Nebraska Mesothelioma

Around 194 people have died from asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma in Nebraska since 1979 but it's not a definite number. One of the main reasons for inaccurate results about the high death rate from mesothelioma is the end of the federal government recognition as a fatal disease before 1999.

Another reason for inaccurate results is a long latency period required for this emerging disease. It can take from 20 to 50 years to manifest symptoms of Mesothelioma. In most cases, people do not realize they have to be late for Mesothelioma Mesothelioma symptoms appear in old age when the immune system is weakened. Some symptoms of the two most common forms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements.

Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are the two main types. While Pleural Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs known as pleural, peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancer of the peritoneum, the lining of the stomach. The main cause of this type of cancer is exposure to asbestos. This cancer can occur in people who work in factories asbestos or asbestos-related industries. That was until 1980 that Mesothelioma is quite common because there is no place of safety guidelines or safety standards.

EPA prohibit commercial use of asbestos without protection in 1989. You are a victim of Mesothelioma possibility if you have worked in construction, insulation, shipbuilding, ports, asbestos mines and mills, or as an auto mechanic as it makes use of the asbestos industry.

Mesothelioma in Nebraska

Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rate (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Nebraska in the year 1999, among residents aged 15 years and older.

State	No of  deaths  Ranks		Crude  Mortality  Rate  Rank		Age-Adjusted Mortality  Rate  Rank		VYLL to life Expectancy   Total   Rank   VYLL/death   Rank
Nebraska	15	37	11.50	29	10.77	30	191	40	12.7	41

It is estimated that the total deaths related to asbestos in Nebraska, about 129-210 people have died from mesothelioma just leads to the conclusion that the cancer is quite prevalent in the state. It is known that during the years 1948 and 1993, at least contaminated vermiculite asbestos 1440 delivery moved from Libby, Montana for three locations in Nebraska. Bulk vermiculite was shipped to two plants in Omaha while a shipment is received at an undisclosed location here.

Western Mineral Products Company at 36th & I Street in Northeast Omaha received more than 126,698 tons of vermiculite. This place is listed as one of the highest deposits of asbestos by the federal government.

Contact Mesothelioma lawyer if you suffer from this deadly disease and you are infected because of unsafe working environment. Our Mesothelioma lawyers have been registered in every country on this site to help you find appropriate legal assistance.

Alabama Mesothelioma

Before 1980 the majority of U.S. states face threats such as asbestos mesothelioma generally used in heating and construction industries. Alabama, the Yellowhammer State is no exception. That is why it has been seen that in the last decade a number of Mesothelioma cases have appeared in Alabama.
Mesothelioma in Alabama

Law prohibiting the use of asbestos or made at least a requirement to inform workers that they will work with asbestos was passed in 1980. Before that people in the factory, mining industry workers exposed to asbestos and asbestos without knowledge of the facts.

They are endangered as well as any family member and that after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits enacted laws that allow only a minimal level for asbestos exposure in the workplace. However, even then the danger of asbestos exposure remains. While people in the workplace are now required to wear protective gear, not all follow the rules defined industries.

Native Alabamians worked in foundries, mills, welding and construction industry and the mining of asbestos has been exposed to asbestos fibers and is in danger of contracting Mesothelioma. Symptoms developed after more than three decades and the rapid and lethal effect.

Mesothelioma is a man-made threat and should be abolished in all states, especially Alabama.

Here are the figures for the number of deaths, death rates (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) at Alabama State in 1999, among the population aged 15 and older.

State	No of  deaths  Ranks		Crude Mortality  Rate  Rank		Age-Adjusted  Mortality  Rate  Rank		VYLL to life Expectancy  Total    Rank    VYLL/death    Rank
Alabama	33	20	9.46	34	9.35	37	525	20	15.9	8

While the figures may not be high the fact is even one death related to Mesothelioma could create a domino effect as second hand exposure to family members can take place and the effect will be seen again after more than three decades. There is a statute of limitations and the fact is if you know that you have been exposed to carcinogenic particles you are due fair compensation.
If you are a victim or family member of a victim you must ensure that you visit a Mesothelioma attorney in Alabama and take action now.
Contact a Mesothelioma attorney if you are suffering from this deadly disease and you contracted it because of unsafe working conditions. We have listed Mesothelioma attorneys in each state on this site to help you find suitable legal help

Maryland Mesothelioma

The state of Maryland ranked 16th for mesothelioma deaths according to the CDC. With 51 deaths occurred from mesothelioma in 1999, Marylanders need to realize that they are at high risk of developing fatal cancer. The most common type of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura or lining of the lungs while peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum or abdominal lining.

