Mesothelioma Page

If you or a loved one has developed lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, you have plenty to cope with. On top of medical bills, contacting friends and family, and sorting out arrangements in the event of a death, it can be too much to think about seeking compensation for wrongful exposure.

But improper safety measures at work or in a housing situation may be to blame, and seeking out the right lawyer is critical in moving a case forward.

Take a look at 15 of the best lung cancer lawyers in the country and consider contacting them for assistance.

1)      Weitz & Luxenberg P.C.

700 Broadway
New York, NY 10003

http://www.weitzlux.com/

The lawyers at this firm recently won a $22 million settlement against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for asbestos cancers. They’ve been specializing in cases regarding asbestos-related diseases for over 20 years.

2)      Brayton Purcell, LLC

222 Rush Landing Road
PO Box 6169
Novato, CA 94948–6169

http://www.braytonlaw.com/

With several multi-million dollar settlements under their belts, the lawyers at Brayton Purcell are experienced in getting results for victims of mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and other asbestos cancer.

3)      Goldberg Persky White P.C.

1030 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-6295

http://www.gpwlaw.com/

This firm has been handling asbestos-related lawsuits since the 1970s, and is now the largest injury law firm in Pennsylvania.

4)      Gori Julian & Associates, P.C.

156 North Main Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025

http://www.gorijulianlaw.com/Practice-Areas/Asbestos-Lung-Cancer.shtml

The lawyers here have won over $1 billion for victims of asbestos lung cancer across the nation.

5)      Rose, Klein and Marias, LLP

801 S. Grand Avenue, 11th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017

http://www.rkmlaw.net/Personal-Injury/Asbestos-Exposure.shtml

In the 1970s, this firm was among the first to bring suits against producers of asbestos products. Since then, they’ve earned over $600 million for their clients.

6)      Sokolove Law, LLC

93 Worcester Street

Suite 101

Wellesley, MA 02481

http://www.sokolovelaw.com/legal-help/asbestos-diseases/asbestos-lung-cancer/lawyers/law-firms

James Sokolove and his associates have won asbestos-related cases for over 2,000 victims and their families.

7)      Michael P. Fleming and Associates, P.C.

440 Louisiana, Suite 1920

Houston, Texas 77002

http://www.flemingattorneys.com/PracticeAreas/Industriescreating.asp

If you reside in the Texas area, Michael Fleming’s history as a former Harris County Attorney and his high legal ratings make him a great choice for asbestos lung cancer legal pursuits.

8)      Carlile Law Firm LLP

400 South Alamo Blvd.
Marshall, TX 75670

http://www.carlilelawfirm.com/Personal-Injury-Wrongful-Death/Mesothelioma-Lung-Cancer.shtml

The lawyers at Carlile Law Firm offer to meet you in your home if the advanced nature of your asbestos lung cancer prevents you from leaving the house. They’ve dealt with about 1,000 victims of asbestos exposure.

9)      Cohen & Padda, Attorneys at Law

4240 West Flamingo Road, Suite 220
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103

http://www.caplawyers.com/lawyer-attorney-1741688.html

Available to handle your asbestos lung cancer litigation needs.

10)   Landry, Swarr & Cannella, “Louisiana’s Asbestos Attorneys”

1010 Common St., Suite 2050
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

http://www.landryswarr.com/asbestosis-experts.aspx

In the Louisiana area since 1999, these attorneys are skilled at pursuing compensation for all forms of asbestos-related diseases.

11)   Caroselli, Beachler, McTiernan & Conboy

20 Stanwix St, Seventh Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

http://www.cbmclaw.com/Asbestos-Practice-Overview/Asbestos-Lung-Cancer.shtml

Also offering in-home consultations, the two specialty asbestos lawyers at this firm have over 50 years of combined experience.

12)   Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, LLP

801 Laurel Street
Beaumont, TX 77701

http://www.rmqlawfirm.com/Practice-Areas/Asbestos.shtml

These lawyers assure you that asbestos does not have to be the only cause of your cancer—just a cause—in order to win your case.

13)   The Law Office of Matthew E. Kiely, LLC

111 South Calvert St. Suite 1705
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

http://www.baltimoremesotheliomalawyer.com/asbestos-lung-cancer.html

Matthew Kiely is ready to help asbestos victims in the D.C. area seek recompense for their injuries.

