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Information on Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Exposure
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by
asbestos exposure in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in
the mesothelium. Those that develop cancer of the mesothelium have
cells in their mesothelium that become abnormal and begin to divide
without control or order. These cells can then invade and damage
nearby tissues and organs causing severe health problems and death.
These cancer cells can also metastasize or
spread from their original site to other parts of the body causing
lung cancer and other forms of cancer.
If someone you know has mesothelioma or other
form of cancer related to Asbestos exposure, it is important that
they get the best medical care that they can find and that the
source of their exposure is stopped. It is also a good idea
for their coworkers and families that also might have been exposed
to asbestos exposure through primary or secondary exposure to be
screened for asbestos diseases.
If you have any questions
on mesothelioma or asbestos exposure, feel
free to send an
e-mail.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked
on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. Still others have been exposed
to asbestos dust and fibers in other ways, such as by washing the
clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home
renovation using asbestos cement products. Unlike lung cancer, there
is no association between mesothelioma and smoking. The
science clearly shows that mesothelioma is caused by exposure to
asbestos fibers.
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer,
but reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years.
Incidence of malignant mesothelioma currently ranges from about 7 to
40 per 1,000,000 in industrialized Western nations, depending on the
amount of asbestos products used in the society. The incidence is
expected to continue increase in many parts of the world as asbestos
products become more commonly used.
In the United States between 1939 and 1980,
approximately 30 million people were occupationally exposed to
asbestos in the United States. Between 1970 and 2000, there was a
large increase in the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma in asbestos
workers and their families. Though many asbestos exposure
mesothelioma cases have accidentally been misdiagnosed and all
mesothelioma case have not been identified, it is clear that the incidence of mesothelioma increases with use of asbestos products
and is becoming more common.
In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos
increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous,
chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the
larynx and kidney. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the
pleura or peritoneum. The pleura is the outer lining of the lungs
and chest cavity. Mesothelioma may also occur in the peritoneum
(the lining of the abdominal cavity), the pericardium (a sac that
surrounds the heart), or the layer surrounding reproductive organs.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma can appear 20 to 50
years after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms include shortness
of breath, chronic cough, coughing up blood, night sweats, and pain
in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space
are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal
mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling
and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal
cavity). 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.
Mesothelioma can affect several areas of the body
and can cause the following symptoms:
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chest wall pain
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pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the
lung
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shortness of breath
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fatigue or anemia
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wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
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blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up
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abdominal pain
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ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in
the abdomen
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a mass in the abdomen
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problems with bowel function
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weight loss
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blood clots in the veins, which may cause
thrombophlebitis
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disseminated intravascular coagulation, a
disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
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jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
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low blood sugar level
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pleural effusion
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pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the
arteries of the lungs
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severe ascites
Shortness of breath and pain in the chest from
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 mesothelioma 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.
Many of the above symptoms may be caused by
mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important
to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make
a diagnosis. Please read below for information on the diagnosis of
mesothelioma.
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Diagnosing mesothelioma begins with a review of
the patient's medical history to determine if the patient has had
exposure to asbestos. A physical examination also performed,
followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray is
used to determine if there is any pleural thickening that is
commonly seen after asbestos exposure. If there is pleural
thickening it increases suspicion of a diagnoses of mesothelioma.
A CAT scan or an MRI and cytology is then done to
determine if a large amount of fluid and or abnormal cells are
present. To study the pleural fluid a pleural tap or chest drain is
done, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a
pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. If cytology is
positive or a plaque is regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed
to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.
The biopsy is performed by a surgeon or a medical
oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating
cancer). This surgeon or oncologist removes a sample of tissue for
examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be
done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is
located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a
thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut
through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a
thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows
the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. If
the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a
peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, 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.
If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will
want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves
more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has
spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of
the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.
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.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatment for mesothelioma vary depending on the
location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s
age and general health. Some of the more common treatment options
include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and drainage of
fluid.
Surgery
is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove
abnormal or cancerous tissue and some of the tissue around it. For
cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed
in an operation called a pneumonectomy.
Radiation therapy, also
called radiotherapy, involves the use of high-energy rays to kill
cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy affects the cancer
cells only in the treated area.
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells
throughout the body.
To relieve symptoms and control pain, the doctor
may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in
the chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from the
chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from the abdomen is
called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest
to prevent more fluid from accumulating. It is common to use
surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and fluid drainage to
relieve symptoms and treat mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Lawyers
If someone you know has mesothelioma or other
form of cancer related to Asbestos exposure it is important that
they get the best medical care that they can find and that the
source of their exposure is stopped.
If you have any questions
on Asbestos Exposure or Mesothelioma feel
free to send an
e-mail.
As a Texas Mesothelioma Lawyer, Houston
Mesothelioma Lawyer, Austin Mesothelioma Attorney, and San Antonio
Mesothelioma Lawyer, Jason Coomer has worked on a wide variety of
cases and has had the opportunity to work with and against some
excellent mesothelioma lawyers throughout the nation including
Alabama Mesothelioma Lawyers, Gulf Coast Mesothelioma Lawyers,
Dallas Mesothelioma Lawyers, Houston Mesothelioma Lawyers, San
Antonio Mesothelioma Lawyers, and Austin Mesothelioma Lawyers.
