Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos.[1] In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body'internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart). Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking.[2] Contents [hide] 1 Signs and symptoms 2 Diagnosis 3 Screening 4 Staging 5 Pathophysiology 6 Epidemiology 6.1 Incidence 6.2 Risk factors 6.3 Exposure 6.3.1 Occupational 6.3.2 Paraoccupational Secondary Exposure 6.3.3 Asbestos in buildings 6.3.4 Environmental exposures 7 Treatment 7.1 Surgery 7.2 Radiation 7.3 Chemotherapy 7.4 Immunotherapy 7.5 Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy 8 Notable people who died from mesothelioma 9 Notable people that have lived for some time with mesothelioma 10 Legal issues 11 Legal History 12 References 13 See also 14 External links 15 Sources [edit] Signs and symptoms Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms: chest wall pain pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung shortness of breath fatigue or anemia wheezing, hoarseness, or cough blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body. Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include: abdominal pain ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen a mass in the abdomen problems with bowel function weight loss In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present: blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin low blood sugar level pleural effusion pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs severe ascites A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs. [edit] Diagnosis Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient'medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (e.g. tuberculosis, heart failure). If cytology is positive or a plaque is regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary. Doctors have begun testing the Mesomark assay which measures levels of soluble mesothelin-related proteins (SMRPs) released by diseased mesothelioma cells. The procedure could diagnose mesothelioma earlier than conventional methods thus improving the survival prospects for patients.[3] Typical immunohistochemistry results Positive Negative EMA (epithelial membrane antigen) in a membranous distribution CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) WT1 (Wilms'umour 1) B72.3 Calretinin MOC-3 1 Mesothelin-1 CD15 Cytokeratin 5/6 Ber-EP4 HBME-1 (human mesothelial cell 1) TTF-1 (thyroid transcription factor-1) [edit] Screening There is no universally agreed protocol for screening people who have been exposed to asbestos. However some research indicates that the serum osteopontin level might be useful in screening asbestos-exposed people for mesothelioma. The level of soluble mesothelin-related protein is elevated in the serum of about 75% of patients at diagnosis and it has been suggested that it may be useful for screening.[4] [edit] Staging Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs. [edit] Pathophysiology The mesothelium consists of a single layer of flattened to cuboidal cells forming the epithelial lining of the serous cavities of the body including the peritoneal, pericardial and pleural cavities. Deposition of asbestos fibres in the parenchyma of the lung may result in the penetration of the visceral pleura from where the fibre can then be carried to the pleural surface, thus leading to the development of malignant mesothelial plaques. The processes leading to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma remain unresolved, although it has been proposed that asbestos fibres from the lung are transported to the abdomen and associated organs via the lymphatic system. Additionally, asbestos fibres may be deposited in the gut after ingestion of sputum contaminated with asbestos fibres. Pleural contamination with asbestos or other mineral fibres has been shown to cause cancer. Long thin asbestos fibers (blue asbestos, amphibole fibers) are more potent carcinogens than "feathery fibers" (chrysotile or white asbestos fibers).[5] However, there is now evidence that smaller particles may be more dangerous than the larger fibers.[1][2] They remain suspended in the air where they can be inhaled, and may penetrate more easily and deeper into the lungs. "We probably will find out a lot more about the health aspects of asbestos from [the World Trade Center attack], unfortunately," said Dr. Alan Fein, chief of pulmonary and critical-care medicine at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. Dr. Fein has treated several patients for "World Trade Center syndrome" or respiratory ailments from brief exposures of only a day or two near the collapsed buildings.[3] Mesothelioma development in rats has been demonstrated following intra-pleural inoculation of phosphorylated chrysotile fibres. It has been suggested that in humans, transport of fibres to the pleura is critical to the pathogenesis of mesothelioma. This is supported by the observed recruitment of significant numbers of macrophages and other cells of the immune system to localised lesions of accumulated asbestos fibres in the pleural and peritoneal cavities of rats. These lesions continued to attract and accumulate macrophages as the disease progressed, and cellular changes within the lesion culminated in a morphologically malignant tumour. Experimental evidence suggests that asbestos acts as a complete carcinogen with the development of mesothelioma occurring in sequential stages of initiation and promotion. The molecular mechanisms underlying the malignant transformation of normal mesothelial cells by asbestos fibres remain unclear despite the demonstration of its oncogenic capabilities. However, complete in vitro transformation of normal human mesothelial cells to malignant phenotype following exposure to asbestos fibres has not yet been achieved. In general, asbestos fibres are thought to act through direct physical interactions with the cells of the mesothelium in conjunction with indirect effects following interaction with inflammatory cells such as macrophages. Analysis of the interactions between asbestos fibres and DNA has shown that phagocytosed fibres are able to make contact with chromosomes, often adhering to the chromatin fibres or becoming entangled within the chromosome. This contact between the asbestos fibre and the chromosomes or structural proteins of the spindle apparatus can induce complex abnormalities. The most common abnormality is monosomy of chromosome 22. Other frequent abnormalities include structural rearrangement of 1p, 3p, 9p and 6q chromosome arms. Common gene abnormalities in mesothelioma cell lines include deletion of the tumor suppressor genes: Neurofibromatosis type 2 at 22q12 P16INK4A P14ARF Asbestos has also been shown to mediate the entry of foreign DNA into target cells. Incorporation of this foreign DNA may lead to mutations and oncogenesis by several possible mechanisms: Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes Activation of oncogenes Activation of proto-oncogenes due to incorporation of foreign DNA containing a promoter region Activation of DNA repair enzymes, which may be prone to error Activation of telomerase Prevention of apoptosis Asbestos fibres have been shown to alter the function and secretory properties of macrophages, ultimately creating conditions which favour the development of mesothelioma. Following asbestos phagocytosis, macrophages generate increased amounts of hydroxyl radicals, which are normal by-products of cellular anaerobic metabolism. However, these free radicals are also known clastogenic and membrane-active agents thought to promote asbestos carcinogenicity. These oxidants can participate in the oncogenic process by directly and indirectly interacting with DNA, modifying membrane-associated cellular events, including oncogene activation and perturbation of cellular antioxidant defences. Asbestos also may possess immunosuppressive properties. For example, chrysotile fibres have been shown to depress the in vitro proliferation of phytohemagglutinin-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes, suppress natural killer cell lysis and significantly reduce lymphokine-activated killer cell viability and recovery. Furthermore, genetic alterations in asbestos-activated macrophages may result in the release of potent mesothelial cell mitogens such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) which in turn, may induce the chronic stimulation and proliferation of mesothelial cells after injury by asbestos fibres. [edit] Epidemiology [edit] Incidence Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. The incidence is approximately one per 1,000,000. For comparison, populations with high levels of smoking can have a lung cancer incidence of over 1,000 per 1,000,000. Incidence of malignant mesothelioma currently ranges from about 7 to 40 per 1,000,000 in industrialized Western nations, depending on the amount of asbestos exposure of the populations during the past several decades.