14)   Savinis, D’Amico & Kane, LLC

Suite 3626, Gulf Tower
707 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

http://www.sdklaw.com/Asbestos/Asbestos-Related-Lung-Cancer.shtml

The attorneys here serve cases both in Western Pennsylvania and across the nation.

15)   The Reeves Law Group

15 South Flower Street
36th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071

www.robertreeveslaw.com/dangerous-products/mesothelioma-asbestos.html

This California-based law office has achieved results for thousands of patients of asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos Exposure: Results of Asbestos Exposure

What Is It

In order to understand the results of asbestos exposure, you need to understand what asbestos is.  Asbestos has been identified as a group of naturally occurring mineral fibers that have been used, particularly in building materials, because of its heat resistant properties.  This mineral has been commonly used in insulation.  Therefore, people exposed to asbestos insulation run the risk of inhaling these tiny fibers, which then get caught in the mucus that lines the esophagus.  Once asbestos is caught there, it begins affecting various areas of the body causing breathing problems and even a serious cancer known as mesothelioma.  The use of asbestos has now been heavily regulated.

Who Is At Risk

Asbestos exposure can affect anyone.  However, there are particular groups of people that are considered higher risk in terms of exposure.  For example, individuals that worked in the building industry, particularly before the 1970s, and those who worked for shipyards and automotive industries.  Prior to the late 1970s, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had not determined the risks involved with asbestos exposure.  Therefore, individuals working in the aforementioned environments were exposed to a great deal of asbestos fibers that were breathed in on an almost daily basis through the mouth and nose.

Hazards

Whether in the workplace, at home, or out in the community, asbestos exposure poses a real hazard.  When tiny particles of asbestos settle and suddenly become disturbed, the fibers are released in the air posing a hazard to anyone in the area without the proper protective breathing gear.  Asbestos fibers get trapped within the esophagus and lungs and can remain there for a long period afterward.  Even without the presence of mesothelioma, asbestos fibers that remain in the body for too long can cause damaging results such as scarring that can lead to inflammation and trouble breathing.

Carcinogen

Another reason why asbestos exposure is so risky is that it is a known carcinogen, or cancer causing substance.  The Department of Health and Human Services, along with the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the EPA have conducted many studies regarding asbestos exposure and the presence of lung cancer and a rare cancer known as mesothelioma.  Despite its rarity, asbestos exposure most commonly leads to mesothelioma.  Although it has not been proven beyond a doubt, some studies suggest that there may be a link between asbestos exposure and other cancers such as colorectal and gastrointestinal cancer.

Factors:

There are factors that can actually increase your risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.  These factors include:

• Individual risk factor behaviors
• Length of exposure
• Amount exposed to
• Type of asbestos fiber
• Source of exposure

Any form of asbestos fiber is considered dangerous to human health.  However, science has been trying to determine if different types of fibers pose different health risks.  Studies have already proven that exposure to an asbestos fiber known as amphibole poses a more serious threat than those posed by chrysotile in terms of mesothelioma development.  This is because amphibole thrives in the lungs much longer than chrysotile.

Individual Behaviors

There are individual behaviors that add to the risk of asbestos exposure.  Smoking is the most harmful individual behavior that can increase the chances of developing an asbestos-related disease.  Cigarettes contain carcinogenic that increase the chances of a person developing lung cancer.  Since asbestos also increases the chances of developing lung cancer, it is recommended that anyone with a history of asbestos exposure quit smoking to decrease individual risk factors.  Studies have shown that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases.  Therefore, it is important for your overall health that you avoid smoking cigarettes.

References:

• (http://www.asbestos.com/exposure/)

Asbestos Occupations: Who is at Risk?

Overview

Asbestos poses a threat to anyone that is within a close enough vicinity to breathe in fibers.  Therefore, anyone that lives in a home containing asbestos products or individuals that work, or have worked, in a company that produces asbestos products are at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.  However, there are certain occupations that pose more of a hazard than others do.  High risk occupations include individuals who work, or have worked, in the construction industry, shipbuilding industry, automobile mechanics – particularly brake repairs, custodians, and as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack, police officers and firemen as well.

WTC

When the planes struck the world trade center on September 11, 2001, it was mayhem in New York City.  That mayhem continues to thrive ten years after the WTC collapsed.  The cleanup and recovery crew that worked at the site of the collapse are now considered a part of a special group of people that put themselves in the way of significant risk of developing an asbestos-related disease.  Hundreds of tons of asbestos had been released into the air when the North Tower collapsed.  Therefore, firefighters and police officers involved in the incident are now considered high risk, as are any individuals that are within a certain radius of where the incident occurred.