Assembling litigation teams of Mesothelioma Lawyers for the larger
cases and building multimedia presentations for large trials,
mediations, arbitrations, and hearings can be time consuming, but
when you are dealing with a serious mesothelioma claim and the
devastation that can be caused by asbestos exposure, the effort is
worth it. Individualized attention to a Mesothelioma Claim is
extremely important. Make sure that you have a Mesothelioma
Attorney that knows your name and is familiar with your asbestos
death claim or asbestos personal injury claim as well as your wants
and needs.
If you have questions about asbestos exposure or
a recent diagnosis of Mesothelioma,
feel free to
send an e-mail.
Asbestos Product Dumping
In addition to domestic exposure,
some companies have taken asbestos products that cannot be sold in
the United States and have sold the product in other countries.
This product dumping of dangerous asbestos insulation, asbestos
block, and other asbestos products can cause serious problems
including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other health problems.
Texas companies that dump dangerous products in other countries and
cause significant harm can sometimes be brought into the Texas
courts to answer for their wrongful dumping and be made to pay money
compensation for their wrongful acts.
Asbestos Products & Product
Dumping
Asbestos fibers
are strong, durable, and resist heat, acids, and friction. As such
these extremely durable fibers have useful physical properties that
have made them popular to be used in thousands of refinery,
pipeline, shipping, chemical, commercial building, residential
building, and industrial products. Below are just some types of
asbestos products:
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Asbestos Industrial
Insulation - Asbestos product are
used in chemical processing including refineries types of
asbestos products including pipe insulation, boiler insulation
and block, block insulation; sprayed in insulation; blown in
insulation; thermal paper products; and electrical wiring
insulation. Typically these products are most dangerous when
they are being cut, torn apart, or applied. This is because
asbestos fibers can be kicked into the air.
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Asbestos Cement,
Spackling, Patching & Taping Compounds
- several different types of asbestos compounds have also been
made including asbestos cement, asbestos caulking, asbestos
putties, asbestos joint compounds, asbestos adhesives, asbestos
tapes, asbestos thermal taping compounds. These products are
useful for thermal protection and help seal in heat. The
products are most dangerous when mixing them or when tearing
them apart.
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Asbestos Fireproofing
Texture Products - several
different asbestos cloths and textured products have also been
developed including asbestos acoustical plaster, asbestos
decorative plaster, asbestos textured paint, asbestos textured
coatings, asbestos fire blankets, asbestos fire curtains, fire
doors)
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Asbestos Textiles and
Asbestos Cloth Products (includes
blankets, protective cloth coverings, garments, asbestos gloves,
threads, cords, yarns, braids)
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Asbestos Gaskets and
Packing (includes high
temperature gaskets, packings for industrial products, high
pressure packing, asbestos packing reinforced with steel or
copper wire)
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Asbestos Tiles,
Asbestos Wallboard, Asbestos Siding and Asbestos Roofing
(includes roofing shingles, roofing felt, base flashing, cement
wallboard, cement siding, ceiling tiles and lay–in panels,
asphalt floor tile, vinyl floor tile, vinyl sheet flooring,
flooring backing, vinyl wall coverings)
Asbestos may also be found in
Cement Pipes, Elevator Brake Shoes, Cement Wallboard, HVAC Duct
Insulation, Cement Siding Boiler Insulation, Asphalt Floor Tile,
Breaching Insulation, Vinyl Floor Tile, Ductwork, Flexible Fabric
Connections, Vinyl Sheet Flooring, Cooling Towers, Flooring Backing,
Pipe Insulation (corrugated air-cell, block, etc.), Construction
Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.), Heating and
Electrical Ducts, Acoustical Plaster Electrical Panel Partitions,
Decorative Plaster, Electrical Cloth, Textured Paints/Coatings,
Electric Wiring Insulation, Ceiling Tiles and Lay-in Panels,
Chalkboards, Spray-Applied Insulation, Roofing Shingles, Blown-in
Insulation, Roofing Felt Fireproofing, Materials Base, Flashing
Taping Compounds (thermal), Thermal Paper Products, Packing
Materials (for wall/floor penetrations), Fire Doors High Temperature
Gaskets, Caulking/Putties, Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops, Adhesives,
Laboratory Gloves, Wallboard, Fire Blankets, Joint Compounds, Fire
Curtains, Vinyl Wall Coverings, Elevator Equipment, Panels Spackling
Compounds, Automotive Parts, Elevator Equipment Panels, Ductwork,
Electrical Panel Partitions, Electrical Cloth, Cooling towers, and
Chalkboards.
Today despite OSHA regulations it
is estimated that 1.3 million United States employees in
construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure
on the job. Heaviest exposures occur in the construction industry,
particularly during the removal of asbestos during renovation or
demolition. Employees are also likely to be exposed during the
manufacture of asbestos products (such as textiles, friction
products, insulation, and other building materials) and during
automotive brake and clutch repair work.
If someone you know has mesothelioma or other form of cancer related
to Asbestos exposure it is important that they get the best medical
care that they can find and that the source of their exposure is
stopped. If you have any questions feel free to send an e-mail to
toxicexposure@texaslawyers.com.
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