Signs and symptoms

Symptoms or signs of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

• Chest wall pain
• Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or anemia
• Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
• Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis)

In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
• A mass in the abdomen
• Problems with bowel function
• Weight loss

In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:

• Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
• Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
• Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Low blood sugar level
• Pleural effusion
• Pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
• Severe ascites

A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

meso compensation

Mesothelioma compensation is awarded to the plaintiff when the defendant in such a suit admits or is found liable causing the disease. Seeking such compensation should always be of primary concern to those afflicted with this form of cancer. Yet, many do not seek their just compensation. Why is this? A common misconception about mesothelioma or other medical related lawsuits is that they are intended to seek “revenge” for being made ill. Such an assessment is an obtuse one on many levels. The reason the afflicted seek a settlement or judgment is because of the enormous costs associated with suffering from the disease.

Mesothelioma is a serious condition as it is a form of cancer derived from exposure to asbestos. Often, the exposure is derived from negligence. One form of negligence would be a building’s owner or management did not properly screen for mesothelioma and those in the building suffered from exposure. It is also not without precedent that those working in asbestos removal suffered from their exposure due to faulty protective equipment.
Regardless of the reason the exposure, mesothelioma is life threatening. To send mesothelioma into remission will require all manner of financial costs. This is the main reason why mesothelioma compensation needs to be sought after – the fees associated with medical bills need to be covered. Without the best of care, it would become much harder to reverse the condition.
Again, this is why seeking monetary awards is so important. The costs associated with treatment are so enormous funding said costs is a must if proper treatment is needed. And why shouldn’t those that are responsible for the onset of the condition be held liable for its costs?
Once again, these costs can be considered significant. In addition to medical treatment, bills can amass from other sources as well…
Depending upon the current stage of the disease, the afflicted may not be able to work. While being legitimately unable to work may evoke sympathy from some, the situation does not automatically come with a waiver for financial responsibilities. Without a viable stream of money, financial stress is bound to increase significantly. Effective payments through a lawsuit or settlement could significantly alleviate the pressure associated with such financial strain.
Another area of mesothelioma compensation that needs to be addressed would be that of pain and suffering. Having to deal with extreme pain and discomfort mesothelioma causes may justify high financial compensation rewards. The law had remedies in place for those dealing with such suffering and it comes in the form of civil judgments. Those suffering from such a condition are well within their rights to seek such payments.
Questions will arise over the amount of compensation that can be awarded. Blanket answers to such questions are not really valid. There are no clear and set rewards for mesothelioma compensation. Some judgments are rather large and others can be modest. There are simply too many factors that weigh into how awards are made. The key point here is that the afflicted seek out a qualified and experienced attorney that specializes in these types of cases. Doing so will increase the likelihood that proper payment is achieved.
Payment can come in two forms. The first would be an out of court settlement and the other would be a judgment in the aftermath of a civil case. One is not better than the other and the decision to accept settlement vs. take the case to civil court. There are a significant number of factors that can go into the decision making process regarding how a particular litigation should move forward. Determining which direction to follow will be based on the litigant’s situation and needs as well as the advice of legal counsel. Regardless of your own individual situation, all those involved with a mesothelioma case must seek the best outcome for their needs.
In short, they should seek the maximum amount of financial award which can be acquired in a manner the litigant is most comfortable pursuing. Discussing your specific options with a qualified attorney will boost the likelihood that you follow the proper course of action for your needs and requirements.
Seeking mesothelioma compensation is a process that should not be taken lightly. There are a great many complexities involved and making the right decisions will factor into your ability to receive just and equitable judgments. That is why proper deliberation must go into the process. Doing otherwise could limit claims immensely.

Whos at Risk

The risk of developing mesothelioma cancer is increased in people who are exposed to high levels of asbestos over long periods of time. Because asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat, they are used in a wide variety of applications and people may suffer exposure without even knowing it.

Workers at high risk of developing mesothelioma cancer

Following are some of the occupations of individuals who are exposed to high levels of asbestos on a daily basis and may be at risk for developing mesothelioma cancer:

• Pipe Fitters
• Steamfitters
• Shipyard workers
• Electricians
• Power plant workers
• Demolition workers
• Railroad workers
• Steel mills workers
• Plumbers, maintenance workers
• Drywallers, plasterers, painters
• School teachers

Others who may be at risk of mesothelioma cancer

Family members:
People living with those exposed to high levels of asbestos fibers are at risk for developing mesothelioma cancer. The dust containing asbestos fibers can get trapped in the workers' clothing and brought home. Today, workers in occupational environments rich with asbestos are required to shower and put on fresh clothes before they leave to ensure the safety of their family members.
Neighborhoods near manufacturing plants:
People living near plants manufacturing asbestos-containing products are also at risk of mesothelioma cancer as the fibers can be leaked into the environment.
Smokers developing mesothelioma cancer:
While smoking is not directly related to mesothelioma, studies show smoking may trigger the disease in people who have been exposed to asbestos.
If you or someone you know may be at risk for mesothelioma cancer, contact mesothelioma treatment center for more infor

causes of cancer

Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer

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The causes of mesothelioma have been under study for several decades. It is estimated that nine out of ten cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos, the mineral which was once widely used in construction materials, brake pad linings, and hundreds of other products found in everyday life. Other possible but as yet unproven causes of mesothelioma cancer are discussed below.

Genetic Mutation of Cells

According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes of mesothelioma can be traced to the genetic mutation that turns healthy cells into cancer cells. These abnormal cells multiply randomly and don't die as normal cells do. The accumulation of cancer cells forms a tumor, which can invade other body tissues and spread further through the body.
It's not yet known what causes the genetic mutation that leads to the cancer mesothelioma, and the interaction of several factors appears to affect its incidence:
· Inherited conditions
· A given individual's environment
· Overall health
· Lifestyle choices such as smoking

Asbestos Exposure Initiates Mutation

This genetic mutation can apparently be initiated when asbestos fibers lodge in the lungs or other internal organs. Some 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer each year in the United States alone. Nearly all of these unfortunate individuals have asbestos exposure in their history. However, a complete determination of the exact causes of mesothelioma is desirable and would be very helpful in the fight to find a cure for this devastating disease.

A Nationwide Study of the Causes of Mesothelioma

A large-scale research and clinical study with the purpose of finding out more about the causes of mesothelioma is being conducted in the United Kingdom. This "National Study of Occupation and Lung Diseases" is designed to more closely identify causes of mesothelioma among the thousands of victims in the UK, and the results will shed light on causes of mesothelioma in individuals all over the world.

Other Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer

In studies using animals, the Simian virus (SV40) was found to cause mesothelioma. Some polio vaccines given during the mid-1950s to the early 1960s were found to be contaminated with SV40, but no definitive link between SV40 and mesothelioma has been established.
In contrast, there are a handful of documented cases of mesothelioma in patients who underwent x-ray imaging that used thorium dioxide. These x-rays have not been in use for many years because of the link between thorium dioxide and cancer.
If you are concerned about the causes of mesothelioma in someone you know, contact mesothelioma treatment center for more information.