Auto Mechanics

Auto mechanics are among the sets of occupations that are said to pose a higher risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.  Since asbestos is preferred material used in brakes, brake repair technicians may be exposed to dangerous amounts of a type of asbestos fiber known as chrysotile fiber during the repair or installation process.  It is not only the employees, but the families of the employees who can be affected as well.  Asbestos fibers can cling to clothing of the auto mechanic worker and travel with them to their homes.

Construction Workers

Construction workers are among those that are exposed to the highest risk for asbestos-related diseases.  That is because they work around asbestos fibers on a daily basis and are exposed to disturbed asbestos settlements during a construction process, particularly on older buildings.  Construction occupations at risk for asbestos related diseases include:

• Masonry workers
• Bulldozer operators
• Bricklayers
• Painters
• Insulators
• Roofers

Many more occupations can be added to this list simply because the construction industry features a wide number of jobs that pose a high risk for asbestos-related diseases.  That is why the proper use of breathing masks is so important to use during any construction process.

Shipyard Workers

Shipyard workers, both military and otherwise have also been included on the list of high risk in terms of developing asbestos-related diseases.  The occupations in this category include:

• Coast Guard personnel
• U.S. Navy
• Longshoremen
• Merchant mariners

These workers worked and lived in areas that favored the use of asbestos, especially before the threat of asbestos had been publicized.  In order to understand the threat that asbestos to these workers, a study conducted found that 86 percent of workers that had worked at least 20 years in the industry prior to the 1970s had developed an asbestos-related illness.

Custodians

Custodians are also at a high risk for developing mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related disease for the simple fact that they are typically exposed to asbestos during routine maintenance procedures.  Many old buildings still contain a lot of asbestos related products.  Therefore, when custodians do their regular jobs, they breathe in air that contains disturbed asbestos fibers.  As with any job, the employee probably does not even realize that they are breathing in these harmful fibers.  They also typically do not realize that they are taking these fibers home with them and subjecting their families to the same dangers.

References:

• (http://www.asbestos.net/exposure/occupations)
• (http://www.asbestos.com/occupations/)

Exposure Risks: What are the Risks of Asbestos Exposure?

Overview

There are many risks involved with asbestos exposure.  Several people have been exposed to asbestos in their lifetime, particularly those that were employed by naval shipyards, construction companies, and automobile brake repair prior to the late 1970s.  Despite the known risks associated with asbestos exposure, it was once considered a miraculous and versatile mineral.  It was a preferred fiber because of its ability to withstand extreme heat.  Currently, asbestos exposure risks still affects several areas of the United States, Canada, Greece, Italy, China, India, South Africa, and the Soviet Union.  No one is immune to the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Facts

Asbestos fibers are breathed into the mouth and generally become lodged in the mucus that lines the airways down into the lungs.  These fibers remain there for long periods of time, eventually moving into the lungs, the blood stream, and even through to other areas of the body.  The fiber causes damage to these areas, particularly scarring on the lungs.  In some cases, asbestos fiber in the lungs can lead to asbestos-related illnesses.  One of the main risks involved with asbestos exposure is a type of cancer known as mesothelioma.  The longer the duration of exposure and the longer the fibers remain in the body have an effect on the occurrence of these known risks.

Health

Asbestos poses several risks to a person’s overall health and the health of their loved ones.  Aside from mesothelioma, exposure can also lead to general breathing problems, lung cancer, and scarring of the lung tissue that can cause chest pain, chronic cough, and difficulty breathing.  Since asbestos fibers cling to clothing, many individuals that work around these fibers carry them home to their families.  This poses a significant risk to loved ones as well as to the individuals that work around these harmful fibers.  Unfortunately, it increases the risk that members of your household may also develop an asbestos related illness.

Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of exposure.  For example:

• Concentration amount of fibers
• Duration of exposure
• Frequency of exposure
• Type of fiber exposed to

These factors all affect the level of the risk involved with exposure.  For instance, someone that was exposed to a certain type of heavily concentrated asbestos fiber for twenty or more years almost every day of their life is more likely to develop an asbestos-related illness than someone who was exposed to the fibers for a period of a week or even a month.  If a person uses tobacco, this can significantly increase the risk factor of developing a disease after asbestos exposure.

