asbestos cancer

Carpenters at Greatest Risk of Asbestos Related Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Mon, 11 May 2009 04:55:00 +0000

If ever a reminder was needed of the damaging impact exposure to asbestos has had on industrial workers in the UK, it came in the form of new research published in the British Journal of Cancer recently. Funded by Cancer Research UK and the Health and Safety Executive, the largest global study of its kind into the affects of asbestos exposure found that in some professions, such as carpentry, up to 1 in 10 workers could be expected to develop asbestos related cancers, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.

The study interviewed more than 2000 people born in the 'baby boomer' generation in the 1940's to determine the rates of asbestos-related disease in various professions. For those who worked as carpenters for more than 10 years before they were 30, the researchers calculated that the risk of developing mesothelioma over their lifetimes was about 1 in 17. When the likelihood of developing lung cancer caused by asbestos was added in, the overall risk to this group of developing some form of asbestos related cancer was 1 in 10.

It was not just carpenters in this age range who had an elevated risk of mesothelioma and lung cancer, the risk for plumbers, electricians and decorators was also well above the rate for the rest of the population. Perhaps one of the most worrying findings of the study was that during the post war period, around two thirds of men and a quarter of women had worked at some point in a job where there was a potential for them to be exposed to asbestos dust.

Speaking about the findings of the study, the lead researcher, Professor Julian Peto, who is based at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said: "The UK has the highest death rate from mesothelioma in the world. The risk is highest in people who were exposed to asbestos before age 30. By getting some information on all the jobs people had ever done we have shown that the risk in some occupations, particularly the building industry, is higher than we previously thought. New regulations introduced in 1970 reduced exposure to asbestos in factories but heavy exposure to the much larger workforce in construction and various other industries continued."

As the press release from the Health and Safety Executive announced, there are currently around 2100 new diagnosis of mesothelioma each year in the UK, with around 5 times as many cases in men as in women. This number is expected to rise in the next few years, as cancers such as mesothelioma often take many decades to develop. Government compensation schemes have been set up so that those affected by exposure to asbestos who go on to develop cancer will receive some financial assistance, although in many cases by the time these claims are processed, the sufferers have already succumbed to the cancers.

Camps Solicitors help people make to make successful injury claims when they have suffered distress or injury whilst being involved in an accident that was no fault of their own.

With over 20 solicitors and litigation executives, and a support staff over 120 strong, Camps Solicitors have the resources to handle even the most complex compensation claims.

Asbestos Exposure: An Invitation To Asbestos Lung Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 07:47:00 +0000

Studies have proved that lung cancer is increasingly affecting asbestos-workers. Dose-response relationship has bolstered the fact that asbestos-workers, who are smokers, are at great risks of contracting this lethal disease.

Asbestos Lung Cancer: General Information Asbestos lung cancer, clinically known as Mesothelioma, is a type of cancer that is caused due to inhalation of asbestos particles. It initially affects the internal lining of the bronchi, an organ inside both the lungs. However, it can also affect other areas of the human body such as the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli. Asbestos lung cancer is known to progress at a slow pace. Sometimes these cells divide rapidly and then spread to other parts. It has also been found to affect heart, abdomen and reproductive organs.

There are two most common types of lung cancer: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), constituting about 80% of lung cancer cases, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) which constitutes about 20% of lung cancer cases. There is also a third type called mixed small cell/large cell cancer. It has features of both types and hence the name. The cancer cells multiply rapidly and result in tumors. These tumors spread to the lymph node and other organs. In its initial stage, the disease is asymptomatic. As the disease has a long "window-period", the symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain do not show for a long period. In order to diagnose the Asbestos lung cancer at an initial stage, one needs to perform imaging tests, biopsies, and taking phlegm samples.

A physician may perform auscultation for any irregular sound, which is characteristic of Asbestos lung cancer, and suggest an x-ray to detect any irregular opaque areas in the lungs. However, x-ray findings cannot be completely relied upon. At times, they may give wrong information or a not-so-experienced physician may misinterpret the x-ray findings. Therefore, the best way to diagnose the asbestos lung cancers is to find out whether the person has ever been exposed to asbestos. Thereafter the physician can correlate it with other clinical findings to diagnose asbestos lung cancer.

