Mesothelioma: Facts about Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the body. These are the cells that make up the outer lining for the body"s major organs, such as the heart, lungs and stomach. These linings are referred to as the mesothelium and this is how the cancer got its name.

Pleural Mesothelioma

The pleura is the tissue that covers and lines the lungs. These are referred to by the medical community as pleural membranes. The pleura are fibrous membranes and the space between them is the pleural space. The pleural protect the lungs by producing a lubricant that fills the pleural space. This lubricant also allows the lungs to move easily within the chest cavity as we inhale and exhale.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease. Since the lungs are so close to the heart, it is almost always affected. The pericardium is the lining found on the outside of the heart and allows it to move freely within the heart cavity.

The Peritoneum

The peritoneum is the tissue lining the abdomen. Its job is to protect the abdomen"s contents. It produces a fluid that acts as a lubricant so organs within the abdomen may move freely. Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. This form of mesothelioma is more rare than pleural mesothelioma.


Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by unprotected exposure to asbestos and affects those who were put at risk for the last 50 years.

Who Gets Mesothelioma

The disease is most common in males who are between the ages of 60 and 70 years old. These men were constantly exposed to asbestos dust and fiber, which caused the mutation of the mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma takes years to develop, which means early diagnosis is almost impossible.

Others at risk for mesothelioma are those who lived in the same household with someone who was constantly exposed to asbestos. Men carried asbestos dust and fibers into their homes on clothing. It was then breathed in by family members. This put them at risk of contacting mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos years after the fact.

Treatment

The success of treatment for mesothelioma isn"t high. The final stages of the disease are fatal. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the prognosis.

If you or a member of your immediate family has ever been constantly exposed to asbestos in the workplace, be sure to contact your health care professional to find out exactly what your options are. You may be tested for the disease and get a clear bill of health.

Please take the time to visit my blog http://mesothelioma-information-1.blogspot.com to learn more about mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatment.


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What is Asbestosis?

This lung condition is characterized by widespread filling and inflammation of the lung spaces with asbestos fibers. It can develop as long as 15 to 20 years after regular exposure to asbestos has ended. A potent cocarcinogen, asbestos aggravates the risk of lung cancer in cigarette smokers.

What Causes it?

Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of small asbestos fibers. These fibers move in the direction of airflow and penetrate the breathing passages. Sources include the mining and milling of asbestos, the construction industry (where asbestos is used in a prefabricated form), and the fireproofing and textile industries. It has also has been used in the production of paints, plastics, and automobile brake and clutch linings.

Asbestos-related diseases develop in families of workers as a result of exposure to the fibrous dust shaken off workers' clothing at home. Asbestosis also strikes people who are exposed to fibrous dust or waste piles from nearby asbestos plants.

Inhaled fibers become encased in a brown, protein like sheath rich in iron called ferruginous bodies or asbestos bodies found in sputum and lung tissue.

What are its symptoms?

The first symptom is usually shortness of breath on exertion, typically after 10 years' exposure. As lung damage becomes more extensive, this increases, until eventually the person is short of breath, even at rest. Advanced disease also causes a cough, chest pain, recurrent respiratory infections, and rapid breathing.

Asbestosis may cause complications, such as an enlarged heart and pulmonary hypertension. Club-shaped fingers commonly occur.

How is it Diagnosed?

The persons history reveals occupational, family, or neighborhood exposure to asbestos fibers. A physical exam reveals characteristic, dry crackles at the bases of the lungs. An arterial blood gas test reveals a decreased oxygen level and a low carbon dioxide level. Finally, a chest X-ray and pulmonary function studies help diagnose this disease.

How is it Treated?

This disease can't be cured. The goal of treatment is to relieve respiratory symptoms and, in advanced disease, to control the complications.

Respiratory symptoms may be relieved by chest physical therapy techniques such as controlled coughing. Aerosol therapy, inhaled mucolytics, and increased fluids (at least 3 quarts [3 liters] daily) may also help relieve respiratory symptoms. Diuretics, digitalis glycoside preparations, and salt restriction may be indicated for people with cor pulmonale. Oxygen deficiency requires oxygen administration by mask or by a mechanical ventilator. Respiratory infections require prompt administration of antibiotics.

What can a person with asbestosis do?

• To prevent infections, avoid crowds and persons with infections and receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccines .

• To improve your breathing, undergo physical reconditioning, conserve your energy in daily activities, and use relaxation techniques.

