Mesothelioma Doctors and Asbestos Cancer Treatment

Mesothelioma doctors are medical specialists that treat mesothelioma, a rare and very dangerous type of cancer that is most usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Since mesothelioma is not easy to treat, doctors that specialize in its treatment are some of the most experienced medical professionals in the field of oncology.

As there are three types (pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal and pericardial) and several stages of mesothelioma that vary in severity, from stage I to stage IV, there are multiple treatment options available, all of which require a different set of skills, and as such a different doctor.

After preliminary diagnosis, which is typically conducted by a general practitioner, the patient is directed to a specialist called pulmonologist that will proceed with further tests. Should the original diagnosis stand true, the treatment of mesothelioma begins.

Surgery is an option if the disease did not spread far, and it can be done by a mesothelioma specialist called thoracic surgeon. However, recent studies have proven that surgery on itself is not efficient in treating mesothelioma cancer.

Chemotherapy is an additional treatment option; while it can be used alone, it has proved to be the most efficient when combined with traditional mesothelioma therapy such as surgery. The name for mesothelioma chemotherapy specialist is an oncologist.

Radiation can also be used to treat the conditon, often in combination with both surgery and chemotherapy. The doctor that specializes in mesothelioma radiation treatment is called a radiologist.

These doctors all work as one team providing the most efficient treatment to a patient, but the team would not be complete without a pathologist -- another doctor, who is reponsible for monitoring the changes in patient's condition. This doctor examines the spread or remission of the cancer while testing the patient's tissue samples and bodily fluids and is the one responsible for the prognosis.

All in all, mesothelioma doctors are some of the most experienced and dedicated medical professionals out there with a very hard job. They deal day to day with gravely ill and terminal patients, while saving or prolonging lives in the process. These hard working men and women fully deserve our respect and gratitude.

Mesothelioma Doctors
is a mesothelioma asbestos cancer information resource, providing a database of medical doctors and facilities that specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer in USA and Canada

Mesothelioma Deaths to Rise 200% by 2015

According to recent study, it is predicted that there will be increase in mesothelioma deaths and it is also predicted that the people who are working in industry construction will be largely affected by mesothelioma cancer over the next few years.

Some of the reasons where people die in construction work include:

* Machinery moving
* Falling objects
* Falling from height
* Exposure to asbestos

It was reported that in 2006 there were 120 deaths due to asbestos and 2105 due to mesothelioma and it could reach to peak by 2015. There are also reports that more than 4000 deaths have occurred due to mesothelioma each year alone in UK with a large number of people deriving from industry construction.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused due to exposure of asbestos dust and fibers. Due to asbestos ability of high fire retardant characteristics it is highly used in industry work. Asbestos is described as a natural fibrous mineral with high strength and resistance to electricity and heat.

Even though there were standards developed as per Occupational Standards Safety Act of 1970 the industry is still unable to follow these standards. According to a recent report it is found that a standard U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) check in Florida revealed numerous employees with false documents of asbestos removal. Though it is made mandatory to obtain asbestos removal certification, individuals still use false documents.

Due to the development of mesothelioma lawsuit people who have suffered from mesothelioma cancer can now be qualified for a compensation. Mesothelioma victims can be aided by mesothelioma litigation with compensation for their high medical bills.

Understand Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in individuals that have been exposed to high levels of asbestos. In the initial stage tumors will develop in the mesothelium, or lining around the lung, and will then spread outwards to infect other parts of the body. It can become a terminal disease that is difficult to treat. It is essential that mesothelioma symptoms are spotted at an early stage so that treatment can at least be attempted.

The hope for a cure is slim but there are techniques on offer that can improve the quality of life of mesothelioma sufferers. The following signs can often be taken to show the possible presence of this form of cancer -

1. Blood in mouth: Anytime that you cough up blood you should immediately contact your GP as it can be the sign of a serious medical condition such as mesothelioma. If the cancer is present then you may also experience difficulty swallowing your food.

2. Weight loss: Individuals that suffer from mesothelioma will be affected by a degree of weight loss. If you are shedding pounds and yet your diet and exercise regime stay the same then you should book an appointment with a doctor.

3. Pleural Effusion: The fine asbestos dust causes damage and irritation to the lining of the lungs. A common symptom is Pleural Effusion in which there is a painful build up of fluid within the lungs. This may show itself as a severe pain in the chest or problems associated with breathing.

4. Lumps: If you have mesothelioma then there is every chance that you will develop lumps or growths on your torso, specifically around the chest or abdomen areas. When you take a shower it is important to check for any abnormal lumps on your body.

5. Cough: When suffering from this form of cancer there is often a dry cough present. This does not produce and mucus or phlegm as is the case with a typical winter cold or influenza.