A very rare cancer, mesothelioma-related deaths have increased in the last two decades. This cancer has a very long latency period, between 20 and 50 years, and symptoms usually appear after age 50 in most people. Another reason is that before 1980, there were no workplace safety rules in place to wear protective gear in an environment contaminated with asbestos. Millions of Americans are exposed to dangerous asbestos dust without any protection.

People who have worked in shipyards, industrial rock, plant, plants, construction sites, foundries, steel, grinding, sandblasting and welding industries, bricks, oil and gas sites, and asbestos mining and milling, are at risk The highest development of this cancer. The most important thing to remember about mesothelioma is that while it does not heal, it is 100% preventable forms of cancer. If you wear protective gear, your chances of developing mesothelioma was significantly reduced.

If you work in an environment filled with asbestos, your family also can be risky because you can bring home asbestos particles in the hair and clothes. It is very important that you always wear protective gear when working with asbestos. Both you and your family can apply for compensation if you have contracted the disease because of working in an unsafe work environment. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you in this regard.

Mesothelioma in Maryland

Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rate (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Maryland in the year 1999, among residents aged 15 years and older.

State	No of  deaths  Rankss		Crude  Mortality  Rate  Rank		Age-Adjusted Mortality  Rate  Rank		VYLL to life Expectancy   Total   Rank   VYLL/death   Rank
Maryland	51	16	12.52	24	13.74	18	680	17	13.3	311

While these numbers show that Maryland has a small but significant number of mesothelioma deaths, they do not paint the whole picture. The reality is that around 1074 people have died from asbestos in the state since 1979 and the number of deaths from mesothelioma between 453-747 people according to government statistics.

A reason for Maryland to have such high rates is that around 773 shipping 69,385 tons of vermiculite contaminated or away from Libby, Montana for six locations in Maryland between 1948 and 1993. This location is a Beltsville, Baltimore and Lutherville Timonium. Of the total shipments vermiculite, about 67,743 tons went to Beltsville. The federal government has listed the WR Grace / Zonolite Company site in Beltsville on the priority list of contaminated sites.

Contact Mesothelioma lawyer if you suffer from this deadly disease and you are infected because of unsafe working environment. Our Mesothelioma lawyers have been registered in every country on this site to help you find appropriate legal assistance.

Texas Mesothelioma

This is a big important issue for the people of Texas to know that Texas ranks as the fifth country that has the highest mortality rate Mesothelioma. It is very important for people to recognize this disease because many people may suffer from it without realizing it. According to research, at least 2651 people have become victims of asbestos-related diseases. Of those, 1349 to 2325 has been suffering from this malignant cancer.

This is a very scary facts related to mesothelioma is that it does not heal. People who develop this disease has been known to die within the first year of symptoms appear. Mesothelioma cancer cases has steadily increased over the years, according to the National Cancer Institute. After a long latent period of more than 30 years, can occur decades after you have been exposed to asbestos.

The two most common types of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma and plural. Pleura or pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs while peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the peritoneum or abdominal lining. People who have worked or still work with deadly toxic asbestos are more likely to develop the disease such as construction, building insulation, and ship maintenance, asbestos factory, and automobile repair shops. They are extremely vulnerable without the protective clothing and masks as they can be inhaled asbestos particles, or dust.

Prolonged exposure to asbestos can not only harm workers but their loved ones and family members as well. Asbestos particles can be transferred through the clothing, shoes and hair of workers and inhaled by others causes them to this deadly disease as well, or when washing or cleaning their clothes.

Mesothelioma in Texas

Below are the figures for the number of deaths, mortality rate (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Texas in the year 1999, among residents aged 15 years and older.

