Mesothelioma Law Firm

There are very many mesothelioma law firms around and the main reason why they specialize in these particular cases is the huge return the cases can fetch. Others might be genuinely out there for the compassion of mesothelioma victims but, they are limited. Firstly though, mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the protective lining of the heart, lungs and abdomen. The known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. This is a natural mineral that has very many industrial uses mainly because of its heat and fire resistant qualities. It is known to lodge in the system when inhaled where it can stay there for many years where finally it causes the emergence of a disease. It has no scent and its fibers in the air are microscopic. Therefore mesothelioma law firms are relevant in the following way.

Firstly, the companies that employ workers to work exposed to asbestos have a case to answer because they have a moral duty to inform workers. They are therefore directly responsible for the illness in their worker. When a mesothelioma victim decides to file a suit against the company, they need to have the representation of good lawyers who can be found in a good mesothelioma law firm. Some of the workers who might be at risk to asbestos exposure include miners, millers, shipyard workers, building construction workers and others. With the serious realization of the dangers posed by asbestos, strict legislation have been put in place to ban certain types of asbestos and also there are restrictions on the amount of asbestos exposed to workers.

Also, workers who are close to asbestos have protective cloths and equipment to protect then from the substance. When they leave work, most workers take a shower and change cloths to avoid contaminating their families. When you suspect that you might be suffering from mesothelioma, you need to visit a doctor for a diagnosis. If you have the disease, you need to take time and look for a reputable mesothelioma law firm which will have good lawyers. They should have some experience in this kinds of cases. They should not live very far from where you are located so that you can reach them with minimal cost. The mesothelioma law firm should be legal and licensed to practice law in your particular state or country. They should give you more information on the cases they have been able to resolve.

On the internet, you will find very many mesothelioma law firms advertising themselves and you should not just take them at face value. You need to contact them and visit their offices to get a first hand feel of what they are all about. Many firms will be literally fighting for your case and you do not have to hire the ones who are first make a perfect pitch. Firstly, you need to know that they can represent you and win the case. You should discuss on the attorney fee before you hire the lawyer from the law firms. Usually, the most common way of payment is through a contingency basis and this means that they will be paid when you win the case. There is no doubt that with the right lawyers on your side, you are certain to get your deserved justice will be served.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Mesothelioma-Law-Firm&id=1267753

Houston Mesothelioma Lawyers

Mesothelioma is a disease which the majority of Houston residents don't know about. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer linked to asbestos. In recent years there has been a significant increase in cases regarding this disease, which has led to new lawyers specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits. As Houston is a major commercial hub in the US, it has many mesothelioma lawyers.

Mesothelioma is a disease which the majority of Houston residents don't know about. Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer linked to asbestos. In recent years there has been a significant increase in cases regarding this disease, which has led to new lawyers specializing in mesothelioma lawsuits. As Houston is a major commercial hub in the US, it has many mesothelioma lawyers.

Houston's mesothelioma lawyers and popular law firms mainly deal with mesothelioma victims and their families, who want to claim compensation from a firm where the victim was exposed to asbestos. It has been noticed that mesothelioma lawsuits can win millions in compensation for the victims and their families. According to Houston's law experts, if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma you have every right to file a lawsuit in the court. Nowadays there are numerous mesothelioma lawyers who are specialists in these cases and can get the maximum compensation for you. It is wise to contact a lawyer who has excelled in this field, and has a healthy knowledge about the disease and its related effects. Houston mesothelioma lawyers are clever enough to get the best judgment for you.

Do extensive market research to find the best mesothelioma lawyer in town, so that your case can be represented well. Provide him with all the information you have, so that he can prepare your case well in advance. Houston mesothelioma lawyers must present your case in a strong manner. It has been seen that Houston's mesothelioma lawyers also hire the investigators to get information about the firm where the victim was working. They can also help in getting the compensation to the family of the person who died due to mesothelioma, to help the family deal with its loss.

So if you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or one of your family members died from this disease, then this is the time to hire a mesothelioma lawyer.

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Houston-Mesothelioma-Lawyers&id=202144

Mesothelioma-Experimental Treatments

Several forms of mesothelioma treatment such as the drug Alimta®, gene therapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy and multimodality therapy are still in their experimental stages. We invite you to read the following articles on experimental therapies for malignant mesothelioma.



Gene Therapy

Many strategies of gene therapy are currently under study. Even though the results in animal experiments have been remarkable they have remained disappointing in humans. Other agents such as onconase, thalidomide, lovastatin have been used as single therapy or in combination with chemotherapy with various results.

Immunotherapy

This therapy involves the removal of patient cells, activation by exposure to cytokines and reinstillatin into the peritoneum, accompanied by additional chemotherapy. In the few cases tried this form of treatment lead to significant shrinkage of the tumor. However most patients had very early stages of disease, and general recommendations are therefore difficult to make, prior to further research.

Photodynamic Therapy

This therapy involves the use of a drug that makes the cancer cells sensitive to a particular wavelength of light. The drug is administered before the surgical procedure. The results have been disappointing, and no survival benefit has been shown in studies so far.

