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Mesothelioma - The Symptoms You Can Expect And What Can Be Done About The Disease

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is associated with exposure to asbestos. To get the appropriate Mesothelioma treatment, one needs to understand the cancer symptoms associated with the disease. There is an old saying about being careful when something seems to be too good to be true. Well, this was certainly the case when it came to asbestos. For all intent, it seemed like an absolutely amazing wonder material.

Here was something you could dig out of the ground that basically didn't burn and could be used to insulate against heat. It was soon being used in engine rooms, buildings as a fire resistant practice and even in clothing. As we know now, there is one rather major problem with asbestos. It has been found to be the primary cause of Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer. It gets its long, difficult name from the part of the body where the growths occur – the mesothelium.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits - Why You Want A Pitbull For An Attorney Instead Of A Poodle

This is a lining that runs through the chest and abdomen cavity and surrounds most of the organs in these areas. The linking serves as a lubricating surface between the body parts as they move, which protects them. Mesothelioma is a cancer in this linking.

What are the Mesothelioma cancer symptoms? Well, the question is harder to answer than you might imagine. The problem is the cancer grows for between 15 and 40 years without showing any symptoms. When it begins to do so, the cancer is so far advanced that survival rates are discouragingly low. The first of these symptoms is usually a nasty cough. This is followed by blood in the cough or breathing problems. Night fevers and weight loss then comes on. The reason for all this? The lining is no longer functioning correctly because it is expanding quickly due to cancer cell growth.

It is important to note that the above describe Mesothelioma found in the chest, which is the most common form. You can also get it in the abdomen and as low as the groin area. In these situations, the symptoms are usually swelling and pain along with the loss of weight and fatigue. If you feel pain in the abdomen, groin or chest, you should always confer with a doctor regardless of whether the concern is Mesothelioma or something else. Pain in these areas is not a good sign!

Diagnosing Mesothelioma cancer symptoms immediately is critical. Why? Treatment must be undertaken as quickly as possible. A matter of weeks can be the difference between dying or surviving the scourge of asbestos caused cancer.

By: Tom Ajava

Asbestos In The Home

Where is asbestos found?

It is not always easy to tell whether a product contains asbestos as modern asbestos-free materials often look similar - remember it is usually older products that contain asbestos. Common places where asbestos could be found include:

* Asbestos cement - cement roofs, wall cladding, downpipes and gutters, cement flues.
* Floor tiles, textiles and composites - textiles in fuse boxes, old fire blankets, heat resistant gloves. Composites can be toilet cisterns/seats and bath panels, window sills, bath panels.
* Textured and sprayed coatings
* Roofing felt
* Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) - commonly used as fireproofing material and also partition walls, fireproofing panels in fire doors, lift shaft linings, ceiling tiles, soffits, panels below windows.
* Lagging and insulation - in or on heating systems such as round boilers, tanks or calorifiers and around pipework.
* Loose fill asbestos - in between cavity walls, under floorboards and in loft spaces.

What are the risks?

When asbestos materials age or become damaged they can release fibres into the air. These can be breathed deep into the lungs where they may stay for a long time, causing possible damage. Some people are exposed to low amounts of asbestos present in the atmosphere with no ill effects.

However when very high levels of asbestos fibres are inhaled there is a risk of developing serious lung diseases including pleural thickening, asbestosis and Mesothelioma. The symptoms of these diseases can often take between 20-40 years after exposure to materialise.
What should I do if I suspect there is asbestos in my home?

The general rule is to leave asbestos undisturbed. DIY work may result in brief but high levels of exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres. Asbestos is usually safe unless it is damaged or disturbed - for example by removing, drilling, sawing, scrubbing or sanding. If you believe you have asbestos materials in your home, extra care should be taken when undertaking any DIY. We would advise anyone against attempting to carry out work involving sprayed asbestos, lagging or insulating boards as this should always be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removal contractor.

REMEMBER:

* Avoid creating asbestos dust
* Avoid breathing asbestos dust
* Asbestos materials in good condition should be left alone
* Take extra care when undertaking DIY
* Dispose of asbestos properly

If you would prefer to have asbestos materials in your house removed by regulated specialist removers (and this should always be the case when dealing with pipe lagging, sprayed asbestos or loose fibrous insulation) then there are companies who will undertake such work. They are generally referred to as 'Licensed Contractors' and current information can be obtained from the Health and Safety Executive's Asbestos Licence Holders page.