Conditions

The conditions related to asbestos exposure are the biggest risks that anyone faces.  Mesothelioma is not the only asbestos-related disease that a person has to worry about.  Other conditions can also affect individuals such as asbestosis.  Although asbestosis is not a cancer, it can cause irritation and inflammation of the lungs that can lead to difficulty breathing.  Symptoms of asbestosis include:

• Chest pain
• Inflammation of the chest wall and airways
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent mucus expelling cough
• Dry wheezing or crackling sound in the lungs
• Loss of appetite

This very serious condition should be taken care of immediately.

Avoidance

To decrease the risks involved with asbestos exposure, you need to take care of your overall health and maintaining the proper safety requirements while on a job site.  Wear a breathing mask, particularly when working on vehicular brakes and on a construction site.  You need to shower and change clothing before leaving work to avoid carrying asbestos particles home.  If you have a known history of asbestos exposure, quit smoking as this can increase your risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Resources

• (http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbestos/asbestos/health_effects/)

Jobsites and Occupations: Known Asbestos Related Jobsites and Occupations

Construction Workers

The most commonly known occupation to be involved with asbestos related risks is those that involved construction work.  Construction workers face the risks of asbestos exposure on an almost daily basis, especially when working on a remodeling or tearing down a home or place of business that was built prior to the late 1970s.  Asbestos is commonly found in construction materials such as:

• Paint
• Tile
• Roofing
• Flooring
• Gypsum board

The risks involved with this occupation increase when the proper safety precautions are not followed.  Employees must be made to wear a protective breathing mask at all times in order to prevent breathing in harmful asbestos fibers.

Military Workers

Military occupations, particularly those involving Navy shipyard workers involved a great deal of asbestos risk.  Navy workers used to work around a lot of asbestos containing materials.  They were also housed in homes that were built out of asbestos related materials.  Naval occupations include:

• Coast Guard personnel
• Longshoremen
• Merchant mariners
• U.S. Navy

The asbestos threat among this occupation was actually severe prior to the public announcement of the risks involved with asbestos exposure.  Unfortunately, many of the employers knew that their employees’ lives were at risk but hid the information from them to keep production rates high.

Auto Mechanics

Auto mechanics are also exposed to asbestos on an almost daily basis, particularly those that work with the brakes of a vehicle.  Brakes contain asbestos because of its ability to withstand heat.  Friction on the brake pads causes heat and heat resistant asbestos prolongs the life of the brakes.  Unfortunately when working on brakes, such as having to grind them, the asbestos fibers are released into the air.  The individual runs the risk of breathing in these fibers.  Therefore, mechanics and individuals that work in production facilities that manufacture brakes are actually at risk of developing an asbestos related disease.

WTC

In terms of asbestos risky jobsites, after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2011, the World Trade Center became a highly risky asbestos site.  In fact after the towers fell and hundreds of tons of asbestos were released into the air and affected, not only the jobsite where workers did cleanup and recovery, but several surrounding areas as well.  The WTC site affected surrounding businesses and schools who may have been exposed to the high amounts of asbestos in the air.

Building

As already mentioned, construction workers are highly affected by asbestos levels.  However, the risk goes beyond the actual occupation, building sites are a jobsite that pose an asbestos risk to workers and anyone in or around the premises at the time of the construction work.  For example, if the homeowners are in and out while remodeling is going on, they are may potentially be exposed to asbestos inhalation, particularly if the part of their home they are having remodeled was built prior to the 1970s when the use of asbestos containing materials was popular.

Transportation

Transportation jobsites have posed a severe risk over the years.  Asbestos containing products had to be transported over the years from one location to another.  Therefore, many transportation hubs dealt with fibers that clung to the transports, whether they were sent via train cars or ocean shipping.  The individuals that loaded the materials to be transported were also severely affected.  Every time an asbestos product was loaded or unloaded, the fibers were disturbed and released into the air.  As a result, loaders breathed in these fibers.  Additionally, the fibers would cling to the clothing of the workers, which posed a health hazard to their loved ones at home.  However, this is similar to the risks involved with any occupation and jobsite related to asbestos exposure.

