Monday, April 6, 2009
Mesothelioma and Life Expectancy
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, usually caused by exposure to asbestos. When an individual is diagnosed with the disease, there are many questions which will invariably go through their mind. Perhaps the most important one involves the patient's prognosis. That is, what is the life expectancy for someone diagnosed with mesothelioma?
As with any form of cancer, the survival rate for this condition is heavily dependent on how early it is diagnosed. If the disease is already in an advanced state when it is first detected, it will require far more aggressive treatment, with a reduced chance of success.
Unfortunately, the survival rate for mesothelioma has historically been rather low. Many patients do not survive longer than one year after diagnosis. The disease has often spread significantly before it is diagnosed, making it that much more difficult to treat. This is due to the fact that an individual exposed to asbestos can live for decades before any noticeable symptoms present themselves.
In addition, patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are often 55 years of age or older, and may have other medical conditions which complicate their treatment.
The good news is that there are many long-term survivors of mesothelioma, some of whom have lived a decade or more following diagnosis. Some doctors believe these patients survive longer not because of their particular treatment method, but because of other health characteristics specific to the individual. In general, healthier patients with no other existing medical conditions are more likely to survive longer than those with additional diseases and afflictions.
In terms of raw numbers, statistics show that about 10 percent of individuals with mesothelioma live for at least five years after being diagnosed. About 40 percent of those diagnosed survive for at least one year. These numbers are significantly higher than they were just 20 years ago, giving hope to doctors and patients alike.
A few of the other factors that affect survival rates include the specific type of mesothelioma with which an individual is diagnosed, the size and location of their tumor, and whether or not the patient is a smoker. These factors are in addition to the patient's age, any existing medical conditions they may have, and severity of the cancer itself.
For more information on life expectancy and treatment options, visit the mesothelioma attorneys at http://mesolawsuit.com/
Joseph Devine
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New and Experimental Treatments For Mesothelioma
Individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are often confronted with a confusing array of possible treatment options. Traditional forms of treatment include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, a number of experimental and alternative treatments are now being investigated by physicians around the world. In some cases, these new treatments are already helping to extend the lives of patients.
Gene therapy is used in conjunction with chemotherapy, in order to increase the possibility of its success. This type of therapy is commonly called suicide gene therapy, because it causes cancer cells to turn against themselves. Other types of gene therapies use alternate methods to reduce cell growth and prevent the cancer from spreading.
Another type of new treatment approach is known as photodynamic therapy (PDT). It is another method of destroying cancer cells by exposing them to a special laser light. The light activates photosensitive medication within the cells, which is taken by the patient prior to exposure. The cells are destroyed once the light reaches them. Unfortunately, this type of treatment is not always effective. In addition, there are several potential side effects, including skin sensitivity and nausea.
There are also several experimental drugs being used to treat mesothelioma. A category of drug known as anti-angiogenesis medications attempt to destroy cancer cells while leaving other cells unharmed. This is possible due to new knowledge about the manner in which cancer cells differ from normal cells. Using these drugs, the need for chemotherapy is reduced.
A final type of experimental treatment is immunotherapy. This method uses the patient's own immune system to kill cancer cells. Normally, our immune systems are unable to distinguish between healthy cells and cancerous cells.
Immunotherapy attempts to enhance a patient's immune system to differentiate between the two, allowing it to fight back against the cancer cells. This is usually accomplished via a vaccine or oral medication. However, this form of treatment is quite new and doctors are still working to determine its viability.
To learn more about this disease and the methods available for treatment, visit the Williams Kherkher mesothelioma attorney at http://mesolawsuit.com/
Joseph Devine Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine |
Why is Mesothelioma So Deadly?
Mesothelioma, cancer of the mesothelium, is caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease can take decades to appear or to develop to the point that it is detectable. Once it forms, it takes time for the disease to be diagnosed and then treated. So why, exactly, is it so deadly?
One of the biggest problems with the disease is that it takes what seems like forever, to those who have been exposed to asbestos, to show up in tests. The disease usually takes around 20 years to develop but has been known to wait around 40 years to develop. What this means is that a person who knows he or she has been exposed to asbestos can wait a long time before a test shows anything either abnormal or serious.
This long period of inactivity means that individuals who do not know that they have been exposed to asbestos may ignore early signs and symptoms of the disease and explain them away as bronchitis or something else that will go away with time. This means that by the time they go see a doctor because they feel awful and can't breathe very well, the disease has progressed to the later stages.