State	No of  deaths  Ranks		Crude  Mortality  Rate  Rank		Age-Adjusted Mortality  Rate  Rank		VYLL to life Expectancy   Total   Rank   VYLL/death   Rank
Texas	125	7	8.19	42	9.62	34	1,832	7	14.7	15

Behind the large death rate in Texas, the main reason is, 214 or 681,087 tons of shipments of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite that was sent to Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Bonham, Sweetwater, Laredo, Hamlin, Fort Worth, Irving, Quanah, Galena Park, McCauley , Rattan, and La Porte Brownwood during 1948 and 1993. Libby's largest shipment of ore shipped to Dallas.

The federal government has listed 2651, Texas Vermiculite Company in Manila Road in Dallas as the largest one for the storage of asbestos.

t has been noted in a report by the National Center for Health Statistics from the CDC more than 259 people died from mesothelioma in 2002. 123 deaths from asbestos-related disease, while 127 people became victims of mesothelioma. Most of these people were old men. It was during 1997-2002 that the number of mesothelioma deaths actually increased from 3.5% in Texas. Area from which most of the reported mortality of Houston, Beaumont and Dallas.

Nevada Mesothelioma

As the ranking according to data compiled by the CDC in 1999, Nevada is a state with 31 the highest mortality rates due to Mesothelioma. With this account, we can say that not too many people have been affected by Mesothelioma in Nevada. However, people here still need to be vigilant as Mesothelioma has a tendency to occur even 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The only reason for this disease is exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer, but with the passage of time, it is estimated that the coming years, more than 100,000 Americans will die from this disease. It is important to realize that people who work in asbestos related industries, they should wear protective clothing and masks that will prevent them from inhaling asbestos particles and fibers. Being a very aggressive disease and cruel, can kill a person within one year after diagnosis.
The most vulnerable areas of the body where the Mesothelioma can attack the pleural or lung lining, or peritoneum, the lining of the stomach. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are several ways to treat the disease but only when it was discovered in time. There is no cure for this deadly disease, only prevention can save you. People working in construction, ship building, dock and asbestos mines and mills can be at greatest risk for Mesothelioma. Because there are no workplace standards before 1980, the majority of Mesothelioma cases resulted in this period.
Families and loved ones of people who worked in the asbestos industry must know that they can also develop mesothelioma from inhaling dust from clothes, shoes and hair of people affected.Mesothelioma in Nevada
Since 1979, more than 153 people have fallen victims of asbestos disease in Nevada. Of this amount, more than 100 people became victims of Mesothelioma. That's because sending 484 or 37 213 tons of vermiculite were sent to Libby, Montana for 5 locations in Nevada during 1948 and 1993. The largest number of temporary Overton sent to Las Vegas, Gerlach and Empire also received the vermiculite. Overton factory is currently being investigated by the government for the storage of asbestos. Also, it is important for people who work in factories as well as those living in nearby areas to get themselves checked for Mesothelioma. Early detection can increase the likelihood of effective treatment and full recovery.
Here are the figures for the number of deaths, death rates (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in Nevada in 1999, among the population aged 15 years and older.

Georgia Mesothelioma Fact

About 549 people in Georgia have died of asbestos-related illnesses since 1979. The exact figure for deaths related Mesothelioma is only available from 1999. Based on these figures, it can be said that Georgia ranked as 25 th among all states in Mesothelioma death.
Due to the lack of Mesothelioma law, people do not realize the danger posed to their lives Mesothelioma. Only when the people who live in environments contaminated with asbestos show signs of asbestos-related diseases that the action taken and the law enforced. It also revealed that most companies that handle asbestos aware deadly asbestos, but does nothing to protect their workers and keep using it.
Being a rare form of cancer, Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos particles and fibers. Two main forms of this cancer is pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma occurring in the lining of the lungs and abdomen respectively. If Mesothelioma is detected in its early stages, it is possible to obtain effective treatment. If symptoms appear after a long latent period of 20-50 years, patients can die within 16-18 months.
People who work in places where asbestos is handled and exposed to a greater chance of this cancer. This work involves the handling or installing insulation, roofing, electrical work, mining, asbestos factory work, shipbuilding, railway work and manufacturing gas masks etc. Due to the toxic asbestos particles, they can cause mesothelioma in people exposed to them and in people who inhale asbestos indirectly through the dress shoes, or hair of people exposed.Mesothelioma in Georgia
Here are the figures for the number of deaths, death rates (per million population), and years of potential life lost (YPLL) in the State of Georgia in 1999, among the population aged 15 and older.