Author: Robert Baird

The Basics of Mesothelioma Cancer

Are you in danger of Mesothelioma Cancer? The short answer is yes.

Asbestos is still widely used and has been used in everything from schools and work places, to appliance lining and insulation, and anywhere a fireproof barrier is needed. Most people do not understand that asbestos is still used in manufacturing many products. The air, drinking water, and even some consumer products still contain small amounts of asbestos. Asbestos fibers are even released into the air from natural deposits in the earth.

The industry feels justified in their use of asbestos because it is only dangerous after it breaks down and is released into the air. Wear and deterioration of asbestos products is the primary way to release fibers into the air.

The industry is quick to point out that people who have had a single, high-level exposure, incident, or are exposed for a short period to lower levels of asbestos, are not likely to contract Mesothelioma Cancer.

What most people do not understand is that they do not need to be in a dangerous environment. If they know someone who works in a dangerous environment, they may have been exposed through fibers that clung to clothing, was deposited in vehicles, and released into the environment through their clothing.

How to Be Tested

People at risk from exposure to asbestos from work or at home need to inform a doctor of their exposure history and symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus (fluid coming out of the body), or material rinsed out of the lungs. This may make it possible to test for asbestos long before serious symptoms occur – a vital factor in life expectancy.

A physical exam and chest x-ray may be recommended, but this is not an adequate. A chest x-ray cannot reveal fibers, just changes in the lungs. The x-ray must be sent to an experienced specialist who understands how to look for asbestos-related diseases.

The body must also be tested for fibers.

Mesothelioma cancer is rare, but the incidences of it are on the rise. Currently, it affects 2 000 Americans a year. It is caused by an inflammation in the sac-like lining around many of the body's internal organs. The most common type of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma. This cancer in the lung’s linking causes up about 60% of all cases.

Peritoneum Mesothelioma is cancer in the lining of the abdomen and is found in 40% of all cases.

Pericardium Mesothelioma, is found in the lining of the heart and is the rarest form, accounting for a very small percentage of all cases.

Currently, exposure to asbestos fibers is the only cause of mesothelioma Mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related diseases. The problem in diagnosis is caused because asbestos remains dormant in the body from 10-50 years before scarring the tissue and causing cancer.

The optimistic news is that not all Mesothelioma is cancerous.

There are two forms: benign and malignant. Benign mesothelioma is non-cancerous and is removed and cured through surgery.

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer. The life expectancy for patients ranges from 4-30. This quickly spreading cancer is difficult to treat. Early detection and treatment is lengthening the life expectancy of people diagnosed with this type of cancer.

This makes it vitally important for people exposed to asbestos to seek help immediately, even if there are no obvious symptoms. It may be too late to help them when symptoms appear. People who feel they may be at risk for Petritoneum, or Pericardium Mesothelioma should start medical and legal proceeding before becoming ill.

Mesthelioma Cancer

I've finished my research on Mesthelioma Cancer - for now. We did get a good scare when we renovated our home. We never thought that our 'dream home' could be the death of us. The plaster and Lath, while it is still pre 1920, we are covering the rest.

Mesthelioma Cancer is preventable, for the most part. Common sense, but we wish that someone had warned us. All the hardware stores we walked into, all the magazines we read, and nothing warned us not to pull the plaster and Lath off. It was mere chance that we found information suggesting that we were putting our lives in danger.

Mesthelioma Cancer seems to be one of the cancers they are finding a cure for. It appears that people are living longer.

I know that, after 40, there are no guarantees. There is the blessing that you can say goodbye, but who wants to say goodbye knowing that the grief could have been postponed.

I want to grow old with my children like my grandfather did, active into his 90s. I do not want to waste away in a nursing home, or on the couch like my 73 year old father.

What is Mesthelioma Cancer?

Exposure to asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. This type of cancer causes a tumor infecting the lining around the internal organs like the lung and abdomen.

People who are diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to compensation from asbestos companies, insurance companies, and employers. Asbestos manufacturers have been aware of the heath risks since the 1920s. They covered up the problem until the 1970s.

Asbestos companies continued asbestos production after the seventies. They exposed millions to the mineral that has proven the be lethal if airborne. Since the late 1970's and early 80's individuals suffering from asbestos related diseases have filed legal claims against producers of asbestos products. Monetary settlements are awarded to plaintiffs and their families to compensate for medical bills, which average $200,000 annually.