Resources:

• (http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/asbestos-job-sites)
• (http://www.asbestos.net/exposure/occupations)
• (http://www.asbestos.com/occupations/)

Mesothelioma Causes: Different Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos

Asbestos is the number one cause of mesothelioma.  Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in many products including:

• Building materials
• Adhesive
• Acoustical tile
• Asbestos cloth
• Asbestos finishing cement
• Asbestos insulation
• Clay
• Emulsions
• Talc powder
• Brakes
• Spackle
• Shingles
• Vermiculite compounds

These are just a few of the many products that contain asbestos.  Therefore, exposure to asbestos is actually quite common.  However, not everyone that is exposed will develop mesothelioma.  Your chances of asbestos exposure increases if you live in a home that is older since the use of asbestos products was once commonly used for building homes and businesses.

Decreasing Asbestos Exposure

Since asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, it is important that you decrease your risk of exposure.  There are many ways that you can do this.  If you work in a place of business that uses asbestos, make sure you demand the use of a breathing mask to avoid inhalation.  You must also wear the proper protective gear.  Make sure you wash yourself thoroughly and change your clothes, preferably, before you leave work.  You need to have an older checked for the presence of asbestos and have any traces of asbestos removed.

Legality

Asbestos is an indisputable cause of mesothelioma.  Therefore, if you have been exposed to asbestos and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a lawyer as soon as you can to discuss compensation for medical bills that you will have to pay.  You and your loved ones deserve legal compensation for the development of such a dangerous type of cancer.  Mesothelioma can be deadly.  Therefore, it is important that you get proper treatment in order to increase your chances of survival.  Explain to your lawyer that you have been exposed to a mesothelia-causing agent so that they can proceed with your case accordingly.

Age

If you were exposed to asbestos at a young age, it can increase your chances of developing mesothelioma.  This is due to the long latency period associated with mesothelioma.  The longer the disease has to metastasize in your body, the worse it can be.  Therefore, if you were raised in an environment that contained asbestos, let your doctor know so that it can be documented in your history.  Early detection of mesothelioma is important for your life expectancy.  Therefore, documentation of early onset asbestos exposure can help your doctor determine the risks and identify the cause should you end up developing mesothelioma.

Jobs

Jobs that can cause mesothelioma due to the increased risk of asbestos exposure are those that develop brake pads, work with asbestos shingles or other asbestos building products, asbestos miners, construction workers, and shipyard workers to name a few.  You can reduce the probability of asbestos causing mesothelioma later if you wear the proper attire while at work.  For example, a breathing mask is a necessity so that you prevent breathing in harmful asbestos fibers.  Make sure you wear protective clothing to keep the fibers off your skin, clothing and hair.  If these fibers cling to you, you can bring them home to your loved ones.

Types

There are many different types of mesothelioma causing asbestos fibers:

• Chrysotile
• Tremolite
• Anthophylite
• Amosite
• Actinolite
• Crocidolite

These materials were commonly used as insulation materials because of their heat and fire resistant qualities.  Since they were resistant to heat and fire, they were considered a miraculous improvement to the safety of the people.  However, now that scientists have discovered the health hazards associated with asbestos and the fact that these fiber types can cause mesothelioma, their use has been regulated via the Clean Air Act of 1970.  This helps to reduce the risk of developing mesothelioma.

References:

• (http://www.mesorfa.org/about-meso/causes.php)

Mesothelioma Diagnosis: Mesothelioma Diagnostic Procedures

Diagnostic Challenges

Since mesothelioma is such a rare type of cancer, diagnosis poses a severe challenge.  Affected cells typically have similar characteristics of other types of cancerous cells.  Another aspect that makes detection so difficult is the fact that the various types of mesothelioma have lengthy latency periods ranging from 20 to 50 years depending on the type.  By the time this type of cancer has been diagnosed, it has typically already progressed to its later stages.  Once symptoms arise, mesothelioma is usually diagnosed within 6 months afterward.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests can be used as one form of a diagnostic procedure to determine the presence of mesothelioma.  Imaging tests include:

• Chest x-ray
• CT scan
• PET scan
• MRI scan

X-ray diagnostics is the most common of the imaging tests used to diagnose mesothelioma.  X-rays reveal alterations in the human body and that means that x-ray imaging can also be used to document the cancer’s progression.  A CT scan can be used to look at the vital organs of the body where mesothelioma most commonly occurs.  PET scans provide a 3D image of the body and assist doctors in determining which treatment methods they should use.  An MRI provides information about a person’s overall bodily structure unlike any other imaging test.

