Saturday, January 6, 2007

Mesothelioma Legal Help

By Luis Mon
 

For individuals stricken with asbestos related mesothelioma, there may be substantial compensation available if they act quickly to engage an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who is proficient in asbestos legal issues and proving asbestos exposure. Most often mesothelioma lawsuits end up with a settlement without ever going to trial or even into a court. In our experience, this is the preferred scenario for most families with a mesothelioma case.

Since the only known cause of mesothelioma in the United States is asbestos, the key to successful case is proving exposure to the product(s) responsible for the injury. That is why you need to hire an experienced asbestos related disease attorney.

This is not to say that the asbestos industry will simply give away any money. The large corporations that we routinely go up against will hire some of the best attorneys that money can buy to defend and delay against paying compensation to you. This is why retaining an experienced mesothelioma lawyer with a background in this type of case can help you and your family get the asbestos settlement or verdict you deserve.

Luis Montalvo
Coady Law Firm
http://www.coadylaw.com

Coady law firm attorneys have represented many hundreds of clients stricken from asbestos related mesothelioma with compassion, diligence and success. They began their works in mesothelioma case 25 years ago, and they are still hard at it today.

For additional Mesothelioma information, please visit our sister site Mesothelioma Information Resource Group (MIRG) at www.mirg.org . However, if you need a Mesothelioma lawyer, please visit us at www.coadylaw.com.

What is Mesothelioma? The Answers You Need

Mesothelioma is a highly-aggressive type of cancer that develops in the tissue that lines and protects the lungs, stomach, heart and other organs. That protective tissue lining is called the mesothelium, hence the medical term for this type of cancer - Mesothelioma.

The vast majority of the time, Mesothelioma develops as a result of an individual having been exposed to asbestos. Most of the people who are diagnosed with Mesothelioma have inhaled it or were exposed to asbestos dust or fibers through contact with clothing that contained the particles. The majority of prognoses are the result of individuals who worked in asbestos factories or other facilities that utilized asbestos-based compounds during the 1940s and mid-century when the hazards of it weren't known – the symptoms can lay dormant for up to 50 years. Mesothelioma diagnoses are more common in men than women, but can affect both genders.

When cancer cells are present in the mesothelium, if extensive and especially when untreated, the membrane will start to break down and the cancer will spread from the origin spot to other areas of the body. Symptoms include coughing, chest pain, weight loss and abdominal swelling. However, diagnosing Mesothelioma can often times prove difficult because its symptoms resemble those of several other types of illnesses. Alerting a physician to having a previous history of asbestos exposure is very helpful in making a prognosis. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

There is compensation available if you or someone you know is suffering or has passed away due to Mesothelioma-related cancer. Even if the company responsible for the asbestos exposure is no longer in business, there have been funds set aside to pay damages to individuals or the families thereof. An online search for attorneys in the field of Mesothelioma lawsuits will help you locate assistance.
 
By Gabriel J. Adams

A Quick Guide to Mesothelioma

Mesotheliomas is a form of cancer, caused by asbestos exposure, that is inflicting countless Americans, many of whom are unaware of its presence. Its name is derived because malignant cells originate in the mesothelium, a protective lining that defends most of the body's internal organs. This infliction can occur in the pleura (outer linings of the lung and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart). Most people who develop mesotheloimas do so working on job sites where asbestos particles are heavy in the air, usually due to insulation containing asbestos.

Symptoms of mesotheliomas may not appear until up to 25 years after the initial exposure. Many symptoms of perotoneal mesotheliomas include weight loss, cachexia, abdominal swelling, anemia, and fever. Symptoms of pleural mesotheliomas include chest wall pain, pleural effusion, shortness of breath, or a cough. In severe cases, the person may develop malignant tumors, collapsed lung, abdominal pain, ascites, and problems with bowel functions.

Diagnosing mesotheliomas is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of many other conditions. A history of asbestos exposure will increase the probability of mesotheliomas, and extensive chest, CAT, or MRI scan can be performed to identify extensive pleural fluid build up. Treatments for mesothelioma include combinational surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and homeopathy. Many cases of mesotheliomas are due to institutional negligence, where asbestos was used in accordance with erroneus safety regulations.

