Tag Archives: Mesothelioma

Meso Facts

Mesothelioma: Basic Facts and the Need for Medical and Legal Assistance

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you must seek immediate treatment and legal advice. Mesothelioma victims and their families may be entitled to the best medical attention and financial compensation. Seek the best doctors and medical facilities, and get a qualified mesothelioma lawyer who will advise upon the best course of action for possible lawsuit and litigation.

Who is at risk for developing Mesothelioma?

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. An increased risk for developing mesothelioma was found amount people who work in asbestos mines and mills, shipyards, workers in the heating and construction industries, automobile mechanics, and other trades people. People who knowingly work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk to exposure. In other cases, companies are negligent and don’t provide protective measures.

Symptoms and Treatment of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take years to appear. Some common symptoms of mesothelioma are: excessive fatigue, acute pain in the abdominal region and chest area, and shortness of breath.

Standard treatment of mesothelioma include: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or a combination of treatment and medications. These mesothelioma treatments are very expensive but with a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer by your side, you should not have to worry about paying your medical bills.

A Few Facts about Mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after exposure. You may have recently developed asbestos cancer from a job you left decades ago. The average survival term after diagnosis with mesothelioma is twelve to eighteen months. The courts in most states are generally reasonable; they know the urgency of mesothelioma lawsuit and often will help expedite it. In the U.S., about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually. What should I do after being diagnosed with mesothelioma?

Once you are diagnosed with mesothelioma and receiving the proper care and treatment by a professional medical team, you should immediately seek legal advice and counsel from a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer who has experience in such cases. Your mesothelioma diagnosis will require medical and legal advice, which is where a qualified mesothelioma lawyer can help you. A qualified mesothelioma lawyer will be able to tell you everything you need to know about your legal rights and the amount of compensation to expect. Mesothelioma lawyers have the expertise in settling mesothelioma cases. You deserve the best treatment both medically and legally, so seek the best medical attention and the aid of a qualified mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.

Meso Treatments, Press Releases, Stories & News

Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment Options

Three Potential Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms and Treatment Options

Mesothelioma is one of the less common types of cancer affecting approximately 2000 people each year. It develops when the linings of the lungs or the abdomen start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way.  This cancer is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos particles and therefore has been nicknamed asbestos cancer. When it affects the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) it is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. In this article we will be discuss three (3) common symptoms for mesothelioma cancer and share the steps you should take when you notice any of these.

The peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) actually has two layers; the inner (visceral) layer which is beside the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which is next to the abdominal wall.

One of the functions of the peritoneum is to secrete a lubricating fluid to allow the abdominal organs to move against one another. When peritoneal mesothelioma occurs it leads to both of these layers becoming thicker. This can then lead to a number of undesirable symptoms including:

    1. ASCITES – As the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum become thicker, lubricating fluid can become trapped in this area. This can then lead to a build up of fluid which is referred to as ascites. Ascites can lead to swelling in the abdomen and also cause abdominal pain as the build up of fluid causes the peritoneum to press against the abdominal organs.
    2. ABDOMINAL PAIN – As peritoneal mesothelioma develops and the tumour increases in size it can start to press against the abdominal organs. This often causes abdominal pain and discomfort. As discussed above ascites (another peritoneal mesothelioma symptom) can also lead to abdominal pain.
    3. POOR BOWEL FUNCTIONING – As the tumour increases in size or the ascites cause further swelling the intestines can become blocked. This can make it difficult to excrete waste from the body and also lead to further bowel problems.

When you discover any symptoms similar to those discussed above you should consult your doctor immediately. Upon seeing your doctor you should inform them of the symptoms you have experienced and also tell them if you have previously been in contact with asbestos. Once your doctor has this information they will be able to perform the required tests and determine whether you have peritoneal mesothelioma. Following this they can then discuss the relevant treatment options with you if necessary.

Mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of cancer. In most cases these symptoms will turn out to be something much less serious. However, by seeing your doctor you can get a professional opinion on whether you have, or do not have,  mesothelioma. When you have had persistent abdominal pains, your abdomen has become swollen or you have had regular bowel problems go see your doctor immediately!

This information is intended for general use only, while every effort has been made to make it accurate and informative.  Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.  