6. Aches: If the cancer spreads to other organs in your body that you are likely to experience widespread aches and throbbing sensations.

7. Bowel: If you have mesothelioma it can easily affect the stomach and bowel. If you have been experiencing alternate bouts of constipation and diarrhea then you have one of the signs of the disease. But be aware that bowel problems may be due to various conditions.

The instant that you feel you may be experiencing any number of the symptoms of mesothelioma you should seek medical guidance. Most cancers can now be spotted easily with the latest advancements in health technology.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kor_

Mesothelioma Explained

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is nearly always associated with exposure to asbestos. In mesothelioma cases, malignant cells develop in the protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs- the mesothelium.
The area the disease occurs in most commonly is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it can also be present in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), tunica vaginalis, the heart, or the pericardium.
Often it is 20-50 years after the exposure to asbestos that symptoms occur. These can include shortness of breath, a pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid, and a cough. Pleura- affecting Mesothelioma can cause the following symptoms:
• Chest wall pain
• Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or anemia
• Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
• Blood in the hemoptysis ( the fluid we cough up)
In severe cases, mesothelioma manifests itself in tumour masses, or a sufferer may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. Mesothelioma can also spread to other parts of the body- often very quickly.
With tumors that affect the abdominal cavity, the symptoms are not apparent until the illness is at a late stage. These symptoms often include:
• Pain in the abdominal
• Sudden weight loss
• Problems with bowel function
• Fluid build up in the abdomen
There are also many other symptoms, which are present in more severe cases of the disease, such as clots in the veins, jaundice, low blood sugar & bleeding in the organs.Usually in cases of mesothelioma the disease doesn't spread to the brain, bone or adrenal glands.

Whats my asbestos claim worth are a team of solicitors specialising in mesothelioma cases, with years of experience.
We work on compensation claims using no win no fee asbestos lawyers, so while there is no cost to you, you can be confident your in the best hands.
Among the most common and deadly industrial afflictions are asbestos related diseases. Currently more than five people per day die from an asbestos related diseases, and predictions are that the number of cases will increase significantly in the next decade.

Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma

«Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral consisting of strong, flexible fibers, which can be partitioned and woven into insulation material. Mining of asbestos began late in the 19th century and the use of asbestos escalated in the 1940's. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Tiny particles of asbestos invade the body through inhalation or ingestion and become embedded in the linings of body cavities. Asbestos limits and stricter protocols for workers handling asbestos were instituted in the 1970's, when the health risks started to become apparent.
Mesothelioma occurs when the cells of the mesothelium, a two-layer lining of the internal organs, become abnormal and attack the organ or spread to other parts of the body. There are three malignant types of mesothelioma:
· Pleural: This form originates in the chest cavity and may involve the lungs. It is difficult to detect and most often spreads to other parts of the body. It is the most common type, responsible for approximately 70 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. The survival rate is 17 months after symptoms commence for 92% percent of victims.
· Peritoneal: The type begins in the abdomen cavity lining and advances to the liver, spleen and bowels. The survival prognosis is ten months after symptoms appear. About one-quarter of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal.
· Pericardial: This manifestation involves the lining of the heart. Eventually the cancer progresses until the heart cannot deliver oxygen to the body. It is the rarest form and accounts for approximately 5 percent of all cases.
Benign mesothelioma is a separate form of mesothelioma where a non-cancerous, non-spreading tumor develops and invokes symptoms similar to those of malignant forms of mesothelioma. Extensive testing is required to differentiate between malignant and benign. Benign mesothelioma occurs in less than 10 percent of all cases.
Mesothelioma lies dormant in the body's system for a substantially long period of time, typically between 20 and 50 years, before symptoms begin. The age at the time of exposure, levels of exposure and duration of exposure are all risk factors. Young workers with high levels of exposure over many years are at greatest risk. People that fall within this category are more likely to die from one of asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure still exists in our environment today. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates 700,000 buildings, including schools, in the United States contain asbestos insulation.
A jury in Baltimore recently awarded a mesothelioma victim $1.178 million in compensation. The Plaintiff was exposed to asbestos during the 1960s and '70s.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is imperative you seek legal advice from a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), the heart,[1] the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart) or tunica vaginalis.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or they have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.[2] Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking, but smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancers.[3] Compensation via asbestos funds or lawsuits is an important issue in mesothelioma (see asbestos and the law).

The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss. The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination. A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies. It allows the introduction of substances such as talc to obliterate the pleural space (called pleurodesis), which prevents more fluid from accumulating and pressing on the lung. Despite treatment with chemotherapy, radiation therapy or sometimes surgery, the disease carries a poor prognosis. Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.