Like all cancer, there is something very important in treatment about catching the disease early and getting treatment started as soon as possible. When a cancer is detected early and then treated early, the chances that it will be cured and the person's life saved go up drastically. The later cancer is detected in a person, the lower, usually, his or her chances of survival are.
Part of this is due to cancer's very aggressive nature. The unregulated growth of cancerous cells can quickly take over. Worse, in cancers located near major blood supplies or other fluid systems within the body, these cells can break away from the pack and end up halfway across the body and start a new colony.
Because most mesothelioma patients wait to see a doctor until they are having serious problems, they put themselves at risk and lower the chances that there is any hope for treatment. By the time most people go to see the doctor, the cancer has gotten to the point that it is inoperable. Chemotherapy and radiation can only do so much to kill cancer.
If you think that you might have been exposed to asbestos, it is imperative to tell your doctor so that he or she can monitor the situation and, potentially, detect cancer early. For more information on the disease and where asbestos is commonly found, please visit http://www.mesolawsuit.com.
Joseph Devine Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine |
Understanding the Causes of Mesothelioma
The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. In nearly all cases, those infected have been either directly or indirectly exposed to this mineral substance. Asbestos was commonly used as an insulation material, due to its strength and resistance to heat and fire. It was also used in ship-building and in common household appliances.
It wasn't until the 1960s that doctors first noticed the health risks posed by asbestos. At that time, they saw a flurry of patients with similar occupational backgrounds reporting the same set of symptoms. As a result, physicians were able to prove the link between asbestos and mesothelioma.
The individuals most likely to have come into contact with asbestos include construction workers, factory workers, miners, shipbuilders, plumbers and electricians. In addition to workers who had direct contact with asbestos, the family members of these individuals were often indirectly exposed as well.
The danger posed by asbestos is due to the fact that it is made up of hundreds of tiny fibers. When the material is disturbed, these fine fibers are released and enter the lungs of those nearby. Because they are so small, the fibers get stuck in the lungs and cannot be coughed out or released via normal breathing. The body's immune system unsuccessfully attempts to destroy the fibers, which results in inflammation of the lung tissue.
Asbestos fibers may also be swallowed, at which point they get stuck in the digestive tract. This results in the less common peritoneal form of mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen. The rarest form of the condition is the pericardial type, which affects the lining of the heart.
As a result of medical research and public outcry, the use of asbestos was regulated by the Clean Air Act of 1970. In 1989, the United States Environmental Protection Agency issued an outright ban of the material. Since that time, the ban has overturned, and certain products containing trace amounts of asbestos are still allowed under United States law.
If you have questions about asbestos exposure, visit the mesothelioma attorneys of http://mesolawsuit.com/ for more information.
Joseph Devine Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine |
The Problems With Mesothelioma Litigation
40 years ago when the first Mesothelioma litigation happened, the payoff, for that time period, was great. A few decades later when more lawsuits transpired due to a heightened awareness of Mesothelioma cancer due to asbestos exposure, the lawsuits became significantly larger. Today, however, lawsuits are being drawn up for "victims" of asbestos exposure who show little to no signs of any physical ailments, blocking the way for legitimate cancer sufferers from getting their due justice.
The reasons for the increase in Mesothelioma cases is not entirely sure, but most feel as though it is "easy money" where so-called victims who show little to no signs of any medical impairment try to eek out a cash settlement from companies. Another reason for the increase in these litigation cases could be possibly because many people who have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or lung cancer due to asbestos exposure do not even realize when or where they were exposed to this hazardous chemical, making it difficult and extremely time consuming to find the exact culprit of the exposure.
The Supreme Court is trying to put a law in place that will end frivolous lawsuits in Mesothelioma cases or in asbestos exposure complaints. If this law passes, it clear the way for more legitimate cases to be heard by the courts and leave companies more willing and financially able to compensate those who are truly victims of asbestos exposure. Because the law has not been legalized, more and more Mesothelioma litigation cases are tying up the court system. Many companies named in these lawsuits are compelled to do a pay-out before the cases reach the court; however, with the increasing number of litigation cases, more companies are becoming bankrupt after the amount of payoffs surpass their insurance cash holdings.