Tissue/Fluid Tests

The use of a biopsy is another common procedure used to determine the presence of mesothelioma.  In fact, biopsies are commonly used to detect the presence of several cancer types.  Biopsies work by extracting fluid or tissue samples from suspicious areas.  There are four types of biopsy procedures:

• Thoracoscopy
• Bronchoscopy and Laparoscopy
• Mediastinoscopy
• Fine Needle Extraction

Thoracoscopy is typically used during pericardial mesothelioma diagnostic procedures since it goes through the chest wall.  Bronchoscopy and laparoscopy procedures can be used for all types of mesothelioma.  Mediastinoscopy is generally only used to see if the cancer has spread.  Fine needle extraction can also be used to test for the presence of various types of mesothelioma.

Blood Tests

Doctors will run blood tests to help with the diagnostic procedures involved with mesothelioma detection.  In fact, it has only been recently that scientist have realized that blood tests are capable of displaying certain biomarkers that may prove useful in detecting the presence of mesothelioma during its earlier stages.  Early detection will prove useful during future diagnostics of the disease since it will increase the chances of saving lives.  It will also make it possible start treatment earlier on.

CT Accuracy

Not all of the diagnostics tests provided are as accurate as anyone could hope.  In fact, many patients are warned about the possibility of false positive results delivered by CT Scans.  The margin for era in this area is surprisingly wide, creating a lot of fear in people who may not really have mesothelioma.  The accuracy of diagnostics procedures is extremely important since earlier detection can improve life expectancy.  It is important for doctors, individuals, and loved ones for the person to have the correct diagnosis.  An inaccurate diagnosis or false positive can create undue stress and worry.

Biopsy Accuracy

Biopsies present themselves as the most accurate way to detect mesothelioma.  However, there are different types of biopsies and they all vary in their accuracy.  For example, diagnostic biopsies tend to be too difficult to use because of sampling errors.  However, it is possible to obtain a more adequate sample when surgical biopsies are used.  Surgical biopsies significantly improve the accuracy of sampling diagnostics.  However, surgical biopsies are not suitable for everyone.  Therefore, the type of diagnosis used varies based on the individual.  Doctors need to decide what the most accurate procedure is based on the needs and safety of the patient.

Resources:

• http://www.mesotheliomaprognosis.org/mesothelioma-diagnosis

Life Expectancy of Individuals with Mesothelioma

Overview

The first question that most individuals ask their doctors when they have been diagnosed with mesothelioma is “how long do I have to live?”  It is the most difficult question to ask just as it is the most difficult question to answer.  In most cases, doctors cannot define a real timeline for mesothelioma sufferers.  Mesothelioma life expectancy differs among each individual case and no two cases are alike.  Fortunately, years of scientific research has helped to improve life expectancy rates.  Following through with a specialized care plan, all of the recommended treatments and participating in holistic remedies can all improve life expectancy rates.  Reporting symptoms to your doctor as soon as they appear is the most important way for an individual to improve their life expectancy.

Factors

Many factors affect mesothelioma life expectancy:

• Length of latency
• Area affected
• Metastasis
• Size of tumor
• Operability
• Age
• Health
• Response to treatments
• Previous morbidity from illnesses or cancers

Fortunately, science has improved to a point that it has made it easier to overcome many of these factors.  However, diagnosing the presence of mesothelioma is the most significant factor to help improve life expectancy rates.  The earlier mesothelioma is detected, the better the chance it is to treat.

Prolonging Life Expectancy

The younger you are, the greater your chance of prolonging your mesothelioma life expectancy.  For example, the chance of surviving at least five years is 39.7 percent for individuals under the age of 45.  However, this number begins to decrease the older you are.  For individuals over the age of 75, the chance of surviving at least five years decreases to 2.7 percent.  Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know as soon as symptoms develop.  This allows the doctor to detect the presence of mesothelioma as soon as possible and prolongs the life expectancy rate.

Stages

The stages of mesothelioma are a significant factor in relation to life expectancy.  Earlier stages are easier to treat than later stages of the disease.  This is yet another reason why early detection is important.  At the first stage of disease, life expectancy is at its highest and it is more than likely that surgery can successfully remove the tumor or tumors.  By the second stage, mesothelioma has metastasized beyond its origin.  However, it is still possible to remove the threat through operation.  By the third and fourth stages, the cancer has become what is considered advanced.  Therefore, palliative treatments are generally considered to ease symptoms and life expectancy significantly decreases at this point.