In the United States, many products and industries were and are rife with asbestos fiber. Asbestos is often present in fireproofing, putty, caulk, gaskets, brake pads and shoes, clutch plates, fire blankets, and stage curtains. If you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos or it is recommended you seek diagnosis.
 
By Bill Rufelo

Risks of asbestos exposure

Risks of asbestos exposure

Only certains types of asbestos exposure carries a risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is so widely used that the entire population has been exposed to some degree. Air, drinking water, and a variety of consumer products all may contain small amounts of asbestos. In addition, asbestos fibers are released into the environment from natural deposits in the earth and as a result of wear and deterioration of asbestos products. Disease is unlikely to result from a single, high-level exposure, or from a short period of exposure to lower levels of asbestos.

Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos

Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos

The dangers of long-term asbestos expsoure that result in mesothelioma and asbestosis were only gradually realized. In the late 1970s, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the use of asbestos in wallboard patching compounds and gas fireplaces because the asbestos fibers in these products could be released into the environment during use. Additionally, asbestos was voluntarily withdrawn by manufacturers of electric hair dryers. In 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned all new uses of asbestos; uses established prior to 1989 are still allowed.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Risks of asbestos exposure

Since the asbestos ban of 1989, the EPA has established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it. In June 2000, the Consumer Product Safety Commision concluded that the risk of children's exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low. However, the U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to reformulate their products within a year. In August 2000, the EPA recommended that consumers reduce possible asbestos exposure from vermiculite-containing garden products by limiting the amount of dust produced during use. The EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it and avoid bringing dust from vermiculite use into the home on clothing.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Risks of asbestos exposure

Nearly everyone is exposed to asbestos at some time during their life. However, most people do not develop mesothelioma or any other asbestos-related illness from their exposure. People who become ill from asbestos are usually those who are exposed to it on a regular basis, most often in a job where they work directly with the material or through substantial environmental contact.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Risks of asbestos exposure

Asbestos comes in different forms. Different types of asbestos fibers may be associated with different health risks. For example, results of several studies suggest that amphibole forms of asbestos may be more harmful than chrysotile (the most common commercial form of asbestos), particularly for mesothelioma. Even so, no fiber type can be considered harmless, and people working with asbestos should always take proper safety precautions to limit exposure.

Risks of asbestos exposure

Risks of asbestos exposure

Part of the reason why asbestos exposure was such a pervasive problem is because of the many uses for asbestos. Asbestos was mined and used commercially in North America beginning in the late 1800s. Its use increased greatly during World War II. Since then, it has been used in many industries. For example, the building and construction industry has used it for strengthening cement and plastics as well as for insulation, fireproofing, and sound absorption. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steampipes, and hot water pipes. The automotive industry uses asbestos in vehicle brakeshoes and clutch pads. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos.

Asbestos exposure and risks of mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure and risks of mesothelioma

Although asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left along and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when materials containing asbestos are distured or damaged that it becomes a hazard. When asbestos containing material is damaged, the fibers separate and may become airborne. Asbestos materials that are too hard or strong to be reduced to dust by hand pressure is not regulated, so long as they are not subjected to machine grinding, sanding, or other processes that can release asbestos fibers.

Risks of asbestos exposure

In addition to mesothelioma, another health problem caused by exposure to asbestos is asbestosis. This is a lung disease that was first found in naval shipyard workers. As asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become trapped in thye lunk tissue. The body tries to dissolve the fibers by secreting an acid. This acid is unable to affect the fiber, due to its high chmical resistance. But the surrounding tissue can become scarred. Over time, this scarring can become so severe that the lungs cannot function. Generally, a case of asbestosis takes between 25 to 40 years to fully develop.

Asbestos exposure and risks of mesothelioma

Asbestos is made up of microscopic bundles of fibers that may become airborne when distrubuted. These fibers get into the air and may become inhaled into the lungs where they may cause significant health problems. Researchers have not agreed on what constitutes a "safe level" of exposure, but the dangers of prolonged exposure are well known, and increase over time.

Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos

Asbestos exposure is a well-known risk factor in the development of mesothelioma. But what is asbestos? It is a common form of magnesium silicate which was used in various construction products due to it's stability and resistance to fire. Asbestos is no longer used in manufacturing or construction since inhaling microscopic asbestos fibers over a period of years was found to be a dangerous carcinogen. The FDA banned asbestos in certain applications in 1989.

13 Best of Mesothelioma Tips

Getting more information about mesothelioma

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is another Federal agency that is concerned with asbestos exposure in the workplace. The Institute conducts asbestos-related research, evaluates work sites for possible health hazards, and makes exposure control recommendations. In addition, NIOSH distributes publications on the health effects of asbestos exposure and can suggest additional sources of information. NIOSH can be contacted by calling 1-800-356-4674 (1-800-35-NIOSH).
 

Treatment options

A recent study followed about 400 mesothelioma patients who underwent different types of surgery commonly employed against mesothelioma. The results indicate that no one type of surgery was more effective than another in extending the survival rate. Rather, other factors seemed to determine how long people survived. These factors included the stage and cell type of the tumor, the gender of the patient, and the type of treatment(s) used in concert with the surgery.
 
 

Radiation therapy

Radiation treatment is another option for treating mesothelioma. It involves the localized use of high-dose radiation (like x-rays) on malignant tumors. Usually, it is not a primary treatment but is used in conjunction with other therapies such as surgical resection and chemotherapy. It is generally used to reduce the size of the symptomatic tumor and help relieve symptoms like pain and shortness of breath. The appropriateness of radiation therapy depends on factors such as the volume of the tumor and how near it is to vital organs.
 

Asbestos exposure and risks of mesothelioma

Although asbestos exposure has been linked to the development of mesothelioma, asbestos is not always an immediate hazard. In fact, if asbestos can be maintained in good condition, it is recommended that it be left along and periodic surveillance performed to monitor its condition. It is only when materials containing asbestos are distured or damaged that it becomes a hazard. When asbestos containing material is damaged, the fibers separate and may become airborne. Asbestos materials that are too hard or strong to be reduced to dust by hand pressure is not regulated, so long as they are not subjected to machine grinding, sanding, or other processes that can release asbestos fibers.
 

Risks of asbestos exposure

Since the asbestos ban of 1989, the EPA has established regulations that require school systems to inspect for damaged asbestos and to eliminate or reduce the exposure to occupants by removing the asbestos or encasing it. In June 2000, the Consumer Product Safety Commision concluded that the risk of children's exposure to asbestos fibers in crayons was extremely low. However, the U.S. manufacturers of these crayons agreed to reformulate their products within a year. In August 2000, the EPA recommended that consumers reduce possible asbestos exposure from vermiculite-containing garden products by limiting the amount of dust produced during use. The EPA suggested that consumers use vermiculite outdoors or in a well-ventilated area; keep vermiculite damp while using it and avoid bringing dust from vermiculite use into the home on clothing.
 
 

Getting more information about mesothelioma

Since the EPA ban on asbestos, widespread public concern about the hazards of asbestos have resulted in a significant annual decline in U.S. use of asbestos. Domestic consumption of asbestos amounted to about 719,000 metric tons in 1973, but it had dropped to about 9,000 metric tons by 2002. Asbestos is currently used most frequently in gaskets and in roofing and friction products.
 
 

Diagnosing mesothelioma

Only a doctor can definitively diagnose mesothelioma, however you should see a doctor if you show signs of the disease, as those symptoms can be caused by other conditions that are less serious. Symptoms include shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
 
 

Diagnosing mesothelioma

A biopsy for identifying mesothelioma can be done in different ways, depending on the location of the abnormal area. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy, which is a small cut through the chest wall and inserting a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy lets the doctor look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.
 
 

Incidence of mesothelioma

How common is mesothelioma? Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.
 