Most states have a time limit in effect that requires you to file a lawsuit motion within a 12-24 month period of time from the date of your medical diagnosis. If you have a loved one who has passed away due to Mesothelioma or lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, you will have the same time limit of 12-24 months to place your claim. This does not give you a tremendous amount of time if you do not know where the asbestos exposure came from which could mean that your Mesothelioma litigation will not happen in the time limit required.
Get instant information on The Problems with Mesothelioma Litigation at http://www.asbestos-lawyer-advisor.com
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What is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer and What Should You Do If You Have It?
Since the mining days, the workers on the mining sites especially the ones with asbestos, suffered sooner or later from a form of cancer which is known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which affects people due to prolonged exposure to asbestos dust, fiber etc.
This form of cancer affects the lining along the walls of the internal organs which is known as mesothelium. It mainly is prominent in the lungs and the chest walls. Working with asbestos is said to be the main cause of mesothelioma lung cancer and is believed to be more prominent in men than in women.
If a person who is suffering form mesothelioma lung cancer and believes that the onset of the disease is due to his past working experience in an asbestos mining site, then the affected person can file a lawsuit against the mining company. By filing a lawsuit the affected person cannot improve his health conditions but can definitely hope to provide sufficient compensation for his hospitalization and care and his family benefits.
In order to file a lawsuit, an mesothelioma affected person can do so individually or in a group of similarly affected people. If a group of people file a lawsuit, then its known as a class action lawsuit and will have to have certain benefits for the affected persons. This is because, class action lawsuits will have to have a deadline set for settlement and the group can be represented by an mesothelioma class action lawyer.
Howsoever you go for a lawsuit, your lawyer and law firm should have the required expertise in the field of mesothelioma compensation. A good lawyer can derive from his past experience and help you to decide what should be the right form of action and procedures.
You should always be in touch with your lawyer about the case and the status of the lawsuit so that if any information is required from your side, it can be communicated as soon as is possible. When you retain your mesothelioma lawyer you should check out what their payment terms and conditions are. Most of the mesothelioma lawyers do not charge their mesothelioma affected clients with any form of fees till the case is settled.
When the case is lost, the mesothelioma lawyer does not charge the client any compensation for his item and effort. On the other hand , if the affected client has won the compensation , then the lawyer will get a percentage of the winnings. This ensures that the lawyer will be putting 100% in the case and there will be no fraudulent scenarios. So these conditions can be reviewed by the client at the onset of a new case so that there is no confusion regarding the lawyer's fees and other charges later on.
If you are in doubt as to whether to consult a mesothelioma lawyer, do proceed towards a reputed law firm, as most of the mesothelioma lawyers do not charge for a consultation. After the free consultation if you decide not to go through with a mesothelioma lawsuit, you will have no obligations towards the lawyers.
For help locating a mesothelioma cancer attorney please visit: http://www.MesotheliomaLawsuitExperts.com
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Active Symptom Control For Mesothelioma Studied For Chemotherapy Treatment
Active control of the symptoms of mesothelioma in chemotherapy studied
According to a recent issue of the British medical journal, The Lancet, researchers have been studying the effect of chemotherapy in mesothelioma. Because chemotherapy is not considered a successful treatment for mesothelioma cancer, but a treatment for mesothelioma signs and symptoms of medical professionals to continue the discussion of the usefulness of the procedure in controlling symptoms.
The researchers studied 409 patients of all who suffer from malignant pleural mesothelioma in different parts of the world. Patients were randomly assigned a treatment of symptoms or treatment that included an active control treatment with two chemotherapy drugs. According to the study, "the active symptom control treatments include steroids, bronchodilators, analgesic drugs and palliative radiotherapy."
After the study, patients in both treatment options were compared and, according to investigators, "the addition of chemotherapy to control the symptoms showed a non significant benefit or advances in survival or quality of life" among the victims of mesothelioma.
What is mesothelioma, chemotherapy?
Mesothelioma is a malignant disease in which cancer cells develop in a thin layer of tissue that is the thoracic cavity that covers the lungs, which is also known as the pleura or peritoneum, the tissue lining the abdomen and Most of the bodies, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses chemicals commonly administered through a catheter, pill, injection, or the port, which is usually a round disk of metal or plastic , which is when cancer cells begin to develop abnormal and divide uncontrollably fast. Chemotherapy is given for a variety of reasons, but is based on certain factors such as stage of cancer, a patient's health and age of a patient. For patients with mesothelioma, chemotherapy is not a method of cure, but is administered to patients with mesothelioma for several reasons including:
* Halting the growth and spread of cancer, to control cancer
* Minimize or reduce tumors - this method is also known as neoadjuvant chemotherapy
* The palliative chemotherapy on pain and other symptoms have to be reduced
* The destruction of microscopic disease that remains after a surgical procedure, also known as adjuvant chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is given as a catheter into a large vein in the body or a catheter is attached as a port that is placed on the chest under the skin for a period of time.