Multimodality Therapy

Doctors are always learning more about the best way to treat patients with mesotheliomas. The roles of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy in the treatment of mesothelioma are highly debated. Treatments which use some combinations of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, called multimodality therapy, are now being studied and may provide the most promising option for some patients.



Read more: http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/experimental/

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of lung cancer. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. There is a long time gap, sometimes even up to 30 years, between exposure to asbestos and the start of the disease. It is also very difficult to diagnose this disease because the symptoms are very similar to other benign diseases like pneumonia.

Mesothelioma is a disease that affects the mesothelium or lining that forms a protective layer around the abdomen, lungs, heart and some few other parts of the body. The mesothelium cells divide rapidly during this disease. Also these cells have longer life spans and overgrow. This abnormal development of mesothelium cells is caused due to exposure to asbestos fibers. People who have worked in asbestos industries or lived around asbestos industries and their families are more prone to get this disease. After sometime, this may even affect the other parts of the body.

There are three main types of mesothelioma. It is called as pleural when it affects the lungs, peritoneal when it affects the abdomen and pericardial when it affects the heart. Around 75 % of mesothelioma cases are pleural and 20% are peritoneal or pericardial. There are also some other rare types of mesothelioma that affect the remaining 5%. All these statistics pertain only to the documented cases. There are thousands of cases that go undocumented or undiagnosed all around the world.

Pleural Mesothelioma:

Among the various types of cancer, mesothelioma accounts for only a small percentage. However, among the various types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly three-fourth of the documented cases. In pleural mesothelioma, fluid gets built up between the chest and the mesothelium lining.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of this disease include panting, shortness of breath, fever, loss of weight, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. Patients of pleural mesothelioma face acute chest pain. Since the symptoms of this disease are similar to pneumonia, it is often confused with this disease. The diagnosis is also difficult. There is no known cure for pleural mesothelioma. There are two types of pleural mesothelioma - cancerous and non-cancerous. When it is cancerous, it is called as a malignant form and when it is non-cancerous, it is called as a benign form.

The latency period of mesothelioma is around 20 to 50 years. This makes it very difficult for many people to link the disease to asbestos exposure. They might have changed many jobs by this time and may not consider their disease as an occupational type of disease.

Pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. These fibers enter the lungs through the nose or mouth and they settle in the lungs. Then, they travel through the tissues. Since they are light and invisible, they become easily airborne and inhalable. When the asbestos fibers settle in the mesothelium lining, the mesothelium cells start showing abnormal behavior, thereby leading to mesothelioma. In this disease, tumors are formed in lungs and mesothelium and this may also spread to other parts of the body too.

Since they are difficult to detect, they might have caused maximum havoc by the time they are detected. Mostly, when mesothelioma is detected, the patients are in the final stages of cancer with only a few months or years left. Sometimes, not even that. Mesothelioma is a terrible killer disease. Proper tests and efforts must be taken by the medical fraternity to detect the disease as soon as possible.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a very rare disease. Around 10-20 % of the documented mesothelioma cases are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen of the patient. The mesothelium cells of the abdomen behave abnormally in this disease. This disease is also caused by the oral inhalation of asbestos fibers. The fibers travel through the entire digestive tract and settle in some part of the digestive systems. The mesothelium lining in that part starts dividing rapidly and the cells also have longer life spans. This causes tumors in the abdomen and this may also spread to other parts of the body. The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, fever, chest pain, loss of weight and breaking difficulties. Loose motions or constipation, a swollen stomach and chunks of tissues in the abdominal area are classic signs of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is diagnosed in several ways using x-rays, IT scans, MRI, PET, Laparoscopy, Laparotomy, Thoracotomy and so on. The main risk factor for contracting this disease is exposure to asbestos fibers, and asbestos dust. However some of the following factors also increase the risk of contracting this disease:

A family that has a history of cancer i.e. hereditary risk factors.
A smoker seems to have a higher chance of contracting the disease as compared to a non-smoker, who has had the same level and amount of exposure to asbestos fibers.
Zeolite is a mineral which has properties very similar to asbestos and also seems to be as hazardous as asbestos.
Thorium dioxide used in x-rays is also a trigger factor for cancer.

Pericardial mesothelioma:

The most rare form of mesothelioma is the pericardial mesothelioma; it affects the mesothelium linings of the heart. The main symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, breathing difficulties, fever, palpitations, tiredness and cough. Like all other types of mesothelioma, there is no cure for this type also. The only thing that doctors can do is to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms and help the patients have a comfortable and peaceful death.

The pericardial lining of the heart is removed to reduce the symptoms. The heart is the most fragile part of the body. It is covered with an even fragile lining called pericardium. That is why this disease is called as pericardial mesothelioma as it affects the pericardium. The earliest symptoms are tiredness, chest pains, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties and persistent cough. Since these signs are common to other heart problems, it is difficult to diagnose this disease. Slowly, the heart lining starts thickening and fluids start filling the heart. It may also spread to other organs of the body.

In the later stages of pericardial mesothelioma, the patient finds it very difficult to consume any food or liquids. The lungs stop functioning gradually and the obstruction in intestines becomes more prominent. The heart condition worsens and the patient may be affected by a stroke or heart attack. Death becomes the solution and salvation that the mesothelioma patients crave for. The persons most likely to get this disease are those who face constant exposure to the risk factors like

-Shipyard workers
-Asbestos industries' laborers and miners.
-Zeolite industries' laborers and miners.
-Construction site workers.
-Fire poof materials manufacturers
-Cement mixers
-Painters

Not only the above groups of people are having a high chance of contracting the disease but also their families run a risk of contracting this disease. The workers when they return home carry the asbestos dust and asbestos fibers in their clothing and their families may be exposed to the disease. The workers should take the following precautionary measures:

They should wear protective clothing to work.
They should change their dresses and wash up before they leave for home.
An expert should be hired to detect if there is any asbestos in the residence and nearby environment.

The writer is a research expert at a medical research firm. 

http://mesothelioma-attorney-losangeles.blogspot.com.es/

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

Top 5 Signs Of A Great Mesothelioma Attorney

Looking for the best attorney to represent you in any lawsuit is definitely bound to be a herculean task. However, its importance cannot be gainsaid. In terminal cases, you can be sure that the importance is even more enhanced. This is such a case for Mesothelioma. This fatal disease affects the most vital organs and therefore, it will mostly lead to death.

In this case, it would be important that the responsible parties be made to pay for the damages that are caused to your health. As you may know, mesothelioma is mainly brought about by exposure to asbestos. Research has shown that there is a direct relationship between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the membranes of the abdomen as well as lungs and the heart. This underlines the seriousness of the condition as well as the importance of getting compensated by the parties who are responsible for the exposure. These could be employers who never provided the appropriate protection when you were working with the asbestos or even the manufacturers.

Once you are diagnosed as having mesothelioma, it would be important that you gather as much information as possible in support of your claim. This definitely calls for an experience mesothelioma attorney. This however begs the question, what are the signs of a great Mesothelioma Attorney? The following are the questions that you should ask:

• Does the mesothelioma attorney have the relevant experience? This is especially as pertaining to being familiar with the cases and the issues pertaining to mesothelioma. However, prosecuting alone or filing a lawsuit should not be used to determine. The attorney should be in a position to show that they have actually won similar cases in which case you have enhanced chances of winning too.

• How much does the attorney charge? In most cases, attorneys will charge a percentage of the compensation benefits ranging between 33% and 40%. As much as you should be looking into saving on the cost, it would be important that you look at their cost relative to the quality of the services.

• Who does the attorney work with to ensure the success of the mesothelioma cases? As you will understand, mesothelioma is a serious and complex disease and therefore the attorneys need to partner with the experts in the field to enhance the chances of success through concrete medical evidence.

• Is the mesothelioma attorney easy to work with and trustworthy? As you would acknowledge, the stakes are high in mesothelioma cases due to the fact that your future and that of your family are in danger. In this case, you should be in a position to work with the attorney closely to win the case. This is only possible if they can be trusted. In this endeavor, the attorney should not make any decision on your case without consulting you.

• How soon can the mesothelioma attorney work on the case? The seriousness of the disease is underlined by the fact that the patient may not live for long after diagnosis. In this case, it is important that the attorney settle on the case as soon and fast as possible.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-5-Signs-Of-A-Great-Mesothelioma-Attorney&id=6436601

Asbestos Exposure Cancer and Mesothelioma

Long considered a miracle material, asbestos boasts excellent fire and heat resistant properties. This naturally occurring mineral, now known to be a human carcinogen, has a history that dates back to ancient Greece. Asbestos was used as a building material, even as far back as during the Roman Empire, and was also used to in fabric that would be used in clothing and a variety of other textiles.

During the Industrial Revolution, asbestos found new uses in factories and other heavy industries throughout the United States and abroad. Asbestos found use not only in factories, but also in oil refineries, chemical plants, on railroad cars, and in shipyards. Asbestos materials were used to insulate pipes and boilers in steam locomotives, to line tanks and ovens in refineries, and could be found literally everywhere aboard the nation’s ships, from engine rooms to galleys. As the twentieth century progressed, more uses for asbestos were found. It was used in the brakes and clutches of automobiles, insulated America’s new skyscrapers, and was used extensively in the construction industry, where it was used in asbestos products like joint compounds, cements, roofing shingles, ceiling and floor tiles, siding, stucco, plaster, and much more. Those workers at risk included any that worked in an asbestos-heavy industry or frequently handled these products.

By the middle of the twentieth century, it became apparent that asbestos was causing health problems. Asbestos exposure is now known to cause mesothelioma. This asbestos related cancer can occur when asbestos is inhaled the microscopic fibers lodge within the outer lung tissue layer known as the mesothelium. This thin layer of cells protects and lubricates the chest cavity. Asbestos causes a sustained inflammation of these cells causing harmful scar tissue to form on the surface. This scar tissue lays the foundation for cancerous cells to develop.

Despite knowledge of the health risk it posed, records have shown that many companies who used asbestos in their facilities knew that the material was dangerous yet continued to allow its use. Eventually, stories of sick employees became commonplace, causing the American government to consider imposing laws about regulating use of asbestos.

If you worked at a jobsite where asbestos or asbestos containing products were used, you may be at risk to develop mesothelioma.

Exposure usually occurred at major construction jobsites, in shipyards, onboard navy vessels and during construction or renovation of commercial buildings. People working in the vicinity of boilers and insulated piping often are at risk. In addition, teachers, students, and other staff members who work in older school buildings may be at risk of exposure to asbestos products, such as ceiling or floor tiles. Equally at risk are families of these workers, as asbestos often was carried home on clothing.

Military Exposure

Asbestos was used across all branches of the military for many years. Navy veterans were exposed to high levels of asbestos while serving on ships (aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines, battleships, warships, etc.) in the naval fleet as well as in naval shipyards across the country. Army veterans were exposed to asbestos in buildings on military installations and while working on military vehicles. Air Force veterans were exposed while working with military aircraft. Marine Corps veterans that spent time at sea aboard Navy ships were exposed to asbestos. All veterans exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.

Commercial and Industrial Exposure

Many workers and maintenance contractors at industrial and commercial job sites were subjected to dangerous levels of asbestos on the job. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. The types of jobsites where asbestos exposure occurred include oil refineries, power plants, steel mills and chemical plants to name a few. They all have “high heat” environments where the use of fire and heat resistant materials was required, be it in the construction of the plants or machinery or in the protective clothing that workers were required to wear in designated areas (i.e. fire-proof gloves and aprons). Today, even though the use of asbestos has been banned in the United States, many existing industrial and commercial structures may still contain a certain level of asbestos. It is important that appropriate safety precautions be taken, where necessary, to prevent harmful exposure and to mitigate the risk of developing mesothelioma.

Commercial Product Exposure

Do-it-yourself home renovation enthusiasts, as well as those who worked in the construction trade, may have been exposed to asbestos while working with popular building and construction products. Many of these products were made with asbestos through the late 1970’s as the projects they were to be used in required that they be heat and fire resistant. They included insulation, roofing material, siding, joint compound, ceiling tiles, flooring and more. Unfortunately when any of these products were cut, sawed filed, or sanded, asbestos fibers were released into the air. In the majority of cases, those working with the products did not use appropriate safety precautions because asbestos companies withheld information about the health hazards of asbestos for many years. Today, as a result, construction workers and do-it-yourselfers are at risk for developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.

Second Hand Exposure

Direct, on-the-job asbestos exposure did not affect American workers alone. Their family members were also at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease as a result of second hand asbestos exposure. This type of exposure occurred when workers brought asbestos fibers home on their hair, clothing or shoes at the end of the work day. Those responsible for laundering their work clothes, day in and day out, were most commonly affected, but even small children who spent time with their parent before they had a chance to “clean up” from work were unknowingly placed at risk of developing an asbestos-related illness.

Source: http://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/

Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural - Early Signs, Detection, and Treatments

People who develop Mesothelioma in pleura worked in an atmosphere, which induced them to inhale asbestos particles. Sometimes, people who inhale asbestos dust and fiber in some other ways, like washing the clothes of the person who worked in the asbestos factory may also develop this disease.

Malignant Mesothelioma pleural may show symptoms in the initial stage. Shortness of breath, pain in the chest wall, pleural effusion, abdominal swelling and weight loss are some of the common symptoms of this disease. Sometimes, blood clotting abnormalities, fatigue, wheezing, coughing up blood and anemia may also persist.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma in pleura is often difficult, as the symptoms can be linked to some other conditions. The physician analyses the medical history of the patient and identifies this disease. Generally, patients who have the history of exposure to asbestos are under the clinical suspicion for Malignant Mesothelioma in Pleura.

The physician examines the patient thoroughly to diagnose Mesothelioma. They may also perform chest x-rays as well as other tests of the lungs. The chest x-ray can clearly show the pleural thickening, which happens due to continuous exposure to asbestos. A CT scan is also performed to detect this disease. Sometimes, cytology can be useful in detecting the abnormal cells. If the result of cytology is positive, a biopsy is the required to confirm Malignant Mesothelioma pleural.

Screening tests for people who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period, may diagnose Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural in the premature stage. This helps to improve the rate of survival for the patients. Some physicians use Mesomark Assay, which is an in vitro test used to diagnose Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is classified as early and advanced stage for the purpose of treatment. If the cancer is found only on the membrane surface in which it was originated, it is then referred to as the early stage. In advanced stage, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body beyond the membrane surface.

The early stages of Malignant Mesothelioma Pleural can be treated using conventional therapies like radiation or chemotherapy. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy has proved to be successful in treating 74.6% patients.

Radiation treatment is given to the patients who can tolerate a radical surgery. However, in most cases, radiation is given as a consolidate treatment, in combination with chemotherapy. It is proved that delivering radiation and chemotherapy can extend the life span of the patients for more than five years.

Chemotherapy is the most successful treatment to Malignant Mesothelioma pleural. Cisplatin chemotherapy in combination with raltitrexed, which is an antimetabolite drug can also be an option. Sometimes, cisplatin may cause certain side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The Food and Drugs Administration in the United States approved conventional therapies like surgery in combination with radiation for early stage Mesothelioma and surgery in combination with chemotherapy for advanced stages.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Malignant-Mesothelioma-Pleural---Early-Signs,-Detection,-and-Treatments&id=2240227

Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment Options

There are many options for treatment upon receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis. Traditional treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, may be the very first options that a physician will recommend. These, however, are not the only options, and many individuals suffering from mesothelioma choose to couple the traditional forms of mesothelioma treatment with alternative options.

Alternative treatments that may benefit individuals who suffer from asbestos cancer include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is often used as a palliative therapy, involving the insertion of very narrow needles into the skin at specific pressure points. This has been proven to relieve pain in many individuals suffering from a wide variety of ailments, including mesothelioma.

Aromatherapy

This method of therapy involves the use of aromatic oils, plants, and other substances to be used in conjunction with massage and or baths. These fragrances can result in a heightened mood, which can promote good health and pain relief.

Art Therapy

Art therapy is an alternative therapy than can help cancer patients deal with the physical and emotional challenges that they often experience during treatment.

Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback, also known as mind-body therapy, can help individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma manage the pain that is often associated with the disease.

Bowenwork

Bowenwork can help elicit the relaxation response in mesothelioma cancer patients to help lessen the side effects associated with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is an alternative therapy used to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain while going through conventional treatments like chemotherapy.

Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral Therapy is an alternative treatment that can help manage pain and the side effects of more conventional treatments for mesothelioma.

Dance Therapy

Dance therapy is an expressive method of treatment that helps patients connect with the emotional issues that exist when dealing with a serious illness like mesothelioma cancer.

Emotional Freedom Technique

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is used as a complementary therapy to other conventional mesothelioma cancer treatments to help relieve pain and anxiety in patients.

Feng Shui

The Chinese practice of Feng Shui recommends making changes to a cancer patient's environment to enhance the flow of Qi. This complementary therapy can support mesothelioma cancer patients throughout their mesothelioma treatment.

Healing and Therapeutic Touch Therapy

Healing Touch Therapy is an emerging therapy that is becoming more widely used by patients battling cancer like mesothelioma. This therapy invokes the relaxation response in patients and can help lessen the negative side effects associated with conventional cancer treatments.

Health Coaching

Health Coaching can help mesothelioma patients enjoy better quality of life, lessen pain and stress and make important lifestyle changes that can help speed up recovery from their cancer treatment.

Herbal & Nutritional Supplements

Many natural herbs have natural medicinal aspects which have been used to treat seemingly incurable ailments. Many times, nutritional Supplements work in conjunction with herbal remedies to provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals to fight off infection and other illness.

Homeopathy

Many cancer patients, including those battling malignant mesothelioma, have turned to homeopathy because it is a natural alternative to aggressive conventional cancer treatment drugs and can help manage the adverse side effects associated with them.

Hypnotherapy

Guided hypnosis sessions can have substantial positive effect on a patient undergoing treatment for cancer, including mesothelioma. For this reason, hypnosis is now being increasingly integrated into alternative cancer treatment regimens.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is a complementary therapy that some cancer patients find helpful to throughout the course of their conventional treatment to help reduce pain, stress and anxiety.

Lymph Drainage Therapy

Manual lymph drainage therapy is a technique that uses very gentle manipulation to help reduce swelling in the body after surgery or radiation treatment in mesothelioma cancer patients.

Massage

Massage therapy is the practice of hands-on physical manipulation of the body's soft tissue. Massage can be both relaxing and pain-relieving. Massage methods include Acupressure, Anma, and Balinese, all of which have differing effects on the body. Massage is often used during treatments for certain health conditions, like cancer, to ease muscle tension and induce relaxation.

Meditation

Meditation is the process of moving into deep relaxation. It is therapeutic in the sense that it can help patients develop a calm mind to make sound decisions and be at peace with health conditions they may have, including cancer like mesothelioma.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is a complementary therapy than can help alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of cancer treatment as well as help reduce both chronic and acute pain.

Myofascial Therapy

Myofascial therapy can be used by cancer patients, including those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, to help manage the pain that sometimes accompanies traditional cancer treatment.

Naturopathy

Naturopathy is an alternative paradigm of medicine that focuses on nature's remedy and the body's intrinsic ability to heal itself. Naturopathy favors a holistic approach to treating illnesses like mesothelioma through the use of mineral, diet, and lifestyle-based remedies.

Nutritional Resources

Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle can prove to be an important factor in the treatment of someone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a complementary therapy that mesothelioma cancer patients find helpful for reducing stress, fatigue and some of the unpleasant side effects of chemotherapy.

Personal Fitness and Training

Maintaining some level of movement can be a tremendous help to cancer patients undergoing treatment and can lead to improved outlook and quality of life. There are personal fitness trainers that are specifically trained to provide this type of support to cancer patients.

Pet Therapy

Pet Therapy, or animal-assisted therapy, utilizes dogs and other animals as a soothing and relaxing modality for patients battling mesothelioma and other cancer.

Reflexology

Foot reflexology is an alternative treatment therapy designed to help mesothelioma cancer patients manage pain.

Reiki

Reiki promotes a deep sense of relaxation and well-being and is an alternative therapy that many mesothelioma cancer patients are now using as part of their overall treatment plan.

Sound Therapy

Some cancer patients welcome the use of more non-invasive therapies, like sound therapy, that can help alleviate the stress and pain that is often associated with more traditional forms of cancer treatment.

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation is used as a palliative care option. An electrical stimulation is directed through different areas of the body resulting in pain relief which can increase the level of endorphins. TENS Therapy is typically administered by a physical therapist, but can also be done at home if a patient has the necessary documentation for TENS equipment.

Thermography

Thermography, which is a type of medical imaging, can help detect problems in the body, like mesothelioma cancer, and can also aid in monitoring the healing process.

Yoga

Yoga is a combination of meditation and movement. Yoga is of Hindu origin and is designed to promote a heightened sense of oneness between body and mind, inducing relaxation and contentment.

Why should I consider alternative treatment?

When paired with traditional treatment methods, alternative options can be an important component of a mesothelioma treatment plan. These alternative methods are most helpful in controlling pain and maintaining balance and peace within an individual's mind and body. Many patients find treatments, such as massage or meditation, to be a welcome distraction from the ongoing cycle of hospital visits, medication, and general stress associated with a cancer diagnosis.

It is very important to consult with your physician before pursuing any new form of treatment. A doctor will be able to determine whether or not a patient is healthy enough to incorporate alternative treatment practices into their already-established treatment plan.

Source: http://www.mesothelioma.com/treatment/alternative/

Veterans & Mesothelioma

For decades, the men and women from all four branches (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines) of the United States military have defended our country, both in times of war and in times of peace. Veterans put their lives on the line each and every day, both on the battlefront and at the many U.S. military bases located around the world. Of all the individuals in the United States that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, the veteran population has been affected the most.

The simple reason for this increased risk is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma, was used by the U.S. military in literally hundreds of applications. Because exposure was unavoidable for some, mesothelioma remains one of the most serious diseases affecting veterans today, particularly those who served between World War II and the Vietnam Conflict.

Asbestos was used in all branches of the military for many years, especially during the years of World War II and the Korean Conflict. At that time, shipbuilding was at its peak. In fact, about 4.3 million Americans worked in shipyards during World War II and because of the daily tasks they were required to perform, many were at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.

Navy veterans are at the greatest risk to develop mesothelioma as asbestos was widely used in Naval ships and shipyards.

Navy veterans were exposed to high levels of asbestos present in many areas of navy ships including boiler rooms, engine rooms, galleys and sleeping quarters. While the soldiers who lived and worked aboard the ships - including gunmen, boilermen, and firemen - were susceptible to inhaling asbestos, those who built and repaired the ships were even more prone to developing diseases associated with the toxic mineral. They were tradesmen such as pipefitters, plumbers, mechanics, shipfitters, electricians, welders and boilermakers to name a few.

There have even been instances where military base secretaries, and others who did not work directly on ships, developed mesothelioma cancer through second-hand asbestos exposure. Second hand exposure occurs when asbestos dust is inhaled from the clothes and hair of others who worked with asbestos on the base or from an abundance of asbestos circulating through the air. Loved ones of shipyard workers have also been known to develop the disease due to the same type of secondary exposure.

Because mesothelioma can remain dormant for several decades, many veterans who served during the 1950s to the 1970s are just being diagnosed with the disease. These brave men and women were unaware that they would face a terminal illness in their later years when they had hoped to be enjoying retirement and extra time with their family. Mesothelioma is a particularly difficult disease to battle, and though there have been great advances in the area of mesothelioma treatment in recent years, the overall prognosis for the disease is not a favorable one.

There has also been some controversy surrounding the U.S. government and their responsibility to those who have developed mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases as a result of their service to the country. While the Veterans Administration offers some guidance to afflicted personnel, it is clear that more must be done to support veterans with mesothelioma, including compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and suffering.

Source: http://www.mesothelioma.com/veterans/

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin cell wall lining of the body's internal organs and structures. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant mesothelioma has three known varieties. They are malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant pericardial mesothelioma, and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, the lung's lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity wall. And pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the hearth, known as the pericardium.

What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a nature, yet toxic mineral that was used commonly in heavy industry. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body through the lung or ingestion. Once inside, the durable fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled by the body, causing a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork for malignant mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.

There is a great deal of latency associated with asbestos exposure and the onset of mesothelioma. Often patients will not encounter mesothelioma symptoms until 30-50 years following exposure to asbestos. In many cases, those diagnosed with mesothelioma are not those who were directly exposed to asbestos in a jobsite setting. Spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos who frequently came into contact with the fibers on the clothing or person of those exposed have also developed malignant mesothelioma as a result.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma Treated?

Malignant mesothelioma prognosis is poor, as often the disease will be diagnosed in its later stages after symptoms have appeared. However, there are several treatment options for the management of the cancer. Among these are mesothelioma chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical resection. Chemotherapeutic and radiation therapy methods are more likely but surgery is often an option for those whose disease is diagnosed early enough.

More aggressive therapies are now possible for patients with mesothelioma diagnosed in its earlier stages. For instance, extrapleural pneumonectomy is now possible in many pleural mesothelioma patients who are deemed eligible for aggressive surgery. Extrapleural pneumonectomy involves the removal of the entire affected lung, the pericardium, the pleura, and the diaphragm. This aggressive surgery is performed frequently in early stage mesothelioma patients by Dr. David Sugarbaker at the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA.

Patient's who are eligible to receive an aggressive surgery, like an extrapleural pneumonectomy, will have a far more favorable prognosis than those diagnosed with advanced stage inoperable disease. However, there are treatment options for nearly all mesothelioma patients. Chemotherapy cocktails such as the use of Alimta® in conjunction with Cisplatin, as well as numerous other clinical trial being carried out give mesothelioma patients the ability to slow the advance of the disease and extend survival rates.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and occurs in the mesothelial membrane surrounding the chest cavity and lungs. Pleural mesothelioma, because it is more common than other varieties of the malignancy, has had more research invested in it. Pleural mesothelioma represents approximately 70% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma and represents approximately 15-20% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity in the membrane surrounding the organs of this region. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos.

Malignant Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest of all known malignancies, and represents less than 10% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Pericardial mesotheliomas occur within the mesothelial lining of the heart. Pericardial mesotheliomas, like those of pleural and peritoneal varieties, are associated with asbestos exposure. Pericardial mesotheliomas differ from the pleural variant in that they are known to occur in younger individuals. While surgery is seen as the preferred method of treatment, mobidity and mortality are almost certain given the region in which the tumor is located.

How is Malignant Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Malignant Mesothelioma will typically be suspected if the patient complains of chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, or difficulty swallowing. While any of these could indicate mesothelioma, they are also associated with many other respiratory conditions so further diagnostic procedures are typically warranted before an accurate malignant mesothelioma diagnosis can be made. These may include imaging scans, such as computer topography or magnetic resonance imaging. A diagnostic biopsy is also required for cancer specialist to examine the behavior of these cells before a diagnosis is determined.

Misdiagnosis is not uncommon in patients of the malignant mesothelioma, because the disease's symptoms so closely resemble those of other related conditions, including lung cancer, and other respiratory ailments. For this reason those who are at high-risk of mesothelioma (including those with asbestos history) should consult with physicians and cancer centers well versed in the treatment and diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.

What options do patients of Malignant Mesothelioma have?

Unfortunately, many of those diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have incurred illness as a result of a negligent exposure to asbestos. It is now clear that many asbestos manufacturers were well aware of the hazards of asbestos and asbestos exposure. Hundreds of thousands of laborers and workers have been exposed in shipyards, power plants, factories, and other jobsites- thousands of which develop malignant mesothelioma each year.

Patients of malignant mesothelioma or any other asbestos related health complications should consult their physician regarding the many mesothelioma treatment options that are available.  Also, patients may be eligible for compensation if they were wrongfully exposed. All those seeking further information should fill out the brief contact form on this page to receive a mesothelioma and asbestos information packet detailing treatment and legal options.

Source: http://www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/types/malignant.htm

Mesothelioma Lawyers Houston

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects tissue in the lining of the lungs, heart, stomach, and other organs. It often develops in people who inhaled asbestos fibers or were exposed to asbestos in building materials. Many patients who develop mesothelioma die within one year of diagnosis.

At Terry Bryant Accident & Injury Law, we’re familiar with the devastating effects that mesothelioma can have on you and your family. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Call our mesothelioma lawyers at (800) 444-5000 or fill out a FREE initial consultation form.

SIGNS, SYMPTOMS, AND DIAGNOSIS

Mesothelioma can sometimes take 30-50 years to develop after a person’s first exposure to asbestos. Common symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

-chest pain,
-coughing up blood,
-fatigue,
-fever,
-shortness of breath,
-and more.

Patients with more advanced forms of mesothelioma also may experience abdominal pain, weight loss, blood clots, and jaundice. Because many of these side effects are similar to those of other lung-related conditions, mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. A chest X-ray or a CT scan can assist in diagnosis, but a biopsy of the affected area is often necessary.

MESOTHELIOMA TREATMENTS

Treating mesothelioma requires expensive and invasive procedures that may offer minimal benefits for the patient. These treatments can include:

Surgery

Surgery to treat mesothelioma is generally limited to patients whose cancer hasn’t spread, and it involves removing the lining of the chest wall. In more extreme cases, parts of the diaphragm, the pericardium, nearby lymph nodes, and the lung on the affected side of the body may be removed as well. Patients who undergo surgery for mesothelioma can experience severe complications.

Chemotherapy

There are two types of chemotherapy used to treat mesothelioma:

Systemic chemotherapy is administered as a pill or injected into a patient’s vein, entering the bloodstream and circulating throughout the body until it targets the cancer.
Intrapleural, or intraperitoneal, chemotherapy involve direct injections into the affected area of the body—usually the chest cavity or the abdominal wall.

Radiation therapy

Radiation is often combined with surgery and chemotherapy and is useful for targeting small tumors that may be difficult or impossible to remove with surgery alone. It can be administered in the hospital or by using an implant placed into or near the tumor.

Mesothelioma cases deserve experienced and knowledgeable legal representation. At Terry Bryant personal injury law, we have the resources to take on any mesothelioma case and get the results you and your family need. Call us today and let us help you get your life back to normal.

Source: http://www.terrybryant.com/environmental-injury/mesothelioma/

Mesothelioma Lawyer

For over three decades, the mesothelioma law firm of Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Strauss has specialized in asbestos litigation. In that time, ELSS has helped thousands of mesothelioma victims get the financial compensation they deserved for the injuries they sustained from asbestos products made and sold by negligent asbestos companies.

Choosing a good mesothelioma lawyer is imperative to ensuring that you will be awarded the highest settlement dollars for your case.

In this section, you can learn more about our firm, our experienced legal team and the outstanding results that we have achieved for our clients. We are confident that after you learn more about us, the clients we serve and our past track record, you will see how we can put our decades of experience winning mesothelioma settlements to work for you and your family.

Initial consultations at Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Strauss are always free of charge and are designed to help us evaluate your case and measure your chance for a viable, successful lawsuit. In addition, because Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney and Strauss operates on a contingency fee basis, the client pays nothing unless we succeed in your behalf and money is recovered.

Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit

To start the process of seeking compensation for a mesothelioma client, ELSS begins with a brief introductory meeting. During this meeting, an attorney from ELSS will outline the various steps of the legal process; address any questions or concerns you may have related to the legal process; and discuss the ways in which a mesothelioma client has been exposed to asbestos.

After this introductory meeting, ELSS will work on your behalf to collect all diagnosing medical reports from the medical facilities where you were treated. Before a mesothelioma lawsuit is filed, ELSS performs a thorough work history investigation of the diagnosed party. ELSS will collect work history records, including, union records, military service records and other documents to substantiate employment history. In addition to interviewing the mesothelioma client, ELSS will also identify any potential family members, co-workers, and other product identification witnesses who can assist in providing details about the work history and potential asbestos exposure in the case.

After we have completed a thorough product identification and work history investigation, our next step is to identify potential recoveries through asbestos trusts. A number of companies have admitted past asbestos liability and have set up asbestos trusts to compensate mesothelioma clients who present qualifying claims. ELSS is familiar with these asbestos trusts and their requirements for successful claims submission. For the most part, compensation through these trusts happens relatively quickly assuming your particular case meets each trust’s exposure criteria.

After your case has been evaluated for recovery through the asbestos trusts, ELSS then begins investigation of your case against viable companies who have yet to fully admit their asbestos liability., After an investigation period of about 30 to 60 days, ELSS will determine the proper venue to file the legal action. Venue selection is extremely important and is determined based on a number of factors including: a thorough understanding of scheduling, process time-frame, settlement history, and local laws, ELSS can file a lawsuit in any forum where a mesothelioma client has resided, worked, served in the military. ELSS can also fiel your lawsuit in “open forum” states that are agreeable to allowing non-resident / non-exposure claimants to file.

As soon as the proper forum is determined, ELSS will file a formal Complaint on behalf of the mesothelioma client. The Complaint will typically assert various legal causes of action against the asbestos companies likely responsible for causing or contributing to a mesothelioma client’s diagnosis. The number of asbestos companies or defendants named in the Complaint will vary based on the specific type and amount of exposure a mesothelioma client may have had during his/her lifetime.

After filing of the Complaint, the Discovery phase commences and usually lasts 3 to 4 months . Discovery allows ELSS to present information to the Defendant asbestos companies which document where, when and how the mesothelioma client was exposed to particular asbestos products. ELSS can present this information via written documents (interrogatories) and/or oral testimony (deposition) to the Defendant asbestos companies. The Defendant asbestos companies will also be entitled to present information and/or document to your attorney during this period. ELSS will also file appropriate motions in Court during the Discovery phase on the mesothelioma clients behalf. Additionally, ELSS will likely try to reach some financial settlement(s) during the Discovery phase.

Most mesothelioma lawsuits will not end up going to trial, but rather will resolve in settlements well in advance of the trial date. Throughout the entire process, ELSS will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of seeking trial resolution vs. settlement with the mesothelioma client. ELSS values continued client input and respects the client’s right to decide what may be in his/her best legal interests. Should a matter proceed to trial with your approval, ELSS is experienced, qualified and prepared to do so.

Source: http://www.mesothelioma.com/lawyer/