As shown by statistics, it can be said that Georgia is a safe place in terms of exposure to asbestos. However, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Georgia has a large number of asbestos-natural areas than any other country in the U.S. East Coast. This is very relevant information as a result of these reasons, the number of mesothelioma cases could rise.
s mentioned in a report by the USGS, natural asbestos was found in 52 locations in Georgia. Georgia-North Carolina border one of the areas where high concentrations of asbestos can be found. Nearly all asbestos site in Georgia which is located outside the northern part of the 17 locations of the former asbestos mine asbestos while 26 is the candidate. Although we can not obtain the conclusions of this report, but it is very important because it helps determine the relationship between natural asbestos and Mesothelioma.
Another reason for concern is the 13 shipments of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite was transferred from Libby, Montana for five locations in Georgia between 1948 and 1993 including Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah.
Contact Mesothelioma lawyer if you suffer from this deadly disease and you are infected because of unsafe working environment.

Mesothelioma Cancers powerpoint

Mesothelioma Cancers - A Quick Overview Of Mesothelioma Cancers

1.This article was brought to you by http://www.asbestos-mesothelioma-help.infoMesothelioma Cancers - A Quick Overview Of MesotheliomaCancersBy Desmond U. OkosiWhat are Mesothelioma Cancers?Mesothelioma cancers are the cancers that spread in the mesothelium tissues. Mesothelium in general isthe name of tissue that forms lining of different body organs such as heart, lungs, abdomen andreproductive organs.The lining around abdominal organs is known as peritoneal membrane. Lining around lungs is calledpleural membrane while the lining around heart is called pericardium.These linings perform two functions. They protect the internal organs by producing a lubricating fluid andto allow the smooth movement of the internal organs. Mesothelioma cancers are the cancers affectingthese membranes. The names of the cancers depend on the tissue or linings they affect.Peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma are the names of cancersof linings of abdomen, lungs and heart, respectively. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of allmesothelioma cancers and is found in 70 % of the mesothelioma patients. Peritoneal mesotheliomaconstitutes 10% to 20% of the mesothelioma patients while third type pericardial mesothelioma, is rare.Symptoms of Mesothelioma CancersSymptoms of mesothelioma cancers are same as of other common diseases. It makes diagnosismesothelioma cancers a difficult task. Pain and swelling in abdomen, weakness, loss of weight, loss ofappetite and nausea are some symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma.Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, weight loss, loss ofappetite, weakness, chest pains, lower back pains and difficulty in swallowing.HistoryHistory of mesothelioma cancers goes back to as far back as 1900s. It took about 60 years to gathersufficient information about these mesothelioma cancers. By the end of sixth decade of last century,experts could conclude that exposure to asbestos particles is the reason behind the disease.J. C. Wagner was first researcher to report 32 cases of mesothelioma cancers and confirmed itsassociation with asbestos exposure.One alarming fact about the mesothelioma cancers is its extended latency period. These cancers mayremain asymptomatic in the body for even up to 50 years.Chances of survival for mesothelioma patients are rare and the average survival period after diagnosis isnot more than 12-24 months. Surgery if diagnosed early, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are somehttp://www.asbestos-mesothelioma-help.info

2.http://www.asbestos-mesothelioma-help.infocommon treatments for all types of mesothelioma cancers.People suffering from mesothelioma cancers can file lawsuits to recover damages for medical expensesand other damages. They can file the lawsuits against the persons and companies responsible forcausing asbestos exposure.If you or a member of your family or friends are looking to start a Mesothelioma Lawsuit or more infoabout Asbestos Mesothelioma , you should check out http://www.asbestos-mesothelioma-help.info .They provide all the information youll ever needhttp://www.asbestos-mesothelioma-help.info

Different types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of rare cancer which is unfortunately not rare anymore and affects people who have been affected and exposed to asbestos in some way or the other. This form of exposure can be direct or indirect. Thus someone who is coming into daily contact with someone who is being or has been exposed to asbestos in some way or the other stands a very good chance of contracting mesothelioma as well. Mesothelioma gets its name from the areas in the body which it affects. The cancerous cells are developed in the mesothelioma and the latter is a protective lining which covers most of the vital internal organs of the body.