Asbestos lung cancer is a deadly disease and result in heavy expenses for its treatment. Victims suffering from asbestos lung cancers can seek compensation for their medical expenses, loss of income, pain and sufferings. They can file lawsuits against the owners of companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure.

About the Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a asbestos and mesothelioma specialist from Nashville, TN. Visit http://www.asbestosblog.org/ for information on asbestos reform, mesothelioma lawsuit news, and more.

Signs And Symptoms Of Mesothelioma ( Asbestos Cancer)

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Tue, 13 May 2008 10:41:00 +0000

There are a couple of issues that confuse, delay or make the diagnosis of mesothelioma more difficult. First, this cancer (commonly occurring from asbestos cancer) typically takes many years to develop (spanning as much as 20 to 50 years). Second, the symptoms are often similar to common respiratory complaints and illnesses like the cold or flu.

There are three types of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial). Each type has different symptoms, as follows:

The first type of mesothelioma (pleural) shows itself in symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties, trouble swallowing, a shortness of breath, a cough that is persistent and doesn't go away, rapid or severe weight loss, persistent fever, coughing up blood, or a persistent pain or tightness in the chest.

The second type of mesothelioma (peritoneal) exhibits itself in abdominal symptoms since this cancer attacks the abdominal cavity. Asbestos cancer include rapid and noticeable weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling because of fluid building up in the belly, severe constipation, bowel obstructions, weakness, fainting or anemia and persistent fever.

The third type of mesothelioma (pericardial) is the rarest form. Asbestos cancer include persistent and severe chest pain, shortness of or gasping for breath, heart palpitations or feeling like your heart is racing, a persistent cough that doesn't go away, and severe fatigue that is new to the patient.

If you suspect mesothelioma or have had exposure to asbestos, ask your doctor to perform an x-ray or ultrasound to evaluate your symptoms. Yes, the signs and symptoms overlap with over common illness but it's important for image diagnostics to rule any cancers out.

Although there is no current definitive cure for any of the types of mesothelioma, research and trials are underway and show some promise.

To learn more about the symptoms of mesothelioma, as well as developments in the treatment for, diagnosis of and compensation for people with asbestos cancer, click here to visit the mesothelioma signs and symptoms website.

Asbestos Cancer

Cancer - Treatment and Cure for Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 08:52:00 +0000

Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells which tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to metastasize. Cancer develops when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Normal cells grow, divide, and die. Instead of dying, cancer cells continue to grow and form new abnormal cells. Cancer cells often travel to other body parts where they grow and replace normal tissue. Targeted cancer therapies use drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in carcinogenesis (the process by which normal cells become cancer cells) and tumor growth.

The most consistent finding, over decades of research is the strong association between tobacco use and cancers of many sites. Hundreds of epidemiologic studies have confirmed this association. Further support comes from the fact that lung cancer death rates in the United States have mirrored smoking patterns with increases in smoking followed by dramatic increases in lung cancer death rates, and more recently decreases in smoking followed by decreases in lung cancer death rates in men.

Nonopioids are drugs used to treat mild to moderate pain, fever, and swelling. On a scale of 0 to 10, a nonopioid may be used if you rate your pain from 1 to 4. These medicines are stronger than most people realize. In many cases, they are all you'll need to relieve your pain. You just need to be sure to take them regularly.

If you're having moderate to severe pain, your doctor may recommend that you take stronger drugs called opioids. Opioids are also known as narcotics. You must have a doctor's prescription to take them. They are often taken with aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

These are the most common risk factors for cancer:

Growing older
Tobacco
Sunlight
Ionizing radiation
Certain chemicals and other substances
Some viruses and bacteria
Certain hormones
Family history of cancer
Alcohol
Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight

Different types of pain

Here are the common terms used to describe different types of pain:

Acute pain ranges from mild to severe. It comes on quickly and lasts a short time.
Chronic pain ranges from mild to severe. It either won't go away or comes back often.
Breakthrough pain is an intense rise in pain that occurs suddenly or is felt for a short time. It can occur by itself or in relation to a certain activity. It may happen several times a day, even when you're taking the right dose of medicine. For example, it may happen as the current dose of your medicine is wearing off.
It is important that patients inform all of their health care providers about any therapies they are currently using or considering. People in pain get the most relief when they take their medicines on schedule. And don't be afraid to ask for larger doses if you need them.