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

More info – Mesothelioma Treatments

Meso Causes

Erionite, Mesothelioma and Genetics: Dr. Michele Carbone

Erionite is a fibrous zeolite mineral, and its dust is categorized as a class I carcinogenic agent for its causative role in mesothelioma.

Erionite-associated disease can occur in North America and that subjects with erionite exposure are not only at risk of developing mesothelioma, but may develop interstitial fibrosis and additional pulmonary pathology impacting lung function and patient survival.

Dr. Michele Carbone and researchers from the University of Hawaii Cancer Center identify genetic mutation that increases susceptibility to mesothelioma and potentially other forms of cancer caused by Erionite.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Meso Facts

mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer frequently associated with asbestos.   This video shows a lung with mesothelioma cancer and discusses characteristics.

Histopathology Lung, pleura–Mesothelioma
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Press Releases, Stories & News

Mesothelioma treatment – Veglin clinical trial – phase 2 resumes

August 21, 2011

Today, Dr. Parkash Gill announced that Veglin is again being released for continued Phase 2 Clinical Trials by FDA approval. According to Gill, the studies for Veglin should be open within the month. He has completed and turned in the protocol and detail as required which will allow Phase 2 clinical studies to soon start up again on Veglin. Also, a Phase 1 clinical study on Eph B4, Dr. Gills other molecule, should be available soon.

Mesothelioma treatment cure found in Veglin - phase 2 clinical trials

Ask Dr. Gill about mesothelioma treatment cure in Veglin

Ask Dr. Gill about the upcoming study of Veglin, Phase 2 clinical trials… Click Here

Learn about Veglin at this MesoRFA link: read more…

And learn about participating in a clinical trial at these MesoRFA links:

 

Meso Facts

What is Veglin for a Mesothelioma cure?

Veglin – Phase I and II clinical trials

Dr. Parkash Gill has invented Veglin, a type of antisense oligonucleotide anti-angiogenesis drug.  Veglin has been under clinical trials phases I and II  at the University of Southern California.  This drug has demonstrated preliminary success with  results of lowering VEGF levels  in tumors.  Tumor growth is aided by the protein VEGF.  The results of the  Phase I clinical trials using Veglin were released by Dr. Parkash Gill during the 40th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.  The doctor said that results in some cases had shown Veglin to be capable of reduction of tumors and periodic stabilization.

Continue reading What is Veglin for a Mesothelioma cure? →

Stories & News

U.A. Local 342 Plumbers & Steamfitters – Veglin mesothelioma clinical trials

Shane Rucker at MesoRFA shares Mesothelioma Clinical Trial success stories.
From left to right: U.A. Local 342 Pension Trustee / Asbestos Liaison, Mr. Vern Gosney, MesoRFA Assistant Executive Director, Mr. Shane Rucker, and U.A. Local 342 Business Manager, Mr. Jay Williams.

Assistant Executive Director Shane Rucker was invited to the U.A. Local 342 Retirees Luncheon to speak about Veglin’s success in FDA clinical trials and to meet a few of the Foundation’s biggest supporters. U.A. Local 342 Pension Trustee/Asbestos Liaison Vern Gosney has been instrumental in his support for the Foundation and finding a cure for mesothelioma, participating in almost every fundraiser held since our inception.

During his visit, Shane Rucker, highlighted the importance of private donations and the upcoming fundraisers in 2011 to ensure Veglin makes it into Phase III of the FDA approval process. With the current economic situation and the decrease in the number of personal donations the upcoming events are crucial. Shane also spoke about the progress being made in developing new treatment options for mesothelioma and how Veglin is proving to be effective in prolonging a patient’s life after being diagnosed with this terrible disease.

We would like to personally thank Vern Gosney, the Retirees, Business Manager Jay Williams and the Local 342 Officers for the opportunity to talk to the very people the Foundation may be called upon to help. It was an honor to meet and have lunch with all of you.

Press Releases

National Asbestos Awareness Week with a New Hope for a Mesothelioma Treatment

National Asbestos Awareness Week will begin this year the first week of April.  Non-profit groups like the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MesoRFA) and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) use this week to increase public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the mesothelioma treatments available for the cancer caused by asbestos particle inhalation.

