TNM system, a slightly advanced system over the Butchart System, determines staging through variables of tumor in mass and the spread, the lymph node involvement and metastasis. However, the latest system is known as the Brigham System, where staging is done as per the respectability and lymph node involvement. In spite of such modern techniques, a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma still remains possible through fluid diagnosis and tissue biopsy.
After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Choose the Right Mesothelioma Attorney
The expenses associated with Mesothelioma cancer can add up into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many times after diagnosis, Mesothelioma patients and their families choose to seek the assistance of an asbestos attorney to help secure financial compensation from the party responsible for the disease. There are many options for legal representation and when selecting a Mesothelioma Lawyers following these attorney selection tips can simplify the process.
How to screen a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyer:
1. Seek an asbestos attorney who does not charge for an initial case evaluation.
2. Gather references from other clients and industry peers that have worked with the lawyer in the past.
3. Look for a lawyer with a history of technical, medical, and scientific asbestos and Mesothelioma litigation experience.
4. Review the Mesothelioma Attorney's verdicts and settlements from prior cases to insure they can bring in the size settlement sought after.
5. Selected a Mesothelioma Lawyer to represent the case who is readily available and is open to answering specific questions about the case.
Medical bills, cancer treatment, lost time from work, pain and suffering, or funeral costs are large financial burdens for those affected by asbestos related cancer. Learn more about Mesothelioma cancer and working with an asbestos attorney. A Mesothelioma Lawyer can assist asbestos related cancer patients and their families in seeking justice and financial compensation from the party responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused the disease.
How to screen a Mesothelioma Cancer Lawyer:
1. Seek an asbestos attorney who does not charge for an initial case evaluation.
2. Gather references from other clients and industry peers that have worked with the lawyer in the past.
3. Look for a lawyer with a history of technical, medical, and scientific asbestos and Mesothelioma litigation experience.
4. Review the Mesothelioma Attorney's verdicts and settlements from prior cases to insure they can bring in the size settlement sought after.
5. Selected a Mesothelioma Lawyer to represent the case who is readily available and is open to answering specific questions about the case.
Medical bills, cancer treatment, lost time from work, pain and suffering, or funeral costs are large financial burdens for those affected by asbestos related cancer. Learn more about Mesothelioma cancer and working with an asbestos attorney. A Mesothelioma Lawyer can assist asbestos related cancer patients and their families in seeking justice and financial compensation from the party responsible for the asbestos exposure that caused the disease.
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