By: Webbie

How Mesothelioma Attorneys Can Help You Qualify For Compensation

If you're an unfortunate victim of asbestos exposure which has caused malignant mesothelioma, you should work with attorneys who've special understanding and coaching in this kind of cases. Each case is various, and of course, there's precedence. It requires an skilled mesothelioma attorney to know the intricacies of the law. With the correct mesothelioma attorney, you'll be able to comprehend your rights and potential for compensation.

The danger of asbestos publicity continues to be known for more than a century. It is difficult to understand that these in cost knew about the hazards, and did absolutely nothing about it. Maybe they didn't know the extent of risk. Where does responsibility ultimately lie? An attorney experienced in mesothelioma cases can trace the responsibility and will serve your greatest curiosity.

Mesothelioma Uncommon Form Of Cancer

Mesothelioma is really a rare type of cancer which has been shown to have a direct link to asbestos exposure. The mesothelium, which is the protective lining of numerous internal organs, is produced up of cells and connective tissue. Cancer is once the cells begin to divide and mutate without control.

A mesothelioma attorney can guide you through the legal paperwork as well as answer any questions you've. It's important that you have legal representation. If you have already been exposed to asbestos at your workplace, you require somebody who will stand up for your greatest interests. Unfortunately, regardless of what they inform you, your employer does not have your greatest interests at heart.

Some of the symptoms of this rare form of cancer consist of chest pain with dry cough, weight reduction and diminished urge for food, shortness of breath and cyanosis, or bluish fingers and lips.

Know Your Legal Rights

Mesothelioma can occur after only a brief exposure to asbestos. There have been instances of individuals with only three months of exposure to asbestos developing mesothelioma. Actually, there's no known secure or acceptable publicity degree for asbestos fibers. That's according to each the United States Occupational Safety and Well being Administration and the Well being and Safety Executive of Great Britain.

One of the saddest aspects of mesothelioma is that frequently it is not discovered until it is as well late. Some of the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma, including dry cough and general tiredness, mimic those of less severe illnesses. By the time a person includes a biopsy, the cancerous cells have frequently spread to many various areas.

Asbestos Exposure On the Job

Almost 30 percent of these struggling from mesothelioma are veterans. Why? Simply because with the substantial publicity endured while serving on warships and in shipyards. However it is not just our honored veterans who endure from this malignancy. Trades people who've worked in heating and ventilation, asbestos mills and mines, and building function have all created malignant mesothelioma.

Millions of individuals have already been exposed to asbestos and microscopic glass particles. Some, unfortunately, do not even know it. Other people have died of illnesses with out ever discovering where their illness came from. This really is incorrect. Each and every human existence is precious. If you think you've been uncovered to asbestos, or are currently struggling, you should contact mesothelioma attorneys now.

By: Melissa Oneil

Mesothelioma Symptoms

- Mesothelioma presents very few early symptoms in patients, and late stage symptoms can sometimes mirror non life-threatening conditions.

Overview Mesothelioma Symptoms.
Patients with mesothelioma experience a variety of symptoms that vary by type and stage of the cancer. Symptoms can be caused by irritation or fluid build-up in the lungs or stomach caused by the cancer growth. Although mesothelioma is rare, anyone displaying these symptoms should see a doctor immediately, especially if they have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

Pleural Mesothelioma The most common symptoms for pleural mesothelioma are chest pain, pleural effusions (fluid build-up), painful breathing, and a persistent cough.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The most common symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma are stomach pains, ascites (fluid build-up), unexplained weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Pericardial Mesothelioma
The most common symptoms for pericardial mesothelioma are chest pains, pericardial effusion (fluid build-up), and heart murmurs.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which become trapped in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. These microscopic fibers cause irritation and inflammation in the pleura. This inflammation causes thickening in the layers of the pleura and the buildup of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). The buildup of fluid and thickening of the lining surrounding the lungs prevents the lung from fully expanding. This causes chest discomfort and painful breathing.

