Mesothelioma Research Has Demonstrated How Negligence Can Lead To Mesothelioma

It has been recognized for quite some time that exposure to asbestos and other fibrous material can lead to the rare and incurable illness known as mesothelioma, and although mesothelioma research has led to this fact, it can also be said that research has shown the role which negligence can play in the development of mesothelioma.

Researchers have been able to shed light on exactly how mesothelioma can be caused, and because of this, it can be determined the kinds of situations and environments which exposure to asbestos and other potential mesothelioma-causing agents can occur. Indeed, it is now recognized that employees working in certain industries which include the railroad, homebuilding, and mining industries have had a higher chance of developing mesothelioma, and as a result of more information regarding mesothelioma being brought to light, increased regulations in these and other industries where asbestos and other fibrous material are present have been put in place. This is undoubtedly a good thing, but because of the fact that those with mesothelioma may not experience symptoms until many years and perhaps decades after first being exposed to mesothelioma-causing agents, these regulations may have come too late. However, for those who have developed mesothelioma as a result of being in a hazardous work environment, it should be recognized that appropriate compensation can be gained with the assistance of an experienced mesothelioma>.

Those who suspect that their or their loved one’s mesothelioma was caused by being exposed to asbestos or other fibrous material in a hazardous work environment should consider mesothelioma litigation as a way to receive both compensation and justice. Those who are ready to take the necessary steps to receive compensation should first have a consultation with an experienced attorney. Indeed, after talking to an attorney, it can be determined whether or not receiving compensation is a real possibility based on the evidence which is available and other important factors.

Mesothelioma research shows us that mesothelioma is entirely preventable, and those who have developed mesothelioma which is believed to have been the result of negligence should contact an attorney so as to have a better picture of whether or not litigation should be pursued. If you or your loved one is suffering or has suffered from mesothelioma which you believe was caused by negligence, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with an attorney who can help. For more information regarding mesothelioma research, please continue to browse through the rest of our website.

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Mesothelioma Research Shows How Negligence May Have Led To A Number Of Mesothelioma Cases In America

Mesothelioma has been a force of evil which has led to broken dreams and a great degree of sadness and anger for a number of Americans; however, this sadness and anger can intensify if it’s the case that the mesothelioma sufferer may have developed his or her disease as a result of being exposed to asbestos or other mesothelioma-causing material in a manner which was negligent.

Mesothelioma research shows time and again that the primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos or other tiny fibrous material, and in many cases of where mesothelioma developed in America, the exposure to asbestos or other fibrous material occurred in a hazardous work environment, such as a factory, mine, or as a result of building a specific structure which contained asbestos.

However, mesothelioma research also shows that mesothelioma symptoms may not first begin to appear until many years and likely decades after the asbestos exposure occurred; because of this, it is oftentimes difficult to know exactly when or even how the exposure to asbestos or other fibrous material could have occurred, but one thing is for certain: those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and who believe that the disease may have been the result of someone else’s negligence should consult with an attorney as an investigation into the matter could find that the disease did occur as a result of negligent asbestos exposure and thus, the mesothelioma sufferer and/or his or her family deserve appropriate compensation for the immense pain and anguish experienced.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma which you suspect may have been the result of someone else’s negligence, such as a previous employer, then there is no reason why you should not come forward and talk to a mesothelioma attorney who can help. After talking to an attorney, an investigation into your claims can occur, and if there is evidence which can support the claim that your or your loved one’s mesothelioma was the result of another party’s negligence, then legal action against those accused of negligence can take place, and with some hard work, if it is the case that justice is deserved, your attorney can make a strong case so that your family can have a good chance at receiving the most appropriate compensation possible for the pain felt. Be sure to talk to an attorney sooner rather than later, or else feel free to learn more about mesothelioma research or litigation by continuing to browse through our website.

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Mesothelioma Research Has Uncovered Much Regarding The Realities Of Mesothelioma

Developing mesothelioma is something which no one deserves, but being diagnosed with mesothelioma is an unfortunate occurrence which is experienced by thousands of Americans each and every year, and although there is still no universal cure for this rare type of cancer, thanks to mesothelioma>, not only have more effective forms of advanced treatment developed, but we are also now able to understand exactly how this disease can be caused, and thus, prevented.