Type

The type of mesothelioma that an individual has can actually improve life expectancy.  If you have pleura mesothelioma, which is the most common, your chances of surviving the cancer improve.  Epithelial mesothelioma is yet another type of survivable cancer that improves your life expectancy rates.  However, other types of mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma for example, can significantly decrease your chances of survival.  Fortunately, these other types of mesothelioma are rare and mesothelioma of any kind is rare as well.

Diagnosis

It is important for you to watch for symptoms, particularly if you have a history of asbestos exposure.  As soon as you display any of the symptoms associated with mesothelioma you need to report them to your doctor.  Symptoms include:

• Trouble breathing
• Dyspnea
• Chest pain
• Persistent dry cough

These are only a few of the symptoms and unfortunately, they often mirror the symptoms of other illnesses.  However, the sooner you report them to your doctor, the sooner your doctor can start diagnostic testing and early diagnosis is the best way to improve mesothelioma life expectancy.  Fortunately, improvements in science are increasing the probability of detecting the presence of mesothelioma at an earlier point in time.

References:

• (http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/life-expectancy.php)

Mesothelioma Prognosis:  Understanding Mesothelioma Prognosis

Overview

The prognosis that occurs after mesothelioma has been diagnosed is never a moment that anyone looks forward too.  The prognosis is the outcome given by the doctor to the patient.  Prognosis includes treatment plan and life expectancy based on several determining factors such as:

• Patient’s age
• Location of tumor
• Size of tumor
• Number of tumors
• Response to treatment
• Type of cell
• Type of cancer
• Stage of cancer
• Whether or not it is metastasized

The prognosis varies from good to poor based on all of these factors.  Unfortunately, the prognosis is typically unfavorable because mesothelioma has such a long latency period.  The most important part of prognosis is that the person diagnosed knows what to expect.

Stage of Cancer

The stage of the cancer has a huge effect on the patient’s prognosis.  The further along the stage, the more unfavorable the prognosis becomes.  Unfortunately, long latency periods pose a huge problem.  Since it is so difficult, next to impossible, for doctors to detect mesothelioma early on, it makes it a very dangerous and unfortunately deadly type of cancer. The Brigham, Butchart, and TNM systems are used to determine the stage of the cancer.  Stages are listed one through four.  The higher the number, the further the cancer has progressed.  By the first stage, the tumor has not yet spread and by the final stage, the tumor has spread throughout the body.

Legality

Mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure in either the workplace or home.  Exposure can also occur if you are within a close proximity to asbestos that are found in materials.  Therefore, it becomes a legality issue.  Once you have received your prognosis, you need to seek legal counsel from someone who can help you and your family members retrieve rightful compensation.  Treatment of mesothelioma can be extremely costly.  Therefore, you may have the right to sue for medical expenses, especially if you worked for a company that exposed you to asbestos.

Life Expectancy Prognosis

Life expectancy is the main discussion of a prognosis and this number can vary from patient to patient based on the aforementioned factors.  Despite a generally poor prognosis, the good news is that life expectancy associated with mesothelioma has improved over the years.  This is thanks to increased research into the disease and the integration of holistic treatments to improve the connection between mind, body and spirit.  Upon studying individuals who have used holistic treatments, their life expectancy was typically longer than those that did not.  Therefore, it is possible to improve the prognosis of life expectancy.

Survival Rate Prognosis

Survival rate differs among patients just as life expectancy does.  No two cases of mesothelioma are alike and that makes it hard for your doctor to give you a survival percentage or a life expectancy timeframe.  There are factors that affect the survival rate of patients:

• Latency
• Stage
• Age
• Health
• Operability
• Combination of other illnesses
• Area affected
• Treatment plan

The good news is that cases most cases involving mesothelioma are pleura mesothelioma and individuals have a better chance of surviving this type of mesothelioma than they would if other areas are affected.

Remission

Some patients experience a remission of the diseases and therefore they consider themselves survivors.  In the case of remission, mesothelioma symptoms either partially or fully disappear.  This allows individuals to live for several years.  A prognosis of remission is good news for individuals with mesothelioma.  Early detection improves the chances of mesothelioma remission.  Alternative treatments such as herbal remedies and holistic remedies can greatly improve the chances of remission.  Living a life that incorporates holistic treatments involves several major life adjustments to improve the health of the mind, body, and spirit.

References:

• (http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/prognosis/)