There is many types of mesothelioma depending on which part of the body, or rather which organ and its protective lining has been affected. Here are the major types of mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma: this is the most common among all the kinds of mesothelioma that do occur in the world. About 75 percent of all the mesothelioma patients in the world are suffering from pleural mesothelioma. Here, the cancerous cells are formed in the pleura which is the lining covering the lungs as well as the chest cavity. Mesothelioma quickly takes over the pleural lining and thus as a result. There is a massive build up of fluid within that cavity. Due to the fluid build up there is a lot of pain which comes along with the development and spread of mesothelioma. When someone inhales a lot of these asbestos fibers, these objects get stuck in the pleura and mutilate the lining and so cause irreparable damage to the organ. As a result, cancer is caused out of the mutations that are created because of the intrusions of these foreign bodies. This form is caused through inhalation of asbestos particles.

Pericardial Mesothelioma: this is the rarest form of mesothelioma that can ever be found among all mesothelioma patients. This kind of cancer affects the lining of the heart which is called the pericardium. Less than 10 percent of mesothelioma patients have this form of mesothelioma. Here again, cancerous tumors are formed around the heart and also there is a fluid build up. This fluid obstructs the natural and normal functioning of the heart. As of now, there is very little information as to how asbestos particles can enter the heart cavity and affect the lining.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: this is a relatively commoner form of mesothelioma than the previous one. About 10 to 20 per cent of the mesothelioma patients today are of this kind. The lining of the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum. There is another form of peritoneal mesothelioma which affects the male testicles and this diseases is a very rare one. The cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is the ingestion or the consumption of asbestos fibers which then travel through the length of the body and end up in the gut. Here the cancerous mutations are caused in the abdominal cavity which causes a lot of pain and discomfort as a result.

Mesothelioma Fact

The National Cancer Institute defines malignant mesothelioma as "as a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining around the heart."

Mesothelioma Fact: 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.
Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium in the late 1700's. However it was not until much later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and even more importantly, its association with asbestos exposure was recognized. The first report linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was written by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers in the "Asbestos Hills" in South Africa. Since then, the relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure has been confirmed in studies around the world. Once it develops, this type of cancer will continue to grow and spread until it is treated.
About three-fourths of malignant mesothelioma occurrences start in the chest cavity and is known as pleural mesothelioma. Another 10% to 20% begin in the abdomen and is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, starting in the cavity around the heart, is very rare. The covering layer of the testicles is actually an out pouching of peritoneum into the scrotum. Mesothelioma that affects this covering of the testicles is quite rare.
About 90 percent of people who are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have chest pain or shortness of breath as the first symptoms of the disease. Chest pain is caused mainly by the cancer itself, which irritates nerve cells in nearby tissues. Less severe chest discomfort and shortness of breath generally are caused by a collection of fluid between the two layers of the pleura in the chest, not by the cancer itself. This collection of fluid is called a pleural effusion. People with mesothelioma that develops in the abdominal lining can have abdominal pain and swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Other possible symptoms include cough, fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
Mesothelioma is not caused by smoking, as lung cancer so often is. Instead, mesothelioma is tied almost exclusively to the mineral asbestos. Of the 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma reported in the United States each year, 70 to 80 percent can be traced to tiny, airborne shards of asbestos, which in the past was used in the production of construction materials ranging from cement to shingles to siding, and was extensively used as insulation.
Mesothelioma also is not a disease of the past. Although protections against occupational asbestos exposure have been in place since the 1970s, asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma can take 30 to 50 years to show up, according to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

Mesothelioma Fact: There are several misconceptions about mesothelioma

For one thing, it is not lung cancer. It is a cancer of the two-layered membrane that covers and protects most of the body's organs. That membrane, the mesothelium, is also called pericardium where it covers the heart, peritoneum where it surrounds most of the other abdominal organs, and pleura where it envelops the lungs, which is also where it most often turns cancerous.
The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura.
The mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum.
The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity ("sac-like" space around the heart) is called the pericardium.
About 50 to 70 percent of its occurrences are the epithelioid type: This type has the best forecast (outlook for survival).