People with asbestos-related diseases may qualify for financial help, under state workers’ compensation laws. Eligibility varies in each state, workers need to contact their state workers’ compensation program. The following link will help you find the workers’ compensation program http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/wc.htm
You do not need to have cancer to qualify for a settlement Victims are suggested to get assistance right away, especially if they believe they are exposed and at risk, but their local doctors do not take the threat seriously.

Are You At Risk of Mesthelioma Cancer?

The short answer is yes. Asbestos is a widely used product that has been used in everything from schools and work places, to appliance lining, and anywhere a fireproof barrier is needed. Today, the air, drinking water, and even some consumer products may contain small amounts of asbestos.

Asbestos fibers are also released into the environment from natural deposits in the earth. Wear and deterioration of asbestos products releases more fibers into the air. People who have a single, high-level exposure, incident, or are exposed for a short period of lower levels of asbestos, are not likely to be placed at risk.

How to Be Tested

People who risk exposure to asbestos fibers on the job or at home through family contact need to inform their doctor of their exposure history and symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus (fluid coming out of the body), or material rinsed out of the lungs.

A thorough physical exam, including a chest x-ray lung function tests, may be recommended, but it is not an adequate test unless the body is tested for fibers. A chest x-ray cannot reveal fibers, just changes in the lungs. The x-ray must be sent to an experienced specialist who understands how to look for asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms of Mesthelioma Cancer

Symptoms of Mesthelioma Cancer
• Shortness of breath
• A cough
• Change in cough pattern
• Difficulty swallowing
• prolonged hoarseness
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Blood in the fluid and mucus coughed from the lungs
• Weight loss.

Pleural Mesothelioma
• Coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Change in cough pattern
• insomnia
• Weakness
• Swelling of face and arms
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
• Nausea
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Swelling of lower extremities
• Impaired bowel function

Take all symptoms seriously. Exposure may not result in symptoms for ten years. In fact, it can take 10 - 40 years for symptoms to appear.

Different types of asbestos fibers are associated with different health risks. Several tests suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos can be the cause of chrysotile, a more harmful form. Others offer a greater or lesser risk to people who have been exposed. However, no one should listen to any propaganda that suggests that 'any' forms of asbestos are not worth worrying about.

It is well known that risk increases with heavier exposure and longer exposure times, people have become ill with only a brief exposure.

Where to Find Help for Asbestos Victims

The most important thing is to contact the proper authorities immediately. Waiting until the results are in, or the cancer is advanced and the medical bills are pilling, can result in patients making mistakes that cause them to be disqualified. There are many government organizations with the mandate to help victims of asbestos, especially those suffering from Mesthelioma Cancer.

Regional offices of Office of Public Affairs Occupational Safety and Health Administration , OSHA, are listed in the “United States Government” section of telephone directories’ blue pages (under “Department of Labor”).
Regional offices can also be located at http://www.osha-slc.gov/html/RAmap.html

Office of Public Affairs Occupational Safety and Health Administration
http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/worker/index.html

Office of Information and Public Affairs Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) U.S. Department of Labor
http://www.msha.gov

Information Resources Branch National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
E-mail: eidtechinfo@cdc.gov
Internet Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh

Medical services related to asbestos exposure are available through the Government for eligible individuals. Individuals must pay their own medical expenses unless they are covered by private or Government health insurance. Some individuals may be eligible for Medicare coverage.

Contact the Medicare office serving each state. For the telephone number of the nearest office, call toll-free 1–800–633–4227 (1–800–MEDICARE) or visit http://www.medicare.gov on the Internet.

Workers’ compensation program information, and requirements for financial aid, is found at: http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/owcp/wc.htm

How to Choose Legal Help for Mesthelioma Cancer Victims

Two types of law firmst handle mesothelioma lawsuites. The larger, traditional firms will handle many asbestos-related disease cases. These include non-cancerous cases.

The mesotheliomas exclusive firms are newer, and harder to find.

These companies have many pre-established settlements agreements with asbestos manufacturers. They spend less time on individual cases, but give larger, group settlements exclusive attention.

The firms that specialize in mesothelioma (exclusive or traditional) can offer clients certain advantages. They are less likely to take a case unless they know there will be a settlement. They are experienced in trial and settlements. They are aware of the companies defense tactics, and are prepared for them.

