Mesothelioma
The Mesothelioma
Cancer Alliance is dedicated to serving mesothelioma victims and their
families.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of
cancer that occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal
organs, known as the mesothelium. There are three recognized types of
mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form
of the disease, accounting for roughly 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining
of the lung known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining
of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum and pericardial mesothelioma originates in the
pericardium, which lines the heart.
An
individual may be at risk to develop mesothelioma if he or she was exposed to
asbestos in the workplace or at home. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and the
inhalation of asbestos particles. In most cases, mesothelioma symptoms will not appear in an
individual exposed to asbestos until many years after the exposure has
occurred. Those with a past asbestos exposure history experiencing symptoms
should consult a physician with experience in accurately diagnosing mesothelioma. The earlier mesothelioma
is diagnosed, the more likely it is to be caught at an early stage. At earlier
stages of mesothelioma progression, more treatment options are available and
oftentimes a better prognosis is given. Additional mesothelioma information and statistics can
be found in this section.
Mesothelioma
Treatment
Once an individual has
been diagnosed by a qualified mesothelioma
doctor, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma
treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Recent
scientific research has produced significant breakthroughs with regard to
treatment protocols for mesothelioma patients and more options are now available
for managing mesothelioma and supporting improved quality of life. Newly
diagnosed mesothelioma patients often have many questions for their doctors
about the treatment options that would be most effective for them. Conventional
treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Recently, chemotherapy drugs
including Alimta® andCisplatin have showed promising results in
some patients.
Mesothelioma clinical trials as well as experimental
treatments are other options that certain mesothelioma patients may be eligible
to participate in. Our site features a comprehensive mesothelioma cancer
treatment section that includes important information for patients and families.
We've included resources on top mesothelioma experts such as Dr. Sugarbaker, as well as a comprehensive list
of cancer centers where mesothelioma treatment takes place. Beyond the
conventional treatments for mesothelioma, certain alternative therapies may
provide assistance to mesothelioma patients. We continually update this section
of our site as new mesothelioma treatment information becomes available. Check
back often to read about the most recent advances.
Asbestos
Exposure and Cancer
Asbestos exposure is the
primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers may
cause an inflammation of internal tissue and disrupt organ function which leads
to the development of mesothelioma. Asbestos products were used extensively
throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of applications. Asbestos companies continued to produce
these products even after they were known to be hazardous and harmful to
workers and their families. Many of these products were responsible for
asbestos exposure sustained by both the individuals who manufactured the
products as well as those who used them at commercial, industrial and military
jobsites. Renovation and construction both at home and in schools and other
public facilities also posed high risk areas forasbestos
exposure.
Asbestos
related cancer is common among military veterans who we exposed
on naval ships, in shipyards and at military bases. Naval ships
where exposure occurred include aircraft carriers, battleships, destroyers,
submarines, warships and others. Some prominent shipyards where asbestos was
prevalent include Brooklyn Navy Yard, Norfolk Navy Shipyard,
Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, Long Beach Naval Shipyard and Hunters Point
Naval Shipyard. At commercial and industrial locations including refineries,
power plants, steel mills, auto production facilities and large construction
sites, many workers were put at risk. Some of the occupations of workers at risk include
electricians, plumbers, boilermakers, carpenters, mechanics , machinists and
more. Additionally, if you lived with someone who was regularly exposed to
asbestos and washed their clothes, you could be at risk for second hand
asbestos exposure.
Veterans
and Mesothelioma
Although rare,
mesothelioma affects veterans from all branches of service: Army, Navy, Air
Force and Marines.
As mesothelioma has a long latency period and can remain dormant for several
decades, veterans who served our country from 1930 through 1980 are just now
being diagnosed with the disease.
Navy
veterans who worked in navy shipyards and or served on our nation's warships
and submarine's from WWII through the Vietnam War were exposed to high
concentrations of deadly asbestos and are at a high risk for developing
mesothelioma. Boiler rooms, engine rooms, sleeping quarters, and other areas of
naval vessels were the most common areas where asbestos was present. As a
result, Navy veterans are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. Medical
support and treatment centers are available to veterans who have been diagnosed
with mesothelioma. If you are a veteran and believe that you were exposed to
asbestos, you should inform your physician during your next visit.
Mesothelioma
Lawyers
Asbestos
manufacturers and distributors made a concerted effort to hide the dangers of
asbestos from the public, while at the same time profiting heavily from the
sale and manufacture of harmful asbestos products. Those suffering from
Mesothelioma can seek compensation from the manufacturers of asbestos and
asbestos-containing products by hiring a competent mesothelioma
lawyer. When deciding whether or not you should pursue your legal
rights as a mesothelioma victim, you should think about the following three
things. First, asbestos manufacturers had knowledge of the dangers of asbestos
and knowingly put hardworking men and women at risk. Second, treatment for
mesothelioma can be very expensive. Third, by exercising your legal rights, you
can protect your loved ones in the future.
Once
you make the decision to pursue your rights, a competent asbestos attorney will
maximize recovery from both viable and bankrupt asbestos defendants. Over 65
asbestos trusts have been established holding billions of dollars combined
across them. These asbestos trust funds have been set aside to help compensate
those workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer or other
asbestos related diseases. The legal process to compensate mesothelioma victims
is not overly burdensome and should be strongly considered to help offset
treatment costs and to provide financial security for loved ones.
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