Understanding Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer almost exclusively related to exposure to asbestos. It is the result of asbestos fibers becoming lodged in the pleura, which is the outer lining of the lungs. This causes an irriation to the mesothelium, a protective lining the covers the lungs, which then causes the mesothelial cells to proliferate, resulting in a cancerous growth commonly referred to as mesothelioma, or mesothelioma lung cancer. Mesothelioma is most commonly observed in those who have worked around asbestos for a prolonged period. Smoking dramatically increases the risk of developing mesothelioma, however it is not the cause of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, imaging technologies like x-rays, MRIs and CAT scans, and biopsy and tissue sampling. Anyone who experienced prolonged exposure to asbestos should have regular screenings for lung abnormalities, as the incubation period between exposure and development of lung cancer can be as long as 50 years.

Prevalence of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most prevalent among those who have had significant exposure to asbestos and other dusts. These include but at not limited to: brake mechanics, construction and sheet metal workers, plumbers, steam fitters, insulators, carpenters, plumbers, etc.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma
An individual suffering from mesothelioma will often exerience labored breathing, fever, coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain as the initial symptoms of the disease. Since most of the medical professionals are not experienced in this disease, these symptoms can be misinterpreted as indications of other diseases. Confirmation of mesothelioma is achieved by examining the pleural fluid or biopsy of the pleural membrane.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Recently, Australian researchers have developed a world-first non-invasive blood test for early recognition of mesothelioma. More commonly, however, the diagnosis of mesothelioma is a long process that includes blood tests, CT scans, drainage, biopsy, laboratory analysis of pleural fluid and chest X-rays. Once the disease is suspected through imaging tests, tissue is removed and examined by a pathologist, who will make a definitive diagnosis.

Treatment of Mesothelioma
As with other cancers, the treatment for mesothelioma depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the location of the cancer and the extent to which it's spread, the patient's age, and the prognosis. Currently, the five-year survival rate is approaching 40%.

Traditional treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, or a combination of these. Upcoming treatments that are still in the experimental stages include photodynamic therapy (a treatment that uses a photosensitizer drug or photosensitizing agent that when are exposed to a specific wavelength of light, produce a form of oxygen that kills nearby cells) and immunotherapy (utilizing the body's natural tendency to defend itself against cancerous tumors).

Although there treatment options available for mesothelioma, the overall success rate is not good. As with any cancer, the earlier it's caught, the better the chances for survival.

Compensation
Once you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, immediately consult a lawyer who specializes in the litigation of mesothelioma. Potential compensation depends upon a variety of factors including the loss of future income, the loss of present income, the laws prevailing in your particular area, and the parties responsible for the asbestos exposure. Since compensation can range from thousands to millions, it's highly advisable to document all relevant information and facts.

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