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Saturday, November 25, 2006

Mesothelioma Prevention: Dealing With Asbestos At Home

Mesothelioma Prevention: Dealing With Asbestos At Home

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. 70% to 80% of people diagnosed with the disease had a history of exposure to asbestos containing material. Mesothelioma is extremely painful and usually fatal unless detected early.

Asbestos was widely used in many building and industrial materials, including siding panels, roof shingles, mortar, flooring and insulation. Asbestos containing material still exist in many homes. Here are some EPA recommendations for dealing with asbestos around the home:

Leave asbestos alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibers. The danger occurs when fibers are released and inhaled into the lungs. For a list of materials that possibly contain asbestos, visit http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

Inspect asbestos-containing material regularly for visible signs of wear without touching it.

Generally limit activities in any areas having damaged asbestos material. In particular, keep children

away from such areas.

Avoid sweeping, or vacuuming debris that may contain asbestos. Also avoid sanding, scraping, or drilling holes in materials that possibly contain asbestos.

Have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling, cleaning and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.

If you need to discard asbestos material, check with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials for proper handling and disposal procedures.

For more information on dealing with asbestos, please visit http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/

About the Author: Mona Luxton is a writer specializing in health and medicine.

An Overview Of Asbestos Disease- Mesothelioma

An Overview Of Asbestos Disease- Mesothelioma

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos disease, mesothelioma cancers, lung cancers and asbestosis are the diseases caused because of asbestos exposure. Asbestos constitutes different naturally occurring fibrous minerals in some rocks and soil. It has found widespread use in industries and building materials such as fireproofing, roofing shingles, electric insulation, furnace, hot pipe covering, and friction products.

Recent studies have, however, revealed that exposure to asbestos can have damaging health implication resulting in asbestos disease and mesothelioma for both workers in industries making use of asbestos as well as those who live in the environment surrounding such places. Workers may inhale fine asbestos particles in the air; they also become exposed through skin contact with asbestos or by swallowing asbestos fibers while at work. These workers are vulnerable to asbestos diseases as mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Serious Effects Of Asbestos Disease- Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is the most serious of several asbestos-related diseases detected so far. This is because of the carcinogenic effect of asbestos particles. Asbestos can cause cancer of the lungs, esophagus, colon, rectum, stomach, vocal chords, and kidneys. About 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases of asbestos disease mesothelioma - a rare type of cancer of the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most of the body internal organs are the result of asbestos exposure at work.

Asbestos disease mesothelioma may not immediately manifest. The asbestos particles can lie dormant in the body for several years and manifest

later, when the prognosis is very grim. It is possible that by the time the disease is diagnosed, the cancer may have already spread significantly. In view of health concerns all new uses of asbestos in the manufacturing industries have been banned in the United States from July 1989 onward. In particular, the use of asbestos in hand-held hair dryers was voluntarily stopped in 1979. Schools are required to test for use of asbestos roofing and it is removed or covered up.

Compensation To Victims Of Asbestos Disease Mesothelioma

The first case of asbestos disease mesothelioma was filed nearly 70 years ago. Employees in industries with considerable risk of asbestos poisoning are, in principle, eligible for mesothelioma compensation. The compensation is available only for those employees who run the risk of asbestos exposure since the 1940s. Recently, many mesothelioma patients have filed lawsuits for compensation. They have been awarded compensation on the ground that the owners of industries continued to use asbestos despite the information of the health hazards it entails. Currently, help is available to victims of asbestos disease mesothelioma through many specialized legal firms in the United States.

About The Author:
Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN

The Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

The Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
By Viktor Scharneweber

Pleural Mesothelioma is generally an intense form of cancer that affects the membrane lining in the chest cavity. A few cases are good-natured as well. Today it is known that this form of cancer is caused by the inhaling of asbestos particles either during manufacturing or coming in contact whit the material or from living next to surroundings where asbestos is used. About three thousand new occurrences are brought to light in the USA every year.

The time mesothelioma needs to break out can be very long and vary highly. Sometimes it takes 15 years but there were also cases in the past where it took up to 40 years and longer. So most patients diagnosed with this disease are in the age group of sixties or also seventies. Because of this long latency period the disease can be in an advanced stage before it is diagnosed correctly. So the following treatment may be less effective.

It is very hard to diagnose pleural mesothelioma because this disease has no striking symptoms at the first view. The alarming indicators are disphagia (difficulty in swallowing), dyspnea (shortness of breath), persistent coughing and tightness in chest accompanied by chest pain. Warnings that the cancer has spread can be: a swollen neck, face and sometimes engorged arms. Other indications could also be fever, sweating, hoarseness or overfatigue. A further and more sophisticated stage of the symptoms can be the coughing up of blood. In this case those symptoms are mainly caused by a fluid collection in the thoracic area (effusion). It is also possible that the weak pellicle which is covering the lungs may fatten and decrease expansion and contraction. So it’s harder to breathe. The cancer can spread without noticing. In certain circumstances no noticeable signs may show till it is out of hand.

84% of the patients have pleural effusions (fluid collection). The major symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath (88%) and weight loss (28%).

Mesothelioma, Your Health, and Your Legal Right

Mesothelioma, Your Health, and Your Legal Right
By Charles Neshah

This story-article will open your eyes to the danger you might presently be living with and not know plus, the legal option open to you as a redress.

John has been sick for months, he has finally been diagnosed to have a rare cancer disease medically know as mesothelioma. He is about being hospitalised for a possible cure of the disease on his lungs, heart and abdominal cavities.

If you come down with mesothelioma, chemotherapy, usually the first option open to doctors as part of cancer analysis will be your first treatment experience, after which you might be subjected to radiation therapy, immuno-augmentative therapy or surgery as the last resort. You sure don’t want John’s condition, do you?