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

The most common treatment for mesothelioma is chemotherapy, which literally means treating an illness with chemicals. Because cancer cells reproduce much more quickly than healthy cells, chemotherapy involves administering drugs that attack rapidly reproducing cells. These drugs are intended to kill off the cancer cells, halting the growth and spread of cancerous tumors.
Unfortunately, mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs often kill healthy cells that are meant to reproduce quickly, in addition to cancerous cells. This is the cause of most side effects associated with chemotherapy, such as hair loss, nausea, and a weakened immune system. If you or a loved one is facing chemotherapy for mesothelioma, you need a realistic image of what to expect and how to treat common side effects.

Important Facts about Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

If you are considering the option of chemotherapy for mesothelioma, or will be helping a family member through the process, you need to be fully informed about the treatment. Consult the following pages for a review of basic facts concerning:

• Chemotherapy Drugs: Oncologists use several different kinds of drugs to treat mesothelioma; the right one for you will depend on the progression of the disease and your body’s reaction to different drugs. Fortunately, new chemotherapy drugs are being developed every day with greater effectiveness and less severe side effects.
• Heated Chemotherapy: This is a relatively new treatment option for patients with peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma. This involves a procedure through which chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the peritoneum, the portion of the mesothelium that lines the abdomen. Because it is a delicate procedure, it has not been approved for pleural or pericardial mesothelioma.
• Chemotherapy Side Effects: Chemotherapy is notorious among doctors and patients for its harsh side effects, such as nausea and lack of appetite. This is not a reason for patients to panic, however, as these symptoms can be managed in a variety of ways.
• Chemotherapy Diet: You may not always feel like eating during the course of treatment, but nutrition is a vital component of an effective cancer treatment. Researching recipes that are recommended for mesothelioma patients can help you remain strong and well-nourished.
• Dealing with Chemotherapy: While chemotherapy may be your best chance at beating mesothelioma, it can also be a draining process. It may help to try some strategies for dealing with the medical and emotional difficulties that chemotherapy can cause.

Living with chemotherapy is challenging, but it is not impossible. Patients are strongly encouraged to utilize all of the mesothelioma resources available to them and their familie

Treatment

Treating mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases is a difficult process. Although there is no definitive cure for mesothelioma, there is ongoing research into new and improved methods of dealing with asbestos cancer. Read more about:

Mesothelioma Chemotherapy 
Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy

Living with Mesothelioma

Whether it is you or a loved one who has become sick, a diagnosis of mesothelioma can have a profound impact on almost all areas of your life. All of a sudden, you are being bombarded with obscure medical information, tests, painful treatments, side effects, and possibly a good deal of questions about your future. While you are going through this difficult time, it is important to utilize a variety of personal, medical, and perhaps legal mesothelioma resources.
At the Asbestos and Mesothelioma Resource Center, our mission is to provide mesothelioma patients and their families with a full array of information that can help you cope with this diagnosis. Please follow the links below to learn about legal, medical, and social issues you may be facing over the course of your treatment. We hope you find these pages useful and informative.

Mesothelioma Resources

Living with mesothelioma is challenging in many ways, but with the help of loved ones and professionals, you can make it through this painful period in your life. Some resources that may help you and your family cope include:

• Cancer Centers: The US has some of the most effective and innovative cancer treatment centers in the world. These centers usually provide up-to-date treatment options, social support, and even hotel services for patients visiting from out of town. The Asbestos and Mesothelioma Resource Center can help you find an accessible cancer center that meets your needs.
• Cancer Support Groups: Many mesothelioma patients suffer from a sense of isolation and the feeling that they are being forced to cope with this serious illness alone. Despite not being physically sick, caretakers are also vulnerable to stress and feelings of loneliness. Finding a support group composed of others in your situation can help you gain the guidance and solidarity you need.
• Estate Planning: It can be very uncomfortable to consider one’s own mortality, but making plans for your family’s future is important. Having a will, a living will, and an advanced health directive in place can help your family avoid serious legal and financial complications down the road.
• Legal Options: Tragically, many cases of mesothelioma could have been prevented by corporate responsibility and correct safety protocols. If you or your loved one was exposed to asbestos through an act of business or governmental negligence, you may be interested in learning about your legal options.