The rare type of cancer known as mesothelioma has been known about for a relatively long time, and now with careful mesothelioma research, we are able to say without a doubt that fibrous material, especially asbestos, are overwhelmingly responsible for causing mesothelioma. However, what is also recognized is that the symptoms of mesothelioma, which can include coughing, fatigue, back pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath may not begin to appear until many years after first being exposed to asbestos or other fibrous material. In some rarer cases, mesothelioma symptoms may not appear until half a century after first being exposed to asbestos!

Since it is the case that mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until many years after first being exposed to asbestos or other fibrous material, it can be difficult to address exactly how the exposure to asbestos or fibrous material occurred, but it can be said that it many cases, negligence on the part of a former employer or another party is to blame for the mesothelioma developing. When it is the case that negligence is suspected as being responsible for one’s mesothelioma, a qualified attorney should be contacted as soon as possible as an experienced attorney will have the resources necessary to determine whether or not further legal action should be taken in order to seek damages for all of the suffering which has been experienced.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and believe that there may be a chance that someone else’s negligence led to the mesothelioma, then there is no question that you should seek the guidance provided by a qualified legal professional. If you are unsure of where to go for sound legal counsel, then be sure to get in touch with an attorney from the Law Offices of Chandler, Mathis & Zivley, PC, as an attorney from this professional law firm will be able to provide you with the help you or your loved one deserves. Find the help you need today, or for more information regarding mesothelioma research or mesothelioma litigation, simply continue to browse through the rest of our website.

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Mesothelioma Research Funding: Miracle Foundation

Not much is known about mesothelioma, even though each year around 10,000 people die of it around the US. The first case of mesothelioma linked to asbestos inhaling was recorded as early as 1898. Then year by year more cases started to appear until now where the number reaches more than 100,000.

According to the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1.3 million US hard workers of the construction industries and those involved in buildings and equipment maintenance are at risk of acquiring mesothelioma by inhaling asbestos. You most certainly think that a mesothelioma research funding should be started. Well you’re right, and there is! It’s called the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Their mission is to and I quote:

“• funding the highest quality and most promising research projects from around the world through our rigorous peer-reviewed process;
• helping patients connect with national meso experts and obtain the most up-to-date information on treatment options;
• and advocating in Washington D.C. for federal mesothelioma research funding to stop this national tragedy.”

You can rest assured that someone somewhere is doing something about informing the people of the deadly mesothelioma. We can dream of a day in which no more companies use this toxic material… asbestos.

General Information

So far mesothelioma is known to be a malignant tumor caused by inhaling asbestos fibers for a long period of time. It is very hard to control and its symptoms appear from 10 to 20 and in some cases even 30 years after exposure. The most common types are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdomen.

For now there are various treatments that can be used to care for mesothelioma. It generally depends on the stage of the disease, your age and the location of the cancer. It varies from radiation rays, chemotherapy, and surgery. However none of these procedures actually cure the illness, they just act according to symptoms and try to alleviate the patient from as much pain as possible.

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Funding For Mesothelioma Research: The Noble Aspect

Mesothelioma is a life threatening disease. This fact has been established over the years. It has also been brought into focus that asbestos fibers and dust that pass into your body while the process of respiration is the main cause of Mesothelioma cancer. Yet there are many shadowy sides related to Mesothelioma to be revealed out and researches are being conducted worldwide so that diagnosis of Mesothelioma can be done at an early stage and the disease can be completely cured.

There was just one officially recorded case of Mesothelioma cancer in the year 1898. Today the figure has reached up to 10,000 Mesothelioma patients in a year. The adversity of the situation can be judged clearly from this figure. It won’t be less than 1.3 million cases of Mesothelioma in the U.S. as the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine sated in the year 2004.

After looking at all these don’t you feel that something should be done apart from just taking legal steps and solving the problem in terms of compensation? You are absolutely correct and that is why funding is being raised to promote more and more researches on Mesothelioma disease.

Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation have clearly stated in its mission that what are the steps it is going to take to eradicate this deadly and incurable disease from the whole world. The members of this Foundation are working day and night to make this world free from Mesothelioma and its allied kind of diseases.

The mission statement made by the Foundation directly as stated:

“Funding the highest quality and most promising research projects from around the world through our rigorous peer-reviewed process; helping patients connect with national meso experts and obtain the most up-to-date information on treatment options; and advocating in Washington D.C. for federal mesothelioma research funding to stop this national tragedy.”

Hope is the last ray of life. If we go by this universal truth there is still hope that a day will come when Mesothelioma will be the name of a disease just in the Medical Science text books. Doctors will be given a historical account about this disease but in the real physical world they won’t have to treat any such patient suffering from this type of cancer.