Most victims do not know that they had contracted this very rare cancer. Mesothelioma may silently damage cells of the affected organs for as long as 40 years before health problem symptoms become noticeable. Worse is that symptoms usually happen in retirement when your income, most likely, would have dropped below your expenditure.

From all indications, John is very sick and obviously his well being has been greatly impaired, which must have shortened his life span. His income now barely meets his basic needs due to lost work-hours as a result of mesothelioma. He is in a dilemma regarding how to handle his condition.

But unknown to John, he has a legal right to file for compensation against his former employers. Majority of the articles on mesothelioma, victims and compensation on the internet are unequivocal that anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma having been exposed to asbestos, the chief cause of this rare cancer, is entitled to compensation.

Aside from the inconveniences of illness, their life span has been shortened considerably by the disease contracted in circumstances that did not make the inherent danger of asbestos known to the victim. Using this argument experienced mesothelioma lawyers win claims for their clients, basically pleading the invariable loss of health and active life associated with the rare cancer.

Companies that produced or whose raw material were or still asbestos cannot hoodwink the law on the fact that they knew how dangerous asbestos was to health, but deliberately did not inform their employees as a policy.

Since it takes too long before mesothelioma symptoms begin to appear, tens of thousands of people in the United States may have died of this disease without being recorded as mesothelioma victims. Recorded deaths associated with mesothelioma are also in tens of thousands too.

Asbestos factories, Building and Construction works are among the frequently mentioned culprits for this scenario. And most victims never even know that they were or are mesothelioma positive till it is too late.

The symptoms that John came down with are; shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain, coughing and exhaustion . And I have also read that soon his immune system will become overworked and weakened fighting mesothelioma.

Now, if like John, you or anyone you know had worked or works with asbestos, then inform them, and hurry up to a medical check up. If you test positive, look for a mesothelioma lawyer who can defend your claim.

A competent mesothelioma lawyer must be abreast of the symptoms of the disease to be able to win your claim for you, so ask him questions about the disease to test his knowledge before hiring him.

Asbestosis and the Legal implications

Asbestosis and the Legal implications
By Lucy Bartlett

A chronic medical condition, which affects the tissue of the lungs, is known as asbestosis. Mine workers and several other professionals suffers from this disease, which occurs due to heavy exposure to asbestos over a long period. Shortness of breath is the most common complaint from those affected by asbestosis and ultimately they end with various types of cancer of the lung.

During the early part of this century, the link between cancer, exposure to asbestos and asbestosis was established and the governments enforced strict safety measures. In 1929, asbestos manufacturers faced the first lawsuit. Afterwards there was a deluge of lawsuits against employers and manufacturing for neglecting the safety regulations.

According to various allegations, training and information regarding detection, removal, diseases, dangers and other issues connected with asbestos are not provided to managers and employers. To implement the wide range of regulations properly, managers and employers are pleading for relevant information and training.

From the sheer magnitude of lawsuits and complaints by people suffering from asbestosis, the liability reached billions of dollars. Many court cases fought over the issue of method and amount of compensation and their allocation. In June 1982, James Cavett, a retired boilermaker was awarded a record compensation of 2.3 million US dollars as compensation and 1.5 million US dollars as punitive damages.

In the history of the United States, one of the most expensive and longest mass torts is asbestos litigation. Currently there are 600000 claimants and 6000 defendants connected with asbestos litigation. According to the current trends, there will be a sizeable increase in the number of people being diagnosed with asbestosis during the next decade.

There was a heavy toll on industry and insurance due to the litigation connected with asbestosis and asbestos. Unfortunately, to obtain a just compensation against the employers and manufacturers of asbestos, litigation is the only recourse.

By employing a lawyer experienced in mesothelioma and asbestosis, substantial compensation can be obtained by individuals exposed to asbestos and subsequently suffering from asbestos related diseases.

In the United States, mesothelioma is known to be caused only by exposure to asbestos and by proving the exposure, which subsequently led to the disease, legal compensation can be easily won. At the same time, it should be noted that the asbestos industry fights these cases by engaging some of the best legal brain available. They not only try to deny compensation but also drag and delay the process of justice to the asbestosis victims.

Asbestos Mesothelioma Resource: Get to Know It

Asbestos Mesothelioma Resource: Get to Know It
By Ermenegildo Billar

For those of you that have no idea what mesothelioma is; or at least knows that it's a type of cancer but would like to know more about it, this article on asbestos mesothelioma resource will attempt to inform you as much as possible. This disease may not be popular but it certainly destroys the lives of people who have mesothelioma and his or her close friends and relatives.

Causes

To start, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to a mineral called asbestos. Fortunately, not many people are at risk of the hazardous asbestos compared to other toxic material. Even so, according to the AJRCCM 1.3 million people are still vulnerable to poisonous asbestos.

These are the people who are most susceptible to be exposed to asbestos and obtain either pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma:

* Workers in mines of asbestos extraction
* People who work in the trade industry
* Workers at shipyards
* Manufacturers of Asbestos products
* Workers in the construction industry
* Workers in heating industry
* Family and friends of all of the above

The depressing part of it all is that getting mesothelioma isn't your fault, but because of negligence from the owners of these mines, shipyards, construction sites, etc. In the past these people have failed to implement safety measures and the consequences are being paid by everyone involved. The workers because of the illness and the owners because of all the compensation money they have to pay for every mesothelioma lawsuit they have had in the years.

Asbestos and the Law

Asbestos mesothelioma legal claims cost around $200 billion in the US. It is relatively easy to win a mesothelioma case because of the implications on how you obtained the disease. However, you must take into account that these people have had thousands of lawsuits throughout the years and they hire the best legal sharks out there. So it must be noted that they have techniques to drag and setback as much as possible the lawsuits.

Traditional Mesothelioma Treatments: Enhance Your Lifespan

Traditional Mesothelioma Treatments: Enhance Your Lifespan
By Ermenegildo Billar

If you have or know someone with mesothelioma then you know it's an awful way to live your precious time on earth. The general lifespan of a person diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma is from 1 to 3 years. That figure varies from person to person depending on their age, general health and stage of the illness. Meaning a mesothelioma infected person may live even less than that.

This is all very sad and gloomy, but with traditional mesothelioma treatments life could be enhanced by eighty to a hundred percent. These meso treatments vary from surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Regrettably these procedures don't cure the cancer; they just act on symptoms and try to alleviate the patient from as much pain as possible.

Radiation

Inside the traditional mesothelioma treatments, radiation is considered to be the best. Although secondary effects like skin irritation, hair loss and even nausea can accompany this treatment, your lifespan is expanded the most. This procedure tackles infected areas only so your whole body won't be bombarded by the rays.

Chemotherapy

It could be bitter at the start, but sweeter in the end. Causing nausea, hair loss, fatigue, general dehydration, between other side effects; it has been proven that infected cells die and are prevented from regenerating further more.

Surgery

This could be the most common of the mesothelioma treatments. No severe side effects come with this procedure. It's generally about going inside your body and removing tumors and affected zones with mesothelioma.

Future Mesothelioma Treatments

The National Cancer Institute of the United States is very much aware of this illness and is in the top 10 of their diseases to eradicate. They promote clinical campaigns that let the patient be part of and try to find new and more efficient and cost effective mesothelioma treatments. This is so because current treatments cost thousands of dollars and they should be available for everyone.

Where to Find Asbestos Attorneys

Where to Find Asbestos Attorneys
By Eddie Tobey

Asbestos attorneys help victims of asbestos exposure get a compensation amount to take care of their medical expenditures and rehabilitation. It is imperative that you find the right attorney. Finding the right asbestos attorneys can be difficult because of the large number of attorney advertisements that you see everyday.

Attorneys can be found through bar associations, yellow pages, Internet, and law directories such as the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, available in most public libraries. Many law firms have their own websites. You can find a number of agencies online who can help you locate an experienced and qualified asbestos attorney. They also provide you with lots of current information about asbestos cancer, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. There are many online resources that help you find legal information on asbestos cases.

It is advisable that you gather as much information as possible before you select an attorney. Having all of the information available will help you select the best attorney. You can also seek the help of legal helpers to find the best asbestos attorneys. These professionals help you find the best attorney that that you can afford. They often have a long list of attorneys of all types, experience, and cost levels.

There are even statewide and nationwide networks of attorneys who specialize in asbestos lawsuits. Advertisements are even broadcasted through television and radio. These advertisements can often be misleading. Experience of these advertised lawyers are often overstated. Many of these lawyers may not have offices in the state where you live. A reliable approach is to contact a trusted attorney who can give reference to a good asbestos attorney.

The Best Asbestos Attorneys

The Best Asbestos Attorneys
By Eddie Tobey

Although many attorneys claim to have succeeded in asbestos lawsuits, not all of them can be categorized as the best asbestos attorneys. The best asbestos attorneys are those with years of experience and an enviable success rate. They can salvage compensations to the tune of millions. Less experienced attorneys may manage to succeed in a lawsuit, but often they may not be able to recover adequate compensation.

There are many sources to look for the best of asbestos attorneys. Bar associations, the Internet, and yellow pages are reliable sources. Many of the best asbestos attorneys are members of reputed statewide and nationwide attorney networks specializing in industrial hazard and worker compensation lawsuits. A good approach to finding a qualified asbestos attorney is to consult a trusted lawyer who can give you a good referral. The lawyer gets a referral fee for this service.

The best asbestos attorneys are an experienced lot. Their vast experience gives them a good judgment of the compensation amount that can be recovered from construction companies. Moreover, these veteran attorneys often have strong political connections, which assist them in getting the job done efficiently. Asbestos attorneys usually charge their fees on contingency basis, in which a portion of the compensation amount is claimed as fee. This percentage is negotiable, but most experienced attorneys usually do not allow any reduction. The high fee of the asbestos attorney is acceptable in most cases because you stand in good stead to win your case by assigning it to an experienced attorney. The best asbestos attorneys do not settle for an initial compensation amount. They carry on lawsuits to extract maximum compensation from the opponent. The best asbestos attorneys thus ensure that their clients get maximum possible damages.

Asbestos Attorneys Online

Asbestos Attorneys Online
By Eddie Tobey

There are a multitude of websites dedicated to asbestos-related lawsuits. They provide information such as how to file an asbestos case. These websites even help you find good asbestos attorneys. It is easy to find asbestos attorneys online, as almost all good attorneys list themselves in various websites. Many law firms also boast their own websites. Attorneys who do not have their own websites usually register with a bar association website.

There are numerous websites dedicated solely to law and related issues. These websites contain online resources such as articles related to asbestos lawsuits. Online resources also tell you where to find a good asbestos attorney, how to approach him, and what points to discuss in the initial consultation. Additionally, there are online articles related to asbestos-related ailments such as mesothelioma and the medical costs involved in treating them. Private websites that are owned by law firms and attorneys contain information on previous lawsuits handled by them. They tell you the case histories and the compensation amount won in each of those cases. Well-qualified and experienced asbestos attorneys usually have a good track record of winning large compensation amounts for their clients. These compensation amounts, usually to the tune of millions, are displayed on these websites to attract more clients.

Most law-based websites feature online search tools to find asbestos attorneys. Asbestos victims usually prefer attorneys from their own states, so, websites provide online searches that can be narrowed down to a state, county, or city. Websites belonging to bar associations generally maintain databases containing information about their members. They also give information on attorneys' success rates.

A Guide to Asbestos Attorneys

A Guide to Asbestos Attorneys
By Eddie Tobey

Asbestos attorneys help victims of asbestos-related ailments win multi-million dollar compensations. Over exposure to asbestos can result in life-threatening diseases. Medical expenses related to these diseases are often very high, and treatment may extend over a lifetime. Most of the victims are former construction workers. Very often, workers are not informed about the ill-effects of asbestos by their employers. Asbestos attorneys help these victims obtain damages from their former employers.

Asbestos lawsuits involve many complexities and usually take about six months to one year to resolve. These lawsuits require special knowledge and expertise. General practitioners would not suffice for such cases. Only attorneys who have ample experience in asbestos lawsuits can help you through the case. Asbestos attorneys have, therefore, emerged as a specialized lot. These attorneys can recover appropriate damages to cover medical expenses and rehabilitation costs for the victims. Asbestos attorneys usually charge their fees on a contingency basis, in which certain percentage of the compensation amount is given as fee. If the lawsuit fails, attorneys usually do not charge any fee.

A lot of asbestos attorneys have their own networks spanning over many states. Many of them even have their own websites, too. Most law firms specializing in asbestos lawsuits maintain a team of asbestos attorneys and investigators. This team is often backed by huge databases of records and depositions. Asbestos attorneys usually have to deal with all sorts of companies that do businesses involving asbestos in one form or other. Among the commonly litigated companies are mining companies, distributors, insulation contractors, brokers, and numerous other contractors where workers handle asbestos products. Contractors and site owners are held responsible for any lack of safety standards implemented for their workers.

Mesothelioma Asbestos Claim: Know Your Rights

Mesothelioma Asbestos Claim: Know Your Rights
By Ermenegildo Billar

As an American citizen you have many rights. The United Stated of America signed a very important document called the Declaration of Human Rights. In it, under article number 3 you will find that "everyone has the right to life..." With that said, almost everyone infected with mesothelioma got it by inhaling toxic asbestos fibers during a long period of time without any warning. This means that you may have the right for a mesothelioma asbestos claim.

The Beginning

Since the first mesothelioma lawsuit hit the courts in 1929, more and more lawsuits have been presented involving more than two hundred billion dollars. Any person that has acquired mesothelioma because of negligence of someone else is eligible to file a case in search for compensation for damages to their life.

Mesothelioma and the Law

Although mesothelioma is still a very rare type of cancer, the US government has been presented with countless cases, making it somewhat a legal priority to create answers for. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amendment on June 14 2006 to the highly debated "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005" which granted victims of mesothelioma "$1.1 million within 30 days of their claim's approval". Victims include people from normally exposed industries and also people exposed to asbestos during the 9/11 rescues and debris recollection after the attacks on the World Trade Center and debris recollection from reconstruction after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

What you can Do

Don't ever hesitate or think twice if you want to seek legal advice for a mesothelioma asbestos claim. There are many excellent hard working legal firms that can find you the best compensations for obtaining mesothelioma by inhaling asbestos fibers. Nevertheless, you have to be diagnosed with the illness in order to file a case. Because of the innumerable cases that have been presented of people that only present symptoms from the cancer, the justice process for people currently ill from mesothelioma is hindered. The justice department has no other choice but to reject these spam cases in order to tackle the mesothelioma asbestos claims from people who are genuinely suffering the disease. There are other ways to make a mesothelioma claim for only presenting symptoms.

Is Asbestos Killing Your Family?

Is Asbestos Killing Your Family?
By Anthony Gregory

Mesothelioma is a Cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs and has a direct link to people who have come into direct contact with asbestos.

Mesothelioma is also known as Asbestos Cancer, it strikes many, many thousands of people across the world every year. Over three thousand people are diagnosed in the United States every year. Once a person is diagnosed with Mesothelioma they are usually dead within two years.

The people who are most likely to contract Mesothelioma are usually labourers who have worked in factories, in mines, in manufacturing facilities or have continually been in contact with Asbestos or Asbestos Dust.

Mesothelioma symptoms include: Shortness of Breath, Repetitive Coughing and painful chest and abdomen. Occasionally the patient my feel severe stabbing pains in the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma symptoms usually only surface 35 - 50 years after Asbestos contact. However, if an individual displays symptoms of Mesothelioma they should consult a doctor immediately.

Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed through a chest X-Ray, Complete Blood Count, Biopsy or a Thoracotomy.

There are a number of different treatment options for people suffering from mesothelioma. The most common form of treatment is surgery, where doctors will try to remove as much of the Cancer as possible.

Palliative surgery is used when the disease is in a more advanced stage.It is used to relive or control symptoms where there is an accumulation of fluid in the lung or the tumour is pressing against the lung wall.

Radiation is used to kill cancer calls and shrink tumours, it works by firing high energy X-Rays at the tumour. Radiation has a few side effects, such as Vomiting, Nausea and general fatigue.

Chemotherapy is another way of treating mesothelioma cancer. Chemotherapy does not show a good success rate when it comes to treating mesothelioma cancer, the response rate is around 15%.

It's important to come to term with your cancer, by doing so will make your life more enjoyable by not living in anger, fear or sadness.

There are many groups that offer support to people living with mesothelioma cancer, ask your doctor first.

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer
By Steve Dimeck

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, but the deadliest one of all. The victims of mesothelioma are innocent men and women who did not know that they were being poisoned with asbestos as they worked. The manufacturers and even distributors knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, but they did not warn people of those hazards. As a result, you have the right of recovery against those manufacturers, which on the other hand can help pay the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

Although nothing can truly compensate for loss of health or life, mesothelioma lawyers are devoted to getting you the compensation you deserve. If your life has been affected by mesothelioma directly or indirectly, then you may deserve compensation.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is a long and tedious process. So, it is vital to your case that you find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, and as soon as you have been diagnosed with the cancer. Most states have a time limit in which you can file your mesothelioma lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, you may find that you are not entitled to make a claim. Earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better your chances of success. Here are a few important guidelines in finding a good mesothelioma lawyer.

"Mesothelioma Law Firm" - There's no such thing as a mesothelioma law firm because one law firm can deal with a variation of cases, but it is best to select a law firm or an attorney that has past experience of dealing with mesothelioma cases. They have already done the leg work and gained the knowledge and experience with mesothelioma. But, do not disregard any other law firm. A mesothelioma case is just like any other case that requires responsibility and discipline from the attorney to win your case. A law firm with a very good reputation can as well handle your mesothelioma case if not better.

Searching for mesothelioma lawyer - You can begin your search on the Internet or in the yellow pages. However, your local or state bar association, and Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (found in most public libraries) will give you narrower search and help you find your mesothelioma lawyer a whole lot faster. The Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network has a database of over a million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries. This service evaluates lawyers based on peer reviews. Their website, Martindale.com has a helpful lawyer locator service and will explain the rating system.

How do you select your mesothelioma lawyer - The Oklahoma Bar Association has put out excellent guidelines regarding choosing an attorney. They state that "Selecting a lawyer is a personal matter. You must judge which particular attorney will be best for you. Before making a decision, however, you may want to contact several lawyers or law firms to gather some comparative information.

When choosing a lawyer, keep practical considerations in mind: the lawyer's area of expertise, prior experience and reputation, convenience of office location, amount of fees charged and the length of time a case may take. A lawyer's communication skills are another factor. Willingness and ability to talk to you in language you understand and responsiveness to your questions will influence how well informed you are about the progress of your case.

It is advisable that you select an attorney with whom you feel comfortable. These preferences may guide you in selecting someone with whom you feel most comfortable.

It is important that you trust the lawyer you hire -- and that you believe he or she will do the best job possible in protecting your legal rights. But keep in mind that most lawsuits and other legal work are not "sure things." You should be cautious of an attorney who guarantees results. No lawyer can be expected to win every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be exactly what you want to hear."

The timely process of selecting a mesothelioma lawyer and the proper filing of your mesothelioma lawsuit can make all the difference between a multi-million dollar compensation claim to secure the future of your family (once and if you are gone), and getting nothing at all for your pain, suffering, and loss of life.

Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace the legal advice you need to get from a lawyer, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. Laws vary from state-to-state and change from time-to-time. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about the issues described in this article. Thank you.

Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Early Symptoms of Lung Cancer
By Tim Grimsley

Common symptoms of Lung Cancer include: chronic cough, worsening breathlessness, weight loss, constant chest pain, and coughing up blood. Coughing up blood can be an early symptom. at this point the patient may still be curable. Smokers over the age of 40 should see a doctor immediately if blood is present when coughing.

Most people ignore the symptoms of lung cancer and are diagnosed to late. Over 50% of patients have progressed too far for treatment. Another lung disease that has similar symptoms is COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also known as Smoker's Lung. Diagnosis of lung cancer can sometimes be missed because of the similarities of both diseases. Of patients that have COPD only one to two percent will develop cancer.

An x-ray showing a tumor is needed to positively diagnose Lung Cancer, unfortunately by the time a tumor is large enough to be seen on an x-ray it is usually too late. Biopsy is performed using a needle to obtain a sample for lab testing.

Small cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma are the three most common forms of lung cancer. It is very important for the correct diagnosis to be made early. The treatment of each type is different.

Small cell lung cancer is treated with chemotherapy. You must see an Oncologist for this treatment. Non-small cell cancer may be treated with radiotherapy. In about 20% of patients surgery may be the only course of action. Surgery will only be performed if there is a chance to fully remove the tumor.

With the advances in medicine that we are achieving everyday, Lung Cancer does not have a tragic end. About 10% of patients are cured of Lung Cancer the best way to increase the odds is through early detection.

Selecting A Mesothelioma Lawyer

Selecting A Mesothelioma Lawyer
By Jeff Foster

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and find yourself having made the decision to hire a mesothelioma lawyer, make sure that you take this decision very seriously.

It is of great importance that you do your homework and seek out the best and most experienced mesothelioma lawyer and not just the one with the flashiest advertising.

It is very important to find a lawyer that has years of experience and positive jury verdicts for mesothelioma cases. When hiring a mesothelioma lawyer it is important to find someone who you can trust and who you feel has your best interest as their top priority.

Ignore the hype, the sales pitch, the glitzy offices, the fancy advertising, and the pressure to sign now; and go for the services of an experienced mesothelioma attorney when seeking counsel to handle your case. Litigating mesothelioma is difficult therefore, having an experienced attorney by your side is of utmost importance… with the key being on “experienced”.

When interviewing a mesothelioma lawyer it is important that you ask questions such as how many mesothelioma cases have they handled; again this speaks to the importance of finding an experienced attorney to work on your behalf.

You will also want to know how many mesothelioma cases the lawyer has settled and on the average how long did it take to settle the claim. If at all possible you will want to avoid a jury trial, simply in the interest of time and stress.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer and one for which there is no known cure. Time is meant to be spent with your loved ones and not in a protracted court battle. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help to move the process forward in a concise and well thought out manner.

When interviewing a mesothelioma lawyer, ask if they will pass your file onto another firm. The lawyer you interview may not even be the lawyer that ends up working on your case. Ask the questions and expect satisfactory answers!

Also ask how many attorneys will be working on your file and exactly how long have those attorneys been practicing law.

Remember this is not the time for inexperience and you deserve to know who will be working on your lawsuit. You will also want to know if there have been any grievances filed against the mesothelioma lawyer you interview. Ethical and moral practices should be an expectation.

Another helpful question would be; what is the average compensation for a mesothelioma case that the lawyer has won?

Also, focusing on the less stressful route and the most expeditious route, remember to ask about the odds for settling outside of court versus having to go to court and attempting to win a jury verdict.