The companies that do focus on single cases will give plaintiffs individual attention, and spend more time on individual cases. Take a look at the firm's track record. Does the counsel have a strong record, are they familiar with cover-ups and incriminating asbestos company documents? What is their record with a similar cases. Last, it is important to learn how much of the settlement goes to the firm, and how much to the client. A $200 000 settlement is useless if the client only gets $50 00, and the medical bills are close to $100 000.

Mesothelioma Basics

Mesothelioma cancer is rare, but on the rise. It affects 2 000 Americans each year. It is represented by an inflamation in the sac-like lining around many of the body's internal organs. The most common is pleural mesothelioma. It makes up about 60% of all cases. This is a cancer in the lung's lining.

Peritoneum Mesothelioma is cancer in the lining of the abdomen. It is found in 40% of all cases.

Pericardium Mesothelioma is cancer in the lining of the heart. It only accounts for a small percentage of all cases. Exposure to asbestos fibers is the only known cause of mesothelioma Mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases, lays dormant in the body from 10-50 years after the victim's exposure.

Not all Mesothelioma is cancerous. There are two forms: benign and malignant. Benign mesothelioma is non-cancerous and is removed and cured through surgery. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer. The life expectancy for patients ranges from 4-30. This quickly spreading cancer is difficult to treat.

That is why it is vital for all people exposed to asbestos to seek help immediately. It may be too late when symptoms arise. People who feel they may be at risk for Petritoneum, or Pericardium Mesothelioma should start proceeds before they become seriously ill.

Treatments for Mesothelioma Cancer

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma cancer. It all depends on the location of the cancer, and the patients age, and medical history. The three treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, or a combination of all three.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for patients with benign mesothelioma. When the tumor is found early, it can be removed before the turmor becomes cancerous.
Patients with malignant mesothelioma, surgery will remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen, and even the diaphragm or lung. Surgery helps reduce pain and to keep the cancer from spreading, but will not stop the disease

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common cancer treatment. It involves shooting high-energy rays into the cancer cells to kill them. This therapy affects cancer cells only in treated areas. The treatment has two forms. A machine may shoot radiation at the cells, or materials that emit radiation are put into areas where cancer cells exist.
Both of these types of radiation therapy are designed to kill the cells. They only work on the cancerous cells, and should never cause damage to the normal cells.

Chemotherapy

The good news is that research is introducing new drugs aimed at destroying the cancer, and/or reducing the pain. New drugs are reported to help cancer patients live longer. The side effects are not pretty, but it offers hope. Researchers are optimistic that chemotherapy will result in a cure in the near future.

I've mentioned earlier in this blog that time is the enemy. An individual who takes up the fight for themselves, demanding attention, and not stopping until they are victorious, may actually save their own lives.

The Myths and Facts of Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It can be found in the ground, in its raw form. It is fire-retardant, and is used in insulation, clothing and fire-resistant materials. The fibers released from asbestos lodge in the Mesothelioma lining of the lung, and can cause cancer or other Asbestos Related Diseases (ARDs).
Initially people are unaware of the damaging done to their body until revealed through tests such as X-Rays, MRI test and CAT scans.

Myth: Nothing can be done after a person is diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. There is no cure, but medicines can help with quality of life, and symptoms.

Myth: Get any asbestos out of the work place or the home immediately! Actually, a quick removal by untrained people can cause more risk than leaving them there. Never let anyone touch the asbestos unless you see their certicate, and verify it through the local authority.

Myth: Smoking makes the disease more aggressive. There are many cases of people who smoked while being exposed to asbestos without developing malignant tumors. And, there are many cases of people with aggressive cancer who never smoked a single cigarette in their lives.

Myth: There is no 'safe period.' People think they are safe after 20, 30, or 40 years. This is not true. People need to take their exposure seriously, no matter how long ago they were exposed.

Myth: Chrysotile is NOT a safe form of asbestos.

Myth: People working in mines and asbestos dumps, are the only people at high risk.

Myth: Staying close to a person suffering from mesothelioma is contagious. You cannot get Mesothelioma cancer or other ARDs by staying with a patient.

Coping With Mesthelioma Cancer

Life does not end the day a person is diagnosed with Mesthelioma cancer. Everyone will experience different levels of the disease. The quality of life will depend on the person's view of life, and their family and support system.