On March 9, 2011, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and cosponsors introduced and passed US Senate Resolution 63 – 112th Congress.  This resolution (SR-63) designates the first week of April 2011 as National Asbestos Awareness Week. It urges the Surgeon General to warn and educate people about asbestos exposure, which may be hazardous to their health.  Senator Baucus began his crusade to abolish asbestos use in 1999 when he wrote a letter to then Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala requesting immediate medical help and assistance for his home state area of Libby, Montana.  Libby is a city that no one wants to live in because 1 in 8 residents has some kind of asbestos related ailments and estimates put the number of deaths related to asbestos mining at over 200.  The city once boomed from the mining of vermiculite (an asbestos containing mineral) but now it has a growing number of the town’ residents being sickened by asbestos released in the air.   The mine has been closed since 1990.

In 2002 EPA investigators found Libby, Montana to be contaminated with asbestos and began the process of containing the city.  The EPA attempted to declare a Public Health Emergency in Libby that was thwarted by the previous Federal Government Administration’s Office of Management and Budget.  Senator Baucus reported this failure in 2008, and on June 17, 2009, due in large part to Baucus’ reporting efforts, the EPA finally declared its first ever public health emergency in Libby, Montana.

Groups like MesoRFA and ADOA combine medical research, public and patient education, family advocacy and community support to compel a national and global rallying outcry for all nations to abolish asbestos mining and its use in manufactured products.  Additionally, the groups seek to increase public awareness of the suffering experienced by patients with mesothelioma with the hope to fund research and find the quickest cure to this cancer disease caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a carcinogen to humans and exposure to it can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.  Research and studies from the World Health Organization (2004) provide estimates about asbestos-related disease from occupational exposure.  Their results counted 107,000 deaths and 1,523,000 DALYs where a Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) is defined as the measure of overall disease burden expressed as the number of years lost due to ill-health, disability or early death.  Other studies estimate during the next decade around the world there will be 300 deaths per day from asbestos related disease.

The ADOA will be having their 7th Annual Asbestos Awareness Conference (April 1 – 3, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia) and will bring leading international experts together to discuss the impact of asbestos on public health, the environment, and the economy.   This organization seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. It is an independent global organization with a mission dedicated to stop asbestos use and preventing asbestos-related.

The MesoRFA compliments the ADOA objectives with their mission to fund medical research leading to the quickest cure for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure. This cancer disease had few treatment options until recent research work created better options for mesothelioma treatments with the drug, Veglin. Today, the future looks very hopeful with improved treatment to those stricken by asbestos-caused mesothelioma cancer.

Many oncologists project the average post-diagnostic malignant mesothelioma survival time in sufferers is between one and two years. Also, traditional mesothelioma treatments have had no success in eradicating the disease and have produced limited success in extending a patient’s survival time. Therefore, new and experimental mesothelioma treatments have become increasingly popular as an option for cancer sufferers.

A new approach in finding a mesothelioma cure is a drug called Veglin being studied by Dr. Gill at the USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. Veglin is one of several newly developed non-chemotherapy drugs being tested in the ongoing struggle to combat malignant mesothelioma. The new drug is an anti-angiogenesis agent that works by cutting off the blood supply that cancer cells need in order to grow. Veglin is currently in the last part of Phase II Clinical Trials with the FDA and Phase III trials should begin sometime in 2011.  Mesothelioma sufferers interested in taking part in the next clinical trial should talk with their doctor, and are encouraged to contact Dr. Parkash Gill for more information on Veglin and the trials to be had nationally.

Everyone is encouraged to participate in the national observation of Asbestos Awareness Week.  Like the American Cancer Society, Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) and non-profit groups like the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America (MesoRFA) and the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), let us all use this week to increase public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure and available mesothelioma treatments, because everyone wants to see less cancer and more birthdays!

Meso Facts

Where should I go to receive treatment for Mesothelioma?

A list of Mesothelioma treatment centers by state is available at the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America.

A mesothelioma treat center is the best facility to find your care, but when that is not an option go to the medical center with the most mesothelioma experience located nearest your residence.

Your medical team will include at least one Oncologist, possibly a chemo-therapist, a radiologist, a dietitian, and an a multitude of nurses and therapists as your need demands their help.

Ask your lead doctor and others on the medical team to convince  your insurance carrier of the importance  that you get help at a mesothelioma treatment center.

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