Take the time to ask these simple questions in your initial meeting with the mesothelioma lawyer.

Don’t take short cuts.

Doing the hard work on the front end will make such a difference for you and your family. Another key piece of advice is to avoid making any final decisions and avoid signing any legal agreement based on the first meeting with a perspective mesothelioma lawyer. You should take a few days to think over the results of the interview and should always interview more than one attorney prior to making a decision.

Yes, time is of the essence and it is your responsibility to have your lawsuit handled by a lawyer who understands the complexity of asbestos claims. Experience really does count.

Asbestos claims are often very complex and proving the link between your illness and your exposure to asbestos can be quite difficult and often time consuming. The guidance of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer is critical to helping you and your family as you seek and receive financial compensation for being diagnosed with mesothelioma related to asbestos exposure.

Experienced attorneys in this field understand that each case is different and deserves individual attention, and will pursue your lawsuit with experience and knowledge of mesothelioma and the asbestos industry.

For more important information on mesothelioma visit a-mesothelioma-guide.com where you will find information on mesothelioma legal issues, symptoms, and more pertinent articles.

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
By Andy Bowen

Clinical trials are studies of new drugs to test their effectiveness and safety on humans. There are Clinical trials in progress for drugs for a wide range of illnesses, including mesothelioma. There are benefits and pitfalls to participating in such trails and it is vital that you understand these beforehand. For example, you may need to travel further to be treated at a larger cancer center for even just your routine tests and treatments. However, you will be treated by the best doctors who are considered experts in their field, usually at the best facilities. You should also consider the risk that whilst the drug you are using may eventually be proved to be a wonder drug it could also be proved to be less effective than the current available treatments.

The criteria for eligibility for clinical trials varies. There are some trials which require that you have had no treatment prior to starting and others that will only allow participation after other treatments have failed. Your doctor will be able to advise on the suitability of each trial.

In order to test the new drug against the current standard some trials work by giving half the patients the new drug and half a current drug. You will be told if this is to be the case beforehand. The use of placebos, where the pill is a fake and contains no active ingredients, is rare in cancer trials.

All clinical trials are divided into phases

Phase I

Enrol a small group in order to test how the drugs and procedures should be administered.

Phase II

Provides early information about the success rate, safety and benefits of the new drug or procedure.

Phase III

Where drugs or treatments appear promising they are compared against the current standard using a larger group of candidates.

Anyone interested in participating in a clinical trial should discuss the particular trial thoroughly with their doctor before a making a decision on whether it is right for them.

For more information on mesothelioma clinical trials visit Mesothelioma Treatments

Mesothelioma Treatment & Information

Mesothelioma Treatment & Information
By Joshua Taylor

Getting credible information about the diagnosis of Mesothelioma, is very important for patients and their love ones. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer of the lung, or known as the pleura which may cause a patient to become short of breath because they have been exposed to asbestos. Every case is different and sometimes a patient may not show any symptoms at all. Mesothelioma consists of several forms. Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the forms and are cancer cells found in the lining of the abdominal cavity or found in the lining around the heart. This form of cancer can be painful because it can spread through the entire body and cause the organs to shut down. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos do not all contract Pleural Mesothelioma cancer. This cancer could be related to asbestos exposure and not all asbestos exposure is harmful. Asbestos may already be fixated in the walls not causing the particles to be free in the air, effecting workers.

When there are free particles in the air, the workers are exposed to asbestos and that is harmful to the worker and may cause the worker to contract Pleural Mesothelioma. A second form of the cancer is Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. This cancer is also associated with asbestos exposure and occurs in the tissue lining of the abdominal cavity, which contains fluid that enables the organs to move and work right. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the most common cancer that is related to asbestos exposure because it is the place where the cancer spreads. This cancer can cause severe health problems and complications for a patient. Normally a patient may experience flu symptoms as well as the swelling of the abdomen. Pericardial Mesothelioma caused from asbestos is another form of cancer, which is also rare affecting the lining surrounding the heart. Pericardium are the cells that produce lubricating fluids which protects the heart allowing the heart to move freely when pumping blood into the other parts of the body. This can cause a patient to have cancer spread through the tissues in the lining of the heart. At this stage, treatments may not be effective and may lead to fatal circumstances.

It may take a patient a long time after being exposed to asbestos, before he or she recognizes symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems and a continuous cough. Being diagnosed is the first step and even though it can be extremely difficult to detect Mesothelioma symptoms because they are similar to so many other types of cancers your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your exposure to asbestos. Several tests will be done, including chest x-rays, MRI scans or CT scans to determine any abnormal changes. A tissue sample may be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and if your doctor has concluded that you are a patient of Mesothelioma your next step is treatment. Therapy is a form of treatment and there are several kinds of therapies to choose from. Do not be afraid, you are not alone; support is out there to help you fight the cancer and get the treatment you deserve. Please visit www.mesothelioma-treatment-2day.com for more information on mesothelioma and treatment options.

Mesothelioma Overview

Mesothelioma Overview
By Steve Dimeck

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, but the deadliest one of all. It strikes about 3000 hard working people in the United States each year, mostly men over 40 years of age. It is caused by direct asbestos exposure, or from asbestos dust brought home on the worker's clothing.

During the twentieth century, around 30 million tons of asbestos were used in industrial sites, homes, schools, shipyards and commercial buildings in the United States. Many asbestos-containing products remain in buildings, ships, industrial facilities and other environments where the fibers can become airborne.

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining of the lungs, the inside of the ribs, and around the abdominal organs. In the past it was thought that cigarette smoking caused mesothelioma. However, with medical research it has been proven that it is caused by asbestos exposures.

Here's what the asbestos does. When a person breathes in asbestos fibers, the fibers then travel to the ends of the small air passages reaching the lining of the lungs and damaging the mesothelial cells (the lining of the lung cells). If swallowed, these fibers can reach the lining of the abdominal cavity where they play a part in causing a cancer called peritoneal mesothelioma. The chance of ever getting mesothelioma rises with the intensity and duration of your exposure to asbestos.