Mesothelioma will forever alter the person's life. The first step is to realize that the disease is fatal, but there is time to live. The next step is to do everything necessary to improve the patient's energy level and promote healthy cell growth. This is done by getting sufficient rest, eat a healthy diet, relax, and exercise. It is also important to have fun. The most important thing is to avoid stress.

There is no use spending the last months mourning over the loss of something that hasn't been lost yet. Take the time to review priorities, reduce undesirable activities, and do what is important. Take life one day at a time.

Mesthelioma cancer is rare. Many patients may feel that no one understands, that they are alone. This is not the time to isolate yourself. Anger, depression, sadness, and frustration are all a part of grieving, but they do not need to consume the last few months of life.

It is important to join groups. Get help. There are people who are accustomed to coping. They can save precious time by helping patients overcome the effects of the disease.

Asbestos Removal

Removing asbestos from the problem is a serious concern. Even the smallest home repairs can result in expensive asbestos removal costs. Many homeowners are first faced with asbestos when they upgrade their old furnaces. In many cases, the ducts are wrapped with asbestos insulation.

While the insulation remains sealed and around the pipes, they offer little risk. Once the fibers are disturbed, and freed, they are inhaled by the home's residents, and can result in cancer.

Asbestos fibers are invisible. They cannot be seen floating on the air. Most air purifiers will not remove them. The EPA restricted the use of asbestos in building material in the 1970s and proposed a 10-year phase-out of products containing asbestos in 1986. Even so, many homeowners still have old equipment and insulation that contains asbestos.

In some cases, state law prevents air-conditioning and heating contractors from modifying old system until the asbestos containing material is remove. This causes fear in most homeowners. What level of fibers will be left in the air when the asbestos removal team leaves the home?

An asbestos team can charge a minimum of $1000 - 1500 minimum daily fee. Many homeowners are unaware that they have been exposed to asbestos fibers until the professionals point it out to them.

The team will remove the asbestos, spray on a sealant to keep the fibers down, and then test the area to make sure the fiber count is within the legally safe levels.

Two Types of Asbestos Fibers

Asbestos fibers come in two main groups, the amphiboles and chrysotile.

Chrysotile are white asbestos. It is also called "Serpentine" fibers. They are long and curled.

The amphiboles are long straight fibers and include actinolite, amosite, anthrophyllite, crocidolite, and tremolite. They are more likely to cause cancer of the lining of the lung that is commonly called mesothelioma. This results in scarring on the lining of the lung, also called the pleura. Both groups can cause disease of the lung.

Patient studies, where the patients are exposed to chrysotile fibers show only a moderate increase in risk of cancer. Exposure to amphibole fibers or to both types of fibers will double the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma cancer by two.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a standard for workplace exposure to asbestos (0.2 fibers/milliliter of air). This is an industry standard, even though no one is sure what is a truly safe level of asbestos exposure. There is no proof that minimal exposure to asbestos fibers will not result in lung cancer.

The risk of contracting mesothelioma cancer is increased dramatically when the patient is a smoker. There does not seem to be any evidence that indicates there is a relationship between the length of time the patient smokes, and the risk of cancer.
Inexperienced attempts to remove asbestos can release dangerous levels of the fibers.

What Does Asbestos Fibers do to the Lung Tissue?

The effects of asbestos fibers on lung tissue is directly related to the length of the fibers. The fiber length determines where the fibers will be deposited in the lungs. Fibers less than 3mm move into the lung tissue and the lining surrounding the lung. This is the Pleura. Fibers greater than 5mm are not broken down by the body's cells. They remain in the lung tissue. These fibers cause inflammation.

The cells react to the foreign object, releasing dangerous substances into the lungs and lung tissue. The fibers never leave the lung. The inflammation can cause scaring on the lung, and can lead to the process that starts cancer.

The inflammation continues, damaging more tissue around the asbestos fibers. This increases the scarring that moves through the tissue into the small airways and eventually the larger airways. They finally end up in the alveoli, the air sacs.
Other fibers move to the surface of the lung where they form patches of white-gray scarred tissue in the lungs lining, also called the pleura. In extreme cases, the scarring damages both the lung and the pleura.

The risk of developing cancer depends on the types of fiber that are absorbed into the body.