Facing the challenge of a mesothelioma diagnosis requires complete information about your circumstances, prognosis, and medical options. We hope you find this web site helpful as you learn more about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Like all forms of cancer, mesothelioma needs to be diagnosed as early as possible in order to maximize the effectiveness of treatment. Unfortunately, many people with this disease face a series of obstacles on the road to diagnosis. One problem is the long latency period of mesothelioma; it can develop for years or decades before a sudden onset of symptoms. There is also the medical challenge of distinguishing between mesothelioma and other diseases with similar symptoms.
The good news is that researchers are working every day to develop more efficient and reliable methods of mesothelioma diagnosis. If your doctor suspects that you may be suffering from peritoneal, pericardial, or pleural mesothelioma, he or she may recommend some or all of the tests described below. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, it is vital to tell him or her about this fact.

Methods of Testing for Mesothelioma

It has often been said that diagnosing mesothelioma is more of an art than a science. To make an accurate diagnosis, doctors usually need to rely on a series of medical tests, each of which provides a different piece of the puzzle. This is especially true for complex diseases like cancer, including mesothelioma.
Blood Tests: Blood tests are a relatively new way to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors have discovered that mesothelioma causes unique proteins, known as molecular markers, to enter into the bloodstream. These markers can be used to diagnose mesothelioma and track its progress.

• X-Rays: Diagnosing a tumor of almost any kind usually involves a series of x-rays. These will let the doctors evaluate your chest or abdomen to see if a mass has begun to grow. X-rays are usually only preliminary tests, requiring more complex testing methods to follow.
• CT Scans: Computed tomography (CT) technology is similar to an x-ray, but creates a more detailed three-dimensional picture. CT scans can be used to initially find a cancerous growth, or to monitor a patient over the course of his or her treatment.
• PET Scans: Positron emission tomography is an imaging technique that involves injecting a mildly radioactive tracer into the bloodstream. This tracer is monitored as it progresses through the body, allowing doctors to observe internal functions. For mesothelioma patients, this process is often used to distinguish between healthy and cancerous cells.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a very common procedure in cancer diagnosis. It involves removing a portion of a bodily growth so that the tissue can be closely examined. This procedure is used to determine whether masses in the body are cancerous or have other causes.
• New Techniques: Mesothelioma diagnosis methods are constantly being updated and refined. New methods for conducting blood tests, biopsies, and other procedures are allowing doctors to gain faster and more reliable results.

If your doctor has recommended tests for mesothelioma, do not panic. Most of these tests are completely pain-free or only entail minimal discomfort. If you are concerned about the side effects of a certain procedure, talk to your doctor about ways to minimize them.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

When asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, the damage they do to the lungs and other organs can lead to several different major health conditions. One of the most dangerous is mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that damages the protective abdominal lining known as the mesothelium. The symptoms of mesothelioma will vary depending on its exact location – whether it is affecting the part of the mesothelium that covers the heart, lungs, or abdomen.
If you have worked with asbestos in the past, lived in a building that contained asbestos, or even lived with an asbestos worker, you could be at risk for mesothelioma. It is very important to see a doctor if you have experienced any recent changes in your health. Make sure your doctor is aware of your history of asbestos exposure, as this information can simplify the diagnosis process.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma is located in the pleura, a segment of the mesothelium that covers and protects the lungs. About 60% of mesothelioma cases are classified as pleural mesothelioma. Unfortunately, the early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can be vague, making diagnosis difficult.
Some potential warning signs of pleural mesothelioma that need medical attention include chest pains, constant feelings of fatigue, shortness of breath, and bloody phlegm.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

The peritoneum is the part of the mesothelium that protects and holds in the organs of the lower abdomen. These include the liver, intestines, stomach, and other important organs. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for about 30% of all mesothelioma cases. Unfortunately, its early stages share symptoms with many other diseases, complicating diagnosis.
You need to contact your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and are experiencing potential symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, such as abdominal pain and swelling, anemia, and severe weight loss.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma attacks the pericardium, a part of the mesothelium that lines and protects the heart. It is the rarest form of mesothelioma, accounting for only about 5% of all cases. As with other forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can initially be mistaken for other conditions.
Some potential warning signs of pericardial mesothelioma include irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, chest pain, and chronic fatigue.