And you may not get mesothelioma right away. Mesothelioma can even develop 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure. The average life span of an inflicted person from the time of diagnosis with mesothelioma until death is less the 6 months. So, who's at risk?

People who work or used to work in asbestos environment, and spouses or children being exposed to asbestos fibers from work clothing brought home. Also, if you live in a house that was built in the mid 70's or before, you have to know that most insulation materials, including pipe insulation; boiler insulation; fireproofing spray; firebrick and gunnite (used for internal insulation of furnaces and boilers); also many construction materials, such as roof, floor and ceiling tiles contained asbestos. You too might be exposed to asbestos. You need to have your house checked for any asbestos presence.

If you have ever been exposed to asbestos directly or indirectly, early symptoms of mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and/or pain in the lower back or at the side of your chest. Less often, you can experience trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue, and weight loss. So, these early symptoms sometimes may delay your diagnosis as these symptoms are also related to other illnesses. It will be up to you to mention to your doctor the possibility of asbestos exposure, because your doctor may not suspect it right away. Your doctor then, has to use x-rays, CT scans or a breathing test to detect the presence of asbestos. He or she can further perform a biopsy (taking samples of your lung tissue) to confirm it.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you were most likely exposed to asbestos. Many asbestos manufacturers and even distributors knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, yet they did not warn people of those hazards. As a result, you have a right of recovery against those manufacturers, which on the other hand can help pay the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

The first thing you need to do after being diagnosed with mesothelioma is contact a lawyer immediately to see if you have a case. Think about the source of your exposure, regardless of how long ago that might have been. Try to find the responsible parties. Whether that was your spouse's work, your work, your parents' work, the house you lived in, or anything at all that might have exposed you to asbestos.

Also, you need to ask your lawyer about your statute of limitations. Even if your family member has died from mesothelioma, you may still be eligible to file a claim. Even if you've never worked at a place that directly dealt with asbestos but you have gotten it through asbestos fibers brought home on clothes worn by a spouse or parent who worked in an asbestos environment, you may still be eligible to file a claim.

If diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor can only do so much to save your life. It will be mostly you religiously following the health directions given to you by your doctor and educating yourself about mesothelioma. Your doctor can help you save your life, but you can also help him or her help you by knowing how to deal with it.

Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace any professional advice you need to get from a lawyer, or doctor, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. The author, publishers and marketers of this information disclaim any loss or liability, either directly or indirectly as a consequence of applying the information presented herein, or in regard to the use and application of said information. No guarantee is given, either expressed or implied, in regard to the merchantability, accuracy, or acceptability of the information. Thank you.

Pleural Mesothelioma - The Facts

Pleural Mesothelioma - The Facts
By Matt Kemp

Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the most intense forms of cancer. It generally attacks the chest’s membrane lining. About three thousand new occurrences each year occur in the US alone. It is now known, as you may also appreciate, that it is caused by coming into contact with Asbestos particles.

Mesothelioma may not necessarily break out immediately. It is not uncommon for it to take 15 years to rear its ugly head, and up to 40 year waits have been recorded. Therefore, most patients diagnosed with this disease are in their sixties or seventies. Because of this long latency period the disease can be in an advanced stage before it is diagnosed correctly. Unfortunately, this leads to the following treatment being less effective.

It is very hard to diagnose pleural mesothelioma because this disease has few distinguishing features at first glance. The alarming indicators are difficulty in swallowing (dysphasia), shortness of breath (dyspnoea), persistent coughing and a tight chest pain. A sore or swollen neck, alongside other indications such as fevers, sweating, hoarseness or over fatigue could (I repeat could) show that the cancer has spread. The movement of blood from the lungs could also show that the disease has spread. In this case those symptoms are mainly caused by a fluid collection in the thoracic area (effusion). It is also possible that the weak pellicle, which is covering the lungs, may fatten and decrease expansion and contraction, therefore making it harder to breathe. Shockingly, in certain circumstances no noticeable signs may show that the cancer has spread until it is out of hand.

To give you some indication of the regularity of the symptoms, 84% of patients have pleural effusions (fluid collection). The major symptoms of the pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath (88%) and weight loss (28%).

Mesothelioma Treatments, Support Groups & Medical Help

Mesothelioma Treatments, Support Groups & Medical Help
By Todd Going

Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest cancers known to medical science. This cancer of the lining of sacs that contain the internal organs is caused by primarily one agent: asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous, naturally-occurring fire-resistant mineral that was used for millennia as insulation, heat shielding, and clothing before it was discovered that it was extremely toxic and carcinogenic.

Asbestos is so versatile it was used throughout the United States in construction and industrial processes in the first half of the 20th century, but by the 1960s and 1970s people began to realize that this useful material had a dark side. Unfortunately, it was too late to help the people that worked around asbestos, as conditions such as mesothelioma take decades to develop and are irreversible after initial exposure.

As the 20th century came to a close, hundreds of thousands of people were coping with the fact that they were lied to and mislead by the asbestos industry. Mining and manufacturers that produced asbestos knew of the dangers of their products, but instead of alerting their workers and consumers of the potential consequences of using their product and risk losing their income, they chose to ignore the risks and “make hay while the sun shone,” without regard to how their choice would affect the population at large.

This meant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and asbestos-related lung cancer became the reality for hundreds of thousands of innocent people. As medical science struggled to keep pace with the treatment of this deadly disease, more and more doctors turned to radical new treatments that attempted to alleviate the suffering of the 10,000 people that die from asbestos-related each year.

The prolonged latency period between initial exposure and the appearance of symptoms, combined with the relatively few specialized medical procedures dedicated to this little known disease. New treatments, such as angiogenesis, immunotherapy, and multimodal approaches offer new hope to victims of mesothelioma.