Early Stage Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms (Stage 1 & 2)
Patients with early stages of pleural mesothelioma do not exhibit many symptoms, and those that do show are not specific to the disease. Symptoms common in the early stages of this disease are shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, and persistent coughing. These are similar to symptoms of various other disorders, such as pneumonia, common cold, asthma, influenza, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Pleural effusions and inflammation in the lining of the lungs are the main source of discomfort associated with mesothelioma, but are also linked to pneumonia and COPD. Up to 25% of patients have symptoms like dyspnea and chest pain for approximately 6 months before seeing a doctor.

Pleural thickening is another result of pleural mesothelioma that is common in other diseases. This is the caused by the scarring of the pleura. It causes a loss of elasticity in the lungs, which is essential for the lung to expand for normal breathing. Pleural thickening can also be caused by tuberculosis, pleurisy, and empyema (infection in the lung that causes a buildup of pus in the pleura). However, in mesothelioma, this is specifically caused by scarring of the pleura due to asbestos.

Other less common symptoms that may be evident in early stages are fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, body aches, and lumps under the skin on the chest.

Late Stage Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms (Stage 3 & 4)
Late stages of pleural mesothelioma have more specific symptoms, but also include symptoms from the earlier stages. In stages 3 and 4, symptoms still include difficulty breathing, chest pains, and coughing, but these symptoms may be more severe. However, symptoms specific to pleural mesothelioma begin to emerge in these stages. This is when most patients are diagnosed. These symptoms may include:

Fever and/or Night Sweats
Shortness of Breath (dyspnea)
Painful Breathing
Fatigue
Anemia
Persistent Pain in the Chest or Rib Region
Persistent Coughing
Coughing up Blood (Hemoptysis)
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
Pleural Effusions

During these stages, treatments may be used to relieve pain and discomfort associated with various symptoms. For example, doctors may drain pleural effusions to reduce chest pain and make breathing easier.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma shares some symptoms with pleural mesothelioma, such as fatigue and unexplained weight loss. However, there are considerably fewer cases compared to pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma does not have an accepted stage classification system, so the time symptoms occur varies with each patient.

Pleural Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnoses are common because symptoms are not unique to pleural mesothelioma. These cases are often misdiagnosed as influenza or pneumonia in the earlier stages. Chest pain and shortness of breath are very common in the early stages of the disease, and up to a third of patients have experienced shortness of breath without chest pain. Some patients reported the chest pain they experienced was dull and insignificant.

Overall, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma vary by stage and are contingent upon the patient. Some patients show virtually no symptoms until the late stages of mesothelioma, whereas some experience symptoms in Stage 1.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Misdiagnosis
Misdiagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is also common. There are similar reasons for misdiagnosis as there are with pleural mesothelioma. That is, non-specific symptoms and the rarity of mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as a hernia or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases, and the exact origin of the disease is unknown. Symptoms associated with pericardial mesothelioma are:

Chest Pain
Pericardial Thickening
Irregular Heartbeats
Cardiac Tamponade (Bleeding in the Pericardium)
Dyspnea (Difficulty Breathing)
Pericardial Effusion (Fluid Buildup)

Misdiagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is common because the symptoms associated with the cancer are so general. The most common misdiagnoses for pericardial mesothelioma are pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium) and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart).

Metastatic Symptoms
Symptoms may not appear in the primary mesothelioma site. This is usually a sign of metastasis, which is the spread of cancerous cells to other regions of the body. The most common metastatic symptoms of mesothelioma are:

Hemoptysis – coughing or spitting up blood
Laryngeal Nerve Palsy – damage to the throat resulting in paralysis of the voice box
Nerve issues – nerve malfunction in arms
Horner’s Syndrome – a conjunction of eye-related issues such as a drooping eyelid, constriction of pupils, decreased tear production and conjunctival redness.

Early Detection Mesothelioma Symptoms
Patients who experience symptoms of mesothelioma should talk with their doctor to properly diagnose their condition. Learn about what methods are used to detect and diagnose mesothelioma.

source: http://urdoctor-info.blogspot.com/2013/10/mesothelioma-symptoms.html

MESOTHELIOMA MAGAZINE

Mesothelioma Lawsuits - Why You Want A Pitbull For An Attorney Instead Of A Poodle