[6] It has been estimated that incidence may have peaked at 15 per 1,000,000 in the United States in 2004. Incidence is expected to continue increasing in other parts of the world. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age. Approximately one fifth to one third of all mesotheliomas are peritoneal. Between 1940 and 1979, approximately 27.5 million people were occupationally exposed to asbestos in the United States [4]. Between 1973 and 1984, there has been a threefold increase in the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in Caucasian males. From 1980 to the late 1990s, the death rate from mesothelioma in the USA increased from 2,000 per year to 3,000, with men four times more likely to acquire it than women. These rates may not be accurate, since it is possible that many cases of mesothelioma are misdiagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the lung, which is difficult to differentiate from mesothelioma. [edit] Risk factors Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure exists in almost all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. In rare cases, mesothelioma has also been associated with irradiation, intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), and inhalation of other fibrous silicates, such as erionite. Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney. The combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person'risk of developing cancer of the airways (lung cancer, bronchial carcinoma). The Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters for the first few years of production in the 1950s and some cases of mesothelioma have resulted. Smoking modern cigarettes does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. Some studies suggest that simian virus 40 (SV40) may act as a cofactor in the development of mesothelioma.[7] [edit] Exposure Asbestos was known in antiquity, but it wasn'mined and widely used commercially until the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not publicly known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace, and created guidelines for engineering controls and respirators, protective clothing, exposure monitoring, hygiene facilities and practices, warning signs, labeling, recordkeeping, and medical exams. By contrast, the British Government'Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states formally that any threshold for mesothelioma must be at a very low level and it is widely agreed that if any such threshold does exist at all, then it cannot currently be quantified. For practical purposes, therefore, HSE does not assume that any such threshold exists. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. [edit] Occupational Exposure to asbestos fibres has been recognised as an occupational health hazard since the early 1900s. Several epidemiological studies have associated exposure to asbestos with the development of lesions such as asbestos bodies in the sputum, pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis, carcinoma of the lung and larynx, gastrointestinal tumours, and diffuse mesothelioma of the pleura and peritoneum. The documented presence of asbestos fibres in water supplies and food products has fostered concerns about the possible impact of long-term and, as yet, unknown exposure of the general population to these fibres. Although many authorities consider brief or transient exposure to asbestos fibres as inconsequential and an unlikely risk factor, some epidemiologists claim that there is no risk threshold. Cases of mesothelioma have been found in people whose only exposure was breathing the air through ventilation systems. Other cases had very minimal (3 months or less) direct exposure. Commercial asbestos mining at Wittenoom, Western Australia, occurred between 1945 and 1966. A cohort study of miners employed at the mine reported that while no deaths occurred within the first 10 years after crocidolite exposure, 85 deaths attributable to mesothelioma had occurred by 1985. By 1994, 539 reported deaths due to mesothelioma had been reported in Western Australia. [edit] Paraoccupational Secondary Exposure Family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibres, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace. [edit] Asbestos in buildings Many building materials used in both public and domestic premises prior to the banning of asbestos may contain asbestos. Those performing renovation works or diy activities may expose themselves to asbestos dust. In the UK use of Chrysotile asbestos was banned at the end of 1999. Brown and blue asbestos was banned in the UK around 1985. Buildings built or renovated prior to these dates may contain asbestos materials. [edit] Environmental exposures Incidence of mesothelioma had been found to be higher in populations living near naturally occuring asbestos. For example, in Cappadocia, Turkey, an unprecedented mesothelioma epidemic caused 50% of all deaths in three small villages. Initially, this was attributed to erionite, however, recently, it has been shown that erionite causes mesothelioma mostly in families with a genetic predisposition[8]. [edit] Treatment Treatment of malignant mesothelioma using conventional therapies has not proved successful and patients have a median survival time of 6 - 12 months after presentation[citation needed]. The clinical behaviour of the malignancy is affected by several factors including the continuous mesothelial surface of the pleural cavity which favours local metastasis via exfoliated cells, invasion to underlying tissue and other organs within the pleural cavity, and the extremely long latency period between asbestos exposure and development of the disease. [edit] Surgery Surgery, either by itself or used in combination with pre- and post-operative adjuvant therapies, has proved disappointing. A pleurectomy/decortication is the most common surgery, in which the lining of the chest is removed. Less common is an extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), in which the lung, lining of the inside of the chest, the hemi-diaphragm and the pericardium are removed. It is not possible to remove the entire mesothelium without killing the patient. [edit] Radiation Wikibooks has a book on the topic of Radiation Oncology/Lung/Mesothelioma For patients with localized disease, and who can tolerate a radical surgery, radiation is often given post-operatively as a consolidative treatment. The entire hemi-thorax is treated with radiation therapy, often given simultaneously with chemotherapy. This approach of using surgery followed by radiation with chemotherapy has been pioneered by the thoracic oncology team at Brigham & Women'Hospital in Boston.