About the author:
Rachel Broune writes articles for cancer. He also writes for weight loss and depression treatment.

The Asbestos Cancer Epidemic

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Asbestos is a general term applied to certain fibrous minerals long popular for their thermal resistance, tensile strength, and acoustic insulation properties. Asbestos minerals are divided into two groups: serpentine and amphibole. Only one type of asbestos is derived from serpentine minerals: chrysotile, also known as white asbestos. Amphibole minerals include five asbestos species: amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, anthophyllite, and actinolite. Two of these are the most commercially valuable
forms: amosite, or brown asbestos, and crocidolite, or blue asbestos.

More than 30 million tons of asbestos in its various forms have been mined in the past century. Asbestos is one of the most pervasive environmental hazards in the world, present in more than 3,000 manufactured products. All forms of asbestos can result in asbestosis (a progressive fibrotic disease of the lungs), lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a cancer arising in the membranes lining the pleural and peritoneal cavities.

Asbestos exposure affects not only asbestos workers but also their families, users of asbestos products, and the public as it is exposed to building materials and asbestos in heating and ventilating systems. In developing countries, where protection of workers and communities is scant or nonexistent, the asbestos cancer epidemic may be even more devastating than it
has been in developed countries. The battle against asbestos is in danger of being lost where the human costs may be greatest, in developing countries desperate for industry.

With rare exceptions, the developed countries defer to the United Nations (UN) the responsibility for international occupational health. The UN’s international agencies have had only limited success in bringing occupational health to the industrializing
countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for the technical aspects of occupational health and safety. The International Labor Organization (ILO) Conventions and Recommendations (Takala 1999) are intended to guide all countries in the promotion of workplace safety. The ILO has no enforcement power, and UN funding for the WHO and the ILO is so meager that neither agency has the power of moral suasion.

Rashit is the owner of Asbestos Cancer Mesothelioma. You can find more information at http://www.asbestos-cancer-mesothelioma.org

Mesothelioma Treatment - Importance and Classifications

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 23:34:00 +0000

If you are a victim of Mesothelioma cancer, how will you get into treatment? The best way is to find reliable information and learn first everything that is relevant to Mesothelioma. Do you think that Mesothelioma treatments are effective in one or two applications only? It depends to the patient's body on how we react to the treatment.

The doctor is the first one who is being aware for applying treatment. We already know the advantage and disadvantage in taking them. And most of the time treatments are being useless in some reason.

These are broken down into two categories:

1.Traditional treatments

Traditional treatments are similar to other standard cancer treatment modalities. Two or more traditional treatments are often used together to better combat cancerous cells.

Traditional treatments are often used in combination with one-another to best target cancer cells.

2.New treatments

New treatments are in the process of ongoing research, development and testing. They are being evaluated in clinical trials in hopes of a cure.

While these treatments are slowly inhibiting the victim from being able to enjoy the life they have left, big business is slowly killing the rights of symptoms victims all over the country.

Most of the options are too high in price that ordinary victims cannot afford to have such treatment.

Various Treatments

* Bronchoscopy

* Biopsy

* CT scans

* Laparocoscopy

* Mediastinoscopy

* Thorocoscopy

* Peritoneoscopy

* Radiotherapy

* X-ray

* Fluid drainage

* MRI scan

Usually, some medicines and necessary materials are used to function well. With this kind of treatment, a victim will recover faster.

Having a treatment is necessary because it gives life to the patient or victim in order to survive. Put hope mostly on the family and relative of the patient, and the most important role is to cure everyone with a disease like cancer.

To be better familiarized with Mesothelioma cancer, join some group or programs relative and concerned with epidemic cancer for the purpose on how to prevent this disease by applying new health technology, healthy lifestyle, diet and nutrition counseling, and alternatives.

It is constantly being developed through clinical trials and research. This process are advancing, but the disease still claims far too many lives each year.

Mesothelioma treatments are themselves very aggressive, and invasive, and in many cases not recommended. Treatments are very expensive and usually range -between four hundred thousand and eight hundred thousand dollars.

Ramir Sarmiento has been providing useful tips, guidelines, and other important information with regards to Mesothelioma cancer, choosing Mesothelioma lawyers, Mesothelioma treatments, lawsuit issues, and many more. You can check out more of his articles and tips at Mesothelioma Cancer WebSite.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ramir_Sarmiento

asbestos cancer - Mesothelioma Treatment & Information

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 08:25:00 +0000

Getting credible information about the diagnosis of Mesothelioma, is very important for patients and their love ones. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer of the lung, or known as the pleura which may cause a patient to become short of breath because they have been exposed to asbestos. Every case is different and sometimes a patient may not show any symptoms at all. Mesothelioma consists of several forms. Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the forms and are cancer cells found in the lining of the abdominal cavity or found in the lining around the heart. This form of cancer can be painful because it can spread through the entire body and cause the organs to shut down. Workers who have been exposed to asbestos do not all contract Pleural Mesothelioma cancer. This cancer could be related to asbestos exposure and not all asbestos exposure is harmful. Asbestos may already be fixated in the walls not causing the particles to be free in the air, effecting workers.

When there are free particles in the air, the workers are exposed to asbestos and that is harmful to the worker and may cause the worker to contract Pleural Mesothelioma. A second form of the cancer is Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. This cancer is also associated with asbestos exposure and occurs in the tissue lining of the abdominal cavity, which contains fluid that enables the organs to move and work right. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the most common cancer that is related to asbestos exposure because it is the place where the cancer spreads. This cancer can cause severe health problems and complications for a patient. Normally a patient may experience flu symptoms as well as the swelling of the abdomen. Pericardial Mesothelioma caused from asbestos is another form of cancer, which is also rare affecting the lining surrounding the heart. Pericardium are the cells that produce lubricating fluids which protects the heart allowing the heart to move freely when pumping blood into the other parts of the body. This can cause a patient to have cancer spread through the tissues in the lining of the heart. At this stage, treatments may not be effective and may lead to fatal circumstances.

It may take a patient a long time after being exposed to asbestos, before he or she recognizes symptoms such as chest pain, breathing problems and a continuous cough. Being diagnosed is the first step and even though it can be extremely difficult to detect Mesothelioma symptoms because they are similar to so many other types of cancers your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you about your exposure to asbestos. Several tests will be done, including chest x-rays, MRI scans or CT scans to determine any abnormal changes. A tissue sample may be obtained to confirm the diagnosis and if your doctor has concluded that you are a patient of Mesothelioma your next step is treatment. Therapy is a form of treatment and there are several kinds of therapies to choose from. Do not be afraid, you are not alone; support is out there to help you fight the cancer and get the treatment you deserve. Please visit www.mesothelioma-treatment-2day.com for more information on mesothelioma and treatment options.

About the Author
Webmaster of Mesothelioma Treatment & Information

asbestos cancer - Mesothelioma

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 08:23:00 +0000

Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that involves the mesothelial cells of an organ. The cells that form a protective lining over the lungs are called Mesothelioma cells. This form of cancer is caused by a previous exposure to asbestos. The cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium).

Causes

It mainly caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. People who have worked in places where they have inhaled asbestos particles or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products have the chances of suffering from mesothelioma. About 3000 cases of mesothelioma are found every year. This number is expected to increase to 300,000 cases before 2030. The life span depends on what stage the cancer is detected, the health of the patient and other factors, however it generally 24 months after diagnosis. Anyone who knows they were exposed to loose asbestos fibers should be tested regularly for mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma There are two types of Mesothelioma. They are Pleural and Peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma It is the cancer of the Pleura, a sac that lines the lungs. Pleuron is a membrane that lines the pleural cavities surrounding the lungs. When we inhale, asbestos fibers are absorbed into the pleura causing lesions and scarring. Mesothelioma forms as a result of the damage caused by the asbestos fibers. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the cancer caused by asbestos in the abdomen. Peritoneal is a sac that lines the abdomen in the same as the pleura lines the lungs. Asbestos fibers reach the peritoneal membrane either by being swallowed or migrating from the pleura. Symptoms

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are

-shortness of breath -persistent coughing -pain in chest

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma are

-weight loss -abdominal swelling -pain in abdomen -fatigue -bowel obstruction -blood clotting abnormalities -anemia -fever

Diagnosis

Since the symptoms of the disease are similar to those of other conditions, diagnosis of mesothelioma is difficult. The diagnosis begins with the review of the patient's medical history with a focus on any history of asbestos exposure. The medical practitioner prescribes a series of tests involving chest X-ray, lung function tests, CT (CAT) scans, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). ). In case Mesothelioma is suspected, a physical biopsy of the suspect tissue will be used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. . The doctor may perform a thoracoscopy if the cancer is in the chest and a laparoscopy, if the cancer is in the abdomen.

The next step in diagnosis of the disease is finding the stage of the disease. If it is found only where it is originated it is described as localized and if it has spread to other organs, beyond the membrane surface it is described as advanced.

Once a patient is confirmed to be suffering from mesothelioma, the doctor will discuss the available treatment options. Many newer treatments promise to improve patient's quality of life and add several years of life.

About the Author
Joushua James - Mesothelioma

Choosing an Asbestos Cancer Attorney

noreply@blogger.com (cat pats) — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 08:20:00 +0000

Many, if not all people feel devastated if they learn that they have cancer because of something trivial like invisible fibers given off by their concrete walls. Still others will want justice for what they have experienced through no fault of their own.

If you are someone who has gotten ill with cancer because some company used asbestos in their products, then you need to seek the help of an attorney. Mainly, people want those responsible for their pain to own up to the fault. There is a huge difference between justice and revenge. Although some people looking for asbestos cancer attorneys start off by wanting revenge, in the end, they may just wish to see justice served. A great asbestos attorney may be able to help you make sure that the people at fault will own up to the responsibility of what has happened to you.

There is a reality which some people may not care to admit but sooner or later you have to face that the court does not always make the right decisions. If you choose to litigate, there's a slight chance that the company will prevail. After all, in the world today, money does talk. It is also a known fact that a cornered person will fight the fiercest. If you have a company by the throat because of what that company did or did not do, then you can be sure that the company will do everything in its power to combat your actions. Only the great skill of an experienced asbestos cancer attorney will be able to help you.

Now that you know how an asbestos cancer attorney may be able to help you, you need to know how to choose the attorney for your needs. As you may well know, the number of people involved in asbestos litigation keeps rising and some attorneys will just do anything to get a part of the money involved. Here are some things you should ask when looking for a great asbestos cancer attorney:

1) Is the attorney experienced? Before you hire an asbestos cancer attorney, you need to know just how much experience he has. This does not refer to the number of years that he has been practicing law but rather, to the number of cases which he has experienced. Some attorneys attempt to impress future clients by saying that they have been practicing law for so-and-so years. Do not be blinded by this statement. During the long time that he or she has been practicing law, how many times has that so-called asbestos cancer attorney encountered a case like yours?

2) What does the attorney know? Experience needs knowledge in order to form a truly lethal combination in an asbestos cancer attorney. Just how knowledgeable is the lawyer you are talking to in the field of asbestos litigation? As you may know, knowledge can be very powerful if used against the weakness of an opponent. You need to find an asbestos cancer attorney who would act as a dagger - sharp and able to find its way into the smallest of places. Knowledge is the main reason why people actually hire attorneys. People hire attorneys because they know what to do when faced with difficult situations. You will be paying for the skill.

3) How much will it cost and how much do I pay? Many people who hire asbestos cancer attorneys are very worried about the costs that they might incur. Before you hire an asbestos cancer attorney, you should definitely talk about fees. How much will the asbestos cancer attorney charge for taking on your case? You should also ask about the various fees that you will encounter during the extent of the lawsuit. This will help you better understand the enormity of the situation that you find yourself in. You need to make sure that each fee can be properly explained. Many people are put off by the complicated-sounding words, but if you do not speak up then you might end up getting flimflammed. You might think that your situation is too pitiful to be abused, but you have no idea just how low some people will go for money.

On the other hand, you can actually find an asbestos cancer attorney with whom you might be able to work something out. You can actually work out a payment scheme which won't add to your burdens. In fact, a lot of asbestos cancer attorneys today are willing to put-off their fees until you have won the case. In cases like this, it still would be wise not to let your guard down, though.

About the Author
For more complete information on mesothelioma please go to: http://freemesotheliomalawyer.com/choosing-an-attorney/ http://freemesotheliomalawyer.com
www.drnathaliefiset.com

Asbestos Cancer