Asbestos in the Home - Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos in the Home - Mesothelioma Cancer
By Todd Going

Asbestos is one of the world’s oldest known and most versatile building and construction materials. The Ancient Greeks and Romans wove the fibrous strands of asbestos into clothing, and used larger amounts of the heat-and-flame-resistant material in their numerous metalworking and ceramic processes, which many eminent historians believe directly contributed to their rise to world dominance. Unfortunately, ancient scholars noted that the slaves and workers exposed to asbestos tended to die of breathing difficulties relatively early for a time when 40 years old was considered elderly.

Flash forward 3,000 years, and the industrial processes that fueled the empires of Greece and Rome have been updated to the large scale production means of the tail end of the Industrial Revolution of Western Europe and the United States. Asbestos was used on a wide scale in virtually any product that needed to endure heat, or any product that needs a strong, flexible, and durable material. The asbestos industry was not ignorant of the learning of millennia past; rather they chose to ignore the problems their workers or the public might have.

After the Second World War asbestos soon made its way into virtually every building in the United States. And why not? According the asbestos industry, it was extremely versatile and lacked any appreciable dangers and risks. Children played in the quarries where it was mined, millions of new homeowners requested it for insulation in their new houses, and hundreds of thousands of war workers could look back in pride that the asbestos they installed into ships, planes, and other vessels helped save countless lives during the fight against Japan and Germany.

Unfortunately, the truth about asbestos soon became clear. Vermiculite, a type of asbestos found in millions of homes across the country as a soil additive, insulation, packing material, plaster, and concrete was discovered to be a dangerous and potentially deadly material. Other types of asbestos soon became targeted by health experts, but it would take a few more decades to discover the real truth about asbestos: that the industry was making billions of dollars without regard to the health or safety of the people exposed to it.

Now, these same people are fighting back against the same companies who put their profits ahead of innocent people’s lives. Thousands of new asbestos lawsuits are filed each year, and the average verdict or settlement for a mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer case usually ranges from $750,000 and $8 million. People once injured by these callous and uncaring companies are now fighting for their rights.

Lung Cancer: Not Just a Man's Killer

Lung Cancer: Not Just a Man's Killer
By Tina Seay

Lung cancer has long been associated as a killer of men but now it has passed breast cancer as the number one killing cancer of women. The American Cancer Society states that women are 1.5 times more likely to get lung cancer than men. Studies also show that African American women are more likely to get lung cancer than white women.

While smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer to smokers, secondhand smoke also causes lung cancer and coronary heart disease to nonsmokers. There are about 20% of the women diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked (American Cancer Society). Some factors besides secondhand smoke includes: exposure to radon or asbestos, inhaling toxic chemicals or minerals, or just being genetically predisposed to getting it. However, the upside is that nonsmokers do generally respond positively to the treatments given for their cancer.

Lung cancer is caused by certain cells in the body malfunctioning and dividing abnormally. These cells end up producing excessive tissue that turns into a tumor. There are non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. Both types are treated differently.

So, how do you know if you may have lung cancer? Some signs include: labored breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath, excessive, persistent coughing, an increase in phlegm, a change in the phlegm's color or bloody phlegm, pain in the back, chest, or shoulder area, and swelling in the face and neck. If you have any of these signs, see a doctor immediately.

If you are a smoker, your chances of getting lung cancer are greatly reduced when you quit smoking. The American Cancer Society states that in the last 30 years, the cure rate for lung cancer has doubled.

While the stakes are higher for women smokers, quitting today will lower your chances of getting lung cancer. However, if you should still get lung cancer, quitting smoking would greatly increase your survival rate. Be aware of changes you can make in your lifestyle and environment to help keep yourself safe from this disease.

Silent Killer: Emphysema

Silent Killer: Emphysema
By Peter Ville

Drowning in air? A paradox? Not really, with lungs filled with large pockets of air, its victims must gasp for life-giving oxygen. This is because waste air is not easily removed from the lungs allowing oxygen-rich air to replace it. More feared by cigarette smokers than lung cancer, Emphysema is yet little understood today. Its is one of the most destructive, yet least publicized lung diseases. This may be due in part to the fact that there have not been any dramatic treatment or prevention breakthroughs in man’s fight against emphysema.

Although cigarette smoking plays a key role in most cases of emphysema, Scientist have no idea what actually causes the majority of human cases. It is known, however, that smoking makes the condition much worse and speeds up the lung’s destruction.

Once the condition develops, it continues to worsen until there is permanent lung damage. By the time emphysema is detected, considerable damage has already occurred. For reasons not clearly understood, the walls of alveoli. The lung’s tiny air sacs, begin to disappear. Several sacs join together forming larger spaces, the alveoli walls lose their flexibility, and air is trapped.

As the damaged progresses, the lungs have greater difficulty in transferring oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide from it. Once established, the disease cannot be reversed. Breathing becomes increasingly difficult and victim’s physical strength ebbs away. Death from emphysema has been described as slow drowning. Eventually exchange of air in the lungs becomes impossible and the sufferer suffocates.

There is also a rare inherited form of emphysema. In this form persons usually become ill at an early age in their 30s or 40s whereas classical emphysema victims are stricken at much older age, sometime in the late 60s or later. In the inherited form of disease, the effects are much more significant because it greatly restricts the victim’s life at a time when he would normally be very active. Because it is irreversible, the outlook for emphysema victims is not good.

Since it is sometimes possible to slow the spread of emphysema, it is important to detect it early, before much damage occurs. The breathing restriction imposed by the disease will likewise be minimized.

Until more about preventing emphysema is understood, everyone should be alert to the symptoms. Primarily excess sputum and shortness of breath. This is not normal and should be reported to your physician and above all, quit smoking or better yet, don’t start.