 

Development of mesothelioma

Physicians use specific terminology to describe the stages of cancers such as Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is described as "localized" if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as "advanced" if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.
 

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit

There is a statue of limitation for filing mesothelioma lawsuits. The statute of limitations differs from state to state but generally the time limit is one to two years from diagnosis. Check on the time limitation for your state and act within the limitations, otherwise you may not be eligible to claim. If you are claiming on behalf of the deceased, time limitations still apply and it is probably even more important to act quickly because of the time limits and the research required by the attorney.
 

Finding a good lawyer

If you elect to file a mesothelioma lawsuit, you can check out credentials and experience of individual law firms by searching on the Internet. You can also submit your details via the Internet in many cases, allowing law firms to evaluate your case and then contact you. You can also check in your local phone directory for details of mesothelioma lawyers. Try to find a lawyer that has experience working with mesothelioma lawsuits. They will already have a network of resources and contact that should help to process your case more quickly.
 
 

Help for mesothelioma sufferers

Eligible veterans and their dependents who are suffering from mesothelioma may receive health care at a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. Treatment for service-connected and nonservice-connected conditions is provided. If the VA cannot provide the necessary medical care, they will arrange for enrolled veterans to receive care in their community. Information about eligibility and benefits is available from the VA Health Benefits Service Center at 1-877-222-8387 (1-877-222-VETS).
 
 
 
 
 
 

mesothelioma---Alternative and Complementary Therapies---etc

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

There are no proven effective alternative therapies for mesothelioma. Because the prognosis is often poor, many patients may be interested in trying other avenues of treatment. Patients should first consult with their physicians prior to trying any of these methods. There are many well-studied complementary treatments that may increase a patient's comfort and sense of well-being. These may include meditation to aid in relaxation, massage to decrease pain, and guided imagery to help prevent nausea.

Coping With Cancer Treatment

Coping with cancer treatment can be difficult and exhausting. It can be very helpful for the patient receiving therapy for mesothelioma to find a group of family and friends who can aid with household responsibilities, provide transportation, and give psychological support. The patient should not feel a need to rush back to normal activities after treatment is completed.

Clinical Trials

A great deal of research is being performed in the area of mesothelioma. Much of the research is focused on finding out how asbestos changes the mesothelial cells to cause these cancers. In addition, new combinations of treatments are being tested, along with gene therapy. A variety of clinical trials are testing new chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy. Some of these treatments use hormonelike substances called interleukins and interferons that activate the immune system.

Prevention

The best method of preventing mesothelioma is to avoid or limit exposure to asbestos. People who might experience asbestos exposure at work include miners, insulation manufacturers, construction workers, ship builders, and factory workers.

Questions to Ask the Doctor

  • What type of mesothelioma do I have?
  • Has my cancer spread beyond the primary site?
  • What stage is my cancer in? What treatment options are there?
  • What is my prognosis?
  • Are there experimental therapies I may benefit from? Where are they being performed?

Special Concerns

Mesothelioma is a serious disease with a poor long-term prognosis. Patients with this cancer should communicate their wishes regarding treatment to their family and physicians.

mesothelioma---Diagnosis---etc

Diagnosis

A doctor should be seen if a person experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, or pain or swelling in the abdomen. If these symptoms are present, the doctor may order an x ray of the abdomen or chest. The doctor will do a complete physical examination and take a thorough medical history. Then, one or more of the following methods may be used to ascertain whether mesothelioma is present.