Let’s pray for the noble cause and be the part of the noble mission being carried out by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

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Treatment for Mesothelioma: Researchers Making Inroads

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a devastating, but new therapies and treatments are showing promise for those suffering from this incurable form of cancer. 
Some experimentaltreatments for mesothelioma, the cancer caused by asbestos exposure, are showing encouraging results, but standard treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are still the norm.
This type of cancer attacks the mesothelium—the internal sack that lines the abdomen. Often called “asbestos lung cancer” this illness does not affect the lungs directly but rather the lining around the lungs. There are two types of mesothelioma–pleural mesothelioma involving the membrane around the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma which concerns the abdominal cavity. Treatment for both types is similar.
Prognosis for this cancer depends greatly upon how early the cancer is detected and on the individual. Experimental treatments for this type of cancer include photodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and immunotherapy, and others are also being developed and tested. Most people diagnosed with this type of cancer respond best to chemotherapy—but often life expectancy for those diagnosed is a year or less.
Despite the grim prognosis, some patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have lived more than ten years. However, studies indicate that survival is not as dependent on treatment as it is on some unknown factor within the diagnosed patient. Even with such long-term survival, this type of cancer is not considered curable.
With conventional methods failing to give patients hope for long-term survival, researchers are looking at any new treatments and therapies. One therapy that appears promising is the use of  anti-angiogenesis, a therapy that stops tumors from making new blood vessels, which limits the tumor’s growth. Currently, several clinical trials are being conducted using anti-angiogenesis drugs. One drug, Veglin, is having some success in patients suffering from other cancers and will soon be tested on mesothelioma patients. 
Other treatments being used, while not curative, have lengthened the survival rates of some patients. One commonly-used therapy is called palliative, which involves taking a needle and draining excess fluid from affected areas. Drugs are used to prevent the build-up of fluids, which increases quality of life for the patient.
Some clinics are also using the body’s own defenses to fight the growth of cancerous tumors, including those that develop with mesothelioma. Researchers are looking at how the body’s immune system can be tapped to help fight all forms of cancer, with some promising results.  Our bodies contain substances within our cells that have been known to block tumor growth or increase the immune system’s power. Interferon, monoclonal antibodies,  interleukins, and colony-stimulating factors are examples of this type of biological treatment.
As research continues on these new treatments, hope grows for those suffering from this incurable cancer.

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New Mesothelioma Research – What Are My Survival Chances?

The survival rate for mesothelioma patients about twenty years ago was less than one year from the time of diagnosis, but with early detection and aggressive treatment mesothelioma patients are living longer that predicted. With new developments and ongoing research mesothelioma sufferers are gaining more hope about their treatment and longer life expectance.

Nature of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a disease caused by exposure to asbestos. In most cases symptoms ofmesothelioma may not appear for decades after initial exposure to asbestos. Because it is not detected until it has reached its later stages makes it very difficult to treat. The symptoms of mesothelioma are often mistaken for other common diseases such as influenza or phenomena because the symptoms are so similar and those suffering from this disease may not even realize that they have developed mesothelioma.

Longer Survival Chances for Mesothelioma Patients

There are new tests which was developed over the years that aid in early detection of mesothelioma. Most of these tests have helped mesothelioma patients lead a more comfortable and longer life. There have been reports of a number of mesothelioma patients who have even survived past their predicted survival date. In some cases a number of patients have been cured of this disease due to early diagnosis and aggressivemesothelioma treatment. Researchers believe treatments that improve the immune system can stabilize and even cure mesothelioma.

Over the past years more and more mesothelioma survivors are beginning to speak out about this disease and sharing their stories about how they overcame it. Below are two exciting stories about mesothelioma survivors and what they are doing to fight this disease. These survivors are providing hope for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

Paul Kraus, an Australian mesothelioma survivor was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1997. According to Mr. Kraus he developed mesothelioma about 35 years earlier where he was exposed to asbestos working in a factory. He has been very outspoken about his disease and decided to do whatever it takes to fight this cancer. He became a vegetarian and started taking vitamins and nutritional supplements to his daily diet. He also tried a treatment known as ozone therapy which was a very effective treatment. Kraust believe that a combination of all the therapy, drugs and change in diet helped to stabilize his mesothelioma. According to Kraust’s doctor he is disease free and could continue living for a long time.

