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/

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Effects of mesothelioma injury

Though mesothelioma usually starts in the lungs, the cancer can occur anywhere in the abdominal or chest cavity.1 The effects of mesothelioma depend on the location of the tumor and vary by patient, but the most common symptoms of mesothelioma injury mimic other, less serious, disorders.

Common symptoms of mesothelioma

Not everyone experiences the same (or all) symptoms of mesothelioma. But some common symptoms2, 3, 4 seen in patients with the disease are:

-Shortness of breath

-Fatigue

-Chest or abdominal pain

-Unexpected weight loss

-Fever

More specific mesothelioma symptoms

More specific symptoms occur based on where the tumor is growing, though many patients can experience any of the symptoms listed below.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma,4 the most common form of the disease, are caused by the growth of the tumor in the chest cavity, which can compromise the function of the lungs. The symptoms include:

-Persistent cough

-Difficulty swallowing

-Hoarse voice

-Pain under the ribcage

-Fluid in the chest cavity

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma4,5 are caused by the growth of the tumor in the abdomen:

-Swelling of the abdomen

-Nausea and/or vomiting

-Loss of appetite

-Intestinal blockage

-Anemia

Additional symptoms seen with the rarest form of the disease, pericardial mesothelioma,6 include heart palpitations and extreme fatigue.

Diagnosis of mesothelioma

Mesothelioma symptoms can develop 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.1 If you have a history of asbestos exposure and start to develop some of the above symptoms, a doctor will conduct various tests to determine whether you have mesothelioma. Tests may include lung function tests, blood tests, X-ray, CT scan, MRI and biopsy.7 Once the diagnosis is made, your next steps can be determined.

Mesothelioma Faqs

Whether you have a history of working with asbestos, you know someone who does, or you’ve simply seen the legal advertisements on TV, you’ve probably heard of a disease called mesothelioma. And as with most diseases, it can be scary if you don’t understand it and you worry that it might affect you or someone you love.

Let’s try to increase our understanding of this serious condition. Here are some common questions you might have about mesothelioma, with answers and sources to help you learn more.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer. More specifically, it is cancer of the mesothelium — tissue that covers many internal organs in the chest and abdomen. The disease often starts with the lungs.

How common is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, around 3000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year.

What are the causes mesothelioma?

The largest risk factor associated with mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. But according to the Mayo Clinic, other risk factors include exposure to the simian virus 40 (a virus found in monkeys), family history, and radiation exposure.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

According to the American Lung Association, mesothelioma can have a fairly wide variety of symptoms. Those include:

-Being short of breath-Having a persistent cough-The presence of pain under your rib cage-Weight loss (that can’t otherwise be explained)-Swelling or pain in your abdomen-Having a fever-Anemia-Blood clotting problems

The Mayo Clinic adds to that list by noting that lumps felt in the chest or abdominal area can also be symptoms of mesothelioma.

Source: http://www.dirjournal.com/health-journal/mesothelioma-faqs/

Stages Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Stages

How is mesothelioma staged?

Mesothelioma stages are the assessment levels that doctors utilize to determine the extent of the cancer within the body. Mesothelioma is staged between 1 and 4, depending on severity. Stage 1 mesothelioma, for instance, is highly localized disease, with the tumor affecting only a limited area and organ tissue. Stage 4 cancer, on the other extreme, is extensive disease, which has spread far beyond the tumor’s origin, affecting other organ tissue and even blood or bone cells.

Given how rare mesothelioma is, a formal staging classification exists only for pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lung and chest cavity. Staging is determined at diagnosis, using any number of diagnostic procedures. Basic staging can be determined through the use of imaging scans, which will provide cancer specialists a visual representation of the extent of the tumor within the body. If the results of imaging scans are inconclusive or it appears that the disease is not localized, a physician may request the patient to undergo a needle or surgical biopsy, which can determine if the malignant cells have metastasized to the blood or lymph nodes through laboratory testing.

Mesothelioma Staging Systems

Today, there are three primary staging systems used to assess how far mesothelioma cancer has spread and each system uses four stages to describe the progression of the disease. It is the definition of each stage within the various systems that can vary slightly.

Butchart Staging System

The Butchart staging system is the oldest and most commonly utilized staging system for mesothelioma. This system is focused on defining the location of the primary tumor mass in the body for each stage. The system doesn’t address how many cancer cells are present, how big the tumor is or the level of cancer present in the body overall.

TNM Staging System

The TNM Staging System, developed by the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), is similar to staging systems used for other types of cancer. It considers the characteristics of the tumor (T), whether or not lymph nodes are involved (N) and if the cancer has metastasized to other locations in the body (M).

Brigham Staging System

The Brigham Staging System also has four stages of progression and is very similar to the TNM Staging System. The primary difference between the two is that in addition to defining the location of the tumor, and assessing lymph node involvement and the presence of metastatic disease, the Brigham System also helps assess the possibility for and effectiveness of surgical intervention at each stage.

The Stages of Mesothelioma

The four stages of mesothelioma, as noted above, vary slightly within each system but can be generally characterized as indicated below. Please click into the individual pages to get more information about each stage in general and as is it defined within each staging system:

Stage 1 Mesothelioma

In Stage 1 the tumor is localized, there is no lymph node involvement, and the cancer has not spread to other organs or tissues. In this case, the cancer is likely restricted to one side of the pleura and surgical removal is typically feasible.

Stage 2 Mesothelioma

In Stage 2, the tumor is larger and has invaded the lung or diaphragm. Lymph nodes may also be involved. In this case, surgical resection may be possible though the cancer has likely spread to both sides of the pleura.

Stage 3 Mesothelioma

In Stage 3, mesothelioma has invaded a single region or area such as the chest wall, esophagus, and/or lymph nodes, and surgical resection is generally ruled out as a potential beneficial treatment.

Stage 4 Mesothelioma

In Stage 4, mesothelioma has invaded multiple regions such as different areas of the chest wall, the diaphragm and/or the pericardium. Lymph nodes are also involved and the cancer has spread to other organs. Surgical removal provides no value in this case as the disease has likely metastasized well beyond its origin.

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