  • Imaging tests. These tests may include x rays, computed tomography (CT scans), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to allow the doctor to visualize the area in question. These studies will help determine the location, size, and extent of the cancer.
  • Pleural biopsy. Diagnosing mesothelioma requires an adequate biopsy specimen. However, because mesothelioma usually arises from the lower part of the diaphragmatic and/or parietal pleura, obtaining enough tissue may be difficult. A simple, or closed, pleural biopsy involves the insertion of a needle into the chest cavity to obtain tissue from the pleural membrane for analysis. This technique is minimally invasive and normally requires only local anesthesia. This technique, however, may not provide adequate material for the necessary stains of the tissue to make a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Moreover, since the biopsy is not done under direct vision, the sample may not be exactly in the area of the tumor. If the diagnosis cannot be made with this relatively noninvasive technique, an adequate tissue sample usually can be obtained via an open pleural biopsy. In this approach, a surgeon makes an incision on the patient's side and goes into the pleural space. This method allows maximum exploration of the pleural membranes as well. However, the technique requires general anesthesia.
  • Thoracoscopy. A thoracoscopy, which is a relatively new technique, allows the doctor to look directly into the chest (pleural) cavity at the tumor and during the same operation to also take a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. The thoracoscopy is performed by making a small incision into the chest and using a tiny video camera to inspect the region. The doctor can then use forceps to obtain a tissue biopsy. A laparoscopy, a similar operation, is used to obtain a biopsy of a peritoneal tumor.
  • Bronchoscopy. A bronchoscopy, which examines the airways, or a mediastinoscopy, which looks at the lymph nodes in the chest, allows the doctor to look at the area using a lighted tube. Samples may be taken with a needle and sent to the lab to find out if cancer cells are present. However, bronchoscopy and mediastinoscopy are not that effective for diagnosing mesothelioma, as the disease is seldom found within the airways or the lymph nodes.
  • Surgery. This lets the doctor obtain a larger tumor sample or, on occasion, the entire tumor.

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, even with tissue biopsies. Microscopically, mesothelioma is often difficult to distinguish from several other forms of cancer. For this reason, certain laboratory tests are performed to help correctly diagnose mesothelioma. Some of these tests involve using antibodies to distinguish lung cancer from mesothelioma. Sometimes the tissue samples must be viewed under an electron microscope in order to get the correct diagnosis.

Treatment Team

A person with symptoms of mesothelioma will most likely seek help from a primary physician initially. During the diagnostic phase, various technicians will perform the imaging studies. A specially trained physician—a thoracic surgeon or, rarely, a pulmonologist—performs other diagnostic tests like pleural biopsy and thoracoscopy. A pathologist will view the tissue samples and make the tissue diagnosis. Following diagnosis, the patient will be offered some form of treatment, which may entail surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. The patient may receive care from a thoracic surgeon, an anesthesiologist, medical and radiation oncologists, and specially trained nurses who administer chemotherapy.

Clinical Staging, Treatments, and Prognosis

The treatment and outlook for those with mesothelioma depends a great deal on the stage of their cancer. Because the most frequently occurring type of mesothelioma is pleural, and it is also the one most studied, it is the only type for which a staging system exists. The following stages are based on a system known as the Butchart system, which divides mesothelioma into four stages:

  • Stage I: Mesothelioma is found within the right or the left pleura and may also involve the lung, the pericardium, or the diaphragm on the same side.
  • Stage II: In this stage, mesothelioma has spread to the chest wall or involves the esophagus, the heart, or the pleura on both sides. The lymph nodes in the chest may be involved as well.
  • Stage III: Mesothelioma has gone through the diaphragm and into the lining of the abdominal cavity. Additional lymph nodes besides those in the chest may be involved.
  • Stage IV: There is evidence that mesothelioma has spread through the bloodstream to distant organs or tissues.

Another system of staging mesothelioma is based on a TNM system (T=tumor, N=spread to lymph nodes, and M=metastasis). There are minor differences between this and the Butchart system. It is more detailed and precise, but the original Butchart system is still the one most often used to describe pleural mesotheliomas.