Rhio O’Connor is another mesothelioma survivor who recently published a book about his ordeal with mesothelioma. He recommends alternative treatments instead of thetraditional medicine, surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Mr. O’Connor stated that he has lived with mesothelioma for seven years. He decided not to undergo the traditional treatment of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Instead he decided to develop his own regimen with the help of several expert physicians. His regimen included to drastically change his diet. He also adds to his daily diet 100 nutritional supplements and daily mediation among others.

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Mesothelioma Research And Bridging The Gap

Continued research regarding mesothelioma and the link to asbestos exposure is necessary if we ever hope to find a cure.  Imagine someone you love returning home from the second world war.  They find a job as an auto mechanic, raise a family, and play by the rules.  Decades later, they tragically die from mesothelioma cancer because someone failed to warn them of the dangers of asbestos fibers.   Does any reasonable person believe this is fair or just?   Of course not.  Unfortunately, we cannot go back in time and prevent the asbestos exposure.  But what we can do is try to promote public awareness about this deadly disease and highlight some of the great research being done.

One interesting study is called, “Malignant mesothelioma: attributable risk of asbestos exposure.” By R Spirtas, E F Heineman, L Bernstein, G W Beebe, R J Keehn, A Stark, B L Harlow, and J Benichou – Occup Environ Med 1994;51:804-811 doi:10.1136/oem.51.12.804.  Here is an excerpt:

“OBJECTIVES–To evaluate a case-control study of malignant mesothelioma through patterns of exposure to asbestos based upon information from telephone interviews with next of kin. METHODS–Potential cases, identified from medical files and death certificates, included all people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and registered during 1975-1980 by the Los Angeles County Cancer Surveillance Program, the New York State Cancer Registry (excluding New York City), and 39 large Veterans Administration hospitals. Cases whose diagnosis was confirmed in a special pathology review as definite or probable mesothelioma (n = 208) were included in the analysis. Controls (n = 533) had died of other causes, excluding cancer, respiratory disease, suicide, or violence. Direct exposure to asbestos was determined from responses to three types of questions: specific queries as to any exposure to asbestos; occupational or non-vocational participation in any of nine specific activities thought to entail exposure to asbestos; and analysis of life-time work histories. Indirect exposures were assessed through residential histories and reported contact with family members exposed to asbestos. RESULTS–Among men with pleural mesothelioma the attributable risk (AR) for exposure to asbestos was 88% (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 76-95%). For men, the AR of peritoneal cancer was 58% (95% CI 20-89%). For women (both sites combined), the AR was 23% (95% CI 3-72%). The large differences in AR by sex are compatible with the explanations: a lower background incidence rate in women, lower exposure to asbestos, and greater misclassification among women. CONCLUSIONS–Most of the pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas in the men studied were attributable to exposure to asbestos. The situation in women was less definitive.”

Another good study is called, “Chrysotile asbestos is the main cause of pleural mesothelioma” by Allan H. Smith, MD, PhD, Catherine C. Wright, MPH
School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA.  Here is an excerpt:

“Abstract – In contrast to amphibole forms of asbestos, chrysotile asbestos is often claimed to be only a minor cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma, a highly fatal cancer of the lining of the thoracic cavity. In this article we examine the evidence from animal and human studies that relates to this issue. Reported data do not support widely quoted views regarding the relative inertness of chrysotile fibers in mesothelioma causation. In fact, examination of all pertinent studies makes it clear that chrysotile asbestos is similar in potency to amphibole asbestos. Since asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma, and chrysotile constitutes 95% of all asbestos use world wide, it can be concluded that chrysotile asbestos is the main cause of pleural mesothelioma in humans.”

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Nanomaterials of Carbon Origin and Mesothelioma Research

Another interesting study is called, “Induction of mesothelioma in p53 mouse by intraperitoneal application of multi-wall carbon nanotube” by Atsuya Takagi, Akihiko Hirose, Tetsuji Nishimura, Nobutaka Fukumori, Akio Ogata, Norio Ohashi, Satoshi Kitajima and Jun Kanno – The Journal of Toxicological Sciences Vol. 33 (2008) , No. 1 February 105-116.  Here is an excerpt: “ABSTRACT-  Nanomaterials of carbon origin tend to form various shapes of particles in micrometer dimensions. Among them, multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) form fibrous or rod-shaped particles of length around 10 to 20 micrometers with an aspect ratio of more than three. Fibrous particles of this dimension including asbestos and some man-made fibers are reported to be carcinogenic, typically inducing mesothelioma. Here we report that MWCNT induces mesothelioma along with a positive control, crocidolite (blue asbestos), when administered intraperitoneally to p53 heterozygous mice that have been reported to be sensitive to asbestos. Our results point out the possibility that carbon-made fibrous or rod-shaped micrometer particles may share the carcinogenic mechanisms postulated for asbestos. To maintain sound activity of industrialization of nanomaterials, it would be prudent to implement strategies to keep good control of exposure to fibrous or rod-shaped carbon materials both in the workplace and in the future market until the biological/ carcinogenic properties, especially of their long-term biodurability, are fully assessed.”

One interesting study is called, “Inactivation of p16INK4a expression in malignant mesothelioma by methylation.” By Wong L, Zhou J, Anderson D, Kratzke RA. –
Research Service, Minneapolis VA Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA –
Lung Cancer. 2002 Nov;38(2):131-6.  Here is an excerpt: “Abstract – The molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis in mesothelioma involve the loss of negative regulators of cell growth including p16(INK4a). Absence of expression of the p16(INK4a) gene product is exhibited in virtually all mesothelioma tumors and cell lines examined to date. Loss of p16(INK4a) expression has also been frequently observed in more common neoplasms such as lung cancer as well. In a wide variety of these malignancies, including lung cancer, p16(INK4a) expression is known to be inactivated by hypermethylation of the first exon. In a survey of ten mesothelioma cell lines, one cell line (NCI-H2596) was identified as possessing loss of p16(INK4a) gene product following gene methylation. This methylation in these mesothelioma cells could be reversed, resulting in re-expression of p16(INK4a) protein, following the treatment of the cells with cytidine analogs, which are known inhibitors of DNA methylation. In previous clinical trials in mesothelioma, the cytidine analog dihydro-5-azacytidine (DHAC) has been found to induce clinical responses in approximately 17% of patients with mesothelioma treated with this drug, including prolonged complete responses. In addition, we identified evidence for methylation of p16(INK4a) in three of 11 resected mesothelioma tumor samples. When both cell lines and tumors are combined, inactivation of p16(INK4a) gene product expression following DNA hypermethylation was found in four of 21 samples (19%). We are further exploring the clinical significance of inhibition of methylation in mesothelioma by cytidine analogs. This may provide a potential treatment target in some mesothelioma tumors by inhibition of methylation.”

One interesting study is called, “Immunohistochemistry in the distinction between malignant mesothelioma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a critical evaluation of new antibodies” by A S Abutaily, B J Addis, W R Roche – J Clin Pathol 2002;55:662-668
Here is an excerpt: “Abstract – Aim: The value of immunohistochemical staining in differentiating between malignant mesothelioma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma was re-examined using newly available commercial antibodies, with the aim of increasing the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis, and simplifying the antibody panel required.
Methods: Forty one malignant mesotheliomas and 35 lung adenocarcinomas were studied. Commercial antibodies to calretinin, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, surfactant apoprotein A (SP-A), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), thrombomodulin, and cytokeratin 5/6 were applied using the streptavidin–biotin–peroxidase complex procedure on formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded tissue.   Results: E-cadherin was expressed in all adenocarcinomas and in 22% of the mesotheliomas. TTF-1 expression was detected in 69% of the adenocarcinomas and none of the mesotheliomas. Positive staining with polyclonal anticalretinin was detected in 80% of the mesotheliomas and 6% of the adenocarcinomas. N-cadherin was expressed in 78% of mesotheliomas and 26% of adenocarcinomas. Thrombomodulin was expressed in 6% of the adenocarcinomas and in 53% of the mesotheliomas. Cytokeratin 5/6 expression was detected in 6% of the adenocarcinomas and 63% of the mesotheliomas. The results were compared with the standard laboratory panel for mesothelioma diagnosis: anticarcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA), LeuM1, BerEP4, and HBME-1.

Conclusion: Of the antibodies used in this study, E-cadherin was 100% sensitive for pulmonary adenocarcinoma and TTF-1 was 100% specific for pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The application of these two antibodies alone was adequate for the diagnosis of 69% of adenocarcinomas and 78% of mesotheliomas. Where TTF-1 is negative and E-cadherin is positive, a secondary panel of antibodies, including BerEP4 and LeuM1 (CD15) and antibodies directed against CEA, calretinin, cytokeratin 5/6, thrombomodulin, and N-cadherin, is required for differentiation between malignant mesothelioma and pulmonary adenocarcinoma.”

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