[9] Delivering radiation and chemotherapy after a radical surgery has led to extended life expectancy in selected patient populations with some patients surviving more than 5 years. As part of a curative approach to mesothelioma, radiotherapy is also commonly applied to the sites of chest drain insertion, in order to prevent growth of the tumor along the track in the chest wall. Although mesothelioma is generally resistant to curative treatment with radiotherapy alone, palliative treatment regimens are sometimes used to relieve symptoms arising from tumor growth, such as obstruction of a major blood vessel. Radiation therapy when given alone with curative intent has never been shown to improve survival from mesothelioma. The necessary radiation dose to treat mesothelioma that has not been surgically removed would be very toxic. [edit] Chemotherapy In February 2004, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved pemetrexed (brand name Alimta) for treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pemetrexed is given in combination with cisplatin. Folic acid is also used to reduce the side-effects of pemetrexed. [edit] Immunotherapy Treatment regimens involving immunotherapy have yielded variable results. For example, intrapleural inoculation of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in an attempt to boost the immune response, was found to be of no benefit to the patient (while it may benefit patients with bladder cancer). Mesothelioma cells proved susceptible to in vitro lysis by LAK cells following activation by interleukin-2 (IL-2), but patients undergoing this particular therapy experienced major side effects. Indeed, this trial was suspended in view of the unacceptably high levels of IL-2 toxicity and the severity of side effects such as fever and cachexia. Nonetheless, other trials involving interferon alpha have proved more encouraging with 20% of patients experiencing a greater than 50% reduction in tumor mass combined with minimal side effects. [edit] Heated Intraoperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy A procedure known as heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy was developed by Paul Sugarbaker at the Washington Cancer Institute.[9] The surgeon removes as much of the tumor as possible followed by the direct administration of a chemotherapy agent, heated to between 40 and 48°C, in the abdomen. The fluid is perfused for 60 to 120 minutes and then drained. This technique permits the administration of high concentrations of selected drugs into the abdominal and pelvic surfaces. Heating the chemotherapy treatment increases the penetration of the drugs into tissues. Also, heating itself damages the malignant cells more than the normal cells. [edit] Notable people who died from mesothelioma Mesothelioma, though rare, has had a number of notable patients. Australian anti-racism activist Bob Bellear died in 2005. British science fiction writer Michael G. Coney, responsible for nearly 100 works also died in 2005. American film and television actor Paul Gleason, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Principal Richard Vernon in the 1985 film The Breakfast Club, died in 2006. Mickie Most, an English record producer, died of mesothelioma in 2003. Paul Rudolph, an American architect known for his cubist building designs, died in 1997. Bernie Banton was an Australian workers'ights activist, who fought a long battle for compensation from James Hardie after he contracted mesothelioma after working for that company. He claimed James Hardie knew of the dangers of asbestos before he began work with the substance making insulation for power stations. Mesothelioma eventually took his life along with his brothers and hundreds of James Hardie workers. James Hardie made an undisclosed settlement with Banton only when his mesothelioma had reached its final stages and he was expected to have no more than 48hrs to live. Australian Prime Minister-elect Kevin Rudd mentioned Banton'extended struggle in his acceptance speech after winning the 2007 Australian Federal Election. Steve McQueen was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma on December 22, 1979. He was not offered surgery or chemotherapy because doctors felt the cancer was too advanced. McQueen sought alternative treatments from clinics in Mexico. He died of a heart attack on November 7, 1980, in Juárez, Mexico, following cancer surgery. He may have been exposed to asbestos while serving with the U.S. Marines as a young adult—asbestos was then commonly used to insulate ships'iping—or because of its use as an insulating material in car racing suits.[10] (It is also reported that he worked in a shipyard during World War II, where he might have been exposed to asbestos.[citation needed] United States Congressman Bruce Vento died of mesothelioma in 2000. The Bruce Vento Hopebuilder is awarded yearly by his wife at the MARF Symposium to persons or organizations who have done the most to support mesothelioma research and advocacy. After a long period of untreated illness and pain, rock and roll musician and songwriter Warren Zevon was diagnosed with inoperable mesothelioma in the fall of 2002. Refusing treatments he believed might incapacitate him, Zevon focused his energies on recording his final album The Wind including the song "Keep Me in Your Heart," which speaks of his failing breath. Zevon died at his home in Los Angeles, California, on September 7, 2003. Christie Hennessy, the influential Irish singer-songwriter, died of mesothelioma in 2007, and had stridently refused to accept the prognosis in the weeks before his death.[11] His mesothelioma has been attributed to his younger years spent working on building sites in London.[12][13] Bob Miner, one of the founders of Software Development Labs, the forerunner of Oracle Corporation died of mesothelioma in 1994. [edit] Notable people that have lived for some time with mesothelioma Although life expectancy with this disease is typically limited, there are notable survivors. In July 1982, Stephen Jay Gould was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. After his diagnosis, Gould wrote the "The Median Isn'the Message"[14] for Discover magazine, in which he argued that statistics such as median survival are just useful abstractions, not destiny. Gould lived for another twenty years eventually succumbing to metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung, not mesothelioma. Author Paul Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 1997 following an umbilical hernia operation. His prognosis was "a few months." He continues to survive using a variety of integrative and complimentary modalities and has written a book about his experience. [edit] Legal issues Main article: asbestos and the law The first lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers were in 1929. Since then, many lawsuits have been filed against asbestos manufacturers and employers, for neglecting to implement safety measures after the links between asbestos, asbestosis, and mesothelioma became known (some reports seem to place this as early as 1898). The liability resulting from the sheer number of lawsuits and people affected has reached billions of dollars.[citation needed] The amounts and method of allocating compensation have been the source of many court cases, and government attempts at resolution of existing and future cases. [edit] Legal History The first lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers was brought in 1929. The parties settled that lawsuit, and as part of the agreement, the attorneys agreed not to pursue further cases. It was not until 1960 that an article published by Wagner et al first officially established mesothelioma as a disease arising from exposure to crocidolite asbestos.[15] The article referred to over 30 case studies of people who had suffered from mesothelioma in South Africa. Some exposures were transient and some were mine workers. In 1962 McNulty reported the first diagnosed case of malignant mesothelioma in an Australian asbestos worker.[16] The worker had worked in the mill at the asbestos mine in Wittenoom from 1948 to 1950. In the town of Wittenoom, asbestos-containing mine waste was used to cover schoolyards and playgrounds. In 1965 an article in the British Journal of Industrial Medicine established that people who lived in the neighbourhoods of asbestos factories and mines, but did not work in them, had contracted mesothelioma. Despite proof that the dust associated with asbestos mining and milling causes asbestos related disease, mining began at Wittenoom in 1943 and continued until 1966. In 1974 the first public warnings of the dangers of blue asbestos were published in a cover story called "Is this Killer in Your Home?" in Australia'Bulletin magazine. In 1978 the Western Australian Government decided to phase out the town of Wittenoom, following the publication of a Health Dept. booklet, "The Health Hazard at Wittenoom", containing the results of air sampling and an appraisal of worldwide medical information. By 1979 the first writs for negligence related to Wittenoom were issued against CSR and its subsidiary ABA, and the Asbestos Diseases Society was formed to represent the Wittenoom victims. [edit] References ^ United States Department of Health and Human Services. ^ "Cigarette smoking, asbestos exposure, and malignant