How to Handle Asbestos

Asbestos is not dangerous until it is damaged, or crumbling. The rule of thumb is 'if it is not releasing fibers into the air, leave it alone. This is why so many homes still have duct tape, insulation, siding, roofing, and pipe insulation that contains asbestos. Anyone who finds crumbled asbestos in their home are warned to leave it alone. Do not sweep, vacuum, or mop it up. Hire a professional to do the job.

Too often, homeowners try to take samples themselves. This can take a previously minimal hazard item, like fake ashes and embers for a fireplace, and turn them into a deadly hazard. Once the fibers are released into the air, the risk of contracting Mesthelioma Cancer is greatly increased. Testing should only be done if the material needs to be disturbed, or is damaged, and it is a job for a professional.

Chrysotile is the only form of asbestos that is used in production today. Chrysotile is still being used in cement building materials (90% of the world production of chrysotile), friction materials, gaskets, and certain plastics. Although the asbestos industry proclaims the "safety" of chrysotile fibers, which are now imbedded in less "friable" and "dusty" products, there is no research to back up their claims. No one can guess what the long term effects of current asbestos products. It will take decades before we know whether this product is as safe as manufacturers claim.

The durability and low cost of these products make it difficult to convince industry to stop using it in commercial applications.

Where You Exposed to Asbestos at Grand Central Station?

The most horrific aspect of asbestos related diseases is that the general population can go for years believing they are not at risk.
Where you in New York on 9/11? Were you anywhere near the towers?
Did you need to work in the district while the dust settled?
Do your children attend school in an older building?
Does the siding on your house contain asbestos fibers?
Does the insulation around the water pipes in the basement covered with insulation that contains asbestos?
Does the Vermiculite insulation in the attic contain asbestos?
The fact is, there is asbestos in many of today's homes.

Warning: If you worry that it might, do not touch it. Have a professional test it and remove it if necessary. NEVER try to remove asbestos containing material by yourself.

The truth is, most people have fallen into a false sense of security. They have been lulled into believing that asbestos has been removed from houses, work places, and school. This is far from the truth. Asbestos is still all around us.

Asbestos was a low cost, fire retardant, building material that was widely used. In fact, there are some products that are still made out of asbestos.

Asbestos Legislation

Asbestos exposure can lead to dangerous health conditions including mesothelioma cancer, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Every year 2500 to 3000 new cases are diagnosed. Thousands of cases are diagnosed outside the United States. Some countries have been slow to adopt asbestos bans. It is important to realize that asbestos is not outlawed, not even in the United States. Many products that contain asbestos are manufactured today, even in the USA.

The entire process is a long one, and can leave the victim helpless, with no chance of compensation within their lifetime, and no funds to seek adequate treatment. This is why it is important for victims to start seeking help as soon as possible. It can dramatically alter the quality of life if the symptoms of the disease advance into full blown cancer.

The legislature alters, and the opportunity to seek compensation changes, so rapidly that mentioning current legislation is futile. Victims should consult a laywer as soon as they are diagnoses. Even if they are a non-smoker and have lung cancer, they should start proceedings. It can give the victim more time to seek compensation before the disease progresses.

The most important aspect of legislation and compensation is to ease the patients pain and suffering in the final year of life. The only thing that can stand between a patient and help when they are suffering most can be money.

Mesothelioma and the Law

Before panicking because asbestos was found in your house or workplace, people need to realize that mesothelioma is still a very rare type of cancer. However, it is difficult to guess how many people have dormant cases. It can take decades for the inflammation and scarring to result in cancer.

The US government has taken steps to protect people who contract asbestos related diseases.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved an amendment on June 14 2006 to the highly debated "Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005" which grants people diagnosed with mesothelioma "$1.1 million within 30 days of their claim's approval". This includes people from high risk industries and people exposed to asbestos during the 9/11 rescues and debris recollection from the World Trade Center and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.


What Can I Do?

Never hesitate to seek legal advice. It does not matter whether a patient can identify the source of contamination, or whether they haven't been exposed to asbestos for forty years. It is a mistake to believe that you do not qualify. There are many legal firms that can find patients compensations for obtaining mesothelioma by inhaling asbestos fibers.

You have to be diagnosed with the illness in order to file a case. The justice department must separate the lung cancer cases that are not asbestos related with the legitimate mesothelioma asbestos claims.

There are other ways to make a mesothelioma claim for only presenting symptoms. Do not wait until cancer is evident before seeking help. It may take a while, and a fight, before finding assistance - but it is your right, and you need to make sure that you, or family members, do not slip through the cracks.