Living with Mesothelioma
Unfortunately, victims of mesothelioma receive further setbacks in his life-threatening condition, as currently there is no successful treatment for cancer death. However, a person has the opportunity to participate in a series of clinical trials of the treatment groups, as well as the opportunity to develop mesothelioma a demand for monetary compensation as a means of payment for the condition, which is often associated with the very expensive medical bills.
For more details about chemotherapy visit at http://www.chemotherapy2k.com
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Determining Life Expectancy of Mesothelioma Patients
Once a person has been diagnosed with a cancer of any sort, the doctors will put their heads together to determine how great of a chance of survival the person will have with successful treatment. They will also try to determine how long they think the person will live without treatment or if treatment is unsuccessful.
In determining how long a person who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma has to live, the doctors will examine a number of factors. While it is true that they examine a number of known factors, every patient is a unique case whose life expectancy cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. Due to almost daily advances in the field of cancer treatment, the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma now is greater than that of a person who was diagnosed five years ago.
That being said, mesothelioma is still a serious disease that has not experience much luck in finding effective treatment options. Still, life expectancy is greater today than someone five years ago.
After analyzing all of the mesothelioma cases presented, doctors have determined that the middle portion of the bell curve is 4 and 18 months. This means that 25% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma live less than four months and 25% live for more than eighteen months. 50% of all diagnosed with mesothelioma live between four and eighteen months. While this information is scary, it does not break the cases down into stages of diagnosis or even whether treatment is even attempted.
Factors that influence the life expectancy of any cancer patient, including those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, vary. Some of the factors include:
- The stage of the disese when diagnosed
- The point at which it is diagnosed
- Whether the cancer is localized or has spread
- The patient's age and health condition
- Wha treatments are feasible based on the condition and health of the patient
Out of all of the factors influencing the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with mesothelioma, the stage of mesothelioma at diagnoses is the most important piece of the puzzle. It is the greatest indicator of how long or how short a patient's life expectancy is. Because the early symptoms of mesothelioma actually resemble those of other, much more common illnesses, many patients are misdiagnosed in the early stages. By the time the cancer has been discovered, the cancer has already reached an advanced stage.
Williams Kherkher is a full service law firm dedicated to providing representation who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma following the negligence of a former employer.
Joseph Devine
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The Truth About Malignant Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritonial Mesothelioma
Malignant mesotheliomais is a relatively uncommon form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos, usually in the workplace. It affects the mesothelial cells that line three of the body's largest cavities surrounding the lungs, heart and abdomen and is an aggressive form of cancer. Pleural mesotheliomais is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases.
Found between the lungs and the chest cavity, the pleura is a thin membrane that provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs can maneuver easily against the chest walls while breathing. The pleura also serves as a protective layer. Pleural mesothelioma is often incorrectly described as a form of lung cancer due to the pleura's close proximity to the lungs.
The second most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma. This form accounts for approximately between 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases, or mesothelioma of the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin serous membrane that encapsulates the organs of the abdomen.
While peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common as pleural mesothelioma, it tends to be much more invasive and aggressive, typically yielding a shorter life expectancy for diagnosed patients. Pericardial mesothelioma is a lesser known form of the disease, accounting for less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases, or mesothelioma of the pericardium. The pericardium is the membrane that protects your heart, also referred to as the heart sac. The rarest form of mesothelioma is called tunica vaginalis testis and can originate in the lining surrounding the testicles.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Typically the result of occupational duties, mesothelioma can result from brief exposure to asbestos fibers. It has been determined that the dangers associated with working with asbestos have been known for over seventy years; however, employers chose to keep this knowledge disclosed for fear that it could have a negative impact on profitability. Even in this day and age, employees are often not properly notified that asbestos could be present in their working surroundings. This can result in any number of asbestos related diseases including the most serious, malignant mesothelioma.
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