mesothelioma" by Muscat JE, Wynder EL in Cancer Research (1991) volume 51 pages 2263-7 Entrez PubMed 2015590 ^ Beyer, HL; Geschwindt RD, Glover CL et al. (April 2007). "MESOMARK: a potential test for malignant pleural mesothelioma". Clinical Chemistry 53 (4): 666–672. PMID 17289801. ^ "Soluble mesothelin-related protein--a blood test for mesothelioma" by B. W. Robinson, J. Creaney, R. Lake, A. Nowak, A. W. Musk, N. de Klerk, P. Winzell, K. E. Hellstrom and I. Hellstrom in Lung Cancer (2005) volume 49, pages S109-S111 Entrez PubMed 15950789. ^ "Malignant mesothelioma and occupational exposure to asbestos: a clinicopathological correlation of 1445 cases" by V. L. Roggli, A. Sharma, K. J. Butnor, T. Sporn and R. T. Vollmer in Ultrastruct Pathol (2002) volume 26 pages 55-65 Entrez PubMed 12036093. ^ "Advances in Malignant Mesothelioma" by Bruce W. S. Robinson and Richard A. Lake in The New England Journal of Medicine (2005) volume 353 pages 1591-1603 Entrez PubMed 16221782. ^ "SV40 in human tumors: new documents shed light on the apparent controversy" by D. S. MacLachlan in Anticancer Res (2002) volume 22, pages 3495-3499 Entrez PubMed 12552945. ^ Carbone M, Emri S, Dogan AU, et al (2007). "A mesothelioma epidemic in Cappadocia: scientific developments and unexpected social outcomes". Nat. Rev. Cancer 7 (2): 147–54. doi:10.1038/nrc2068. PMID 17251920. ^ a b "Resection margins, extrapleural nodal status, and cell type determine postoperative long-term survival in trimodality therapy of malignant pleural mesothelioma: results in 183 patients." by D. Sugarbaker in J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg (1999) volume 117, pages 54-63 Entrez PubMed 9869758. ^ McQueen'Legacy of Laetrile. New York Times (2005-11-15). ^ RTE radio 1, Playback, 8 December ^ u.tv ^ Irish singer Hennessy dies at 62 - BBC News - 11 December 2007 ^ Gould, Stephen Jay. The Median Isn'the Message. ^ "Diffuse pleural mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in the North Western Cape Province" by J. C. Wagner, C. A. Sleggs and P. Marchand in Br J Ind Med. (1960) volume 17, pages 260-271 Entrez PubMed 13782506. ^ "Malignant pleural mesothelioma in an asbestos worker" by J. C. McNulty in Med J Aust (1962) volume 49, pages 953-954 Entrez PubMed 13932248. [edit] See also Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America [edit] External links ATSDR - Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Asbestos Toxicity U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (public domain) Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers from the U.S. National Cancer Institute Cancer.gov: Malignant Mesothelioma from the U.S. National Cancer Institute American Cancer Society from the American Cancer Society Malignant Mesothelioma review article from the American Cancer Society CancerBACUP: Mesothelioma Information Centre Medlineplus: Mesothelioma from MEDLINE, part of the United States National Library of Medicine Worksafe, Western Australia, from Western Australia'Department of Consumer and Employment Protection US Nat'Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Australian Mesothelioma Register [edit] Sources The first version of this article was adapted from a public domain U.S. National Cancer Institute fact sheet at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/mesothelioma [hide] v • d • eSoft tissue tumors and sarcomas (ICD-O 8800-9349) Not otherwise specified (8800-8809) Soft tissue sarcoma - Desmoplastic small round cell tumor Fibromatous (8810-8839) Fibroma/fibrosarcoma - Malignant fibrous histiocytoma - Dermatofibroma/dermatofibrosarcoma - Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans Myxomatous (8840-8849) Myxoma - Ossifying fibromyxoid tumour Lipomatous (8850-8889) Lipoma/liposarcoma (Angiomyolipoma) Myomatous (8890-8929) Leiomyoma/leiomyosarcoma - Myoma - Rhabdomyoma/rhabdomyosarcoma - Sarcoma botryoides Complex Mixed And Stromal (8930-8999) Adenomyoma - Pleomorphic adenoma - Mixed Mullerian tumor - Mesoblastic nephroma - Wilms'umor - Rhabdoid tumour - Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney - Hepatoblastoma - Carcinosarcoma Fibroepithelial (9000-9039) Brenner tumour - Fibroadenoma - Phyllodes tumor Synovial-like (9040-9049) Synovial sarcoma - Clear cell sarcoma, NOS Mesothelial (9050-9059) Mesothelioma - Adenomatoid tumor Germ cell tumors (9060-9119) germinomatous germ cell tumors: Dysgerminoma - Germinoma - Seminoma nongerminomatous germ cell tumors: Embryonal carcinoma - Endodermal sinus tumor / Yolk sac tumor - Teratoma/Fetus in fetu / Dermoid cyst/Struma ovarii - Gestational trophoblastic disease (Hydatidiform mole) - Choriocarcinoma - Polyembryoma - Gonadoblastoma Vascular (9120-9179) blood vessels: Hemangioma/hemangiosarcoma - Angioma/angiosarcoma - Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome - Hemangioendothelioma - Kaposi'sarcoma - Hemangiopericytoma lymphatic vessels: Lymphangioma/lymphangiosarcoma - Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Osseous and chondromatous (9180-9349) Osteoma/osteosarcoma - Osteochondroma - Chondroma/enchondroma/chondrosarcoma - Chondroblastoma - Giant cell tumor of bone - Ewing'sarcoma - Chordoma teeth/odontogenic: (Cementoblastoma, Cementoma, Odontoma, Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, Ameloblastoma) Adamantinoma Home About Us News Sites Containing Asbestos Mesothelioma Blog Mesothelioma Help Site Map Asbestos and Mesothelioma News Devoted to information about Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure Recent Headlines| March 30, 2008 Asbestos Awareness Week The senate recently announced that the first week of April 2008, will be designated as “National Asbestos Awareness Week.” Read More... 25 Companies Named in WV Asbestos Suit A man living in Barbour County, WV recently filed a suit against his father’s former employers and his former employer’s for the asbestos he was supposedly exposed to throughout his life. Read More... Subscribe to our Mesothelioma Blog for instant updates... Contact us today for information on mesothelioma, its link to asbestos, medical treatment, and more. Select Diagnosis Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestosis Unknown Privacy protected. All information held in the strictest confidence. Asbestos Exposure Information View our trailer about Asbestos Exposures and dangers. Find out more about how asbestos may be effecting you and your loved ones. Click here to view the video > Just Added Mesothelioma and Asbestos Research Asbestos Bill in Congress California Mesothelioma Lawyer Illinois Mesothelioma Deaths Mesothelioma Lawyers in Florida New Jersey Mesothelioma New York Mesothelioma Ohio Mesothelioma Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Deaths Texas Mesothelioma Deaths Who is at risk? Asbestos-Induced Lung Cancer in Veterans Support for Mesothelioma Patients For decades, people have continued to suffer serious health effects and were killed as a result of the mesothelioma disease. Because little was known about mesothelioma, victims and their families were unable to seek mesothelioma support. Please support mesothelioma patients by making a contribution to any of the following charitable organizations: Alliance for Lung Cancer Advocacy American Cancer Society What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that can only be identified under a microscope. Asbestos is found in the ground and is mined all over the world. In the past, asbestos was added to different products as insulation and for fire resistance. Asbestos exposure can cause ailments like mesothelioma and other problems. Extended asbestos exposure usually develops into serious problems. Exposure to Asbestos Asbestos exposure affects an estimated 1.3 million employees in construction and general industry today. The highly toxic, fibrous mineral causes serious problems like mesothelioma and asbestosis. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Important Asbestos Topics - Asbestosis, Asbestos Law Firm, Sources of Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos Lawsuits, Asbestos Lawyer Types of Mesothelioma - Mesothelioma Lung Cancer, Malignant Mesothelioma, Abdominal Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Epithelial Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma, Other Types of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma Legal Help - Mesothelioma Lawyer, Mesothelioma Attorney, Mesothelioma Lawsuit Mesothelioma Medical Information - Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Treatment Mesothelioma Statistics - Mesothelioma deaths by industry, Mesothelioma deaths by occupation, Mesothelioma statistics Home About Us News Sites Containing Asbestos Mesothelioma Blog Mesothelioma Help Site Map Mesothelioma Treatment Asbestos Cancer Jobsite Exposure Products Home Mesothelioma Asbestos Asbestosis Asbestos Cancer Asbestos Abatement Treatment Veterans Jobsite Exposure Legal Support Glossary State Index Resources Welcome to the Asbestos & Mesothelioma Center The Asbestos & Mesothelioma center is committed to providing the latest, up-to-date information to our visitors in hopes of creating awareness about the dangers of asbestos. This month, we are campaigning to educate the community on how to identify asbestos within their homes and workplaces. Asbestos has been widely used in construction over the last century because of its fire resistant qualities. As a result, most structures built before 1986 utilized asbestos in some shape or form. Asbestos & Home Improvement Exposure to asbestos has been shown to result in a wide range of respiratory health conditions, including mesothelioma, a deadly cancer affecting the lining of internal organs. It has been used in a wide range of building materials, including roofing, insultation, ceiling tiles, and sheetrock. For this reason, it is especially important to identify any potential asbestos hazards before engaging in home improvement projects. We've outlined many of the commmon location of asbestos in the home, as well as products that have been identified to contain asbestos fibers. Take a minute to visit our resources sections before starting your next project - it is our hope that by spreading knowledge we can eliminate needless asbestos exposure. Asbestos & Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the"mesothelium," or the protective lining around our internal organs. It most commonly affects the linings of the lungs, abdomen and heart. Unfortunately, many symptoms of mesothelioma(shortness of breath, severe cough, chest pain) do not appear for 20 or more years, making it difficult to diagnose early. For this reason, the cancer is often diagnosed in the later stages, making it difficult for proper treatment and survival. Unfortunately, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have been discovered to be caused by the negligence. Many employers were aware of the health effects of asbestos exposure, and chose to cover them up. Workers especially prone to exposure were those working in industrial, blue collared environments such as shipyards, construction sites, mines and factories. Here, employees were exposed daily, inhaling asbestos and even carrying asbestos fibers home on their clothes and equipment. This, in turn, affected their families through second hand exposure. The continual carelessness of companies and certain industries has wreaked havoc on the health and lives of thousands of workers and their families. We are hopeful that through knowledge of the disease and future research, mesothelioma patients can look forward to leading healthier normal lives. Asbestos.com is a resource that has been used by many patients throughout the years and will continue to be of assistance in the treatment and coping process. Your Name: Email: Address: City, State, Zip: Home Phone: Work Phone: Diagnosis: Select... Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Asbestosis Unknown Comments: Asbestos News: Asbestos Decontamination Approved for Another Ghost of 9/11 2008-03-28 15:39:04 MANHATTAN, New York – The EPA has approved a decontamination plan that will allow CUNY to finally demolish Fiterman Hall, which has stood in rui ... [read more] Couple’s $7 Million Asbestos Award Sparks Concerns Among Home Remodelers 2008-03-28 09:35:23 LOS ANGELES, California – Yesterday, a jury awarded a $7million judgment to a California couple in compensation for the wife’s [read more] Debate over Evidence in Whisnat Vs DuPont Asbestos 2008-03-27 17:05:00 March 13, 2008, Beaumont, Texas – The Whisnat Vs DuPont asbestos trial, now in its fourth week, con ... [read more] Copyright © 2008 Mesothelioma Data, Statistics, & Information Mesothelioma is fairly rare. There are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year in the United States. The incidence of mesotheliomas in the United States increased from 1970 to 1990 and then stabilized. It may now be decreasing. Most of the past increase in cases, as well as the recent decrease in cases, has been in men. The rate, although lower, has been fairly steady for women. In European countries and world wide, the rate of mesotheliomas is still increasing. Mesothelioma is rare in people under age 55. Its incidence increases with age. Three-fourths of people with mesothelioma are over 65 years old. The disease affects men 5 times more often than women. Mesothelioma is less common in African Americans than in white Americans. (see Deaths by sex, race, and age) Mesothelioma is a serious disease. The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. By the time the symptoms appear and cancer is diagnosed, the disease is often advanced. The average survival time is about 1 year. The 5-year relative survival rate is around 10%, but this rate has been slowly improving. The 5-year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live at least 5 years after their cancer is diagnosed. Many of these patients live much longer than 5 years after diagnosis, and 5-year rates are used to produce a standard way of discussing prognosis. Five-year relative survival rates do not include patients dying of other diseases and are considered to be a more accurate way to describe the prognosis for patients with a particular type and stage of cancer. That means that relative survival only talks about deaths from mesothelioma. Of course, 5-year survival rates are based on patients diagnosed and initially treated more than 5 years ago. They may no longer be accurate. Improvements in treatment result in a more favorable outlook for recently diagnosed patients. Each year 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma has a long latency (inactive) period of anywhere between 15 – 50 years. Experts predict that mesothelioma diagnoses will continue to increase in the United States for at least another 10 to 20 years. While many countries have banned certain forms of asbestos, an estimated 5,000 asbestos-containing products exist today. As many as 8 million people in the U.S. have already been exposed to asbestos and it continues to pose a serious threat to workers in certain occupations. One study of asbestos insulation workers reported a mesothelioma death rate up to 344 times higher than the general population. Most mesothelioma victims die within 18 months of diagnosis. Mortality is swift not because the cancer is fast-growing but because it usually is far advanced by the time it is detected. Poor prognostic variables include: nonepithelial histology, older age (greater than 75 years), pleural primary, chest pain at presentation, poor performance status, and elevated platelet count (greater than 400,000/mcL). By the year 2030 there are estimates that asbestos will have caused 60,000 instances of mesothelioma and around 250,000 other cancers that result in death. Over half a million asbestos and mesothelioma injury claims have been filed to date. Over 50,000 were filed in 1998 alone. Every year, more than 10,000 people worldwide (3,000 in the U.S. alone) are diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related conditions. More than 110,000 schools in the U.S. still contain some form of asbestos. 8 million Americans have been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos. Asbestos insulation workers have a mesothelioma death rate 344 times higher than that of the general population. More than 7,500 Americans died from mesothelioma between 1999 and 2001. The industries with the highest mesothelioma mortality rates are ship building and ship repairing. People working around industrial chemicals had the second-highest rate, and those in the construction industry were third. 85% of mesothelioma deaths are male; this has more to do with asbestos exposure than with gender. There is also a high rate of mesothelioma deaths among schoolteachers, many of whom are female. The average age of people diagnosed with mesothelioma is between 50 and 70, but the number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma between the ages of 30 and 40 is increasing. Asbestos is used to make more than 5,000 products worldwide. Even when mesothelioma treatment is possible, it is very expensive, sometimes costing between $400,000 and $800,000 for oxygen, drugs, pain medicine and other forms of treatment -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ©WWW.MESOTHELİOMA-COM.TR.GG ----------------------------------------------------- Home Treatment Mesothelioma Asbestos Jobsite Exposure Legal Compensation Clinical Trials Glossary Cancer Centers About Us Contact Us Search State: Zipcode: Email Address: Telephone: First Name: Last Name: Address: City: Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Yes No Take Our Site With You We've put together an information packet for you to share with your loved one. Fill out the form to the left and we'll have the packet delivered to your doorstep in 24 hours, free of charge. Mesothelioma Treatment New Treatment Options There are options for treating mesothelioma. Traditional and alternative treatments are available along with actively recruiting clinical trials. Asbestos Exposure The cause of mesothelioma Learn where exposure to the harmful fibrous-material asbestos may have occurred. We have hundreds of documented jobsite locations including: shipyards, metalworks, the navy, and more. Mesothelioma Causes Mesothelioma Symptoms Mesothelioma Diagnosis Mesothelioma Stages Mesothelioma Misconceptions Top Mesothelioma Doctors Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Mesothelioma Cure Pain Management Mesothelioma Support Mesothelioma Clinical Trials Mesothelioma New York City Mesothelioma California Mesothelioma Shipyards Navy and Asbestos Asbestos Cancer Asbestos Plastics Mesothelioma News Survivors Testimonials What is Mesothelioma? Malignant mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma cancer is a fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lung (pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the lining of the heart (pericardium). The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, although pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are less frequent. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, although other factors such as smoking may result in additional complications. For more detailed information on mesothelioma, browse our website and fill out our form for a free book and detailed packet that you or your loved one can read at home. Mesothelioma Treatment Options Mesothelioma treatment is critical when a mesothelioma diagnosis occurs. Throughout our site, you'll find lists of mesothelioma hospitals and mesothelioma treatment centers. You'll also find information about mesothelioma doctors such as Dr. Sugarbaker, a mesothelioma expert. New Mesothelioma drugs and mesothelioma treatments, such as Alimta are being used to fight mesothelioma lung cancer. A mesothelioma biopsy is often used to determine if a loved one is affected. If you or a loved one may be facing the reality that mesothelioma cancer treatment is necessary, fill out our form to receive the latest treatment options and mesothelioma clinical trials information. Asbestos and Mesothelioma Asbestos cancer, also known as mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, typically found in particular asbestos jobsites. Mesothelioma found in those working at particular jobsites such as shipyards can quite often be easily traced to the asbestos products that were present in these locations. For instance, a navy veteran diagnosed with mesothelioma could have worked at Brooklyn Navy Yard outside New York or Todd Shipyards in New York City or California where they came into contact with various products containing asbestos materials. We have an extensive lists of mesothelioma shipyards and mesothelioma jobsites within our site. Clinical Trials Cisplatin, Imatinib Mesylate, and Pemetrexed in Malignant Mesothelioma patients Immunotoxin Therapy, Pemetrexed, and Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery Pemetrexed Disodium and Either Gemcitabine or Carboplatin in Treating Patients With Advanced Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Early Diagnosis of Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma in Prior Asbestos Workers. Dasatinib in Treating Patients With Previously Treated Malignant Mesothelioma. Read More clinical trials. News Asbestos Ban Nears for South Africa According to an article in the South African newspaper The Mercury, final regulations for the banning of asbes ... Elderly Residents Want Asbestos-Tainted Belongings Back The mayor of Houston told residents of a senior housing community, which suffered a fire in November, that he ... Asbestos Closes Myrtle Beach Grocery Store A Food Lion store in the popular tourist town of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was closed yesterday after the S ... Read more news articles. Back to Top ↑ © 2008 Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center. Thank you for visiting this website which is sponsored by the Law Firm of EARLY, LUDWICK, SWEENEY & STRAUSS, LLC. This website is devoted to the needs of people diagnosed with mesothelioma. The content contained herein was not prepared by medical professionals nor should it be taken as a substitute for medical advice. Additionally, this information is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship simply by its viewing. The creation of an attorney-client relationship requires more than viewing this or affiliated websites. Neither the transmission nor receipt of this website material will create an attorney-client relationship between sender and receiver. The material contained herein is general in nature and may not apply to your particular factual or legal circumstances. Online readers should not act on this information without seeking professional counsel. Please read our disclaimer for more information. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ©WWW.MESOTHELİOMA-COM.TR.GG call us now at: 1-800-946-9646 Home About Us Contact Us Frequently Asked Questions News Blog Español Search The Site Welcome to Mesothelioma News If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, this web site is for you. Mesothelioma News is dedicated to bringing you comprehensive information on a full range of topics about mesothelioma, including treatment, support, and legal help. On Mesothelioma News you’ll find a great deal of information including: • The types and symptoms of mesothelioma and diagnosis of the disease • Up-to-date information about treatment options for mesothelioma • Support groups and resources for patients and their families • The relationship between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma • Protecting your legal rights Mesothelioma News is your site for the up-to-date information you need if you or a loved one has been affected by this disease. The law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has been fighting for the rights of mesothelioma victims for nearly three decades. One of the firm’s founders filed one of the first asbestos lawsuits in the country against asbestos manufacturers. With more than 50 attorneys, over 200 staff, and offices in Texas, California, Louisiana, Ohio, and New York, Baron & Budd is one of America’s largest law firms that fights for the rights of people and families affected by mesothelioma. Our firm has successfully represented asbestos victims from throughout the country. Here are just some examples of compensation we have achieved for our clients: The cases described here reflect the net amounts of the judgments or settlements our clients received after the deduction of attorneys fees and expenses-in other words, what our clients actually received. The actual settlement or verdict would be higher. These cases were all handled by Baron & Budd attorneys serving as lead counsel. Specific Results Depend on the Facts of Each Case. $10,603,661.00 Received by Client after Attorney’s Fees and Expenses for a gentleman who developed malignant mesothelioma as a result of his exposure to joint compound as a construction worker. This case went to trial and resulted in