There are treatments available for all patients with malignant mesothelioma. The three kinds of treatment used are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. It is not an option unless the cancer is limited to one place and unless the person can withstand the surgery. During surgery, the physician may remove a portion of the lining of the chest (pleurectomy) or abdomen (peritonectomy) and some of the tissue surrounding it. Depending on the extent the disease has spread, a lung may also require removal (extrapleural pneumonectomy). Occasionally, a portion of the diaphragm is taken out as well. If treatment is not possible, other less invasive measures can be used to relieve the patient's symptoms. For example, a needle placed into the chest cavity (thoracentesis) can remove excess fluid in the chest. If recurrence of fluid causes symptoms, a nonsurgical or surgical method can be used to scar the lining of lung cavity and cause it to adhere to the lung. The procedure obliterates the pleural space and thus prevents the fluid from reaccumulating. (This procedure is called sclerosis or sclerotherapy.) These methods are called palliative, for they are not meant to cure the cancer but to improve symptoms.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy x rays to kill cancer cells and cause tumor shrinkage. It is rarely used as the primary treatment for pleural mesothelioma in those patients for whom surgery is not an option. It may also be used as an adjunct to surgery or as a method of alleviating various symptoms like trouble with swallowing, pain, and shortness of breath.

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. The most commonly used drugs are doxorubicin, cisplatin, and methotrexate. The medicines are delivered into a vein or taken by mouth. In the treatment of mesothelioma, they may also be injected directly into the chest or abdominal cavity. Chemotherapy may be given as the main treatment or may be an addition to surgery, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

A new treatment being studied for early stages of mesothelioma confined to the chest is called intraoperative photodynamic therapy. This treatment uses special drugs that make cancer cells more sensitive to killing by a laser light. The drugs are given several days before surgery. During surgery, the special light is used to shine on the pleura.

By the time symptoms show up and mesothelioma is diagnosed, the disease is often advanced. The average survival period after diagnosis is about one year. If the cancer is found before it has spread and it is treated aggressively, about half of the patients will live two years, and approximately 20% will survive five years.

Mesothelioma---Definition---Description---etc

Definition

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. In mesothelioma, malignant cells are found in the sac lining of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). The majority of people with mesothelioma have a history of jobs that exposed them to asbestos, an insulation material.

Description

In the chest and abdominal cavities, as well as in the cavity around the heart (pericardial sac), there is a layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells. These cells also surround the outer surface of most internal organs. These cells form tissue called mesothelium.

The mesothelium performs a protective function for the internal organs by producing a lubricating fluid that permits the organs to move around. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest while a person breathes. The mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum, and the mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura. The pericardium refers to the mesothelium of the pericardial cavity.

There are three primary types of malignant mesotheliomas:

  • Epithelioid. About 50% to 70% of mesotheliomas are of this type and have the best outlook for survival.
  • Sarcomatoid. Approximately 7% to 20% of cases are of this type.
  • Mixed/biphasic. From 20% to 35% of mesothelioma cases fall into this category.

Approximately three-fourths of all mesotheliomas begin in the chest cavity and are known as pleural mesotheliomas. Peritoneal mesotheliomas begin in the abdomen, and make up around 10% to 20% of all cases. Mesotheliomas arising in the cavity around the heart are quite rare.

Demographics

Mesothelioma is a fairly rare form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, there are an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 new cases per year of the disease in the United States, but this figure seems to be rising. This rising figure is related to the widespread use of asbestos from the 1940s to the end of the 1970s. European researchers studying the disease expect deaths from mesothelioma to peak around the year 2020 and then drop off, because asbestos use has been cut back greatly since the early 1980s.

The average age of a person with mesothelioma is 50 to 70 years old. It affects men three to five times more often than women and is less common in African-Americans than in Caucasian Americans.

Causes and Symptoms

The primary risk factor for developing mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. In the past, asbestos was used as a very effective type of insulation. The use of this material, however, has been declining since the link between asbestos and mesothelioma has become known. It is thought that when the fibers of asbestos are inhaled, some of them reach the ends of the small airways and penetrate into the pleural lining. There the fibers may directly harm mesothelial cells and eventually cause mesothelioma. If the fibers are swallowed, they can reach the abdominal cavity, where they can contribute to the formation of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Exposure to certain types of radiation as well as to a chemical related to asbestos known as zeolite has also been related to incidences of mesothelioma.

The early symptoms of mesothelioma are often ignored, because they may be caused by a variety of ailments. These symptoms include:

  • pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest
  • shortness of breath
  • difficulty swallowing
  • cough
  • fever
  • fatigue
  • abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea and vomiting (symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma)