What is Malignant Mesothelioma? by Alan Allport

Mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant cancer cells are found in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a protective sac that covers most of the bodies major organs.

The mesothelium is made up of two layers of cells:

One layer immediately surrounds the organ;
The other layer forms a sac around it.

The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers. The purpose of this lubricating fluid is to allow moving organs, such as the heart and lungs to glide against adjacent structures.

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cancerous cells in the mesothelium grow to an abnormal size and divide uncontrollably. During this process these malignant mesothelioma cells will invade and contaminate nearby organs and tissues.

Cases of malignant mesothelioma have increased over the last 20 years, but despite this, mesothelioma is still a comparatively rare form of cancer with about 2000 new cases a year being diagnosed in the United States.

Malignant mesothelioma occurs much more in men than in women and you're much more likely to contract it when you're old than young.

Working with asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma - only 20% to 30% of reported cases occur in people who have no known history of exposure to asbestos.

There is some evidence that family members and close acquaintances of those who've worked with asbestos are themselves at greater risk than the population at large of developing malignant mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may not develop until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain, weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling of the abdomen, bowel obstruction leading to constipation, problematic blood-clotting, anemia and fever. If the malignant mesothelioma has spread beyond the mesothelium, pain may be experienced in these other body parts and there may be swelling e.g. in the neck or face leading to trouble swallowing.

It must be stressed that all of the above symptoms can have causes other than malignant mesothelioma. It is important that a properly-qualified medical doctor be consulted, because only a doctor can provide a diagnosis.



About the Author
Alan Allport is Webmaster of http://www.asbestos-cancer.best-gen.com a site that specialises in giving the very best information on asbestos cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma

What is a Mesothelioma Lawyer? by TJ Newman

What is a Mesothelioma Lawyer?
Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Asbestos was used as a building material years ago because it was not flammable and did not conduct electricity. However, later studies have shown it can cause some forms of cancer. Mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the inner lining of the chest, is one of those forms of cancer. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.Mesothelioma lawyers deal specifically with cases concerning people being exposed to asbestos in the work environment. Because asbestos was a common building material and is still found, there has been a call for mesothelioma lawyers to look into cases of people who were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with this form of cancer.

The Mesothelioma Lawyer and Asbestos Cases
Before asbestos was found to be a potential cause for cancer, it was seen as a great building material. Therefore it was used a lot, and both workers who installed it and employees who worked in these buildings were unknowingly exposed to a cancerous element. These people are only now seeing the effects of their exposure to asbestos, and are bringing cases against the companies that either installed it or owned the buildings. The cases are increasing, causing a need for a specialized brand of lawyer - the mesothelioma lawyer.

Some types of asbestos that can cause cancer:

Amosite
Anthophyllite
Chrysotile
Crocidolite

Mesothelioma Lawyers and the Courtroom
Though has not yet been definitively proven that asbestos cause Mesothelioma, many studies have been done to prove a link between the two... enough studies to make mesothelioma lawyers very busy. The asbestos is made of loosely bonded fibers, which can easily be separated. These fibers can float in the air and easily get into your respiratory system. Before these studies, when asbestos was used as a common material, no one suggested the need for proper safety procedures - a fact that mesothelioma lawyers point to as a reason their clients now have this form of cancer.

Want to learn more about Mesothelioma Lawyers and other types of lawyers? Research Lawyers is a collection of free articles related to law and lawyers.




About the Author
TJ Newman

"Lean on Me"Cancer through a Carer's Eyes by Lorraine Kember

Mesothelioma Cancer

Asbestos BlueBy Lorraine Kember

He was only a child when it begun
And he played as children do
In his yard, with his toy cars and tip trucks
But his sand was asbestos blue…

In December 1999, my husband and I were walking home from a game of lawn bowls when I became aware of his shortness of breath. I was surprised and concerned when he told me that he had experienced this on several occasions. Believing this to be due to chest a infection, I made a doctor’s appointment for him the next day. Chest X-rays revealed fluid on the lungs, over two litres of which was drained, giving Brian immediate relief, but it was a tense wait for the pathology results.
Through the Internet I had become aware of several conditions which may have been responsible for fluid on the lung; these included asbestos- related diseases. Brian had lived in Wittenoom as a child and I was afraid of his diagnosis. Not wanting to worry him unnecessarily, I did not mention my fears to him. I prayed that he had pleurisy or pneumonia but the pathology results revealed that there were cancer cells present.
When Brian finally received his diagnosis, my worst nightmare became reality. He had pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lung caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust. We found it inconceivable that the disease was the result of Brian inhaling asbestos dust as a child and that it had lain dormant for forty-five years before become lethal.
We were still reeling from the shock when, without preamble, the young doctor gave his prognosis. His exact words were, “Three to nine months, I reckon”. That he could say this so unfeelingly amazed me. His total lack of compassion did not encourage even the small comfort of tears. I felt as if Brian and I had been shot and from that moment on we were waiting to drop.
Undoubtedly, were mortally wounded. We suffered shock, disbelief, anger, helplessness and utter despair; in fact all the symptoms of grief one feels when a loved one has actually died. Once again we found ourselves with no control over our lives. This time however, there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Our journey through terminal illness had begun.
Throughout the course of our married life my deep love for Brian and my determination to resolve difficulties had seen us through many trials. I found it hard to believe that nothing could be done to save his life and begun surfing the Internet for information regarding mesothelioma, all the time praying for a miracle, hoping against hope to find a doctor who had successfully operated on or cured someone of it.
It was a sad realization to discover that for Brian there were no miracles; however, I learned a lot and it helped me to accept that he was dying. With my acceptance came a fierce determination to ease his burden. I continued to seek information regarding mesothelioma and the pain and symptoms Brian would experience, due to the progression of his disease. In this way, I came to understand the importance of pain management and symptom control and realized that although I could not stop Brian from dying – I could help him to live. My acquired knowledge regarding pain and symptom management enabled me to communicate with Brian and to understand the type of pain he was experiencing and the intensity of that pain. I was then able to work hand in hand with his doctors, to bring his pain and symptoms under control. As my efforts resulted in his improved quality of life, I lost my sense of helplessness and gained strength.

Together, we achieved for Brian, a quality of life few thought possible, considering the nature of his disease. Testament to this, Brian survived for 2 years despite his prognosis of 3 to 9 months. Remained active and alert, drove his car for eighteen months after diagnosis and was not bed bound until three short days prior to his death.

Brian passed away on the 24th December 2001, he was 54 years old. I have written a book called “Lean on Me” Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes, in the hope of helping others. My book includes; insight and discussion on: Pain Management, Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and the benefit of dying at home. Featured also are excerpts and poems from my personal diary which portray the roller coaster of my emotions as I cared for my terminally ill husband.

For further information, recommendations, reviews, book excerpts and ordering facility please visit my website.

www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com



About the Author
Self published Author. Living in Perth Western Australia.