a significant verdict in favor of the gentleman, his wife and children that was listed by a national legal publication as one of the top verdicts in the U.S. that year. The case subsequently settled. $6,356,942.00 Received by Client after Attorney’s Fees and Expenses, for the widow of a man who died at the age of 50 after developing asbestos-related mesothelioma. He was exposed to asbestos while serving in the Navy aboard nuclear submarines during the 1960s. This case went to trial against the manufacturer of an asbestos-containing pipe covering product. The jury awarded a significant verdict, which was affirmed on appeal. $4,380,755.00 Received by Client after Attorney’s Fees and Expenses, for an ironworker who worked at a number of industrial sites throughout his career and who was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 79. More results here News March 28, 2008 Following mesothelioma death of teacher in North Wales, U.K. teachers’ unions demand that asbestos be removed from all British schools by 2010 Recent news that a retired teacher in North Wales died of asbestos-related mesothelioma has prompted the U.K.’s Association of Teachers and Lecturers to take up the call for the government to remove asbestos from all British schools by the year 2010. See related story. The first step is to require that every school read more » March 27, 2008 Cleanup of tornado debris in Atlanta poses risk of asbestos exposure In the cleanup following the recent tornado that ripped through Atlanta, Georgia, residents are warned to be aware that roofing materials often incorporate asbestos. The problem is particularly acute in older buildings, but asbestos is still used in some modern roofing materials as well. Where asbestos is a factor, certain safety procedures must read more » March 26, 2008 Builders awarded $6.4 million to reimburse costs incurred for asbestos cleanup in Lowry, Colorado The U.S. Court of Federal Claims has ruled that the U.S. Air Force must pay builders $6.4 million to reimburse them for the costs of cleaning up asbestos contamination in Lowry, Colorado. The award includes damages called “unabsorbed overhead,” which reimburses the builders for money lost because of construction delays while asbestos cleanup was read more » March 25, 2008 New study of vermiculite workers confirms danger of asbestos-tainted Libby ore Scientists in Ohio, studying the health of workers who made lawn products more than 25 years ago using asbestos-tainted vermiculite from W.R. Grace’s Libby, Montana mine, have confirmed the danger of even low level exposure to asbestos in the ore. Researchers found that low level exposure to vermiculite caused an increased incidence of lung read more » March 24, 2008 Wisconsin Supreme Court reinstates penalties for failure to remove asbestos during Milwaukee Theatre renovation In a 4-3 split decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court reinstated an order that Harenda Enterprises pay penalties and surcharges for violating the state administrative code through its failure to remove asbestos during the renovation of the Milwaukee Theatre. The dissenting justices said that the rules Harenda was accused of violating had not been clearly articulated read more » March 24, 2008 Runoff of minerals like asbestos from old mines poses contamination risk to groundwater, crops and fish Senator Diane Feinstein of California has released information about the risk of environmental contamination from abandoned mines. Abandoned mines pose ongoing risks of environmental contamination to groundwater, crops and fish caused by the release of minerals like asbestos, mercury and chromium. The Bureau of Land Management says that such mines have already contaminated read more » print this page site feed archives Glossary of Terms Site Map Baron & Budd, P.C. Privacy Policy Disclaimer Other Offices: Baton Rouge, LA Cleveland, OH Beverly Hills, CA Austin, TX Main Office: 3102 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 1100 Dallas, TX 75219 For nearly 30 years, the law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has fought to safeguard the rights of mesothelioma victims and their families. MesotheliomaNews.com is a public service of Baron & Budd, P.C. © 2008, Baron & Budd, P.C. Mesothelioma Treatment - Resources for Mesothelioma Patients Mesothelioma symptoms and diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma treatment. Traditional and new treatment options. Mesothelioma doctors and hospitals, news HOPE Home Mesothelioma • Mesothelioma Cause • Mesothelioma Symptoms • Mesothelioma Diagnosis • Mesothelioma Stages Treatment Options • Time Matters • Traditional Care • New Approaches • Nutrition • Palliative Care • Pain Management Mesothelioma Specialists • Choosing Your Doctor • Your Health Care Team • Choosing a Facility • Cancer Centers • Travel & Lodging Clinical Trials • Trial Basics • Trial Phases • Eligibility • Current Trials SUPPORT Mesothelioma News International News Pharmaceutical News Environmental News Medical Journal Articles Interviews with Experts Veterans Resources HELP Leading Cancer Links Financial Assistance, Compensation, and Legal Rights Disclaimer and Sponsorship Information If you would like to receive a free information packet** or have questions about mesothelioma, call us at: Toll-Free 1-877-FOR MESO (367-6376) **Packet includes information on specialists, treatments, clinical trials, cancer links, and how to access legal and financial resources. You will be contacted by a Mesothelioma Web co-ordinator who will be available to discuss questions you might have. MESOTHELIOMA For those diagnosed with mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of the lining of the lung (pleura) or the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), finding a credible source of information about the disease itself and the medical options available, is of the highest priority. After years of research and synthesis of information, we have assembled a web site and packet for patients and their loved ones. We hope you find this web site helpful. A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, and we are here to answer any questions you might have, and to help you take the steps necessary to find the options that are best suited to your individual needs. Our staff is experienced and knowledgeable in dealing with mesothelioma patients and their family members, and the service we provide is always with appreciation for the difficult time you are facing. Although you have found us on the Internet, rest assured there are real people here to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time at 1-877-FOR-MESO (367-6376). (Please read disclaimer at bottom of page before proceeding.) HOPE "Hope is the companion of power, and the mother of success; for who so hopes strongly, has within him the gift of miracles." -- Samuel Smiles This segment begins with more information about malignant mesothelioma, including the causes of the disease and characteristic symptoms. Our comprehensive section on mesothelioma treatment options discusses surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy as well as new types under investigation. We discuss ways to find specialists who treat mesothelioma and some advice on choosing your doctor . The Clinical Trials segment details current clinical studies and links to information specific to those trials. SUPPORT "Too often we understimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." --Dr. Leo Buscaglia Start planning with Comprehensive Cancer Centers, how to find places to stay near treatment facilities and how to get there in the Travel & Lodging section. Relevant medical journal and mesothelioma news articles are updated regularly. Our SUPPORT segment ends with Survivors & Fighters who have uplifting stories to tell. HELP "Knowledge is power."-Francis Bacon This segment provides Leading Cancer Links. In Your Peace of Mind you’ll find resources to help you and your family feel secure in the weeks, months and years ahead. Here you can find links to information on financial assistance, compensation, and legal options. You will probably want to come back to this site in the future, so remember to bookmark this page. For instructions on how to bookmark, click here. To receive a FREE Mesothelioma Web information packet** or to make a request, please fill out the following form : Your Request: Name: Phone Number: E-mail: Street Address: City, State, Zip: Find out more about mesothelioma Learn about the symptoms of mesothelioma Breaking News Researchers Developing New Ways of Detecting Cancer March 30, 2008 Whenever cancer is present in a patient's body, the immune system starts producing antibodies that target antigens present on lung tumors... More... South Africa bans asbestos March 29, 2008 Pretoria, South Africa – Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced in a media briefing Thursday regulations to prohibit the use, manufacture, and processing of asbestos or asbestos-containing products... More... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ©WWW.MESOTHELİOMA-COM.TR.GG Mesothelioma: Malignant & Pleural Types, Treatments, Clinical Mesothelioma: Malignant & Pleural Types, Treatments, Clinical---------------------------------------------------- text size - + June 11, 2008 March 30, 2008 MESOTHELIOMA TREATMENT RESOURCES & TOPICS DIAGNOSIS & SYMPTOMS MESOTHELIOMA DOCTORS PATIENTS & FAMILIES SUPPORT & HELP RECENT NEWS HEADLINES CONTACT US EMAIL ALERT SIGNUP Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Contact us now and we will send you a complementary copy of “100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma” by Dr. Harvey I. Pass. NEW YORK FLORIDA CALIFORNIA TREATMENT CENTERS Extrapleural Pneumonectomy versus Pleurectomy/Decortication in the Surgical Management of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Results in 663 patients Anti-Cancer Drug CYT997 Update Tumour Growth Block Hopes Raised Mesothelin-related predictive and prognostic factors in malignant mesothelioma: A nested case-control study News Topics: Mesothelioma | Asbestos | Lung Cancer Asbestos: Medical and Legal Aspects, Fifth Edition Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Translational Therapies The Official Patient's Sourcebook on Malignant Mesothelioma: A Revised and Updated Directory for the Internet Age Cisplatin, Imatinib Mesylate, and Pemetrexed in Malignant Mesothelioma Patients SU5416 in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma Gefitinib in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma Palliative Therapy With or Without Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Malignant Mesothelioma Recipe of the week Winter Soupmore more information Name: Phone: Email: Summary: Disease Symptoms Find a Doctor News Glossary Mesothelioma is an asbestos-caused cancer of the serous membranes that surround many of the body’s vital organs. These membranes, known as mesothelium, secrete a lubricating fluid that provide an easy movement of the organs within the body. The most common form of the disease is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the membranes that surround the lungs. The next most-common form of the disease is peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. Other forms of the disease do exist, but they are rare occurrences. To learn more about mesothelioma, as well as other conditions caused by asbestos, such as lung cancer and asbestosis, please continue reading. more While there is currently no known cure for malignant mesothelioma, treatments are available with the most common being surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There are also numerous non-traditional mesothelioma treatment options for consideration. Your doctor will recommend one treatment or a combination of therapies that are best for your situation and overall prognosis. The course of treatment will depend on a number of factors including the location of the disease, the stage of the disease, your age and your overall health. LEARN More Working with a proactive medical team is your strongest weapon in the fight against mesothelioma. Additionally, patient education and awareness is extremely important. We have provided the following resources to help patients and families stay up-to-date. CLINICAL TRIALS | MESOTHELIOMA NEWS | EMAIL ALERTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Results from recent studies confirm that Alimta®, Eli Lilly's FDA-approved drug for mesothelioma, has clinical efficacy for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Approved in 2004, Alimta Therapy is considered the chemotherapy standard of care for treatment of mesothelioma. CONTINUE READING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CD200 is a protein that shows promise as a biomarker for many types of cancer. Researchers from France have recently completed a study that looked at CD200 expression in malignant mesothelioma and in lung cancer and have concluded that it does hold promise as a diagnostic factor for these diseases. CONTINUE READING Legal Sponsor - Read More About Finding Legal Support Attorney Advertising - Legal Disclaimer Speaking with an Attorney? Your Legal Rights ** Persons depicted in any pictures are actors. They are not clients. ** Copyright © 2007 - Belluck & Fox, Attorneys at Law - Mesothelioma Lawyers. Mesothelioma Attorneys, Asbestos Lawyers – Mesothelioma Information, Diagnosis, Symptoms, Medical Staging, Prognosis, Treatment, Clinical Trial, Asbestos Exposure, Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Asbestos & The Navy, Health, Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation, Gene Therapy, Photodynamic Therapy, Immunotherapy Web site by Consultwebs.com, Inc. | Web sites for Law Firms -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ©WWW.MESOTHELİOMA-COM.TR.GG Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers Google Reklamları----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. What is the mesothelium? The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures. The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women. What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. How common is mesothelioma? Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age. What are the risk factors for mesothelioma? Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney. Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person’s risk of developing cancer of the air passageways in the lung. Who is at increased risk for developing mesothelioma? Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma? Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. How is mesothelioma diagnosed? Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed. A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary. If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment. Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs. How is mesothelioma treated? Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined. Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed. Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer cells only in the treated area. The radiation may come from a machine (external radiation) or from putting materials that produce radiation through thin plastic tubes into the area where the cancer cells are found (internal radiation therapy). Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy). To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms. Are new treatments for mesothelioma being studied? Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma. People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor. Information about clinical trials is available from the Cancer Information Service (CIS) (see below) at 1–800–4–CANCER. Information specialists at the CIS use PDQ®, NCI’s cancer information database, to identify and provide detailed information about specific ongoing clinical trials. Patients also have the option of searching for clinical trials on their own. The clinical trials page on the NCI’s Cancer.gov Web site, located at http://www.cancer.gov/clinical_trials on the Internet, provides general information about clinical trials and links to PDQ. People considering clinical trials may be interested in the NCI booklet Taking Part in Clinical Trials: What Cancer Patients Need To Know. This booklet describes how research studies are carried out and explains their possible benefits and risks. The booklet is available by calling the CIS, or from the NCI Publications Locator Web site at http://www.cancer.gov/publications on the Internet. # # # National Cancer Institute (NCI) Resources --------------------------------------------------------------------------------